Quixtar/Amway/cult businesses

[EPTriSigma]

It's a freaking pyramid scam

[kddani]

Just saw a commercial during the Macy's parade for Amway... touting how great it is, how they had $7 billion in sales, allowed people to start their own businesses, etc. Made me remember this thread.

The "your own business" stuff is crap. You're a salesperson for them. It's not your own business.

[fantASTic]

Originally Posted by kddani

Just saw a commercial during the Macy's parade for Amway... touting how great it is, how they had $7 billion in sales, allowed people to start their own businesses, etc. Made me remember this thread.

The "your own business" stuff is crap. You're a salesperson for them. It's not your own business.

Amway is a great business that does a lot of good for a lot of people. There's a reason for their success - businesses that are scams don't last that long.

It's a lot different from many MLM systems, because you don't put any money down - no "give us $1000 and we will make that back for you five times over!".

I don't work for them or anything, but I do think that they are a great business.

[epchick]

Originally Posted by kddani

The "your own business" stuff is crap. You're a salesperson for them. It's not your own business.

You might be their salesperson, but you do get a percentage of what people buy from your "business." My uncle does the whole Quixtar thing, and he makes a good amount of money from it.

[kddani]

Originally Posted by fantASTic

Amway is a great business that does a lot of good for a lot of people. There's a reason for their success - businesses that are scams don't last that long.

What about all of the people that it has hurt? People that it has ruined financially? People who were brainwashed and driven away from their families because it has just taken over their lives? I've seen it first hand.

Originally Posted by epchick

You might be their salesperson, but you do get a percentage of what people buy from your "business." My uncle does the whole Quixtar thing, and he makes a good amount of money from it.

Salespeople get a percentage of what people buy from their "business". It's called commission. Just like a car salesman, etc.

[epchick]

Originally Posted by kddani

What about all of the people that it has hurt? People that it has ruined financially? People who were brainwashed and driven away from their families because it has just taken over their lives? I've seen it first hand.

Wow that sucks! I'm sorry that happened to whoever you know. But at the same time, did they rely on it as their sole source of income? I see it as comparable to any type of small business, there is always a chance of failure.

I have tried Quixtar and I know that I am not the type of person who could do it as my only source of income.

Originally Posted by kddani

Salespeople get a percentage of what people buy from their "business". It's called commission. Just like a car salesman, etc.

Well then, I wish I could make the ~$25-50,000 my uncle makes in "commission."

[fantASTic]

Originally Posted by kddani

What about all of the people that it has hurt? People that it has ruined financially? People who were brainwashed and driven away from their families because it has just taken over their lives? I've seen it first hand.

In Quixtar? I doubt it. As I said...you do not put any money down. Where are you losing?

[33girl]

Can I use this space to vent once more about the people who only sign up for GLO private sides/yahoogroups/facebook to plug their MLM business?

One of my sisters is a district director w/ Mary Kay but she is very respectful about not pushing it and she always contributes to the discussion of the subject at hand. The people who never say anything except telling you where their next sale is are the ones that irk me.

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by fantASTic

In Quixtar? I doubt it. As I said...you do not put any money down. Where are you losing?

So your time has absolutely no value?

You're unwilling to receive full dispensation for sweat equity, while the people above you take a cut for literally no reason?

MLM scams usually require little to no start-up . . . it's the lost opportunity and the crappy pay that makes them suck.

[RU OX Alum]

what is prepaid legal? How could you possibly pay in advance for a lawyer? Or probably not a lawyer.

[epchick]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

So your time has absolutely no value?

You're unwilling to receive full dispensation for sweat equity, while the people above you take a cut for literally no reason?

MLM scams usually require little to no start-up . . . it's the lost opportunity and the crappy pay that makes them suck.

Your time has value, but how can it ruin you financially? Maybe people you all know have gone to really crappy business meetings that make it seem 100% foolproof. But the good business meetings will let you know that it isn't. They'll give you some statistics about how 'successful' you'll be (like that out of every 10 people you introduce to Quixtar only 1 will actually use it).

Again I compare it to small business. Not all small businesses succeed--not all Quixtar endeavors succeed. To me it's common sense to continue to have a stable job while you pursue Quixtar. If your friends didn't have that type of common sense, well i'm sorry. But it isn't Quixtar's fault. They don't decide how successful you'll be, you do.


ETA: and by 'you' it's a general you, it's not directed towards you KSig