Are MLM scams?
 

yea yeah, they are product backed... but if u have a network of idiots i guess that works


idiots bring idiots that bring idiots.

So long as its a product that's being delivered it should be fine. However things that start off as this isn't a scam or this isn't MLM are usually illegal, ironically enough...
WG

i mean this is the first time i actually believe there is money in creating an mlm.

as long as u can bring ppl to "believe" and pay the referial fee. ur set!

if anyone knows some idiots, send them my way thx

I did my University marketing channels thesis on Network Marketing / MLM, focussing on Amway.

I can tell that you CAN AND WILL become a lifetime annual million + income within 7 years IF and ONLY IF:

1. You do EVERYTHING they tell you to do EXACTLY as they tell you to do it, no missing days or weeks, no small changes, just 150% follow the plan as they lay it out.

2. You are fully prepared to destroy and cremate beyond all possible attempts at reconciliation the relationships you have with ANYONE up to the point you start - friends, family, work associates, acquaintances, EVERYONE.

3. Be willing to spend the rest of your life, business and pleasure, associating ONLY with other Amway distributors.

I chose porn.

;-)

fine line between MLM and ponzi schemes. ponzi = using new investment to pay off previous investors with new investors' money without a real product (as WG said). real product = basically an afiliate program or a franchise operation

depends what level you get in at :)

well theres 2 different questions..

the name itself is synonymous with "scam" but you might still make money as long as your on the top level before its played out :)

Like the "free ipod" scam.. thats a basic mlm thats product based , im sure some people made money so to them its hardly a scam ... but alot more people ended up with hidden charges and crap.

SO if you tried that now , you prob wouldnt make much money , but if you did it 2 years ago you might have done ok.

thinking about my conversation i had with some ppl tonite.

there is alot of money to be made with mlm IF you have a network of idiots.

and the network could be friends, family, co-workers. As long as they are gullible and are idiots and join and pay the fees, u will make money.

wow. thats like a shocker for me.

Just start a ponzi scheme, they're all the rage. ;)

Depends on how you define scam. The internet pretty much killed it unless you only associate with people 50 and over.

Really, anyone who knows anything about the world today is not buying health products from their next door neighbor.

I think these still do quite well, refer X friends and subscribe to Y number of offers. Even though they're MLM based, they're definitely reasonable. I do pretty well marketing them (not participating in them though).
WG

90% lose money, and 1% get rich. Be honest with yourself and decide where you're going to fit in.

Depends on how you define scam. The internet pretty much killed it unless you only associate with people 50 and over.

Really, anyone who knows anything about the world today is not buying health products from their next door neighbor.

Is there a reason you're repeating yourself? Just curious.

I actually feel bad for those who get involved. It's usually someone out of work with a family who is just desperate. They see some guy on TV driving a Porsche and think it's easy. Three months later they haven't made a dime, spent 60 hours a week working, and now further in debt.

tip: if some douchebag corners you in the 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' section at Barnes and Noble, or Borders - run

:1orglaugh

Have you actually had that happen to you?

4 times. i think they are instructed to do this. i thought he was legit, and gavehim my biz card.

now check this out. he confused my email addy with this 'boss'. so i would be getting these fucking weird emails like: "what sort of 'sales dogs' should i be using on this guy?' and then.... wow... he was calling him 'chosen one'.


i emailed him back saying, 'yo dude, you're writing to the wrong dude'.

always in the rich dad, poor dad section

I have no idea what happened. Go figure.

ROFL classic

here is why it won't work:
no mater of much of an idiots they are, as long as they have a friend or family member who is not - they are'nt gonna go through it.
idiots don't tend to keep a "good thing" a secret.

:1orglaugh

Sounds more like a cult. You sure they weren't trying to convert you over to the church of homosexuality?

but u guys are missing the fundamental of this. if u know enough idiots, u can make money this way.

There's no arguing that. SOME people are in fact successful with MLM's, but the truth is, most are not. Your success is truly up to you and who you know.

great way to network with people honestly if the product serves you.

got a free house here, :pimp

depends on the kind of person you are, who you know

it's still work, nobody here would expect a quick buck, i'm sure... or am i...

Yes, you are.

FWIW, every porn sponsor that offers a WM referral bonus runs an MLM.