Well, I've had my limit of MLM opportunities being put upon me. Lately it's the technology related one.
The other day my sister in-law called and wanted my opinion of her boyfriend's business opportunity in telecommunications. So instead of shunning them I decided to go along. I did my home work on the products and the competitive alternatives. I arrived prepared to ask the tough questions in a naive and polite manner.
When the MLM spiel began they asked that questions be held to the end so I patiently waited, listened and watched the videos. The videos were devoid of facts. As I listened to the rep I started to notice outright lies. Whenever they turned to me for affirmation I either called them on the lie or drew them into even more outrageous lies. When called on a lie their explanation was "we're not techies, this is about marketing" "That's the beauty of this business you don't need to understand the technology, it sells it's self"
They went on to explain the convoluted compensation plan and the "team building" where you get your friends and family to buy in so you can make more money. uhhh, pyramid? I bit my tongue on that thought so they could continue.
When asked my opinion I gave examples of competitors who sell each of their products for lesser prices. They explained that your friends and family will support you in your new business. After that they changed the subject to bashing the phone company.
When the host (my sister in-laws boyfriend) pointed out that I had researched on the internet the reps went in to panic defense mode, bashing the internet. I quote "If you google Italian vampires, you will find sites that say Italians are vampires. The internet is full of people saying bad things about everything. It proves nothing" It was a bizarre outburst that defies description. I explained that I had only researched what their company was saying and not what people were saying about them. I went on to ask about the video interview with one of their lawyers who admitted that the majority of reps make no income at all. The rep then volunteered that 5% of the reps make money. I expressed the opinion that this was a dismal rate. They blamed people for being lazy and with that they soon bailed out on us.
After they left, my hosts asked what I thought. I addressed all the lies I could remember and the lack of any competitive product pricing. I then explained MLMs and how a 5% success rate translates to enticing 19 people to loose $500 in order to collect your first dollar. I referred to the business as a pyramid scheme with bogus product to satisfy a legal requirement.
Well, apparently I misjudged my invitation.
My host was "excited" about his business and was going to succeed at this. I realized that, when asked for my opinion what he meant was he wanted my endorsement (and $500 buy in I guess). In retrospect shunning would have been a better plan.
So tonight I replied to a new facebook "friend" who has an exciting way to make money. Yes, I'm a jerk for messing with him.
MLMs 
Amway is a pillar of ethics compared to these morally repugnant clowns. I swear they cast no shadows.
Linear Mode
