This Is Why I Can’t Support Your Multi-Level Marketing Business

I can’t support MLMS!

It seems like everyone has jumped on board with one of the many different muti-level marketing businesses.

But this Mom really just can’t get on board with Direct Sales- and this is why.

Multi-Level Marketing

So what is a multi-level marketing business?

By definition, a MLM (multi-level marketing business) is a company that uses direct sales to move product. And, encourages the representatives to add more reps within their “team” in order to gain a commission off their sales…and those reps add more reps…and so on, and so forth.

Sounds familiar? That’s because while it might be legal in many aspects (such as they actually DO sell products), it’s by this definition that even the FTC says to beware of these “businesses” as they are actually “illegal pyramid schemes” with a legal loophole.

MLM Scams
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But don’t a lot of Moms make money this way?

I’m sure they probably do. And there are a ton of these type of businesses, selling everything from essential oils, to makeup, weight loss supplements, and even adult toys.

But, a lot of people claim they make a comfortable living from doing this. And then they want me to “join their team.”

Here’s the problem I have with MLM’s…

I don’t typically ever buy from any multi-level marketing, or direct sales type business. And I never sign up to sell for one, either.

When I get more offers to become a consultant of a product, than I do to BUY the product, it’s a huge red flag.

Now, if you do buy from them, and even sell them-great! But here’s my reasons for not jumping on the direct sales bandwagon, and why I don’t want you angry because of it…

MLM Scams
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There’s too many consultants 

Literally everyone I know and their grandma is selling for one, or in most cases many more, direct sales business.

I am bombarded with dozens of invites for “parties” every week! If I accepted an invite to join someone either at their home, or an online live chat, I wouldn’t have any time for anything, seriously.

But that’s not quite the issue. The issue is because some many consultants all sell the same thing, I’m put in an awkward position. Who would I choose, should I accept these invites, to spend money with?

Whomever it is, five more are going to be angry I didn’t go to one of their parties. Or book a party of my own. As a favor,  I once decided to be nice and hold an online party for someone selling It Works, and had angry, pissed off house-wives coming for me not an hour later. Why wouldn’t you book with me? Never again.

Keep in mind, these are all people I personally know-not counting those who randomly reach out over the internet. And no, it’s not feasible to buy something from every single one of the consultants I know. Believe it or not, no one needs that many pairs of leggings. This is coming from someone who lives in leggings.

Products are overpriced

Granted, everyone has to make a living. I don’t blame ya there.

But speaking of leggings, mine are usually crusted with peanut butter and drool. I’m a Mom – and as a fellow Mom, consultants should understand that since they’re going to be stained, I’d rather buy cheap $5 leggings than $50 dollar leggings.  And the $5 leggings tend to hold up better.

Same goes for makeup (seriously, I can get lip color that lasts 16 hours for $9 at a drugstore, versus $30 from a MLM…that isn’t even from Ulta!) and wine (helloooo Walmart!).

I’m sure the products are great, but if it’s too expensive when I know I can just keep buying the affordable stuff I like, then I’m not interested.

It’s inconvenient

Scheduling a day where I can go to a friend’s house, because the consultant only does “parties,” is way too much trouble.

Or worse, being coerced into hosting a 3 hour long event, is too much for this busy mama to deal with. Not to mention being charged $8-$10 or more for shipping, and hopefully get it in a week (unless the consultant hijacks my stuff and tries bullying me into going to another party. Yes, this actually happened).

No Thanks, Pure Romance – I can get romantic aids from Amazon on Prime, and the UPS guy doesn’t even know…or threatens to charge me twice for shipping because I don’t “party” with him.

MLM scams
Shamia Casiano at Pexels
It’s sometimes misleading

Now, I know not every direct sales person does this. But enough do, it’s left a bad taste in my mouth.

Misrepresenting products to the point of omitting the truth, lying altogether, or even just making it up because someone just doesn’t know a lot about them, isn’t worth a sale. If it’s not downright dangerous, it’s still unethical, and shady.

I’d be more apt to try things if I heard more real success stories from people who weren’t involved in multi-level marketing, and less horror stories of direct sales buys gone wrong.

It creates fake friendships

Friends don’t send texts like, “Hey, I know you just had a baby, I can help you get rid of those stretch marks!”

Ok, maybe if you’re a really special friend, you send texts like that.

But the route direct sales has taken, leads those down a path of “pretending” to buddy up to someone in hopes of making a sale. And another. And another.

I’ll tell all my girlfriends about amazing products I really like. My blog has a whole section dedicated to it! But I don’t try to pretend we’re best pals. And I don’t contact you just because I have something to sell.

And if you were really my friend, you’d know that I don’t actually have stretch marks (thank God). I’m not looking to lose weight, I listen to my doctor if I need to “detox”, and I think those wraps are a waste of money. #SorryNotSorry

MLM Businesses and why I can't support direct sales | multi-level marketing #mlm #directsales

I don’t want to “join your team” because…

Simply put; I don’t have time to chase people down and beg them to buy from me exclusively, knowing there’s 10 other consultants within a 5 mile radius.

Multi-level marketing essentially creates more competition for direct sales consultants-and when everyone who was once a customer, is now a salesmen…who’s buying the product?

And sometimes consultants aren’t told everything about the brand they represent, like the LuLaRoe Scandal with taxes.

And since these kinds of business are aimed at the friends and family of sales consultants, I don’t want to mix the two and have any bad outcomes, like the unfortunate aforementioned, and potentially ruin relationships. If, they aren’t already ruined by hounding people to buy things.

I also don’t want to be the one to make promises in order to make sales and build a team of my own – I know so many people who believed they could make thousands with well known MLM’s.

And I know many, many Moms who spent the last dime they had in hopes of “starting their own business.” In the end, because they couldn’t make quota (in a town of 15 other consultants, all on the same team), they lost everything they had.

Not to mention the inevitable downfall of the customer base itself-because once you sell to everyone you know, AND turn them working under you…where do all the customers go? No one makes money but the ones at the top…

 

 

“Well, I do direct sales, and I make money…”

Great. If you stand by a product you believe in, and it works, and you’ve found success, I’m genuinely happy for you! Because I know these types of businesses really do help a lot of families put food on the table.

And I know a lot of women who make it work for them. They usually have a few “businesses” they are running, but that’s not the point….

I still cannot realistically support every direct sales marketer I know. I can’t fork over hundreds of dollars on the “promise” that I’ll make thousands. I just don’t *usually* participate in any art of direct sales, period.

It’s once in a Blue Moon I decide to buy something…and never from someone who bullies, harasses, guilt trips, or promises to make my dreams come true.

In fact, the only time I have ever truly hosted a direct sales party, was for one person. And that’s because unlike most multi-level marketing companies, this particular one isn’t in debt. They don’t hold their consultants to extreme quotas-and I like the product!

Therefore, the pressure to sell isn’t a factor for the consultant – and I’m not bombarded with a pushy rep!

If I invite you to hang out at my house while my friend is doing her sales thing, it’s because you’ve seen me use the product, and you’ve told me you’re interested. I don’t seek out people to sucker in to direct sales parties. Ain’t nobody got time for that, really.

“Well, not ALL direct sales reps are like that..”

And no, they aren’t. The saying goes, “Don’t let a few bad apples spoil the bunch.” Well guess what…when you’ve had to pick out one too many bad apples…you’re probably going to throw the whole barrel away.

So to my multi-level marketing friend, please don’t invite me to join your team, or host a party. If I need stickers for my nails, or tupperware, I’ll call you.

Reasons why I can't support your multi-level marketing business and everything wrong with direct sales #mlm #bossbabes #directsales #wahm #workingmoms

Author: Jasmine

SAHM to one little boy, and wife to a former member of the USMC. I blog about parenting, relationships, brands I love, and product reviews!

15 thoughts on “This Is Why I Can’t Support Your Multi-Level Marketing Business

  1. It’s more about the product and how beneficial it is to you, than the way it came across to you. I wouldn’t mind buying from anyone as long as I can trust my instinct.

  2. True-it ultimately comes down to product. But If I get bad vibes from a Salemen, then can I really trust their word on product? In my experience having been misinformed just to gain a sale, it’s not likely…

  3. I couldn’t agree more!! I didn’t even know what these businesses were called; I just refer to them as pyramid schemes.

  4. Thank you for this! The way you described everything about these businesses is exaclty how I feel about them! Getting all these invites on Facebook and Instagram really gets under my skin!

  5. Shady and unethical sums it up… It is like a cult you’d have to join. I don’t agree with MLM prices, philosophy or sales techniques
    I’ve seen friends fall for this and come out losing big time.
    There are those who are benefiting and feeding their families from this type of sales, like you mentioned, I say power to them.
    But overall that is the minority of the outcomes.
    Thanks for putting together this informative post.

  6. Oh I feel this. So many women in my community are MLM’ers and it is driving me nuts. I get so many invites to buy things. My social media is full of their sales pitches. I am trying to figure out a polite way to unfriend them or block their posts. I am just not into it. I wish they could evolve their biz model to not rely on friends for sales.

  7. I think the problem with MLM is that they’re constantly pushing for sales all the time that it gets a bit much to deal with when you don’t particularly resonate with the products but I’ve don’t see why it’s such a big deal as long as the steps taken are all legal and ethical. If yon’t like what they’re selling then you can simply walk away, block, mute etc etc. At the end of it, everyone’s only trying to make a living 🤷🏻‍♀️

  8. Ugh… I just purchased from a friend who needed to hit a goal. After just looking at my cc statement, I realized I paid nearly 50% in shipping ($13!). Plus, she didn’t make her goal and now I’m sure I’ll be bombarded with texts next month. She claims that she’s making as much as she is in her day job, but now I wonder if that’s actually inflated because she’s practically begging her circle to buy form her. No thanks!

  9. You definitely made your case! I havent been bombarded by anyone so I guess I’m ok. But definitely makes sense.

  10. YESSSS to this post! MLM “businesses” really rub me the wrong way. I’ve been so many people I know in real life join them and then alienate their friends because they don’t want to buy 100s of containers from them every month. I’m sure some people love doing this for a job and to earn money, but when it’s causing you to push away your friends, I think it should be obvious that it’s NOT a positive thing to have in your life.

  11. Interesting post – some great tips and advice here. I’m totally in agreement with you, I can’t stand MLM Businesses either! x

  12. Interesting perspective. I am sorry you have had a bad experience with MLMs in the past. To play the devil’s advocate- aren’t ALL corporations pyramid schemes?? I mean, the CEO makes BANK, while the store workers BELOW them in the pyramid make minimum wage. I am not condoning the methods some people use- but at least people who have decided mlm is for them can set their own hours, create their own business and share the opportunity with others. Where as the traditional workforce offers just the opposite with little room (unless you’d like to go in debt for school) to move up the ladder, then you get all the politics with it.

  13. The differences are actually huge-even major corporations value their employees, offering a source of income, health care benefits, 401k, etc. They don’t require people to pay them money for the opportunity to sell their products, only to receive minor ducets as compensation. And I mean MINOR as the mlm offers nothing as a benefit. Oh, and the whole avoidance of real support thing.

    I take it you’re actually involved in a few mlms yourself which explains the confusion.

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