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The following posts have been reprinted in their entirety from posts e-mailed by readers of this website, except that headers, names and locations have been removed. These posts express the opinions and experiences of their authors, and this site publisher makes no representations about them in any way whatsoever. Thanks for the reply, it's pretty much what I expected and how I would handle things. I talked to a friend in Amway and basically said, "I don't want to damage your dreams, but, I have come across some information that you might want to read. I'm not going to try and influence your thoughts, just read it and come up with own opinions." After I talked with you on the "is Amway a Cult" chat line, I haven't been able to find it since. Has Amway gotten rid of it or was it a temporary chatline? I'm still very new at this Internet stuff, did you create the chatline? [Note: I don't know who this writer talked to on this "chatline," but it wasn't me. . .] I have asked for some meetings with people that I worked for in my company (I left the department partly because of Amway) to do some explaining and apologizing. If nothing else I hope it makes me feel better. Thanks for the reply. Stay in touch. |
Re: Market America
thanks for writing back. To answer your questions: Yes I have info I would be more than happy to send you- Yes I was a distributor in this company for about 15 months- No I have not filed any complaints
It would take me hours to convey to you what a bunch of crap Market America is. To put it in the most simplistic terms; everything I have read about Amway sounds like Market America. Except the "tools" we bought are strictly marketed by the company, so there is no tools scam here. But there are plenty of other things wrong. For instance heres a perfect example of what I mean; they have a "wonderful" (look out, I'm going to be sick) new cosmetics line they introduced called Motives. The 1 day training costs $250 (that doesn't include the $850 you have to spend to get the makeup kit plus the additional $64 for shipping and handling) The trainings are run by the "certified Motives trainers". The majority of these "trainers" have no prior training or experience in makeup, and were selected due to a "who-knows-who" type of thing. Its such a joke. They put a lot of pressure on the men to get involved too. These consultants run around calling themselves experts and they basically know as much about putting on makeup as a caveman. Also the whole line itself was promoted to the distributors as a "high quality" top of the line cosmetic. There have been rumors circulating (more than likely, rumors started by the company to brainwash the consultants into believing its good stuff) that the line is made by the same company as M.A.C. and Bobbie Brown. Well, it didn't take long for the distributors who DID have a background in cosmetics to find out that the whole line was sooooo overpriced. The "wholesale, special-to-distributors, can't be bought in stores- makeup is made by a cheap, drug store brand that retails its lipsticks for $3.95 RETAIL. Market America charges is distributors $10.75 after S&H. Oh, and the huge bottles of foundation they sell for the custom blended foundation is a bigger joke. It comes from a company that sells it to salons for $20. Market America's price to distributors- $184!!!!!!! Some of these nit-wit consultants were going into salons trying to market their cosmetics line (poor things; some of them dropped $2,000-$3,000 to get started) only to be laughed out of the salons by the owners who were already familiar with the product, knowing they could get it for $20. The same makeup is also available at Sears, and some of the consultants found out the hard way when their customers discovered this, and returned entire purchases. Its not fair to these poor saps who have plunked down their hard earned money, get "training" that is a total joke (nobody seems to know how to do this custom blend thing even after the training). The people in the upline (the few making money, and of course its at the expense of their downline) put a lot of pressure on everybody to get involved with the makeup line as it provides them with a lot of BV's to earn their checks. Of course these assholes don't even use the shit. Even the Head Trainer for the company shops at Chanel. Whats wrong with this picture????
Lets see, although they don't sell tools through the distributors to make money, the company has started offering discounts to the higher pin levels if they buy large quantities of tapes, so they can distibute them to their downlines. So, I guess this will result in them eventually making a buck off the tapes, especially if the upline is buying the tape for $1, and selling it for $5. So, now that I think about it, yeah, I guess they are making money off tools. They also are really big on filling the "trainings" and "seminars". One "seminar" where they flew in some A-hole from across the country was an 8 hour snoozer where this jerk basically went through the steps of an "interview process". We already all have this "interview process" in booklets we recieved at another seminar! And during the breaks they turned on music and made this room full of about 250 people get up and dance.They looked like complete jerks, doing the "party train" and all. I was imbarrassed to be there. If you didn't get up, people gave you dirty looks. Oh, in Market America, we don't "sign" people up, we put them through an "interview" to see if they are right for the biz. OH PUUUULLLLEEEEEZZZE. Yeah, get them through the ""interview" and then let them know its about $1,000 to get started (products you have to buy; "you can't sell something you don't have"!!!) a $250 ticket to the awsome, blockbuster, kick-butt International Convention (if you don't go, you are obviously not serious about success and the upline will basically ignore you, so screw your financial obligations, your kids, your family, yourself, and GET YOUR BUTT THERE) then, plan on setting aside about $100 per month for the voicemail which is soooo important to get your daily testimonials and trainings, oh, and don't forget, about $50 a month for the trainings, cause you are a dummy and need to hear it seven times before it sticks, and also you really, really SHOULD be on transfer-buying to the tune of $60-$250 per month; simply transfer the $$ you are spending at the store and buy it from yourself!!! Oh you mean like on shampoo ($1 for Sauve, or $12 from myself!!), cosmetics (we already covered that), coffee ($4 per lb. at store, $14 per lb. from myself!) cheesecake sampler ($12 from Sam's Club, $52 from myself!!), etc... I think you get the picture.
There are so many half truths going on. This company was founded by a guy who claims to have been very successful with Amway. No wonder this company is the way it is. I can write more stories for you later if you are interested. I will also send you a couple of links to check out. The problem with Market America is the same problem as all the other MLM's out there; very few people make money and its mostly an illusion created by the few who are making money. They want to get you in to keep their gravy train running at full speed. Let me know if you want any further info from me.
Re: Equinox
My name is *, I'm 20 years old and a major victim of Equinox. If you have any advice on what I can do to stop them or get some of my money back I would love to hear it! My number is ** I am rarely on the computer. I feel compelled to tell my story because the levels of deception are so deep.
I was best friends with *** for about six years. I trust her with my life and would be willing to do anything for her. I got a call from her about 4 months ago saying that the best thing in her life just happened and she wanted me to be a part of it. She said she couldn't explain it to me and that she couldn't answer my questions until I saw a briefing. She also told me that she went into a job interview and then spent 300 dollars and went to a training 12 hours away the next day. I said something to her about it sounding like some cult. She then said something about if I was her friend I would check it out to make sure she wasn't into anything bad and if nothing else I could get some product.
I'm going to make this long story short. I went to this "briefing" was told lie after lie. Started lying myself. My mind was no longer my own. Please read about more in the greeting room.
Thank you
Re: Amway
After reading some of your site I decided to write to you to share my experience with the Amway business and my line of sponsorship.
I live in New Zealand and since I became involved with Amway my life has changed, by far for the better. What seems to come through from letters posted on your site from other people is how they suffered financially. It all seems to relate to $$$ and yet the Amway opportunity is far more than just money; I am sure you would be aware of this considering your 10 years in the business.
Sure, most people get in for the money - I know I did, and the thing I like about the business is that the harder I work, the more I earn. But no-one seems to ever mention the intangibles...such as becoming a better person or getting on better with your family. Maybe I am the only person to be blessed with these benefits, although I doubt it!
Since becoming involved with the business I get on a whole lot better with my children. From my teenage son telling me I had blown it before the business to nowadays telling me he loves me, is a big change...as in HUGE! and all because I got involved with the business and the people in my line of sponsorship... and through the personal development I have achieved. I am not the person I want to be, not yet, but I am waaay ahead of where I was. My traditional business is also more profitable and rewarding since I have applied certain principles which I learned in the Amway business.
It's interesting to hear some of the moans of disgruntled ex-distributors...how they were "in" for x amount of time and tried to return $600 worth of tapes...and are upset that they can't return them...etc. Unopened tapes? I always thought that the tapes were to LISTEN to, so as to get the information they contained to help you build your business. I would find it difficult to listen to them without taking the wrapper off!
And as far as returning them goes...most if not all my tapes have printed on them "Purchase of this tape is optional and non-refundable". There is usually a message at the end of the tape saying the same thing.
I would be interested to know what some of the people who have written to you are doing today, since they seem to have a bitter attitude. Some say how they have never made any money, or how they have sustained losses...I have never seen a business yet where it didn't take time and money initially to set it up and get it going... but I know a lot of people, in fact the majority of people, are not prepared to invest the time and money required. Most people are looking for a fast buck, and I don't believe that there is a legal way to get rich quick.
As regards your statistics regarding the low percentage of people who make it in the Amway business, they are probably correct, and I am not doubting your figures...but they don't surprise me either. What figures do you have that show the percentage of the population that become millionaires in ANY industry? It would be a low percentage, as most people are too comfortable doing what they are doing, in their comfort zone, to get out and become successful; not just in the Amway business but in any business. But one of the things I like about Amway is that each person has the same opportunity to succeed... some people may have more to change than others to become capable of building a large and profitable business... but I believe we all pay the same price, just in a different currency.
From my experience most people who quit the business know that the business works...and all too often they try to justify why they quit. I heard a story which originated from someone who used to be in my group...and he had told someone that he had quit because he never got the bonuses due to him...when in actual fact he never qualified for any bonuses.
I don't know whether you know the following statistic or not...but this was reported a few months ago on an American radio station... and if you want the name of the station and the date, I will find out for you, but what was reported was this; No 1 Company for producing millionaires in the United States is Microsoft. Number 2 is the Amway Corporation, and third was the Drycleaning industry. Interesting, don't you think?
Anyway, I feel sorry for anyone who has had a bad experience with their upline direct or whatever.. but let's face it, you get jerks in ANY industry, and the Amway business is no exception.. but my upline are fantastic, some of my best friends ever, and they don't call people jerks if they decide not to build the business. I have never lost any friends by building this business either, and I suggest that anyone who has, has been doing the business wrong! Most of my friends have not got involved, but some have...but those that haven't become involved still remain as good friends.
Well I hope you post this letter on your site too, I presume you will since that is what you state. And for those of you who think I am "brainwashed" you are probably right...and to think how incredibly dirty my brain was before!!
Regards
Re: Amway
Sounds like everyone's in it for the money. Both sides profiting from all the hype. What happened to good 'ole salesmanship? There are numerous ways of making a buck with the Amway opportunity. It however (in my mind) is not by MLM. If it becomes multi-level because you sponsor someone who truly wants to become a distributor for selling reasons, that's great. Just don't tout the rags to riches approach. We all have to work at something, just be honest doing so.
Re: Trek Alliance and Equinox
Hmm...I'm sure that they [Trek and Equinox] are different. Could you explain further if possible? I'd like to dig up as much information as I can about these two characters (Rich Von and Kale Flagg). I found a little on your site and out there on the Web in general, but it was short on details. There is a corporate report on Trek available at Dun & Bradstreet's website, and I'd dearly love to read it, but I cannot justify springing $20 for it. :-)
I sat in on the "pitch" from Trek Alliance in December at my alma mater. Of course they called it an "informational meeting", but let's call things what they are. I jotted down a few notes during their pitch that I thought could be verified. The easiest ones to get concrete facts on were: 1) Trek was founded with the help of Kale's father, "Harry Flagg", who I have heard described as both the 'founder' and 'inventor' of Telecheck (this is how he made his fortune), the system of verifying personal checks for adequate funds. 2) MLM is a real opportunity, as opposed to starting your own business; after all, "most small businesses fail". 3) MLM is making inroads at our nation's universities. . . soon it will be taught everywhere and be an undergraduate major too.
I've done quite a bit of looking, believe me. And I consider myself fairly resourceful. Here are the results so far:
Concerning point 1 above: To cover my bases, I searched the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's databases for any mention of Harry Flagg, in case he was the inventor. No results, he's just not in there. So he's not an inventor. Then I check http://www.telecheck.com, and find out that this is a service, not an actual device. Well, I call their corporate headquarters in Houston, TX, and talk to a very pleasant woman with a nice Southern drawl who identifies the founders as Bob Baer (retired, living in Hawaii) and John Chaney (retired, living in Houston). She checked with several other workers who had been there longer than her--no one had ever heard of Harry Flagg.
Point 2: I can give you the citation, it's in a 1993 issue of Inc. Magazine, but essentially, this common mantra of MLMers is false. Some researchers in New Jersey did some digging through the databases of Dun & Bradstreet and found that lo and behold, 54% of businesses were still alive and kicking even 8 years after their founding. A far cry from the "4 out of 5" that supposedly fail, as MLMers are quick to crow. And if MLMers try to pick this apart and say that they are talking about small businesses. . . well, small businesses comprise 98% or more of all businesses. It is true that of those that DO fail, 85% do so inside of 5 years.
Point 3: The only professors I have found so far with any ties to MLM are Charles King at the University of Illinois-Chicago, Ray Bagby at Baylor, and some other guy at an obscure business school on Long Island. There are probably others. But I am in the process of sending out a survey to marketing professors at the nation's best business schools--Wharton, Kellogg, Harvard (they are already tired of debunking their purported advocacy of MLM), Dartmouth, U of Chicago, Stanford, etc.--to get their views on MLM and its future. Should be quite interesting. To say that MLM will be taught in our universities is patently ridiculous, and I'm confident that replies from these knowledgeable people will support that fully.
Anyway, perhaps you will find some of that interesting. And I'm just getting started.
it's like trying to move an entire beach one grain of sand at a time. . .
Indeed. Luckily, most of the people I talk to about this seem to have their heads firmly on their shoulders. For most people, common sense is enough. But I just hope to not lose any more friends to the awful mindset of MLM. You just have to shake your head when you see people go to such lengths to deceive themselves and maintain an iota of pride.
Re: Renaissance
hello well there is this new business called renaissance or renaissance designer gallery. they say you can start a new business by declaring you are in business.so because you run a business out of your home you can turn your everyday exspenses into business exspenses.they say they have tax attorneys and ex irs agents to do your taxes for you.they have a web sight at www.TheTaxPeople.net there compensation plan works like this you get commission based on the people you get to buy in and based on what they buy in at.$1200 or$300 or $125 the principal players are michael cooper dan gleason and thomas steelman do you have any information on them?
thank you
Here is what a CPA friend of mine had to say after looking at this web site:
"As a CPA I am not particularly impressed and would not recommend getting involved. What this organization is selling is basically some education in the tax laws. They suggest that the information they provide is not common knowledge. I would have a tendency to disagree. There are a lot of us "CPAs" that specialize in tax as do I. I have yet to read or hear of any special tax saving methods that frequently come across my desk in the form of advertisements for newsletters or seminars. Each year I attend numerous tax seminars and do a fair amount of reading to stay up with the tax laws. I am sufficiently familiar with home office deductions/retirement arrangements/other tax saving opportunities, to properly advise clients. The primary thing that taxpayers need to do is seek advice and take time to become somewhat educated in the tax laws that apply to their personal circumstances. For instance, you should personally have a reasonable understanding of the home office deduction and how it effects you because you have a home office. Your neighbor who does not have a home office probably does not need that information. If you make $200,000 a year you probably should be spending an hour or two talking to your CPA each year to discuss tax strategies. If you make $40,000 a year, there are limited potential tax strategies and tax savings. It is good to be educated in the tax laws and you can accomplish that by spending time talking to your CPA or by subscribing to various tax advisory letters. I get the Kiplinger Tax letter each week. Frequently free seminars are offered by investment brokers.
"I hope this helps and I hope it answered your question. "
Re: Amway
After looking through your page I just wanted to add my two cents. It seems that all of the people who have written about getting burned by Amway were suckered savy distributors, not the Amway business. I don't feel sorry for any of them because they did not do their homework as a good enreprenuer should. There are plenty of books out there, ex: "Your first Year in Network Marketing" by Rene Yarnell that warn of such practices. Everyone should know by now that there are NO honest ways of getting rich quick. And that success in an MLM business for the average person requires several years of hard work BUT PEOPLE DO BECOME SUCCESSFUL AFTER TIME!
Next time do your homework and don't buy into something that sounds too good to be true.
Re: Quixtar
I did have a chance to read most of your web page. The reason I found your web is because I was looking for acticles about Quixtar. I have been looking to create an e-commerce web page for myself, but I know that it would cost me a lot of money. I go to school full time and I work part time and I don't have a lot of time to devote to a web page. I don't know a lot about Quixtar or Amway, but to me Quixtar seems like a legitamate way to make some extra money while I go to college. Do you think that it would be possible to just make 200-300 per month doing Quixtar? I don't plan to become a millionaire doing it, but a little extra money would go along way for me. I am willing to make the $160 initial investment, but I would like you input, ideas, suggestions, comments, or concerns before I start. Thank you for you time.
Re: MLM
I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing your website...it's just as I expected. While I have never been involved in MLM as a participant...my eleven years as a Porsche/Mercedes-Benz salesman has introduced me to several soon to be millionaire dreamers along the way.
In this time I have NEVER sold a car to any individual involved in ANY MLM organisation...the most prolific of which was Amway. You'd think that after eleven years of selling cars in the same city, some of the hundreds of people enrolled in the program would have "gone Diamond" and been financially free and able to easily purchase a vehicle at the dealership where I am employed.........go figure.
I have been recruited endless times by wayward lost souls who were brainwashed with the hype...they are easily recognized...brand new suits from Wal-Mart, cheap ($49 x 1000) black and white business cards...all of them company presidents "of course"...and day timers with the price tags still hanging off!
When you ask them the tough, pointed questions..they have no answers...they're embarrassed and figure that you are a "dreamstealer" or some other non-believer ...destined to be burnt at the stake.
I'm only 39 years old and I love my career, so I am eagerly awaiting the day that I make my first sale to an Ambot. Then I might take the BS a little more seriously.
Keep up the good work exposing these misleading organizations for what they really are.
Re: Amway and Quixtar
Being an active Amway Distributor and now a Quixtar Associate [This e-mail was sent early in July, 1999. Quixtar as a business does not exist until 9/1/99. How can this writer be a Quixtar associate? According to Amway VP Ken McDonald, he can't.] I can say that the marketing plan does in deed work. We have redirected our spending habits and purchased from ourselves and have actually saved money and made money marketing certain items. What's nice about the business is that you don't have to sell, it's totally up to you on if you want to build the business or not. I know that when I show the business plan to anyone at no time is there ever a promise of making huge amounts of money, although there is money to be made. If we don't help our sponsors become successful, we don't become successful. Questions about a pyramid? If someone that I work with is able to build the business faster than I am they will undoubtedly pass me, all the better. That's what this business is all about. During a pyramid at no time is anyone on the bottom able to ever pass the person that got them involved, this is no different than working for someone else. Your boss doesn't want you to make more money than he or she, so at no time will you ever make as much as your boss. Working for someone else is no different than being involved in a pyramid. We are involved with a company that the IRS sees as a legitimate business. We've had sponsors, and upline that have been audited and all have passed with flying colors. We have an IRS auditor in our group that also confirms that we are legal. I am sure that most of all that is publicized is negative. Isn't negativity what really attracts people, look at the evening news, CNN, etc.. Rarely, very rarely do we ever hear about the good that goes on.
I just want to thank sites like yours, it's because of your site that our business has been growing. Keep up the work, the more negative your site is the better my business is.
Dear webmaster,
I hope no one that has been slamming MLM's on this page has joined any of those handy-dandy "refferal programs" that Amazon.com or any other web-based-business has cureently been pushing, because that would just make you a hypocrite. All those are are simply small scale Quixtars!! While they don't cost anything to sign up (and Quixtar will be $100), the theory is the same--get people to our site and we will pay you money! Don't get me wrong--I totally support Quixtar and Amway, but i just wanted to help keep the rest of MLM paranoid America on their toes...
Sincerely,
Re: Applause
I applaud your courage and content.
Keep up the good work and keep standing up to those right wing
born-again get rich quick wierdos.
Re: Amway/Quixtar
I am a happy amway distributor
soon to be a very rich quixtar distributor and if a doctor told
me he would not buy a stethoscope because someone was getting
rich from it, I would laugh. I don't mind that the diamonds are
getting rich from their stories. I was told I did not have to
buy anything. I tried to be successful without spending a dime.
I did everything "MY" way and spent 6 months spinning
my wheels. 6 months on their "system" and I earn now
300 x's my cost of tapes. BIG DEAL.. Free enterprise lives in
the United States and for that I am grateful. Maybe my story will
be worth 6$ to someone else and if not, so what. The 1st amendment
gives you the freedom to complain so complain but people like
me think your nuts.... ** A brand new silver distributor. Proud
to be addicted to a system that makes me feel good about me and
those around me...
Re: Amway
Just to give you a little background
on myself. I'm a senior finance major a Notre Dame and though
I have been a distributor for several years, I have just recently
become more involved. My parents have been involved for over 20
years and have been relatively succesfuly over that time, being
that the business has never been our primary source of income.
I enjoy your website because it allows me to read opinions of
other people in a large forum and help me to make more intelligent
decisions of my own. In my opinion, the Amway corporation is obviously
not the problem....as many people have concurred on your website.
The motivational tool problem does seem enormous however. Most
of the negative print that I have read has concerned organizations
affiliated with Yeager, Yager (?) and Britt and the ridiculous
propogation of tools upon their members. I'm involved with an
organization called International Connection and wondered if you
had received feedback in regards to them. I personally have had
extensive contact with several of the diamonds within the organization
and seems to be a more honest and well operated system than others.
Of course, there are tapes and what not for sale but I've never
been pressured into buying them or made to think that I couldn't
succeed without them. These tools have always been presented as
something that could possibly help....not something necessary
to advance. Any info you've received or know about would be greatly
appreciated.
Re: Amway/Quixtar
My brother and his wife are very much into Amway. They are now participating in Quixtar. Our relationship has totally changed...need I say more? Please don't print this...I am just curious about 2 things...My sister in law has decided to take her daughter out of public school and home school her...is this an Amway scam too? And my brother attends "Business Weekly Prayer Meetings" Are they using ihe Bible....or an Amay Version...Oh what a scary thought! Please Email me back if you can answer these questions.
Thanks...
Re: Quixtar
Hi,
Thank you for all your work and documentation on this site. There are zillions of mlm sites when you search them up. However, it is ironic that as my Fiancie and I ponder this new Quixtar opportunity, my gut sense tells me to research carefully. For in every business opportunity, some one has gone before me. They have a story to tell. I located Ask-an-Emerald.com that is under construction. I can't wait to see the 'rest of the story.' His pre-testimony sure doesn't sound like the happy trails scenario we are hearing from the meetings and upline.
Quixstar sounds great. I think Amway has a great idea. It is interesting to note that they are not proud of their name and have sought to change the name to Quixtar. Hmmm. Why? I think there is still a bad image problem.
I will continue reading to be sure that Janie and I do not make an uninformed business decision. The Ask an Emerald.com testimony indicates that there is a load of politics in this business. I sense that there is a great deal of protectionism and manipulation. I sense that if you are not one of the good 'ol boys in this business your out. Hmm
Could you provide me some advice or provide me specific web sites regarding "just getting started" in this mlm business?
I would rather have a balanced view before making any decision. I have read Calverts web site and he has some similar verbiage regarding the truthful disclosure of may uplines. The upline in the Amway group that is currently seeking to recruit me is the Gooch upline. (Not sure if spelled right).
Thanks for your time and effort,
It amazes me that people as yourself ...well all I can say is I didn't see anything here to substantiate anything you've had to say except that those you hold some grudge against are evil people. With all the money you all made you should have been putting it away instead of speneding it faster than you could make it. Down times are just that...& like the lazy squirrel you didn't prepare for those rainy times. It sounds like you are angry with the wrong people.
All it takes is a bombardment of accusations to hurt a business. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves. You think you are only hurting these big wigs, but you are hurting those who are trying to make a living as well. How disgusting.
I am new at this but let me tell you, I haven't seen anything negative about this at all. No one is forcing me to buy any tapes or tools. I am getting personal instruction from friends who introduced this to me. Maybe the demands put on you are the same as those put on a CEO in any business. It's like complaing because you have to pay taxes on winning the lotto. GEEZ! Get real! How hard did you really have to work at this to get so much more back?
Sorry, but I don't see your gripe.
Re: Equinox
Dear Sirs
I am a college student who is very tight on mone. Equinox seems to be the answer to all my financial struggles; however, I am very cautous about companies asking me for money. I understand it sometimes takes money to make money but this would mean for me to take out a $5000 loan. I can't aford to loose.
Is Equinox too much of a gamble? What are some signs to warn me to get out? I believe Equinox is trying to get me in by playing with my emotions but the money is tempting. Is it one of their tricks to make you feel like an idiot if you do not take this "business opportunity?"
Thank you for taking the time
to listen to my concerns. I would just like to learn more about
the company before I make a decision. Have a good weekend.
Quixtar/Worldwide
Please do not post my name. I work in outside sales, love my job, love my company. A customer of mine approached me and told me about a business opportunity, and talked me into going to a meeting. At the meeting they said it was World Wide something, or Quixtar and made it sound like this was the most ridiculously amazing thing ever to hit the Internet. Before I knew it, I had purchased a kit, then realized that their bait and switch had worked; it was Amway.
I saw the light before I attended a Family Reunion, thank goodness. I am only out about $500. The Am-talk at the meeting was peppered with Bible quotes, like, God wants us to have money. I was told to open a separate bank account, and to start ordering product. I was placed on standing order for the tapes. I hope I do not lose more than I already have.
Thank you.
Re: Quixtar
Thank you so much for making your web-site available to the masses!
I was approached re. QUIXTAR and all its "gold". I listened apprehensively and then searched the web... I am so fortunate to have found your info site as one of my first stops.
I am sorry that anyone has been "taken" by the quixtar/Amway system, but for those who have - I now owe you a debt of gratitude for publishing your warnings.
Thank you, again
Re: Equinox, Amway and Quixtar
Ok, I read your article and you cant help it, you are biased. It takes a lot of work to connect with people who are literally nonbelievers of all their programming (as bill goulld,Equinox emphasis' 45,000 hours of education that never dealt with success principles) I have experienced Equinox,Amway and now Quixtar. all three are different. I think quixtar has a chance. I do agree with you and the others that the tapes and functions and all are a bit much, but that is where most of your support comes from. Network marketing is a club and it takes commitment and constant understanding to survive. Everybody I know that has made it to direct are doing fine and making a profit. I do think often the reality of the world and the ether that some people place you in is not appropriate in business circles. This is an uncommon business and way of making an extra buck. Each person chooses to go to his limit. If for instance all people got it, the world would definitely be different, for the better! It is interesting you never speak of the positive improvements to life the Yager and Amway organizations give to the planet. There are those that simply trash the planet with trifling information. Look at how the judges handle the cases...even they see the corruption by organizations like P&G against Amway or Randy Haugen, etc. When you are on the top and doing well it is natural to shoot the leaders..its a fact of life. I for one have no clue who you are? You in disguise for a reason? Fundamentally, we all laugh at most of this (yes you) but, I can't help to think you have some valid comments, but what most will tell you is leave it balanced and let the cards fall where they may-dont try to place your subjective influences into the equation. That is why we have our honored court system to straighten out the facts..so far it works most of the time for 225nd year! If you are going to buy something from the store, youmake them rich, quixtar is scaring the pants of the grocery chains. IM for getting apiece of the pie and watching my risk free investment turn over in a year or two...beats the stock market!
Re: Amway/Quixtar
Please do not take me wrong, and feel that i am trying to shoot you down or get into a heated argument with you. I just simply want you to know that not all Amway/Quixtar groups are NOT like what you described.
1) While a majority of sales in Amway/soon to be Quixtar DO go to distributors or Independent Business Owners, I have always been pushed to establish a "customer base." The group that i am involved in (A line of the Haugen's) uses the theory to get the product in front of the people, and then see if they like it enough to sell it. Yes, i do go out and talk to people directly about the business, but that is no different that any other employer putting an ad in the paper (my way is just more personal). More about why the majority of sales go to distributors: my theory on that is that the many customers who would balance this out, eventulally become business owners themselves. I cant' back that up with scientific facts, it is just my theory
2) I dont see how there is any difference in transactions, at least for my customers. My customers call me, pay their money, and get their products at a competitive price. For most of my customers, i let them pay "distributor cost," so they pay no more than i would. Even at retail, for mail order products, the prices are competitive. (I'll gladly send you materials on this if you want--via email or snail mail). And about emotional attachment to my upline, he has always stressed that i shouldn't do things for him (and he won't help me if he knows that's why i'm doing something.)
3) With the tools (this is why i called the referral programs "small scale"--they don't have tools--except for the code to put on your page.) my upline has again always made sure that i don't waste my money on tools. He has GIVEN me every tape i have listened to so far, and told me to budget my money carefullly. I guess i'm with a different group than everyone else, because i was good friends with my upline to begin with, and always will be.
4) I can see your point here. I have myself met some "phony" people in Amway, and am lucky not to be in their line. I am sorry you were treated this way, but things happen like that in every business. It shouldn't,but it does.
For your own info (this is not recruiting!), you can check out Quixtar's newest adpack site at**
If you want, just enter your site name and email in the name slots. Don't worry, i don't put you on any mailing list from this, so you wont be bombarded with promo stuff. Maybe you'll find something for your site...
Best Wishes,
Re: Kevin Trudeau
WELL, KEVIN. there you go again!
It now seems that Kevin Trudeau is back in the group building business! This time he is the official trainer of an Amway/Quixstar group. Does Amway really want Kevin Trudeau training their people? One only needs to look at his business record to decide.
Kevin claims he left NFL when they changed directions. TRUTH: He was terminated!
Kevin claims he has decided to not be a distributor in Amway this time ,,,only a trainer, TRUTH: He tried repeatedly to join Amway..but, they REJECTED his application!
AND NOW..this same Kevin Trudeau has formed a partnership with Jody Victor, Dexter Yager, Don Storms, Blaine Athorn(remember him?) and they are the "Trudeau Training Team". The official trainers of this new Amway organization! And, the promises they are making..hugh dollars in speaking and trainingbecome a Diamond distributor in just a few months!!!! (Founders program maybe?) How lucky can Amway get??? Wow!!!
Presented by former founders.there's more coming!
[For more information, read "The Pastor, the Felon and Quixtar."]
This page updated Aug-02-99
