Can you tell me anything about this Network Marketing company called WorldConnect located in Oklahoma and run by Linden Wood.
thanks
Re: Rexall Showcase
Thank you for your prompt reply. I have weighed what evidence I have seen and have decided to go with my ' gut feeling ' and stay far away from this 'industry'.
Please keep up the good work and keep sharing your message. Good luck.
Re: Primerica
I cannot access your Primerica link:
Primerica Financial Services
The Tangled Web: A Look at Primerica Financial Services
I am interested in hearing what they have to say . . .
You talk about it being true but you don't offer any firm hard facts to prove it is true.
Sorry you just don't know what is true and correct. Maybe you should reconsider if what you think about Amway is true or not.
Re: Quixtar
Hi;
Really happy to come across your website. I have some (previously) dear friends who have been hounding me relentlessly to sign up with Quixtar. I am convinced that it is not a viable business. Can you please tell me what the best resource is to combat all of their silly claims? I am more concerned about yet other friends that are seriously considering spending their time and money on this dubious "business".
Any information will be appreciated. Thanks.
You would have loved being in my organization...I would have loved having you!
there is nothing easy about running around, I can do that in my car. You people dont make it easy to " GO SHOPPING " like we want to. All these books and " What they will say " crap " is a bunch of nonsenes. Where's the front page? Ya know the listings.
Re: Amway
I can't say what you experienced is untrue. I do know there is money built into the system of books, tapes and functions. I built the Amway business and didn't reach high enough to benefit from any of that but did make some significant secondary income. Not enough to retire but enough to add another professional income to my house. I also personally saw several dozen others get in from the bottom and become millionaires. So if even all those things you saw at the top is true it is still an opportunity for someone to get in and reach those levels and have the income the Amway business gives you as just 4% of your income. So what that says is that a person should build it to that level so they can also become wealthy or they will stay at the bottom and not make anything. It is still an opportunity for someone to capitalize on that income potential no matter where it comes from.
No response required, just wante to let you know how helpful it is to be able to find your point of view. I have been duped into attending an "interview" for an MLM, and I walked out halfway through when I smelled a rat, but being able to come back to the net and see the depth of the problem is very helpful. It is sickening that this kind of organization can persist, sucking the blood of people's hope. Thanks again for this helpful (and ultimately positive) website,
WHAT IS A MLM? Re: Amway
I guess I have been an Am-zombie for the past twelve years. I got to the point where I was failing so consistently I began to think something was wrong with me. I shudder to think of the money I have spent on tools. I like to think I am essentially in the same place now financially as when I began but I suspect that is not true. The tapes and books did have one benefit - I developed enough personal skills to get the really good job I have now. The problem with the Am-business is that nobody wants to do it anymore. It's an old, tired song and dance. The Am-business is actually shrinking in North America. The Japanese Am-business is generating more volume than NA in half the time. What does that mean - The Am-business in NA is a dead horse, and if you are riding a dead horse, you need to get off. Quixtar was an attempt to re-invent themselves. Lots of companies do that. Who owns Lexus...Toyota because nobody would consider a car with the Toyota name on it a luxury car. However, with Quixtar they blew it. They had the opportunity to totally differentiate themselves from the Am-business but there were too many egos involved. So what do you have...in everyone's view, you have the Am-business online. The most profitability is in the products with the Am-name on it and the partner stores are a gimmick with stuff you could probably buy cheaper elsewhere and with very little profitablity.
The thing that did it for me, however, was the system I was a part of. I had been invited by some friends to check out a few other MLM businesses. Since was so frustrated by the Slowstar launch, I went along. The thing that I saw were tools that were priced essentially at cost. One MLM I checked out actually showed the volume discounts on tools. Using these statistics, I estimated the system I was a part of was taking in some $10 MM anually in profit in tapes, videos and CDs, not to mention the profit on functions and event tools sales. Basically I was totally disgusted.
I basically Am-detoxified myself. Since the goals I started out with were still unrealized, I knew I needed another business. So I looked for one that fit my criteria - simplicity in the product line, a product with a demonstarated demand and potential, a public company that was an open book I could evaluate - I even had a stock broker rate the stock (he found it to be a good buy), tools that were reasonably priced, a business models where success was based on selling the product not on tool sales, a company that had growth potential and a compensation program that is structured to allow the new members to develop the income to operate their business (not top loaded as the Am-business). When I found what I wanted, I started a new business.
A note on the MLM model - the MLM model is fundamentally sound if run in an ethical manner and that comes down to the character of the people involved. In my current business, I am not interested and don't want to hear about people's religion. politics and all that Am-stuff. I am not aware of Bill Gates ever telling his employees that they need to share his faith to work with him and he is worth $100 billion.
I didn't mean to go on this long but I guess I have a few things to say after 12 years. I will not allow my Am-experience to sour me on my desire to accomplish the things I want to in my life. I will not allow it to sour me on the MLM model which has distinct advantages for the employed professional like myself. I like working with people, I like helping them and if I can work with people in a mutually beneficial way, I would do it any day. You just need the right vehicle and people with the integrity to do the right thing. I have learned a lot of things that should not happen from my Am-experience. I will not make the same mistakes in my new business. One person with the determination and integrity to do things right can make all the difference and I intend to be the one. Wish me luck.
Re: NFLI
HI THERE...AFTER READING YOUR WEB SITE...I WAS WONDERING IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON A MULTI LEVEL MARKETING COMPANY CALLED " NUTRITION FOR LIFE"..A FRIEND OF MINE HAS RECENTLY GOTTEN INVOLVED WITH THIS COMPANY AND I AM SOMEWHAT SKEPTICAL...HERE IS THE ADDRESS FOR THEIR WEB SITE
http://nutritionforlife.com/
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP...
Re: ACN
Hello-
I have been in several meetings on joining an MLM. It's ACN - American Communications Network out of Michigan. It's all about telecommunications industry - long distance, internet, paging and of course the biggie - Utilities, after deregulation. What have you heard about ACN and the rep's who are in? I don't see any flaws for now or products to but, it's just people seem to have a choice on their energy and rep's can earn the ever popular "residual income". What are your thoughts. I like the idea of not selling products to people, but.... the web site is www.acninc.com.
Please let me know of your thoughts. Thanks,
Hello,
What is Quixtar going to do about the 10 customer rule? With credit cards they'll have an accurate accounting of customers.
YOUR WEB PAGE IS APPRECIATED VERY MUCH. THANK YOU.
BEING A RELATIVE OF A COLLEGE AGE STUDENT WHO HAS BEEN BRAINWASHED TO DROP OUT AND FOLLOW THE DREAM OF GETTING RICH QUICK AND A LIFESTYLE OF NOT WORKING, I NEED YOUR HELP. HELP.
CAN YOU HELP ME WITH 3 AMWAY "FACTS":
1% OF AMWAY COUPLES ARE DIVORCED
85% OF THE RICHEST AMERICANS DROPPED OUT OF COLLEGE
THOSE WHO RECRUITED ME DONT GET A PENNY FROM ME UNTIL I AM A PLATINUM AND THEN THEY GET 4% FROM AMWAY, NOT ME
BELIEVE ME, I KNOW THESE AND OTHER STATEMENTS ARE UNTRUE, BUT I AM TRYING TO GET THE FACTUAL INFO TO DISPUTE THESE STATEMENTS I HEAR DAY AFTER DAY.
I AM ALREADY INDEBTED TO YOU FOR BEING THERE IN CYBERSPACE.
PLEASE RESPOND BY E MAIL IF YOU HAVE ANSWERS TO THESE "FACTS"
THANK YOU.
Maybe my dream of seeing Amway collapse within the life-time of Rich & Jay & Dexter is coming true. I just received the October issue of Achieve magazine from a new Quixtar member who is already planning to sue Amway, and was happy to see that there were only 39 new platinums. They all had last names beginning with the letters H through L, so I guess they just make up one list for the year, and parcel it out alphabetically by month. I always used to wonder why there as such a high percentage of professional people represented in the Amagrams. Now I think maybe it's because only professional people can afford the time & money it takes to buy a pin level! If you want this copy, let me know & I'll mail it to you.
Regards,Re: Dinner Club Scheme?
a scheme has hit my area -- a "dinner club" where you are in for $5,000, then eventually "gifted" for $40,000 -- heard of it?
Re: Equinox
Well to the answer to your question we were only with Equinox a few months and it was within the past year. But I'm not sure if FL is one of the states filing action against Equinox and if it is how do I go about getting all the money back from them. I will be sure to call the BBB and the other things you suggested as well as look into your website. I thought I looked at it and could not find the info I was looking for but I will be sure to try again. So what you are saying is for me to just return the merchandise and I will get a full refund???? Should I contact Equinox first, there home office in Nevada? I'm sure you are extremely busy and I am really grateful for your help and responding so quickly but if you could do that again I would even be more thankful!!!!
Thank you again,
"tapes, books, and functions" = buy these books and attend these classes and you'll graduate. However, that does not guarantee a job or specific income. At least you now have a shot at making whatever income that your chosen profession allows. If I go to college but don't hussle and get into action, I won't make money. If I have a poor attitude I probably won't do very well. If I listen to tapes, read books, etc. and don't implement what I hear (action) I won't make anything. This should not be a surprise to anyone. All tapes, etc. have a disclaimer that clearly says, there's "no guarantee". Did you not hear or see that?
Most people that enter this business don't understand the thinking required to succeed in their own business. They usually don't understand the specific nuances of this business very well either. How will they learn that? Do you have a better answer than "tapes, books, and functions"? Here's a good quote: "Businesses that thrive have at least one element in common: an ongoing commitment to education and training." - Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. I've had so many people tell me some part of the "system" has positively impacted their lives. Does that have value? Lastly, all self-help materials that you find in any book store or at seminars cost money and someone makes a profit, that's what businesses are supposed to do.
Regarding income, the plan is clear and is factual. Eight legs at 1000PV will produce about $2000/month. When maintained for 3, 6, and 12 months other cash bonuses kick in. This is explained in the plan. How is that as you say "unknowingly deceptive"? If someone is not making money, then they should review the plan again. Why should there be anyone to blame other than themselves? As far as product flow to comsumers, we have some retail customers, but I guess I'm a consumer and those in my group are consumers..what exactly are you getting at with your question?
As far as business failures go, what data do you have on that? Check the following http://citrus.sbaonline.sba.gov/ADVO/stats/chap_01.pdf .
I came across a site called dreambuild.com/ freedom lifestyles. I sent for the free info about this business venture and someone told me that it was Amway. Do you know anything about this site? The people on the site are from Oshkosh, Wis.
thank you for your time and assistance
Re: Rexall Sundown
I have read your story and other articles on this web site. Most seem to be about Amway and Quixtar. I am being courted with the same "business and income opportunity" you have written about, from REXALL SHOWCASE INTERNATIONAL, a division of REXALL SUNDOWN, INC.
I did the basic internet info search on REXALL SUNDOWN. They are a legitimate company, but I'm sure the reports tell only what they want you to hear. They are publicly traded on the NASDAQ (RXSD).
Do you have any stories or experiences from REXALL SHOWCASE INTERNATIONAL distributors?
Need info ASAP!
Thank you,
You cannot believe how grateful I am for your info. I also purchased 3 books yesterday.
My son....a great guy who was accepted to a top 20 liberal arts college and his girlfriend (who started Amway 3years ago) both dropped out of college because they have been brainwashed by Hawaii's WWW group that they are going to be rich and will have a lifestyle to be home all day with their children. Meantime they are struggling and alienating their family, who strongly believe in the educational system that their children mentors have scorned at meetings. In fact their mentors say their relatives are "stupid" for not understanding this business. It has been a sad few months here.
I am reading like mad...they have no answers to my questions, including their mentors. By the way, where did you get 80 Diamonds in 40 years...I cannot quote an email, just like I will notaccept anything they say orally to me as a fact. I am going to write Amway, but as a privately owned business I don't think they will answer nor how can I accept their statement as "fact"!
Please respond.
Aloha
I have a question about the Amway buy back policy. Seems our upline is trying to avoid giving us our money back for unused tools, as it is stated in the rules of conduct that they must do this. Since we resigned from Amway/quixtar, we've faxed the rules to them as they requested we do so that they may see where it is stated that they must buy back any tools. Now that the new CD roms have a different saying on them, this could be a problem. Amazing how Pronet/Global does this so that they quickly become obsolete. Any tips or suggestions?\ Re: Equinox
I am writing to you after spending 3 hours reading the e-mails sent by other unfortunate people who fell prey to these "wonderful" Equinox representatives. I live in * and about 3 years ago, when my brother and I had our own process serving busines, I had a summons to appear in court for a person in this office located in the * area. I arrived at this place and asked to see this person, which they had no idea who I was talking about(imagine that). I was introduced to a gal, lets just call her AA for short, who invited me to come back in a couple of days to have an "interview" with her company. I am sorry to say that yes I did come back and was drawn in by this brainwashing. I invested about $500 of my own money and Mr. Gouldd would match it. So all together I bought $1000 of product to start with. About 2 weeks later my sponsor informed me that I needed to put in another order. I told her I didn't understand why since I still had product left from my last order. But "I needed to have stock of product in case I met someone that needed something right away, or someone in my downline needed. Funny thing is I had only been with them for 2 weeks, and I didn't have any downline. AA was persistent that I needed to get a loan for $2000, so I picked up some loan applications, and while I was looking over the application, and was asked to list my employer she told me to list her as my employer, and that my monthly income was $2,5000, "since that's what most managers make a month." Now the red flags were waving. I didn't apply for the loan, although I told AA that it was being processed.
After being with Equinox for only a few weeks, AA told me I needed to go to Phoenix for a Basic Building Blocks seminar and everything would fall into place after this seminar. I went with AA, along with 2 other girls, and we drove to Phoenix for the weekend. After the 1st day of the seminar, I was exhausted. AA wanted to introduce me to one of the "bigwigs", Ray and Dale. Ray was my upline. He invited us to eat dinner at a sushi restaurant. So we all went, along with quite a few other people. When we arrived at the restaurant I went to sit down, but was asked to sit by Ray. I did, thinking nothing of it. Well I started to feel very uneasy, because Ray kept leaning in close to me, leaning his forhead against mine, touching me, things that should'nt be taking place at a business dinner, and especially from a man that is married and has children. The four of us girls were tired, and amazingly AA saw that I was very uncomfortable with what was going on. She was actually a little disturbed by the whole thing also. When the four of us when to leave, Ray said I should stay and that he would take me back to my hotel later. I flatly refused.
After returning to Colorado, I immediately got out of Equinox. But amazingly enough, I spoke with one of the representatives at the same office, that I had actually developed a friendship with and was shocked at the things she had told me had happened within the 3 weeks after I left Equinox. One of the girls I went to Phoenix with ended up becoming sexually involved with Bill Gouldd at his ranch, as well as some other people who were "paired up" with these other Equinox "bigwigs", during one of his Getaways at his ranch.
Yes, this is what some people would call "hearsay", but after what happened to me in Phoenix, I truly believe it and feel very sorry for these girls who where pimped off to these "bigwigs".
I was so excited to hear what has happened to Equinox, and I'm anxious to here what happens in April of 2000.
To all of the people who are still involved with Equinox, its really a shame that all of you are "able to see the opportunity of a lifetime", but yet you aren't able to follow the values and morals that our parents brought us up with, "Do unto others, as you would have done to yourself". This bull of "Fake it till you make it", how good does this really make you feel, that you have an occupation that doesn't want you for what you really are, but for what you have to fake and deceive yourself and others of. And this belief that nothing negative should be said or thought....whatever!!! No this e-mail is not negative, it's something that Equinox representatives have lost sight of...THE TRUTH. Does it really make you feel good to deceive people with your advertisements in papers, it's a waste of your time when you come across a person that doesn't "see it", but it's a waste of peoples time when they're looking for a job, searching the papers, calling, setting up interviews, and being suckered into something that is deceitful. If you look at this logically, you are being deceitful from the start: Advertisements. Then comes the phone call from people inquiring about the ad, and when they ask what the name of the company is and what type of work it is, your not supposed to tell them, just get them to the "briefing" and let that do all of your talking. I am ashamed to tell people that I was ever involved with Equinox, and it was scary for me to see the way these people think and act. And I don't mean scary because "it was different for me, and I've been brought up to see things another way"(as would be the response to me from an Equinox rep)...It's scary to see that money and people really can control and change a person. I saw that first hand with Equinox. I began to understand the concept of a cult, and how easy it can be to influence people
Hello , I am just comming out of the amway scam , what would you say helped you best get over it ?
Hi, thought I'd share my story. I should have known better when the ad I was calling about never said what they were about, I needed an appointment. When I walked in and saw their logo, I realized it was the first time I should have turned around and walked out. But I stayed to find out a little more. Call me a sucker for punishment! After their long picth and videos and the brief moment they took for the people to leave that were completely not interested(my second chance to leave, but I had questions to ask) we were told about the $300 seminar coming up in 3 days. "Education costs money" they said, but of course they tended to put college down that you couldn't get anywhere hardly with a college education.
When some people went to view a trainig video I stayed behind to talk to someone I knew and to ask some questions. When I was asked if I could attend the seminar I said I couldn't. They pressed me so hard to as why I couldn't go. I had told them I had prior engagements. Still they wanted to know of what was so important to me that I couldn't go, and could I change my plans to another time, and if they offered me 10 grand would I still go. No! Like thay would pay me 10 grand anyways. This was when I started getting a little bit more irritated. I was asked to watch the training video with 3 other people(a video on how important the training is!). When it was done we were asked again who would go. An older man in a suit said he would if he could find means for his children(he was divorced) He was asked if they offered him 25 grand would he go, and that a person should not let their children hold him back. Another nerve was struck in me. When we went to leave I was told to sit down, and he closed the door behind everyone. I was left in a room to be badgered and that what ever I did in life was not important compared to Equinox. When I referred to the people that left the first time he said "F*** them" I could go on and on, but I wasted 3 hours of my life there(it was supposed to be one) and don't want to waste anymore of yours. I now know about these people and will try to save anyone from going through what I did.
Thanks for listening,
This page updated Nov-30-99