Just as a job, you may not find the PERFECT job, I don't see u bombarding the Ted Turners and other CEOs? How is it that there's no websites FOCUSING on how obscenely Michael Dell / Bill Gates/ Warren Buffet are earning from their books and other information materials?
If Amway or other corporation leaders share their experiences and people all over the world are willing to pay for the information to get ahead, why not? In Kuala Lumpur many fork out RM3,000+ to attend courses by Stephen Covey, Robert Kiyosaki, etc. If Bill Gates gives a seminar on how to survive until the next millenium and charges RM5k for it, there will be people who attend. Perhaps you shld FOCUS on artistes like Michael Jackson and have hate-websites, after all he earns tonnes from this cassettes, CDs, etc. but makes us poorer.
These m/billionaires took risks when everyone else is complaining or enjoying the carrots from the govt. YOU MIGHT AS WELL BE A COMMUNIST. Migrate to China, man. Those suckers who spend their 24 hour resources criticising those who work hard and gratify later, who enjoys pity-parties, whines "Gimme, gimme, gimme,..."
Get real. No one owes you a living. Life is free, but never fair. Oh, but your 24 hours is given to you fairly everyday. What have you to show for it, sour grape?
I really hope to get a response on the above company USANA. I have looked all through your web site but found nothing. Maybe this means this is one of the very few that might be OK??? I doubt it, because I have been involved now for 6 months, and those thousands of dollars I was surpose to make has yet to come to me. Apparently their products are promoted by American Physicians. Is this true? How can I check out what they say about their products is true. Maybe, if you don't have time to respond could you please send me a web site that I might be able to check this company out.
Hope to hear from you soon
Re: Melaleuca
I'm sorry if you thought I was trying to pitch Melaleuca. That was not my honest intention. I have been doing alot of research on these companies and Melaleuca is the only one that I could find that didn't seem exactly like the rest. I have contacted the BBB and they have nothing bad to report on this company.(Unlike all the rest)!
If you have disparaging information on this company would you please send it to me or tell me where I can get it from. Again, I honestly wasn't trying to pitch this. I am a disabled mother of two teens and was only trying to make an honest living as i can't work outside of my home.
Isn't it true that Melaleuca has the only scientific patent vitamins in the world. I need to know if this is indeed true or just a lot of hype????
Re: Primerica
I read an e-mail regarding Primerica and the site that he/she is building to hear from other former or current Primerica Reps. I tried to go on the site
http://www.bc1.com/users/sjr/pfsenquiry.html , but it required a password. Is there anyway you could get me in touch with him/her. Feel free to give my e-mail out so that he/she could contact me.
I am seriously thinking about joining PFS and have to make a decision soon. If you have any "Facts" about the organization or know of someone who does, please inform me.
Thank you in advance,
Re: Amway
Dear Disappointed, Your story is kind of sad but less believable at all. If you know anything about Amway, then you also know that there are many different organizations within this United States family run business. And must also know that the products are worth their weight in gold. I am confused how an American can put down American business. For you to play judge and jury is not being fair to everyone else out there who is successful in their Amway businesses. I feel you should be writing about the ORG you were in and not the company as a whole. Each different organization does things differently and some are more successful then others. I have met so many successful people involved in this particular that it is very hard to digest your unsuccessfulness but I can understand why. So, please be a little kinder to the Amway name and use the name of the ORG that you were involved with. It is unfair to the Amway company and the the families that started it 40 years ago, to be singling them out and writing about them and not any other MLM's out there. You could probably get some real good stories from many other bankrupted MLM companies from their ex-distributors. Amway has been in business for 40 years and is growing. There is no other MLM that can match that track record. Sincerely yours,
Re: Winner's Circle
Thanks for posting all the Lawsuits & other related shut downs of MLM companies on the Websites. I really find it interesting & helpful.
Would it be mutual for me to ask how one go above getting enough interests in start a Class Action against the Winners(or Losers) Circle of Orlando, FL. via the Email communication.
Are there resources to seek out in getting to the minimum of 60 people to join the Class against them. I know only a hand full in the NW region.
If time is permissible, please reply to this matter.
Thanks,
Almost one year ago, my fiancee and I became distributors in Amway; we were excited but I was slightly skeptical. We spent money we did not have in order to buy the products, tools and attend Dream Weekend. We spent what we did not have to spend; I am a full time college student and he is a truck driver. A few months into it, we just decided we did not have the time nor the money to invest in the "business" so we took a break, but our sponsor keeps bringing us Tape of the Week and Book of the Month. I feel very pressured by our sponsor to become involved. I have spent quite some time on the Internet recently and find other web sites to be more appealing than and more economical than the Quixtar web site. Although they advertise tremendous savings and discounts, most of the time, I can purchase the same item in another store/web site for less. I think it is absurd they make such outrageous claims. I am glad I stumbled upon your web site and you provided me with much information; I plan on sharing it with my fiancee and hope to be out of this mess before the year 2000. Thank you for your time and effort put into making such a site.
Hello, I've just finished reading your MLM Survivors Homepage and once again I feel very thankful that the illusions of Amway are put out for all to see. I also feel very anxious, disheartened and worried because someone I love very much is in this business and has been for about a year. I try not to counter his illusions of wealth and 'retirement in 2 years' with any of my 'negative' information that I investigated at Probrants site as well as a host of others. I just try not to talk about it as I don't want to drive him away. He's doing this because he wants to retire his parents. I don't want to be the one to take his dream from him.
Do you know of any sites or info on the best way for loved ones to approach and fight the fantasys and illusions that the amway cult builds?
Thanks for having your site here. I'm sure you will help many people who take the time to investigate. Re: Amway
Painting all directs, emeralds and diamonds as unscrupulous is, by any reasonable test, excessive; and at least to me, an indication that there is something you haven't come to terms with personelly. I know many directs, emeralds and diamonds who are guided by the highest morals and ethics, and have helped thousands of people. Are they saints, probably not, but to say they are the sorriest group of people you've ever met is a little ridiculous - but everyone is entitled to an opinion. I won't bother you with any further emails or responses, since I can see that your opinion of anyone who develops any success in AMWAY or QUIXTAR is a loser, a cheat and a liar. You know, the attitude that an entire class of people is substandard is usually attributed to racists. I am sure you would never want to be classified as such, so at some point, you may want to reconsider your all encompassing view.
Find something to be happy about, and someone to be happy for - it makes the day go smoother.
Paul
Re: MLM
My jury is still out. I have made 10K a month ( 3 months) (1991) been garage qualified, while in NSA, 65K in garage.
I believe in the concept. It's just that it also attracts the sharks, like any other business. I have tried direct sales.
still in in, but people are people and a mirror of our society. All people love power and want to control. Even you. If you don't like what I have to say, you will not post it, because you are in control. Mlm's sell the future, so people can borrow from it to do what it takes to be successful. WORK. It doesn't maatter what you or I may think or say. Our reality is our own reality and nobody elses. This country started out with people being their own boss, presently, in my opinion, people are to lazy to do any real work. They would rather work ;dollars for hours. God forbid they take a chance on themselves. You have had experience as I have. I still believe MLM works; it's perefect until you add people
Hi, I sure enjoy reading the new posts each time you put up a new batch. The only thing that bothers me is that so many people think that even though their experience in Amway was terrible, it was just one bunch of distributors who were bad. People need to understand that the MLM model is an inherently exploitive, dishonest, unbusinesslike system, and will either go out of business right away or create a major, exploitive cult of self-sacrifice.
That was as true of Rich De Vos and Jay Van Andel in their pre-Amway Nutrilite days as it is of Quixtar today. No MLM anywhere can build a solid business ever, without a lot of smoke and mirrors. A few direct-sales companies can be honest (Avon comes to mind), but all companies with an unlimited-recruitment scheme cannot by their nature. The proof of this can be seen clearly in the statements by Amway-Supporters, who resort to such dreadful, factless drivel memorized from their indoctrination tapes.
So, to anyone trying to recover emotionally from drug-like intoxication with Amway, please don't get on board a worse scheme. Even joining a fanatical religion as an Amway substitute would be better than joining another MLM that is supposed to be "better than Amway."
believe in MLM. Unfortunately, I can't say I have made any real money in it. I have made money but spent more. The concept is great, but when you add people it screws up everything. OJ is not guilty and the president didn't do anything wrong. Common sence seems not to be common. I don't have any real answers. I do know (believe) people don't work to their fullest. LAZY? Don't know. I'e been retired since 92. Retired at 43 YOA years of age. STATE COP. Every body is a critic. Why ask WHY.
Re: Quixtar, Excel
Hi, I was really interested to find so many negative things about AMWAY. I was also planning to join some of their meetings. One of my friend is actually trying to start up his own Quixtar company, or as some people call it "AMWAY.COM." I was just wondering if you have ever heard of EXCEL COMMUNICATIONS? Maybe you can tell me you honest oppinion about this company. I've done reasearch myself and I haven't found any negative things about EXCEL. Please read about the CEO of the company. Do a search on him. His name is KENNY TROUTT. You may also want to check out the website of Excel <A HREF="http://www.excel.com"> http://www.excel.com</A>. You never know this may be the solution you have been searching for. Please look into it and e-mail me as soon as you can. Thanx and I hope to hear from you soon.
Re: Equinox
Hi,
I had a very bad experience with a former Equinox IMD. To sum it up, he was a foreigner and married me for a green card to be able to do Equinox. Once he got himself to IMD status and had secured his green card, he divorced me and screwed me in the divorce. I have been trying to locate him for over two years to get some retribution, but because of his sheep-raping, deceitful personality, I have been unable to locate him. Can you help?
Thanks
Re: Cognigen
I truly enjoy reading your web site. Thank You for another perspective. Do you have any info on Cognigen - long distance and telecommunication services, MLM?? Any lawsuites, comments, experiences?? Thanks
I'm sorry that your experience was less than gratifying in Amway. The Diamonds in this business most definately DO NOT make their money by selling books and tapes. [Bwahahahahaha! Tell that to the diamonds who've been involved in lawsuits and admitted in court documents that the majority of their income is from the "system." Better yet, take the 90+% of my former upline diamond's system income away, and see how long it takes him to go bankrupt. . .] Not only is a lot of your information less than accurate that you are passing on to thousands of people who don't know any better, but why would you want to be involved in such a negative deal? You started a website to promote negative? No wonder you're not feeling so well.
I too have been involved in Amway for 3 years now. I have attended all major functions, Seminar and Rallys, and am on SOT and Book of the Month. I am not a Diamond yet, but will be some day. I really wouldn't care if I never made a dime in this business because of all that I have learned from other successful people at meetings, on tape and especially from the books.
It's sad that so many people don't have anything better to do that dwell on the negative and wallow in their sorrows. I'm sorry for you, and hope you can soon move on to something more useful and positive in your life.
Part II
You don't need to answer me back unless you want to. I'm really sorry that you had such a bad experience in Amway, and I have really been thinking about what you said about the Diamond that you worked for making money on the tapes, etc. I wish that you could find a more productive way to vent your anger or feel better about your experience. Maybe a personal call to Dick Devos or Steve Van Andel at Amway headquarters would clear the air for you. I'm sure that they would be sympathetic to what your experiences were. [Again, read the lawsuits. Amway Corp. has a long history of completely ignoring distributor complaints when dealing with upline wrongdoing.]
It's unfortunate that the "naysayers" to Amway/Quixtar like to call it a Cult, Pyramid, etc. I don't see how it could be a Cult since anything I choose to do in my business is exactly that, my choice. I don't see the similarity with this business and the people who died by drinking cyanide koolaid with Jim Jones. Any "brainwashing" by tapes, books, or functions is towards a positive note on how we can all improve our lives, ourselves and our relationships. The knowledge that I've gained from this business helps me in all areas of my life including my marraige, relationship with my kids, and relationships with other people I meet. I know that the best thing about this business is that anyone can do it, and at the same time the worst thing about this business is that anyone can do it. Even the Diamonds in this business are still just people with all of their flaws and imperfections. People at the Diamond level still get divorces and have other problems, although not maybe at the same rate as the general public. ' I have yet to see another opportunity as good as this one. A business that doesn't take a certain degree to do, doesn't only accept certain types of people, and doesn't require a huge money outlay. Of course that's not to say that it's easy or will happen overnight, which is what you found out. There is nothing wrong with someone not succeeding in Amway. In Robert Kiasaki's book, "Rich Dad, Poor Dad", he explains that he failed at three business before having a successful business. He said we all need to give ourselves the room to fail before we can succeed at anything. (He is not in Amway, or in any way affiliated with the Amway Corporation.)
I think you sound like a nice person, and I know you will go on to have great success. Moving on to more positive areas than this website may help you feel a whole lot better.
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Re: Quixtar
Hello I direct a summer camp for children in California. I love my job and through this wonderful employment experience have developed a close, respectful relationship with a number of parents of our "lifer" campers.
This afternoon one of my favorite parents called me. He said he was looking for "bright young people" etc and launched into a full scale recruitment for Quixtar. This is a man who told me he just left his successful law practice to devote his time full time to developing his Quixtar "business". At the end of 45 minutes on the phone I was intrigued - excited, but also intelligent enough to do a little research.
I'll tell you...I love the internet. In a few mouse clicks I found your wonderful site. I'm still patting myself on the back for being educated enough to do a little research. I even called my mom and thanked her for raising a smart son. My problem is that I really like this particular father (raising 4 young kids by the way) and am worried he is GONE into the craziness of it all.
I plan on excusing myself from a scheduled lunch with him tomorrow - then putting together a packet of "save yourself" info as respectfully as I can and dropping it by his house this weekend. Any suggestions? Books, contact persons (especially with Quixtar) etc.? I would appreciate any help you could give above and beyond all the hard work you have already done on your site (and please know I respect the fact you have a job and life as well!!)
Thank you - for myself and many others you undoubtedly have given a needed dose of sobriety and clearheadedness to (although it sure seems you paid the price for it!)
Re: choice
Number 4
A "friend" decided to help me gain financial independence by signing up to Quixtar. At first I was hesitant and asked if this is like Amway or something like that. I always stay away form those people because I don't want to be part of a scam. Anyway, I checked out Quixtar and I wondered why I couldn't get through. Other sites takes only a few seconds to do your shopping. Still this friend continued to e-mail me about this exciting venture and even made me think that I wasn't doing enough to make my life more exciting. Which by the way is more exciting than ever before.
Luckily, I found this MLM Survivor site and boy did I laugh out loud. I cannot believe that this friend who is vey intelligent and smart is involve in this "business". Listening to him is like listening to a prophet. I guess my cynical mind helped a lot. I cannot believe that I spent hours trying to enter the site. I was even advised to switch to a different server to make my connection faster. What a baloney!!!!
Re: Excel
What, if anything, have you heard about Excel, an MLM that sells long-distance service? Thanks,
Have you ever read John Kalench's Being the best you can be in MLM?
I think most people believe in 40 year plan. Work for a company for 40 years and you get the golden hand shake. Or you could work for a government agency and give the duck a workout and still get paid. In my opinion only 3% ever make it at anything anyway. Most people will never give anything more than a cursory try until someone says it won't or caaan't happen. I do agree with you that many people make money from tapes etc.
But the plan is out.
AFTER READING YOUR STORY, I TRULY FEEL BAD FOR YOU THAT YOUR BITTERNESS HAS CLOUDED THE SUCCESS YOU COULD HAVE HAD IF YOU UNDERSTOOD THE MEANING OF A SYSTEM THAT IS DESIGNED TO SERVE PEOPLE UNTIL THEY BECOME PROFITABLE. MY WIFE & I HAVE BUILT AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS BASED ON INTEGRITY. AMWAY NOR QUIXTAR WILL EVER HELP ME BUILD OUR BUSINESS. OUR PEOPLE KNOW UP FRONT THAT BUILDING THE PERSON IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN BUILDING THE BUSINESS. FUNCTIONS BOOKS TAPES AN ASSOCIATION ARE PART OF THE PEOPLE AND BUSINESS SCHOOLING. WHY SHOULDN'T THE DIAMONDS OR ANY OTHER SUCCESSFUL PIN SHARE IN THE ROYALTIES AFTER YEARS OF HARD WORK. YOU ONLY ACHIEVE THOSE LEVELS AFTER YEARS OF INVESTING IN OTHERS. NO ONE IS PROFITABLE IN THIS BUSINESS WITHOUT A HUGE EFFORT AND A LOT OF SWEAT . WE HAVE A GREAT ORGANIZATION AROUND THE WORLD THAT HAS BEEN BUILT ON HARD WORK INTEGRITY AND RELATIONSHIPS. THIS BUSINESS IS NOT FIRST IN MY LIFE IT NEVER HAS BEEN. MY GOD MY FAMILY AND MY COUNTRY TAKE PRIORITY.
AS AN ORDAINED DEACON IN THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, I HAVE APPROACHED THIS BUSINESS AS A MINISTRY. TO SERVE OTHERS AND WASH A LOT OF FEET. I HAVE NEVER DRAGGED OR PUSHED ANYONE INTO THIS BUSINESS OR AROUND THIS BUSINESS. WE TITHE 10% OF OUR INCOME FROM THIS BUSINESS TO THE LEAST FORTUNATE IN OUR COMMUNITY. THIS BUSINESS HAS SET US FINANCIALLY FREE AND WE ARE DEDICATED TO HELP OTHERS WITH OUR INCOME WHO ARE IN NEED. I UNDERSTAND PERFECTLY THAT U-HAULS DO NOT FOLLOW YOUR HEARSE TO THE CEMETERY. MY PRAYER FOR YOU IS THAT BITTERNESS AND HURT WILL NOT RULE YOUR LIFE. LIVING IN THE PAST IS A KILLER TO YOUR SPIRIT. FORGIVE MOVE ON AND USE THE TALENTS THAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU FOR OTHERS. YOU WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS EVERY DAY. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS
Re: Beauticontrol
Is BeautiControl Going out of business?
Since I am unsure where to start, the beginning is always a good place. I answered an Equinox ad 4 1/2 yrs ago. I was "slammed" for the typical $5 grand and to go to a training just to have a majority of my products stolen from my locker entitled to me because I was paying the $500 desk rent. I was an upline's wet dream. I was going to go for it because I loved the feeling of uphoria Equinox created. I was screwed by my upline, and his upline. If anything bad could happen to someone in MLM, it happened to me. But, what I got out of the experience I was payed back tenfold. I met some of my best friends in Equinox. I am able to have a stronger, healthier relationship with my parents and sister. I was introduced to an alternative world that I may never have found. I am making concious efforts to be a healtier person. I have explored alternative methods of treatments, such as acupuncture, for ailments. My current job as a Financial Consultant I attribute to the mindset "learned" in Equinox. Even though I am only a product user now, I would happily introduce someone to the Equinox trainings. I know the personal growth I have achieved by having Equinox in my life. It was and is, a catalyst for learning about life. I would not recommend someone quitting their job, but to do this part time until you have physical results. I could have chosen to be very bitter with Equinox, I dumped in thousands and thousands of dollars(upper double digits) only to get back maybe 3 thousand. But why? If I lose my dreams, I lose me. And if nothing else, Equinox expanded my dream space.
I could only hope people could share in my experience. The great came with the terrible, but I am a much better person because of my experience. Thank you for listening. ____________________________________________________________
Re: Amway, Excel
I stumbled across your website by accident, however, I feel for everyone that has ever gotten involved in Amway... been there, done that, just to help my brother.... fortunately for me, I did not get as involved as many do and spent only what it cost to get my kit.... However, this is my question... I have heard of an MLM company called Excel Communications.... and was wondering if you know anything about it.... I have heard very good things about it, and I didn't see anything posted on your website, so I was curious if you knew anthing about it. I would appreciate anything you could tell me as far as good or bad or just comments.
ThanksRe: Amway
I have just put up a page at http://www.geocities.com/eureka/account/8335. I know from reading your story that you feel my pain. My husband is still addicted and cannot be trusted with money, but I managed to get enough of the assets under my control that we won't starve or go without shelter. If you feel my poor first attempt at making an anti-Amway site is worth adding to your links, please do so. God Bless you.
This page updated Jan-21-00