MLM dilemma- aka I don’t want to buy your overpriced crap

[MobMoll]

Aargh what to do! I really dislike MLM companies. I think they are really unethical and take advantage of people ( especially women). I’m a member of a group and have been invited to quite a few MLM parties that I’ve politely turned down. A girl a really like in the group has just joined an MLM company underneath another very nice girl in the group. She has now not only invited me to her “launch party “ but sent me a very long message of how she really wants me to come. She’s not a CF nor a hun but I can’t even go and just buy something as a token gesture since a) the items are quite expensive b) I don’t use the items in question c) I don’t like them. I’m worried no one will show up for her party and would like to support her but I don’t want to buy this crap!!

As PP said it may be good if no one turns up so she gets out of it sharpish. If I’m ever invited to these things I tend to make clear how I feel about MLM , but that approach is not for everyone

are usborne books an mlm?
I get confused what is and what isn’t.
So are pampered chef, virgin vie and tropics mlm or something different ?

PeterRabbit that image opens in a minuscule window on my screen, any chance you could transcribe it if it's yours, or link to it if it's from elsewhere online?

Looks like a solid gold rant

Someone I know now sells Tropic. Straight out of the handbook has just posted that since the beginning of the year she has earned enough to take the whole family on an exotic holiday, with obligatory mention of how happy she is to work from home and be able to give her kids such experiences.

I'm all for supporting local people and businesses.

I've bought several things over the past couple of years - crafty things, cards, pretty costume jewellery pendants, baby clothes and blankets.

But from individuals with actual businesses, who've had an idea and set up the business and sell nice things. Not mlms.

I wouldn't say you'd love to but you can't because xyz. I'd be polite but honest - 'Hi, I'm afraid I don't really agree with the concept of MLM type companies because I know people who have lost a lot of money in them. So I won't come thank you but I do hope you do well' or something better written with more care.

I think Usborne are more of a 'soft' MLM - because you can actually make money without recruiting AND they actually have decent, reasonably priced products. I'd put Avon in the same category.

I’m worried no one will show up for her party and would like to support her

Nice people get suckered into parting with their money to support their friends.

Tbh I wouldn't weep any tears if nobody did turn up to her party. These things are mostly a load of crap that people only buy because they feel pressured into it.

I would just go for the wine and snacks. I've done this a few times over the years. You'd be doing the other party guests a favour. All it takes is one person to not buy anything (you) and the sighs of relief will be deafening and they will follow suit.

And bonus, you will not be invited again

Sorry I disappeared- I live in the US and went to bed lol! Thanks to everyone for some good ideas and confirming what I was thinking. I also have a tendency to support local businesses and maybe was getting into that mindset. And yes she probably sent the same message to a million people and yes it’s emotional blackmail. I sometimes find that as a Brit living in the US people don’t understand when I’m being polite that I still mean “no”. I think I will thank her for the invite and wish her luck but state I simply have no use for the products. Then moving forward when I get invited to these things say that I’m sorry but I won’t support MLM companies. I think they are so obsolete, the only one that sells anything unique or proprietary is Jamberry ( and I don’t like them either). Honestly, I can either trot down the shops and buy some make up to take home there and then or buy online (with free shipping) while wearing pajamas and drinking a glass of wine. Why would I want to sit around in a circle listening to someone waffling on about some products, pay a ton for them, pay for shipping then wait for them to arrive???