To warn my relative about starting MLM

[Dandelion1980]

I've name changed so I can't be linked to my previous posts....

A relative of mine has announced on social media today that she's excited to soon be selling products by a company (I won't say which one).

A quick google shows that is an MLM. I've recently read the Elle Beau blog and feel quite strongly that I don't wish to support any MLM companies, so I don't intend to attend any product parties or buy any products.

AIBU to warn my relative before she gets fully involved and potentially loses lots of money?

Part of me feels like it's a nice thing to do (I.e warning her about the pitfalls and giving advice about keeping track of how much she's investing in the business etc.), and possibly sending her a link to the blog.

...However the other part of me feels like I'm raining on her parade when this is obviously something she's excited about, and I can just refuse to buy any products without giving the real reason why.

Email her privately, please don't play it out on FB.

Give her links to people who have actually lost money.

You can try (and I certainly would) to warn her but these companies almost ‘brainwash’ their recruits into believing anyone who criticises is a “moodhoover” and “negative” who will only attract negativity to their own lives and so that is all they want for others. I have an old school friend who does Younique and my old bosses daughter has done Younique and JP (but never mentions them now). Sadly, many people don’t see them for what they are until they’ve lost all their money/friends.

I tried to politely and privately warn a friend about an MLM she was getting involved with, I got quite a rude reply and we haven’t seen each other since. A mutual friend also told me she’s now avoiding her because she doesn’t like every conversation turning into a sales pitch.
You can try and warn her but don’t expect it to do too much good.

It’s great that you want to help them, I hope that the brainwashing hasn’t gone too far.

This is a really helpful post:
botwatch.blog/2016/06/17/how-to-help-someone-in-an-mlm/

Good luck!

You could try emailing her anonymously? That would save any potential fallout.

Definitely warn. Make it clear you aren’t judging her. Send some links and leave her to read them. The Wikipedia entry on MLM should be enough to make anyone think, for starters.

I think we all have a responsibility to do this. I’ve upset a few friends speaking up on this, but in the long run they’ve all realised I had their best interests at heart (unlike those who recruited them)

I also found sending income disclosure statements showing how few distributors earn anything at all let alone a living wage was a good factual back up for my arguments.