MLM Bot Watch 21 - chat about Utah based tragicomic cultastic racketeering scamalangadingdongs like Forever Living, Ariix, Herbalife, Younique, Juiceplus etc etc etc

[Twunk]

Links etc to follow!

Welcome all to the new thread

And I almost deserve some Yazoo after all that!

Came across a company called Formula Botanica (sponsored post on FB). Apparently, (although I would need to properly investigate further) you can take some online classes, become an "entrepreneur" and then run your own skincare business. Not sure yet if it is an MLM or just distance learning but it certainly looks scammy to me. Surely you have to train for years to learn the chemistry involved in doing this? Anyone know anything about them?

I think it's going to become increasingly difficult. There are so many possibilities.

Much of the language for various organisations is the same - but that could simply be because people within one become enamoured of a turn of phrase they hear elsewhere. Equally, businesses that are just starting, rebranding or finding life tough, might be looking at other organisations operating in what appears to be a 'loose' regulatory environment and decide to Pick 'N Mix some ideas.

Personally, I'd just eschew anything that sets your spidey senses tingling but try to maintain focus on the more prominent players and the MLM regulatory system itself. That's just a personal view, however.

Looks like my gut reaction was right..... enough said methinks

www.ripoffreport.com/r/Formula-Botanica/internet/Formula-Botanica-AKA-Lorraine-Dallmeier-Formula-Botanica-Review-Buyer-Beware-Internet-1233378

Moving on.......

If their lawyers have managed to draft a sufficiently tight IBO agreement, many organisations seem to have been attending 'How-To-Make-Money-And-Still-Absolve-Your-Company-Of-Liabilities-101'.

You can't stint on the lawyer's fees when you're running an MLM

Thanks for that link to the skeptoids website Twunk. Love that site.

For anyone wanting some more blog links:
top50mlmblogs.com/

And some more proof that UAE is currently a hot target market:

www.edmarker.com/
www.movefree.com/
royalebusinessclub.com/

Apparently with the last link (see pic) there is no qouta.

The woo involved in a good percentage of the MLMs (as exemplified by the FL "training" video) pisses me off as much as the dodgy business model. It's bunkum, wampum, bullshit, pseudoscience, and just wankery.

But I don't blame the lady in the video. She believes this shit because as a society it's condoned, even encouraged. But it shows how companies like Forever, kangen, juice plus and Herbalife can get away with it. They exploit scientific ignorance and sell snake oil to a hungry populace.

And don't get me started on "your". Although strangely enough; the lack of grammar and spelling remind me of something........

C.A.M

Right dudes and dudettes, its been great. But its time for me to step back from these threads now. I wish you all the very best in continuing the fight, as I intend to do away from here. take care x melaw21

They also exploit desperate families trying anything for a miracle for their child/parent/loved ones. When you have a child that's near to death (and I've been there) you will try anything. I'm so glad no-one tried to target me at that time. I'd like to say I'd have been as cynical as I am now but who knows.

And you forgot tragicomic. I'd hashtag "miss_eyes" but I can't find the fucking hashtag on this Arabic keyboard.

We will miss you melaw but I understand. May the force be with you. May we be the wind beneath your wings. You are my first, my last, my everything

I am completely ignorant about what an Arabic keyboard might look like

Take care, Melaw.

It looks like a UK keyboard but I've changed the settings so I can get the £ sign (in Arabic settings it's the hashtag) but it means I have no idea where the hashtag has gone to!

And Melaw; I know I'm more of a lurker than a poster (although recent events may change that) but will miss you. Especially your t battles (you won every time).

C.A.M

Missed two **

I'll miss you on the thread Melaw
Might do some actual work myself for a bit!

Camels I've just been looking at your links - well the first doesn't seem to work on my phone.

I think the regulatory regime is somewhat less robust in other countries (including the US!)

I also feel that countries and groups with a strong emphasis on family and community ties are ripe for MLM pickings, for reasons that seem obvious when you look at how MLMs focus on recruitment and "team building".

Also in the "expat" communities there are a lot of "trailing spouses" who want something to do. I've seen it in NL as well.

MLM related- who would pay £80+ for a "mop"? Serious question.
I've been sucked into signing up for a company that sounded great and then I realised that most people aren't willing to pay ridiculous prices for cleaning products. I have all the details here on how to start " the business" I have no intention and am glad I've seen sense before losing money.
The company is called Norwex.
Any thoughts?

I'm ill and spending too much a lot of time resting at the moment.

80 quid for a mop?! Is is gold plated?!

Is Miss Rabbit in MLMs as well?

Yep total MLM - complete with the "Norwex opportunity" on their website.

Strong community and kinship networks are potentially just a bit of a double edged sword though, Twunk. Lucrative if things are going well but maybe quicker to spread the word if things go badly?