It is incorrect to state that you have to pay for stock up front. You do not. There are a number of ways you can order products, and whilst some choose to stock products (in my experience this tends to be salons etc rather than direct sellers) you don't have to. I certainly do not stiock products - when a customer wants to place an order I give them the link to my shop and the order is placed direct by the customer. He pays Forever direct for his order and it is delivered to his door. Neither the money not the product comes through me. My commission is paid to me by Forever direct into my bank account.
Every product comes with a 60 day money back guarantee so if the customer finds the products have not helped them in the way they hope then they get 100% of their money back. There is no risk to the customer in that respect, and this is a guarantee few companies will be brave enough to stand by.
The party plan, as it has been described, is entirely optional. It makes sense to do a product launch when you start out to show your friends/family etc what you are doing and the range of products you sell. However, I make it a point not to try to sell to friends and family - they know what I am selling and come to me for their orders. My main business is from bridal fairs, exhibiting in gyms, salons etc.
It is absolutely not pyramid selling (that is illegal in this country). this is multi-level marketing. Pyramid selling came from the bad old days when the workers at the bottom handed a joining fee up the chain - usually with no product to sell on - so chap at top got rich. In this case, the product is sold, commission is paid by the company and yes, you are rewarded for introducing new team members but you are not paid by that team member, you are paid by Forever. Huge difference.
Its not for everyone, and its absolutely true to say you get out what you put in. Many, many members of my team are now earning upwards of £5,000 per month, and qualify for car plan, travel incentives etc. Most started out earning a few hundred per month part time and have given up their full time or "main" job to concentrate on a career with Forever. The rewards are there for those who want to work for them, but it is work and anyone who tries to make out you can join and earn squillions by doing nothing is not giving the true picture.