What does everyone think about MLMs.. I know some are cringe, but others it seems are fine?

MLMs can be a good way to make extra income but it takes TIME to build the business, and most people fail at building a business (traditional or MLM) in their first year because it’s really hard. And if you aren’t entrepreneur mindset, owning a business will never work for you. Most of these MLM companies are saturated markets, so it’s really difficult to gain customers or build “teams” and get to the “top”. Some people do really great with it. And it all depends on the person who recruits you and coaches you because some coaches / mentors are really shitty. But some are amazing and teach you more than just how to run your own business, but help you with difficult life problems. It’s always nice to have a mentor on your side. The problem is, so many people jump into these businesses with dollar signs in their eyes because they hear the success “stories” from the top leaders and they make it sound so easy, but just like a traditional business it has its challenges. Success really does ultimately depend on you. If you are going to join one, I’d join a new MLM that is not a saturated market, that offers essential goods that people will always need. And do your homework on the leaders trying to recruit you cause you could fall victim of leader abuse. Actually, in my opinion, not much different than having a bad supervisor at a traditional job, the difference is you do have the ability to make more than those who are above you in the “pyramid”. Unlike traditional business, you can’t unless you get promoted above your supervisor. Also, some businesses that operate on the MLM business frame also offer other ways to make money, not just recruiting people to be a part of your team. You could simply just build your store and grow your customer base and never build a team under you. I’ve been in a few here and there, I’m still in one, but I don’t recruit, I only sell the products from my online store, I don’t have time to mentor people. I enjoy just having my online store. I’m considering finding one that is not saturated though because the one I’m in is so old and already has sooooo many IBOs and customers.
Good luck! Do your homework.

I would encourage anyone who is considering joining an MLM to listen to The Dream which is a Podcast. I've had friends and family fall victim to MLMs in the past and that podcast perfectly talks about how MLMs can destroy your financial security, your friendships and your family.

They are quite literally all cringe.

If you can inspire other people to work on your behalf, you’d be better off starting your own business or seeking a leadership role at an established company than joining an MLM group.

They only work if you're comfortable scamming and hurting other people. Someone always has to lose money or be at the bottom of the scheme, and since they aren't sustainable that means someone or someone will lose a lot. If that sits well with you, go ahead and see if you can achieve in an MLM.

It’s unfortunate that people automatically cringe when they hear MLM because we automatically think “pyramid scheme”. Be open to learning more and educate yourselves on the difference. Pyramid schemes don’t even sell a product. People automatically think you need to build a team to make money or invest a lot of your own money. If that is how you think then the corporate world is one big pyramid scheme. There is always someone at the top that you can’t “pass” or be more successful then.

MLM’s you are selling a product directly through whatever platform you want to use.
Research the business model the MLM is using. The one I’m a part of you can make a commission by selling products or you have the ability to help train others to be successful or even more successful then you. No inventory purchases needed. All products sold go directly to the consumer. You can hit the ground running or sell at you leisure. You make your own path of how you want your business to run. Having extra streams of income is smart. The extra $250 - $500 i make a month is nice to have for whatever I want.

My suggestion is to do your research and ask questions. Then decide if the MLM is a right fit for you. Hope that helps!

I have had a great experience with MLMs
One thing I learned they don’t last forever. Because your success will always depend on how successful your Downline is and not everyone is willing to work as hard you so they get demotivated and then boom your business crashes. They are not scams, unfortunately the success rate is just as the real estate success rate but no one is coming after real estate agencies for being “scams”. There can only be a Top 2% and there’s no space for everyone and that’s the reality.

I think they can be good if you really love and are passionate about the product. I love two that have organic personal care products and have never found them to be scamming me or predatory. It’s just hard to make money from the products you are trying to sell unless you really have a sales mindset. You have to put a lot of work into promoting what you are selling. Typically it’s those that got in the company early that make the most.

As you see here asking for opinions results in negativity majority of the time. Ppl scream MLMs are predatory, some are such as Verve. Big banks are predatory as well such as Wells Fargo.

Point is do you. Look at the facts of whatever you company you’re interested in. Look them on the SEC and FTC. Those are the facts. Only way you screw anybody over is being dishonest. Anybody in business capable of doing that, just look at fishbowl in general and how many ppl hate the big 4……..

Ppl scream pyramid because they go into thinking they’ll automatically make a certain amount with the work they put in. That’s a job, building any business whether MLM or traditional doesn’t work like that. You have to take time to make it work for you.

Pay attention the person approaching you, have they helped anybody make as much money as them? This is a good question for any and all businesses. Proven success.

Lastly ppl say .0001% make it to the top and they’re right most likely. Also those same people have the chances at becoming CEO/Partner of the companies they work for. Lol

Don’t come to fishbowl to find factual information, you’re probably debating if you should join one or not and probably intimidating so you’re seeking validation from anonymous tips which is an insane thought process because any wealthy individual wouldn’t do this. Idk you but you’re smart, you got what it takes to do anything. Go get the facts and not worry about opinions.

all predatory

Multilevel Models are an appropriate analysis when applied to time series data

Run 🏃‍♀️ fast 🏃‍♂️

Drug dealers have a better business sense,
If they tell you you are a independent business owner (IBO) run for the hills and don’t look back.. seriously. Unless you have an (EIN) and are a registered entity with the state and federal government you’re not a business owner you are a contractor.

It’s a good way to screw your friends and people over I have never seen so much hot air blow out of someone before in my life.

Passive income does exist just not this way you have to put in some SERIOUS work not selling candles, wellness placebos or fake fingernails. Sorry to break it too you.

You can make money with some. I used to do Mary Kay and made some decent side cash. They don't all have a bad rap.