Secret Fawful
Member
It's not a pyramid!
It's a trapezoid!
I was put in a similar situation this fall. I never knew Mennonites were into pyramid schemes, but man the entire night was BIZARRE.
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I got tricked into a pyramid scheme meeting...
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It's not a pyramid!
It's a trapezoid!
I was put in a similar situation this fall. I never knew Mennonites were into pyramid schemes, but man the entire night was BIZARRE.
Hur hur you are so hip and clever for slipping a religion bash into an unrelated thread. Great job, Seinfeld.
SystemShock2
Member
I remember there was a pyramid scheme I participated in when I was around 13. Basically you had to sign up for offers or recruit people.
I didn't have a credit card so I couldn't sign up for anything,but I did register an account on fileplanet or something like that under the name hotdogmcfunkmaster, and posted a thread trying to recruit people, and it got locked after a few posts.
People were pissed at me, but I had no idea why. I didn't really understand what spam or a pyramid scheme was. Only post I made on that website, and the only attempt I made to get those referrals. I didn't get too far into the pyramid...
I didn't have a credit card so I couldn't sign up for anything,but I did register an account on fileplanet or something like that under the name hotdogmcfunkmaster, and posted a thread trying to recruit people, and it got locked after a few posts.
People were pissed at me, but I had no idea why. I didn't really understand what spam or a pyramid scheme was. Only post I made on that website, and the only attempt I made to get those referrals. I didn't get too far into the pyramid...
Her brother met Sato online, and she overheard his name.
And I just finished it, it is a good show. It can try your patience, though.
Alcotholic
Banned
I used to work at a conference resort and we rented out some rooms to ACN before. Some people tried recruiting me. I wasn't down for any of it.
fizzelopeguss
Banned
That bullshit episode is fucking heartbreaking.
what episode was that ?
also, I got offered something similar about 2 months ago, but I immediately knew it was a pyramid scheme company when the girl who was trying to recruit me wouldn't give me the company's name so I could google it.
After a second insisted inquiry, she gave the name, and it was some bullshit pyramid scheme company.
once there are red flags guys, bounce.
also, I got offered something similar about 2 months ago, but I immediately knew it was a pyramid scheme company when the girl who was trying to recruit me wouldn't give me the company's name so I could google it.
After a second insisted inquiry, she gave the name, and it was some bullshit pyramid scheme company.
once there are red flags guys, bounce.
A few family members fell into these Rainbow vacuums, I don't think it's exactly pyramid scheming (since I'm talking about the consumers rather than the employees) but it's equally shady. Overpriced vacuums with constant visits from a salesman bullying (mostly) housewives into buying new cleaning supplies in bulk, otherwise they threaten that the servicing contract will be nullified or something.
Of course discounts on referrals and promised freebies is the major part that got them into this mess.
Of course discounts on referrals and promised freebies is the major part that got them into this mess.
RustyNails
Member
I feel sorry for people who fall into this MLM trap. Penn & Teller Bullshit did an episode on it and it was full of sad fucks.
undrtakr900
Member
I feel your pain, that's how my friend got me(+2 of my dormmate) to attend those pyramid scheme meetings, except it was for Pre-Paid Legal. Since he drove we were basically stuck there for the whole seminar with shills screaming "Woohoo I like making money!!" Complete with a special guest pre-paid "millionaire" who blessed us with her presence, because "[We] all can be millionaires too!"
Then after all that bullshit you learn you have to pay:
$250 ~ Initiation Fee (gee thanks, I get to pay you to work for you)
$50/mo ~ This is for pre-paid legal fees (which I found out amounts to a written letter from the lawyer, but if you want in court representation it'll cost you)
I saw right through the bullshit, but unfortunately he convinced my dormmate into signing up, then after 2 months of paying fees he was frantically calling PrePaid Legal to cancel their services. But not before they scammed $350 dollars from him.
SniperHunter
Banned
Yea one of my dads friend took me to a local Primerica hq this summer. I heard the same shit about docs and lawyers quitting their jobs to join Primerica. I gave them my cell number and they have called me about 4 times since then...so desperate and pathetic
I also went to World Financial Group and it is the same shit. I love how they keep calling you over and over. The girl i spoke to made it sound like a cult. So much emphasis on the team and happiness....taking team trips to exotic locations...unlimited income. Best part was when she said she had 20k in her account lol
Yep, this is where the people at the top get their money. I watched a documentary (or read a book) about it where a former "top guy" divulged all the secrets. Selling the products were just a smokescreen - all the big money came from arranging conferences and raking in the ticket prices.
Something very similar happened to me in March: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=525687. I didn't go to the actual meeting though, since I managed to discover who they were in advance.
These guys basically move from town to town, using a different name each time and posting unassuming job offers on recruitment websites.
These guys basically move from town to town, using a different name each time and posting unassuming job offers on recruitment websites.
cartoon_soldier
Member
Get rich quick with little work is the recruitment selling pitch
There was a very appropriate scene in that episode, but it seems I can't find a screenshot. In that scene, they are riding the train back home with bags full of merchandise they were tricked into buying.
whatsinaname
Member
I hate these fucking companies so much, and not just for the few times I had to deal with their pushy 'consultants'. They prey on ignorance. There are assholes who go in with their eyes open and know what they are doing (i.e., going in prepared to scam other people), but it is so depressing to see such nice people in bad situations fall for this stuff.
They prey on hope. For a lot of people in a bad situation (emotional or financial), a cunning salesman can sell hope very easily. When you feel like you have nowhere to turn to, you want to believe in these "opportunities".
They prey on hope. For a lot of people in a bad situation (emotional or financial), a cunning salesman can sell hope very easily. When you feel like you have nowhere to turn to, you want to believe in these "opportunities".
Anytime someone says Pyramid Scheme my first thought is Welcome to the NHK. In fact, I wouldn't know what a Pyramid scheme if I didn't watch that anime.
Erm, back on topic, I remember someone tried to convince me to go to a pyramid scheme meeting. Herbalife I think. Was waiting a taxi and suddenly a girl started talking to me about meet other people, if I went there I would make a lot of money. Short story, I said no, she insisted, I said no again and went to another place for wait a taxi.
crazy monkey
Banned
I went in to those meeting when i was in grade 12. I kept asking what do it do to make money and they would not explain properly. I left the meeting half way through and went home by public transport.
you can go home by public transport.
you can go home by public transport.
RustyNails
Member
I was shopping for groceries one day in a local market, when suddenly an Indian dude approaches me and tells me he is looking for "self starters", dynamic or some other adjective for a business opportunity. His wife also comes and they have a chat with me there and he exchanged numbers with me. I gave him my number because I really wanted a job, despite knowing a little bit about MLM. I thought this would be different. He called me persistently over the next week and I didnt pick up the phone because I went home and did more research.
Alcotholic
Banned
Rob Wynkoop said he dropped out, because he got paid more doing that bit in the show than being a sales rep:
Rob Wynkoop quote said:
Edit: Apparently he is selling a different product now:
Rob Wynkoop quote said:
THIS right here is why the company rubbed you the wrong way. I know this quote was talking about a different company but the things people are trained to do in these things is ridicilous. Once people don't give details it becomes fishy. Unfortunately that's the training model most of these go by. Bring 'em to the meeting without telling them what it is.
NuclearSpy
Member
Interesting thread. I don't think you guys truly know what makes something a pyramid scheme.
First off, pyramids don't have a product that is sold.
Now, what the OP went to was a MLM meeting, and sure you can say that a MLM can be a pyramid scheme, but is it really?
Some MLM's are actually legitimately well received and the products are not a hard sell.
For example, what if you were offering new cell phone plans (Verizon or something) & smartphones instead of life insurance? Or what if you were offering Verizon FiOS instead of doterra oils? If I knew tons of people who were into tech, I would be selling to a personal customer base. However, I don't.
So, why would something that has legitimate sellable products be considered a pyramid scheme? What if those legitimate products actually have competitive prices against retail?
Now, what I do agree with is when MLM don't focus on product but rather to recruit. On the flipside, I think people join a MLM for all the wrong reasons, and I do think some MLM do prey on people like that. They like to show you what car they drive, and blah blah. Yeah, thats nonsense.
So, let me tell you guys my experience. I've been pitched quite a bit of MLM's, but the most honest ones are the ones where they tell you if you would be successful or not right off the bat. They ask you how many people you know BEFORE even asking you to join. They actually aren't all that concerned or pushy in getting you to join. Often they would be willing to waive the fee for you to join, too. In a MLM, usually your success depends entirely how many people you know. If you don't know anyone, you wouldn't succeed. I've asked people who have been successful in MLM's and they all have 1 thing in common. They knew AT LEAST upwards of 100+ people pretty well. Some of them knew people in the 200+ range.
I know a couple of guys who are in 5linx and they actually are pretty decent guys and don't piss anyone off with their sales pitch. They haven't lost money and are very glad to get some extra cash each month and support their gaming habits.
But anyway, thats my 2 cents. I can see how some MLM's are pretty bad, but some are actually pretty good. Can't lump them all together. *shrug*
First off, pyramids don't have a product that is sold.
Now, what the OP went to was a MLM meeting, and sure you can say that a MLM can be a pyramid scheme, but is it really?
Some MLM's are actually legitimately well received and the products are not a hard sell.
For example, what if you were offering new cell phone plans (Verizon or something) & smartphones instead of life insurance? Or what if you were offering Verizon FiOS instead of doterra oils? If I knew tons of people who were into tech, I would be selling to a personal customer base. However, I don't.
So, why would something that has legitimate sellable products be considered a pyramid scheme? What if those legitimate products actually have competitive prices against retail?
Now, what I do agree with is when MLM don't focus on product but rather to recruit. On the flipside, I think people join a MLM for all the wrong reasons, and I do think some MLM do prey on people like that. They like to show you what car they drive, and blah blah. Yeah, thats nonsense.
So, let me tell you guys my experience. I've been pitched quite a bit of MLM's, but the most honest ones are the ones where they tell you if you would be successful or not right off the bat. They ask you how many people you know BEFORE even asking you to join. They actually aren't all that concerned or pushy in getting you to join. Often they would be willing to waive the fee for you to join, too. In a MLM, usually your success depends entirely how many people you know. If you don't know anyone, you wouldn't succeed. I've asked people who have been successful in MLM's and they all have 1 thing in common. They knew AT LEAST upwards of 100+ people pretty well. Some of them knew people in the 200+ range.
I know a couple of guys who are in 5linx and they actually are pretty decent guys and don't piss anyone off with their sales pitch. They haven't lost money and are very glad to get some extra cash each month and support their gaming habits.
But anyway, thats my 2 cents. I can see how some MLM's are pretty bad, but some are actually pretty good. Can't lump them all together. *shrug*
shanshan310
Member
I don't understand. Do you need to pay money to join?
I was swindled into one of these companies as well. The interviews were okay. It was really weird to see all of these young people dressed in suits. It was like they were little kids dressed up in their parents' clothes. The secretary was kind of a bitch too. She looked like she was just typing random shit into her computer and when I asked her if she likes this job she said "Oh yeah! Some of my other friends are bartenders and waitresses. I'm so glad I'm here and not doing that!" That left a very bad impression on me. (At least bartenders and waitresses get paid more than she does.)
Once I got hired, I started looking around the building. They were actually accredited by the BBB, like they had a seal of approval and everything. I thought it couldn't be that bad. It was very new, they had just moved in there, and nearly everyone was around my age (25). I kept wondering what they actually DO, and I must've asked them this question the most when I was there, but all I got were generic answers that didn't really say anything. I looked up the place on Google and Facebook but there really wasn't much information. Their website looked like it was done by an amateur web designer at best, and their Facebook page was just pictures of them at bars in suits.
I had a strong gut feeling that I shouldn't be there and once I finally got hired and discovered how much I'd be making (minimum wage), I knew I had to get out. But it was too late. They were already driving me to this hickish town and said that we were going door-to-door offering people to lower their rates on their gas bills. It was January. Very very cold. And I wasn't told to bring any warm clothes. We were out there from 12:30pm to 8pm doing this, well after dusk. I wanted out so bad. My toes were numb. When we got back to the office, they asked me what I thought and I said that I don't think this is right for me, quickly left, and never looked back.
It's interesting how these things work but I am so glad that I realized what it was and got out before I got in too deep. I learn to trust my instincts from now on.
Once I got hired, I started looking around the building. They were actually accredited by the BBB, like they had a seal of approval and everything. I thought it couldn't be that bad. It was very new, they had just moved in there, and nearly everyone was around my age (25). I kept wondering what they actually DO, and I must've asked them this question the most when I was there, but all I got were generic answers that didn't really say anything. I looked up the place on Google and Facebook but there really wasn't much information. Their website looked like it was done by an amateur web designer at best, and their Facebook page was just pictures of them at bars in suits.
I had a strong gut feeling that I shouldn't be there and once I finally got hired and discovered how much I'd be making (minimum wage), I knew I had to get out. But it was too late. They were already driving me to this hickish town and said that we were going door-to-door offering people to lower their rates on their gas bills. It was January. Very very cold. And I wasn't told to bring any warm clothes. We were out there from 12:30pm to 8pm doing this, well after dusk. I wanted out so bad. My toes were numb. When we got back to the office, they asked me what I thought and I said that I don't think this is right for me, quickly left, and never looked back.
It's interesting how these things work but I am so glad that I realized what it was and got out before I got in too deep. I learn to trust my instincts from now on.
Pyramid Schemes are as American as it gets!!
Selling the false dream that every citizen has the chance to be super wealthy and wasteful..
That's one thing we haven't figured out as a race, yet these Pyramid schemers seem to have found a fool proof system where EVBERYONE WILL succeed...
One day we will all be the 1%
Selling the false dream that every citizen has the chance to be super wealthy and wasteful..
That's one thing we haven't figured out as a race, yet these Pyramid schemers seem to have found a fool proof system where EVBERYONE WILL succeed...
One day we will all be the 1%
I was asked this question at an Amway meeting and told it would be important to know a lot of people. Didn't lessen the sliminess of the entire exercise.
It's one thing to know a lot of people people. It's another to know a lot of people who will be receptive to your sales pitch, and in turn will be successful at finding other people (who you haven't already recruited) to go along with it.
It's another thing entirely to lose all your friends after they realise you've turned into a corporate shill who would throw them into a desperate rat race to make a buck.
No. I don't want to live in a world where people marketing to their friends is a thing.
My guess is 5linx.
Neoriceisgood
Member
For those interested in becoming salespeople on my behalf, it comes with cute pixel avatars.
Totally legit and guaranteed to be profitable!
Totally legit and guaranteed to be profitable!
For me. Somehow..
Yep, I make a little over $300 a month from signing friends up for verizon, directv, electricity and a few other things over the past couple years. I just put it towards my student loans. People get so turned off when i'm basically just a broker for those companies. Same thing as if someone walked into best buy or radioshack to get a cell plan.
Yes, plus montly fees.
whatsinaname
Member
Join an MLM and run through that 100/200+ list and you won't know a lot of people anymore. Problem solved.
I am already a part of your cult and wear your crest with honour.
All hail the Pixel King.
rokkerkory
Member
True pyramid schemes are illegal (ie you get paid based on how many you recruit) and usually there are no true customers. All the members buy from each other, like a buying club.
MLMs are legal and everywhere from insurance sales to real estate.
Corporations are similar to MLMs as well, guess who's at the top? CEOs.
That's the world we live in unless you're an independent business owner which has its own challenges as well.
\m/
MLMs are legal and everywhere from insurance sales to real estate.
Corporations are similar to MLMs as well, guess who's at the top? CEOs.
That's the world we live in unless you're an independent business owner which has its own challenges as well.
\m/
There are certain stages where you pay money:
1) Join the MLM organization
2) Useless products they're pretending to sell
3) Training courses on how to get more friends/families in MLM and a bit on the useless product
4) More and more training courses to lift up your spirits as you fail miserably in convincing any sane person in joining your MLM
5) Big conferences with amazing group of "wealthy" people with "their" Bentleys where you'll have to stay for 2 nights at some Las Vegas hotel (which coincidentally also gives some commission to the MLM organizer)
6) Self-help / salesmanship books authored by the "successful" people
Keep telling yourself that.
Sorry man, there are way too many red flags here. Even if it was your "friends" that were in it, the fact that they have a gambling habit along side being involved in MLM should tell you the kind of mind-state these things attract.
Edit: Misread gaming as gambling, my bad. Dosen't change the fact that MLMs tend to suck in gullible and easily persuasive people.
Neoriceisgood
Member
I think he meant a video gaming habit. Notice how 5linx is the only MLM that is named? Rather well targeted for this forum, no?
The hell are you trying to say? That all corporations are somehow akin to pyra -sorry- MLMs because they have a chain of command?
Oh my bad, you're right. The only difference is they get the phone in a few days in the mail instead of right there.
rokkerkory
Member
Have you ever looked at how some corporation's organizational chart are built?
Yeah of course people get turned off, I would too if I wanted to hang out with my friends but instead they start giving me sales pitches.
Obviously you can make some money on more flexibly structued MLMs or shoddy salesman scams that have a bit more focus on selling the service/product, but in the end your well is going to run dry. You'll end up alienating some friends and ruining a couple months of their lives in the process.
Derp, misread that. Pretty sure most of us have that habit.
No, the difference is that the people you try to sell to aren't walking into Best Buy or Radioshack. Ever thought that's why they get so turned off?
I get your point. People in a corporation make money based on how successful those working under them are at their jobs. That's basically irrelevant to the complaints against MLMs in this thread.
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