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Author Topic: In MLMs the Product is Secondary  (Read 622 times)
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Carol
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« on: September 10, 2006, 06:16:11 PM »

Since I've been coming here I've been doing a lot of research on MLMs.  All of the information I've read states that one clue that a business is a MLM is that the business model comes into being first and the product doesn't really matter.

I remember reading my 'free' $200.00 copy of Miracles Happen and thought I remembered something about that in Mary Kay's auto-biography.  Sure enough...I dug it out and found what I was looking for in Chapter 3, "My Dream Company".  (Ok now, forgive me, but its been a while since I had to reference a book correctly and I'm sure I'll do it wrong smiley)  Anyway....Mary Kay states, 'But I had some general opinion regarding the structure and operation of a successful business,...' and goes on to say; '"Wouldn't it be marvelous," I kept thinking, "if someone would actually start such a company? I'd love to work for an organization like this.  "Suddenly I realized that I didn't have to just sit and wish --I could start that dream company myself!  All I needed was a product that women would be comfortable selling.'

Business model first, product second.

So, if I anyone needs any more proof that St. Mary Kay started this business as a vehicle to enrich anyone's life other than her own, I submit to you...her own words.
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« on: September 10, 2006, 06:16:11 PM »

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pinkcaddy
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« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2006, 07:13:30 PM »

LOL

exactly - in MLM the product is not the *true* focus.

Do you ever wonder why so many MLMs sell products that fall under the cosmetics/skincare/nutritional supplements category? It's because those things are not regulated by the government as heavily. They can put whatever they want in the products, and then make all kinds of wild and/or dubious claims about the products' effectiveness...without having to prove themselves.

Just to name a few: Avon, MK, Arbonne, Beauticontrol, Jafra, Nuskin, OneLoveOrganics, Mannatech, Amway, Mona Vie, Xango...there are tons more. Just the bogus "vitamins" some companies sell are outrageous. One MLM called "Lifeways" (or something like that) sells little packages of gummy bears that are made with vitamin supplements....they retail for $25/baggie.  rolleyes  You can get the same product at a retail establishment for less than half the price.

That's why I think MK is a ripoff - the products are no *better* than CoverGirl or Oil of Olay, and yet the price is more.
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MLM sux.
 
outofpink
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« Reply #2 on: September 13, 2006, 06:58:57 PM »

Something I'd love to see the FTC or someone crack down on - false advertising of these companies.  I believe it's false advertising anytime you make a claim that you can't back up, about any item being sold - period.  And the key phases "seems to diminish", "appears smoother", "feels softer and more supple", or any other subjective statement should not be allowed.  The market would have to shape up then.
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Will never be duped by pinkies again!!
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