From: mike@isgtec.com (Mike Sellers)
Newsgroups: misc.jobs.misc
Subject: Re: AMWAY : why isn't it pyramid selling?
Date: 11 Jan 93 14:39:25 GMT
Distribution: world
Organization: ISG Technologies Inc., Mississauga Ontario

Note: This discussion probably belongs elsewhere, though the questions
asked here could almost be in a FAQ file for this group.

tfj@apusapus.demon.co.uk (Trevor Jenkins) writes:
> I've been introduced to "AMWAY" and whilst it seems to be an interesting
> concept in marketing it smells awfully of "pyramid selling". Though their
> representative assures me that it isn't (but then they would wouldn't
> they?).

It isn't pyramid selling because you aren't tied to those "above" you,
nor do you reap the benefits of those working "below" you if you stop
working.  Also important is that there is real product being sold, not
just money being shoved around.  Both of these factors are crucial
differentiators between _any_ real business and a multi-level marketing
organization.

> How real is the claim that someone can "make a living at it"?

Some people are genuinely able to do this, but most aren't.  In fact, the 
organization is built on the implicit assumption that _most_ people won't 
make a living at it.  There have to be some simple customers (consumers, 
not re-sellers) and some part-time resellers for the MLM model to work.
Also, don't be fooled: It is _hard_ work to make a living at this sort of
thing.  However, if you are the kind of person who can motivate yourself
and others, and are just looking for a good opportunity, then Amway or 
something like it might be a good start.  

> What, if any, is their philosphosical/religion alignment?

None that I know of, other than simple, and rather innocent, capitalism.

> How are the products rated in use?

Overall they are very good to excellent.  They do have some unique products,
and others that you could get elsewhere for a little less money.  Overall,
their price/performance ratio does well when compared to other products.

> Is it true that they just bailed out one of the US' major automobile
> manufacturers?

No idea.  Sounds like an apocryphal rumor to me.

> I'd be interested in hearing the net-concensus about this company
> especially if you're IN with them, but also if you're now OUT.

I have done Amway in the past, and have had contact with various other
organizations too (NuSkin, etc).  The bottom line for me is that I would
join one of these groups if I thought I could truly spend the time and
energy on it that it requires to make it work.  For myself, I am at present
unwilling to make such a commitment, simply because I have too many other,
more interesting things going on.  

The only folks in this type of business who really annoy me are those
(a vocal minority, I think) who insist that what they are doing is the
Best Thing, and that nothing which I am doing could possibly measure up.
By doing so, such people expose both their greed and their ignorance.

--
              Mike Sellers      User Interface Team Leader
           mike@isgtec.com      ISG Technologies, Toronto, Canada
              "Actum ne agas" -- Do not do what has been done.
                         Furare tantum ab Optimis
Newsgroups: misc.jobs.misc