Multi-level Marketing (MLM) is a business model and direct sales strategy where the revenue of the MLM company comes from its non-salaried representatives (independent contractors) who sell the brand's products or services directly to consumers. MLM representatives earn small commissions on the sale of the products themselves, but increase their overall earnings by earning a percent of the sales of each representative they add to their "team" under them. MLMs are sometimes called network marketing or pyramid selling. Some MLMs are demonstrably illegal pyramid schemes, while others manage to maintain a semblance of legitimacy. Thanks in part to recent exposé documentaries like LuLaRich, (Un)Well,  and Betting on Zero, MLMs have a widespread negative reputation. However, any number of apparently above-board MLMs still boast large numbers of representatives and high gross revenues.  Note: We are not fans of MLMs because they are predatory and rarely generate profits for independent reps based solely on sales.  Related Resources: The Anti-MLM Coalition and John Oliver's thorough breakdown of MLMs on Last Week Tonight