Before You Join That MLM…

The following is a very quick guide, covering just the essential homework you should do before joining any multi level marketing scheme opportunity.

Most people, myself included, are always on the lookout for ways to make more money.

Most of us would like to earn that extra income without having to give up our existing jobs and without having to work too hard.

In this internet age there are many ways to earn that extra income, be it running a website, filling in surveys, or a myriad of other opportunities.

The only problem, though, is working out which are legitimate and which are scams.

I’ve written about paid survey scams before so, today, here are some tips for avoiding multi level marketing scams -

Check The Company’s Track Record With The BBB

This can be pretty easy to do and can save you a lot of money in the long run.

First stop should probably be the Better Business Bureau (BBB) who offer objective reports about complaints levied at specific companies, if any exist.

Google

A quick search with Google can yield a lot of information – type the company’s names in quotes with the word ‘scam’ or ‘review’ afterwards, e.g. “mlm” + scam.

Remember, though, that the original author may have a vested interest in promoting / bashing the site or company that they have written about.

Blogs And Forums

Blogs and forums are designed to promote discussion. If someone is promoting a scam on them then the community are very likely to have their say about it!

When viewing such sites remember to read the comments generated by visitors as these are likely to offer a more balanced view than the original article.

Also be aware, however, that some comments are unduly biased one way or another – i.e. brainwashed mlmers praising their scheme everywhere they go.

A good forum to start with is scam.com

Ask about a fixed phone number and a real address

If a particular mlm has interested you then enquire about their contact details.

That’s because, without an address, you’re classed as homeless, and would you want to do business with a homeless company?

Didn’t think so.

You’ll also want to ensure that they have a phone number so that you can contact them whenever you need assistance.

Speak to real people

In theory, speaking to people who already work for a company will allow you to build a picture of what they are like.

However, remember that some network marketers are programmed with responses for every eventuality so it would be wise to take anything they say with a pinch of salt!

They want to recruit YOU!

Costs

Make sure all costs are transparent and that you know what you are getting into.

Are there monthly subscriptions, training courses that need paying for, or minimum purchase requirements?

Earnings

What are realistic earnings?

Any over-enthusiastic recruiter can tell you that the sky is the limit but how much can you really make?

Do earnings come from sales predominantly, or are they from recruitment?

Final Word

If, after undertaking all that research and doing your due dilligence, you are still convinced then STOP!

Ask yourself one more question.

Is time up for multi level marketing?