You’ve probably seen ads on television for products that can be sold for a commission that goes right into your pocket. The premise itself is simple – buy the stock, sell it and keep the profits. Companies that operate on this business model run on a system called Multilevel Marketing (MLM). In this article, we’ll explain how MLM works and what you should be careful of.
What is Multi-Level Marketing?
Multi-level marketing (MLM) is a business strategy where individuals sell products or services directly to consumers while recruiting others to join their sales network. Participants earn commissions on their sales and a percentage from the sales made by their recruits, creating multiple earning levels.
Perhaps you’ve seen products being pushed or advertised by your friends, or maybe they’ve even tried to get you to join the business as a salesperson as well. MLM companies sell all sorts of things, including makeup, skin care products, vitamins, cooking equipment, essential oils, and more.
Other names
Multi-level marketing also goes by the name of referral selling, network marketing or pyramid selling. An existing company hires you to sell their products to individuals. There is usually a joining fee along with an extensive lock-in contract. However, the things to look out for in a MLM is whether they provide commissions for just the product, or sign-ups as well.
If there are commissions for signing up new members, this is likely to be a pyramid scheme.
Does it work?
That depends. For those who want to “get rich quickly”, the promises MLM companies make seem appealing. Although you may receive short-term profit from selling these products, it can be difficult to sustain.
Another selling point that is normally put forward is that you can be your own boss. This is semi-true, as you get to pick your own hours and choose how to sell your products. Despite this, there are still profits to be earned or lost, and targets to reach. Ultimately you don’t have control over the direction of the business nor complete control over profit and earnings. On the other hand, you will have the advantage of not needing to create a product or come up with a new idea. But, you may be left with hundreds spent on a product to sell, all while it gathers dust in your house.
Multi-level marketing v pyramid schemes
In 2018 there have been 286 reports alone of pyramid schemes. Among these reports, 28% are reports of financial loss. The two most significant ways this happened was through social media or in person. The distinguishing feature of a pyramid scheme is the need to recruit more people. A pyramid scheme survives on new members recruiting more members. Each time someone joins the cause, they have to pay a fee. The allocation of this fee and income ends up being spread thin with the majority going to a few high ranking people at the top. The products are usually hard to sell and are of low quality.
Is it legal?
Both a pyramid scheme and multi-level marketing involve the sale of a product. A referral selling scheme (MLM) is where a product is sold and a commission is made. A pyramid scheme relies on the participation and joining fee instead even when a product is sold. This is per the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) Schedule 2 chapter 3 div 3. To determine whether there is a MLM or pyramid scheme depends upon whether the business is leading the new members to believe they will eventually gain a share of the recruitment fee if they recruit new people. The reasonableness of the price of the joining fee along with whether the emphasis is placed on the joining fee or selling of the product.
Starting your own business
If you decide selling under an Multilevel Marketing (MLM) is not for you, then you can always start your own business as a sole trader. This gives you the advantage of being your own boss without having to deal with joining fees and commission targets. You can then set out your own supply agreements.
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Conclusion
As always, the choice is yours. Whether you want to enter into an agreement and use an existing product or create your own business as a sole trader is up to you. Just make sure that the contract you enter into isn’t illegal, or filled with complex termination clauses, hidden fees and penalties. Likewise, double check that the Multilevel Marketing (MLM) business isn’t actually a pyramid scheme.
