Just Say No to MLM

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Written by Black Nova

Just keep saying “no.” I have learned when my friends invite me to MLM engagements of any sort to tell them that I have a personal rule of not supporting any form of MLM because I don’t believe in the business model. Regardless of the quality of the product, if it is a direct selling business, I will not buy product or attend any parties or meetings. This was hard at first because it went against the code of being nice. But Mary Kay and MLMs like it count on this. This is why they still push parties. They know women will be guilted into “supporting” their friend’s new “business.” Real businesses have Grand Openings and don’t need to beg people to support them.

I just got hit up by a good friend to attend a meeting for StemEnhance (a blue-green algae supplement). I was partly angry that my friend had been duped, but on the other hand, they are an adult. Why get angry? I simply sent them a friendly email telling them about my personal rule and recommending some strategies to protect their finances as they experiment with the business.

I didn’t tell them to stop what they were doing, I simply said no and told them why. I didn’t say I was busy. I didn’t say I had a conflict. I said I don’t support the business model of direct selling.

I think this is more powerful than we realize. Nothing will throw cold water on the Mary Kay (or any MLM opportunity) like getting rejected right away. Just simply tell them “No, and here’s why.” The more of us who do that when asked, the more the message gets out that we won’t support this model. A simple no will suffice—nothing states more clearly that the majority of people do not want this kind of selling in their face. And when others see and hear us say no, they will be emboldened to do the same. Be friendly, be easy-going, give advice if you feel like it and then move on.

Here’s my email to my friend, in case you’re curious (names changed to protect the innocent):

Hi, Eric,

Thanks for the invite from Julie to the meeting regarding StemEnhance. I appreciate you thinking of me and my health and well being.

I have a personal rule that I won’t support any form of direct marketing (multi-level marketing) despite how good the product. I simply don’t agree with the business model and I’ve been involved with two in the past (Mary Kay and Tupperware).

The best advice I have for Julie is to only buy inventory when someone orders the product (we never mind waiting for stuff—consumers are used to ordering online and waiting for stuff), that way she never has to invest more than she is taking in. Secondly, don’t recruit other “members/wholesalers.” This only takes away from your profit because you’re usually recruiting your own customers, who would normally be buying from you. Lastly, a venture like this should be treated as a hobby to bring in a little extra money. It can’t beat a part time or full time job for the money and benefits—I speak from experience. Also, Julie should do a little online research into the naysayers about her product, if only to be informed—she can bet her customers will be.

Just a few thoughts to help protect your finances in these turbulent times. Thanks again for thinking of me. Love ya!

Black Nova

Comments (59)
  • 29 Jun 2009 11:29 | Lazy Gardens

    Nice tactic and email.


    Blue-green algae? ROFLMAO!

    That particular "supplement" hops onto the bandwagon of whatever is the newest hot health topic, claiming to cure it or enhance it, or whatever the marketing need is.

    It started out as a weight loss supplement and has now morphed into producing stem cells ... along the way it has claimed to cure HIV, diabetes, boost immune systems, adjust your chakras and polish your floors.

  • 29 Jun 2009 11:53 | outsidethepinkbox

    That is SUCH a great idea!

    Be strong - Just Say No! B)

  • 29 Jun 2009 14:20 | kenpomom

    [quote]Real businesses have Grand Openings and don’t need to beg people to support them.[/quote]
    Amen to that, Blackie! Can I get a witness? :woohoo:

  • 29 Jun 2009 17:31 | | katrink aka rodgirl

    ewwww I tried that stuff it's nasty!

    I think it's ground up barnacles.

  • 29 Jun 2009 19:39 | pinkpeace

    Great letter to "Eric"! I sure wish someone had written me a letter like that when I began Mary Kay. :(

  • 29 Jun 2009 21:11 | lightershadeofpink

    Great topic! I get asked to parties all the time and I usually go because I either want to support a friend or I want to get out of the house to be with friends. That's not a good reason to go because it does perpetuate the MLM monster.

    I confess that I hosted a jewelry party for a friend recently and I got so much free stuff that it was worth it to me as a hostess but I can't image there was any benefit to the consultant. With as much stuff as I got free she must have made no more that $5 profit.

    After reading this article I think I must change my ways and get on the anti-MLM bandwagon.

  • 30 Jun 2009 01:52 | The Scribbler

    Black Nova, what a beautifully simple way to turn down attending the latest MLM party of the moment politely and without having to pretend that yet another member of the family has died. You get a big kudos from Optimus Prime for offering such practical guidance! ;)

    [IMG]http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z227/sportica/optimus.jpg[/IMG]

  • 30 Jun 2009 03:28 | blahblahblah

    One reason I think this is a great approach is it isn't confrontational. When I started, if someone had sent me something like this I would have given it a lot more weight than people who said "No way! Mary Kay is a scam!" Those people I thought were just negative or wrong. It couldn't be a scam, because look at these facts! But this is very direct and still polite.

  • 30 Jun 2009 04:21 | Black Nova

    Yes, Lazy Gardens, blue-green algae has apparently been hawked as the cure to just about everything for a very long time. AKA snake oil, I believe. ;)

    Scribs! Optimus!! :) Of course, Optimus isn't being as polite as I was. ;)

  • 30 Jun 2009 07:43 | Rachel

    This is better than any MK script I ever saw. "I don't support the business model." I think those are words I can actually say :)

  • 30 Jun 2009 07:52 | | Consultant Calamities

    Wow! what great wording!!! I've avoided going to any MLM parties lately...I haven't rec'd as many invites (THANKFULLY!!!)...but, this is something I can say, but putting it somewhat nicely.

    Its just such a crappy way to do business. Get a part time job, instead! A REAL part time job, that pays you hourly (I want to scream at them, lol) :evil:

  • 01 Jul 2009 00:57 | chopportunity

    Black Nova, I was thinking the same thing, 'snake oil salesman'. Thanks for sharing your email. I agree with your stand and will use this in the future..

  • 01 Jul 2009 02:18 | ciavyn

    See - I must have no female friends. I have never been invited to a grand opening, and only get the massive invites sent out by the ladies in the church.

    Oh, wait...I was invited to a sex toy party this month. Grief. Is that an MLM? Can you really recruit people into it? How does that warm chatter go? "Have you been unhappy with your sex life? Does your lover not have all the oomph you need?"

    Seriously - can you imagine some of the lines we used in MK, being used for the toy party? :woohoo: Wow. I realize now if I was going to do an MLM, I should have done a fun one! :lol:

  • 01 Jul 2009 03:30 | Black Nova

    lol, Ciavyn! Yep, that's an MLM. I have a friend who's a consultant for "Passion Parties". That was never a hard one for me to say no to. ;)

  • 01 Jul 2009 04:11 | chopportunity

    Ci, that is too funny! :D I bet there are some real creative scripts for that one! :whistle: But we won't go there. :evil:

    Want a makeover in the bedroom, dearie? :evil: :confused:

  • 01 Jul 2009 04:54 | ciavyn

    yeah, I'm trying to behave. Really I am. Just wandering how hard, ahem, you have to work at it to make out, I mean, make money. After all, what kind of prizes do you get? Do you get to try before you buy?

    :evil:

    Okay, I'll stop. I just can't help myself.

  • 01 Jul 2009 04:59 | pinksedition

    Actually, Ciavyn (pronounced Sha-vahn?) you can try some of the creams out during the parties. The expressions some women get are priceless. I hosted one several years ago for my best friend's bridal shower. I never would now because I detest MLM's. I don't think you make that much money but I do know the parties are pretty wild. However, the women that do them are pretty brave. I don't think I could ever seriously "Vanna White" a big black dildo that lights up and spins. Gross.

  • 01 Jul 2009 05:10 | ciavyn

    LOL! Like I said, what's the line for that one?? Not to mention, the return policy??

    Someone invited me years ago, when I was much younger and very naive, and told me it was a tupperware party, so her husband wouldn't get suspicious.

    Imagine my surprise when I was handed a pen with a "unit" and they started the show and tell!?

  • 01 Jul 2009 05:15 | pinksedition

    :woohoo: I think one of those companies actually has some scented body product called "Cooch" I mean, do you really want to dive into that?? LMAO! Pun intended.

  • 01 Jul 2009 05:17 | chopportunity

    Glow in the dark thunder beads anyone? :evil: :woohoo: :D

  • 01 Jul 2009 05:38 | pinksedition

    :X That just made me clench. EWWWW!!!

  • 01 Jul 2009 07:42 | MakeupLover

    How serendipitous that Passion Party came up... I had just emailed a friend asking who her PP consultant was. I purchased something 3 years ago that was one of those "Hers" liquids. It was very pricey, but woweeeeee!! I find it mandatory use and just now am finally getting low. (You only need a drop or two...) I know TMI!! But sorry, I couldn't resist. :lol: ;) :whistle:

  • 01 Jul 2009 08:59 | chopportunity

    I wondered what you were smiling about, MakeupLover. This sheds new light on the meaning of you PT identity! :D ;) :shock:

  • 01 Jul 2009 09:03 | ciavyn

    Ooo, you are giving me things to check out at the party later this month. :D

  • 01 Jul 2009 09:25 | pinkpunch

    Holy kielbasa, Batman, what have I missed here! :woohoo:

    ciayvin
    You HAVE TO pay close attention to the scripts and lines and let us know word fur word, ahem, word for word what she says!!!
    Gee, I hope the consultant is a she!! :shock: :0 :confused:

  • 01 Jul 2009 10:04 | pinksedition

    Nice, Punchie! :woohoo: :D

  • 01 Jul 2009 10:30 | The Scribbler

    In the name of education (and because I'm notorious for "going there";), I present to you the following bit taken from a Passion Party consultant's website:

    For a limited time only, Passion Parties is offering a Stimulus Passion Pac designed to help you get started on your own Passion Parties business. Now is the time. Passion Parties is the place to be.

    The Stimulus Passion Pac includes:

    * Specially selected collection of Passion Parties’ favorites
    * Training materials
    * $179 (Valued: $474.50)
    * Instant 40% buying discount

    With the Stimulus Passion Pac, you get:

    (Scrib: Oh Gawd, here we go...)

    Amazing Hot Massager, Clean & Simple Adult Toy Cleanser, Revelation Lubricant...Strawberry Nipple Nibblers...Jelly Osaki, Ring Of Ecstasy Turtle...25 Let’s Play Catalogs..."

    Okay, that's more than enough for me. And what in blazes is a "Jelly Osaki?" Because I'm pretty sure I saw one in the zoo's salt-water display tank last week.

    Look, I don't need motorized rubber flails and small amphibians in my bedroom affairs...just wear the Iron Man mask and I'm there like Shareware. :whistle: :lol:

  • 01 Jul 2009 10:51 | MakeupLover

    Ah... but it's missing the Pure Satisfaction Gel (their #1 selling product according to a website I just found) which is the 'mandatory' aid I was mentioning... So not quite the Essential Stimulus package at all. ;) :D ;)

  • 01 Jul 2009 10:59 | icanbecomesane

    I am ever amazed at what I learn here. :evil:
    Let's hear it for Higher Education! :silly:

  • 01 Jul 2009 11:04 | chopportunity

    :D :D :D :woohoo: :lol: :lol:

    The Stimulus Passion Pack, are you kiddin me?! :confused: How do you present that with a staight face? What kind of training materials are we talking about? :evil:

    I know that I am from Bama but dang if I know what half that stuff is, much less what to do with it and please don't feel the need to explain! :confused: :0 :pinch:

    If it requires batteries or electricity I am not gonna get near it! I have a feeling that this Stimulus Pack is designed to stimulate more than your home business. I think my DH would not mind sampling this package, he hated trying Microdermabrasion, LOL. TMI!

    Chop is going to be quiet now as I have totally embarrassed myself. :confused: :confused: :huh: :s

  • 01 Jul 2009 11:27 | dupedbypinkfriend

    That's what the "Training Materials" are for, silly! :woohoo:

    I must say what really grosses me out is the "Clean and Simple Adult Toy Cleanser". :X Ugh....

  • 01 Jul 2009 11:38 | pinkpunch

    Oh My gosh Scribs!!! I've been sitting here, with my head in my hands, cracking up!! :woohoo: I'm not even sure which part was the funniest cuz the whole dang thing was hilarious! :woohoo:

  • 01 Jul 2009 11:40 | chopportunity

    Hey, I thought this article was about, "Just say no"?

    I think we may have wondered off topic. :huh:

  • 01 Jul 2009 12:03 | ciavyn

    I'm thinking, Just say yes!

    So, since MK's theory is that you must try everything to be able to share how they work with your customers...hmmm...

    I remember when I arrived at my first toy show, naive and clueless, and to look like I knew what I was doing, I bought the most expensive, ah, toy they carried at the time (this was years ago - I think it was $110 then). It was delivered, in the paperbag wrapping of course, and I took it out and put batteries in it. Well, the dang thing vibrated and lit up like a Christmas tree. Ball bearings rotated, and it even had a remote control with a little dancing flower on it. I swear, I'm not making this up. You chose the, ah, speed and intensity based on the flower's dance moves.

    Why the heck were we all doing MK again? You could possibly make money selling this stuff!!

  • 01 Jul 2009 12:05 | ciavyn

    :hangs head: Oh, Tracy - I am so sorry. I am afraid I may have started this. :peeks at Tracy from under hair: but it is darn funny, ain't it? :woohoo:

  • 01 Jul 2009 12:34 | MakeupLover

    Oh, Ciavyn... I'm also guilty... But it was too hard to resist! It's funny to be married to a guy that tells me not to come home until I've bought something from Victoria's Secret whenever I go to the mall. As for anything bedroom related, if I want it, no problemo as far as he's concerned; no budget exists. (Regarding toys, the best I've found was a totally innocent massager thing that you could get for less than $40 that could bring you from 0 mph to 100mph(!!!) :woohoo: in less than two minutes.) This is something you wouldn't be embarrassed about (ala Steve Martin in the movie Parenthood). :silly:

  • 01 Jul 2009 14:13 | icanbecomesane

    :0
    :shock:
    :lol:
    :woohoo:
    :P

  • 01 Jul 2009 14:15 | dupedbypinkfriend

    I couldn't have said that any better, Ican! :whistle:

  • 01 Jul 2009 16:54 | kenpomom

    :shock: the "nipple nibblers" sound a bit painful to me. :(

  • 01 Jul 2009 21:32 | PUNKEDBYPINK

    You girls just don't know how much self control I've had to use when reading all this! :whistle: This is pun heaven here! Butt, I won't! In stead, I'll tell a joke that, while it is clean, it gets the point across.... :evil:

    Two friends were sitting on the front porch one day, just talking. One says to the other "Oh gosh. My husband brought home a dozen red roses for me last night. Now I suppose I'll have to lie on my back with my legs in the air."
    Her friend replied.."What's the matter? Don't you have a vase?" :silly:

  • 01 Jul 2009 23:20 | dupedbypinkfriend

    :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

  • 02 Jul 2009 00:07 | Lazy Gardens

    My only really good story (can't beat Scribbler) involves one of [url=http://www.engineersupply.com/koh-i-noor-cordless-rechargeable-eraser-e1200.aspx]these[/url] things.

    A client brought her fidgety hubby to a consult, and the DH flipped the switch ... mommy freaked and shrieked at the guy to drop "that nasty thing". Then the two of them scurried out of the office and dashed to their car.

    I lost the bid. :0

  • 02 Jul 2009 00:38 | chopportunity

    LG that is hysterical! :D :D :D

    I showed my DH this thread last night and he asked me, "Honey that is a starter kit worth investing in! When can I sign up for a private consultation?" He is so bad! :confused: :evil: :lol: :P

  • 02 Jul 2009 01:14 | pinksedition

    Maybe Makeup lover should start a business...she's pretty educated about these things! :P :D

  • 02 Jul 2009 01:25 | chopportunity

    Punked, you showed amazing restraint! But I confess I was looking forward to you input on this one. :evil:

  • 02 Jul 2009 08:42 | Black Nova

    *dies laughing at the comments*

    That's the last time I submit an article! ;) :lol: :lol: :D

  • 03 Jul 2009 07:28 | PUNKEDBYPINK

    I guess the most"impotant" thing to say regarding this"business venture" MLM or whatever you want to call it is that it brings a whole new meaning to "being ontop"! :P

  • 03 Jul 2009 07:56 | dupedbypinkfriend

    Can't get enough, can ya, PUNKED? :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

    If there is a PinkTruth Queen's Court of Oneliners, you are IT. :P

    Black Nova, this was a wonderful article and you will write more for everyone! That's an order! :cheer:

  • 03 Jul 2009 08:07 | icanbecomesane

    Duped wrote:

    Black Nova, this was a wonderful article and you will write more for everyone! That's an order! :cheer:

    And - YEAH!
    (I'm so clever.) :silly:

  • 03 Jul 2009 09:43 | PUNKEDBYPINK

    Chop was looking forward to my input. SO THERE! It's all her fault! (Wait 'till she sees the board! :woohoo: )

  • 04 Jul 2009 06:50 | MakeupLover

    You ladies are the best! Black Nova, your article was very apt for our times. It was just that serendipitous moment that caused the hijacking of the thread. My apologies... (My friend just emailed me back with that consultant's email. So now I can reorder the Pure Satisfaction Gel. Unfortunately, that consultant won't be making much money off me---that stuff lasts a LONG time!)

    Black Nova, I really admire your convictions and how you respectfully share them. I've found myself drawn into some MLMs because of the strength of the products and how NO one else is selling them. That makes it really tough if you really want the product but also want to save money. Two companies I joined just for this reason was Waiora and Moxxor. My recruiters first put me on auto-order until I finally got wise and took myself off of that. I was tempted by Elements for Life because of their high quality "raw" products, but the joining fee and the discount really wasn't worth it . Plus you're forced to purchase in bulk to get that discount. Thankfully due to the education here at Pink Truth, I've gotten much better at making decisions that affect MY bottom line. So thank you, Black Nova for your wise words. I look forward to your future posts.

  • 04 Jul 2009 07:06 | ttp

    Well I have managed to refrain from adding my naughty comments to the hijacked portion of the thread, but believe me, I WANTED TO!!!! (sigh)

    Instead, I'll just comment on Black Nova's well written article. I use the "I don't support product based pyramid schemes" statement and every dang time I just get blank stares in return. However, I can say that people who have heard this from me more than once are starting to ask questions. Here's to progress.

  • 04 Jul 2009 10:39 | pinkpinkustink

    I just wanted to say that there is one MLM company that has home parties, and these home parties work so well. That is Passion Parties....reason: people like to buy their love accessories in the privacy of their own home or a friends home. They also like to touch and taste these items before buying them. I am not a consultant but I am a customer who has a Passion Party about once a year so that all of my friends can stock up on the stuff they run out of and I get free stuff. I totally agree that MLM's suck, but this one company has something special that is for sure. The consultants in Passion Parties make good hobby money because at my one party I had last year my consultant got $700.00 in sales and I only did that once in MK and she has sales like this often because of the nature of the product.

  • 04 Jul 2009 17:44 | sunnymicki

    Hmmm....I kind of debated posting this but I can't resist. I know what the "jelly osaki" is... :whistle: and umm...let's just say it is worth every penny it costs. that's all. ;)

  • 04 Jul 2009 23:46 | dblD

    pinksedition--Cooch Creme is for shaving. Dive right in!

  • 05 Jul 2009 01:23 | pinksedition

    LMAO! Awesome! Thanks for the correction. I couldn't remember what it was. :woohoo:

  • 05 Jul 2009 10:33 | chopportunity

    :evil: Punked, you really have to take responsibility for your own actions chica! :P
    I agree with Duped, you are the Queen of PT one-liners.

    Sunnimicki, now you have me wondering! :silly: :confused: ;)

  • 06 Jul 2009 04:33 | Black Nova

    No worries--I thought the tangent was hysterical. :)

    That said, there are plenty of non-MLM "passion" companies out there online, too, where you can shop in your own home. Though I admit the touching and...er...tasting aspect would be limited. :confused:

  • 06 Jul 2009 14:23 | Calendar Girl

    Thanks for the laughs ladies! You all crack me up!

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