Someone came to the blog with the search term "why is Merchants of Deception so pricey," which led them to the blog.
Hunh? Is it true that free is expensive?
I couldn't figure out what this person was looking for. I am aware that Eric Scheibeler published his book and sold it for a few months after it was first published. He then stated that his website would be closed and that the book would only be available for a couple of more days, for reasons I am not aware of (though I assume it was a decision made by Scheibeler to finally put the Amway nightmare behind him).
I don't remember how much he was charging for the print version, but I believe it was $15 or $20.
Because I already had the free electronic version of Merchants of Deception, I decided not to purchase a copy of the book. Apparently, there was some new information in the print version of the book as well.
So, what is he seeking for that the book is so pricey to begin with? I went to eBay to see what was available. Nope. There's nothing there. I went to Amazon and bought something. Aha! That's it! You got it! There are seven copies available for purchase, with prices ranging from $95.00 to $175.58. (those prices when this post first appeared on this blog). Yikes! What the fuck is going on!
Years ago, I read an article that stated that when Amazon only has one or two copies of a new book available, and that book is no longer being printed, there are some book buyers who keep an eye out for these books and purchase them in the hopes that there will be a demand for them later on when they are no longer being printed. When a book is out of print and no longer available new, merchants who have used copies mistakenly believe they are rare treasures and list them at exorbitantly high prices on their websites. Something similar to what Amway does with its products! They have the right to demand any price they desire. It doesn't necessarily follow that they will obtain it unless there is some sort of cult leader exerting pressure on the downline to purchase.
I'm completely insane over the excessive costs for used books! Particularly considering that the vast majority of the books being sold in Amazon's used book section are novels released within the previous 20 years and selling for $20 or less, and there is nothing particularly unique about them that would justify such a high price. The seller can always hope that someone is frantically looking for a secondhand copy and is willing to spend whatever it takes to get their hands on a piece of history. I can't image spending $100 (or even more!) for a physical book, especially when the book is available for free as an ebook on the internet.
Merchants of Deceit: Exposing the Seedy Underbelly of the Multi-Level Marketing Industry
The multi-level marketing (MLM) industry is explored in depth in the free booklet "Merchants of Deception," which provides food for thought and opens the reader's eyes to a variety of MLM practices. This fascinating book reveals the inner workings of the multi-level marketing (MLM) industry and was written by Eric Scheibeler, who was a former high-ranking distributor inside Amway. This exposé, which was initially published in 2004, continues to be an effective piece that questions the legitimacy of multi-level marketing companies as real economic prospects. Throughout this in-depth analysis, we are going to discuss some of the most important ideas, insights, and criticisms that are offered in Merchants of Deception.
Comprehending MLMs The first part of the book is dedicated to presenting a comprehensive summary of multi-level marketing, in which its structure, recruitment strategies, and compensation systems are broken down and explained. It debunks the myth that multi-level marketing (MLM) companies offer financial freedom, personal development, and the opportunity to fulfill the dream of owning one's own business. The narrative of Scheibeler's personal journey within the Amway organization, which functions as a lens through which readers acquire insights into the inner workings of the industry, is told in an open and honest manner throughout the book.
The book "Merchants of Deception" does a thorough job of exposing the negative aspects of multi-level marketing companies (MLMs). It draws attention to dishonest tactics, manipulative recruitment strategies, and the high failure rates that are typical of the sector as a whole. Together with his considerable research, Scheibeler's own experiences shed light on the psychological strategies that are utilized in the process of exploiting and manipulating persons. This book takes a look at the demands that are put on distributors to bring in new members and keep up the appearance that they are successful.
In the book Merchants of Deception, one of the key concerns that is highlighted is the widespread spreading of false promises and misinformation inside the multi-level marketing sector. The author elucidates how multi-level marketing (MLM) organizations frequently overstate the possibility for earning revenue, incorrectly depict the benefits of their products, and cultivate an environment of excessive expectations. Scheibeler reveals the fundamental reasons that are behind MLM success tales by focusing on his experiences with charismatic leaders and unethical business methods.
Cult-Like Traits The author of this book draws attention to the cult-like traits that are present in certain multi-level marketing organizations (MLM). Scheibeler gives light on the strategies of brainwashing, psychological manipulation, and isolation from critical thinking that may be experienced by distributors. The author provides significant insights on the psychological and emotional toll that MLMs can have on individuals by discussing his own path from a dedicated believer to an awakened skeptic. He does this by telling his personal story.
Legal and Ethical Issues: The documentary "Merchants of Deception" investigates the legal and ethical problems that are associated with multi-level marketing (MLM). Scheibeler cites numerous examples of businesses taking advantage of legal loopholes, engaging in predatory pricing methods, and manipulating distributor contracts. The regulatory environment that surrounds MLMs is given a critical analysis in this book, and the book examines whether or not the efficacy of existing consumer protection legislation can effectively address the underlying problems in the sector.
Lessons and Takeaways: As the last chapter of the book approaches, Scheibeler offers the audience a number of instructive and thought-provoking lessons and takeaways. He encourages folks to engage in critical analysis of multi-level marketing opportunities, investigate the histories of companies, and cast doubt on the veracity of success tales. In addition to this, he stresses the significance of having a strong understanding of personal finance, being able to think for oneself, and being able to differentiate between a genuine business and a pyramid scheme.
The book Merchants of Deception is a riveting exposé of the multi-level marketing industry. It sheds light on the MLM industry's widespread use of deceptive techniques, misleading promises, and psychological manipulation. As a result of Eric Scheibeler's personal experiences working for Amway, readers are given an up-close and personal look into the inner workings of multi-level marketing companies (MLMs), which challenges conventional assumptions and encourages them to doubt the feasibility of such business models. Individuals are given the tools they need to make educated decisions and guard themselves against the possibility of being exploited within the MLM sector by reading this free ebook, which serves as a cautionary tale.
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