Most Amway IBOs Fail

 The majority of IBOs fail. That isn't an educated guess. That is a proven fact. Failure would be defined as doing nothing or working hard but failing to make a net profit equal to minimum wage for the hours worked. Many Amway advocates would say that many IBOs accomplish little or nothing, and although this may be true, even the remaining IBOs who work hard are nonetheless unsuccessful. That is how the system is set up. When you see a diamond "walking the beaches" as the money comes in, you know someone is working hard to make it happen. The IBOs in their downlines who buy Amway products and tools are the ones who allow these diamonds to enjoy their so-called success. Is there anyone out there who knows one of these diamonds who is retired and doing nothing while the money flows in?

We're also aware that certain diamonds exaggerate their fame. There is evidence that the diamond lifestyle is not always what it appears to be. Why do diamonds quit, resign, lose houses in foreclosure processes, and even end up in bankruptcy court if they could actually make residual money by the bucketload? Some diamonds could be considered failures. The diamond lifestyle is a ruse devised by upline commanders to lure new recruits. I'm guessing that many gems are in debt or are struggling to make ends meet.

Many Amway zealots and apologists make absurd claims like comparing the company's owner to a diamond. The main distinction is that a business owner has employees who are paid on a regular basis. These employees most likely applied for the job because they were interested in it. There are also other applicants who are eager to step in and complete the work if and when an employee goes. As a result, the company continues to service its customers' needs while also making a profit.

IBOs pay money on things in the Amway opportunity, and then upline leaders expect these same people to spend even more money on learning how to be motivated to do the Amway business. However, if IBOs produced money, it would most certainly be enough reason to run their enterprises. Other IBOs have resorted to trickery, fraud, and plain lying to entice potential downlines because it is difficult to find enough (suckers) prospects to join the firm and shell out cash as they lose money. Amway's reputation has been tarnished as a result of this.

The 6-4-2 method assures that the majority of business owners must "do the job" in order to maintain their platinum status, which (likely) yields a net profit. To keep an emerald or diamond, you'll need three or six groups of IBOs to lose money. Amway has disclosed that non-IBOs account for less than 4% of product sales. Without non-IBO consumers, most IBO groups are almost certain to lose money or make very little. The majority of IBOs are doomed to fail. And it isn't always the fault of the IBO. The system itself has numerous weaknesses that most IBOs, despite their best efforts, are unable to overcome. It's why the majority of IBOs fail. It is for this reason that I hope prospects will find and study this material before deciding whether or not to sign up.

Making A Living Off Amway?

 I've been blogging for quite some time now, and one of the conclusions I've come to is that there's no defence for arguing the merits of an Amway business when the IBO is a member of a system like WWDB or Network 21. I have no objections to IBOs who join and sell actual things to non-IBO clients, but these types of IBOs are extremely rare. Most IBOs that are committed to a system focus on sponsoring downline because it is the only way to advance to higher levels like emerald or diamond. Many people aim for the emerald or diamond level since it is said to be the point at which an IBI can "walk away" and live off the proceeds for the rest of their lives. Even crown ambassadors have active schedules and have not retired to a quiet life of retirement and untold wealth, which I find hilarious.

In general, a platinum level firm would require approximately 100 IBOs. That's 1% at best, and considerably less when you take into account IBOs that don't do anything or IBOs who start and stop. At the 4000 PV or platinum level, a highly dedicated hard core IBO would only begin to break even or make a small amount of cash, in my opinion. Of course, the form of your firm will influence how much money you can make. Sponsoring depth supposedly provides you greater stability, while sponsoring breadth purportedly brings you more profit. As a result, it's reasonable to assume that just a fraction of one percent of IBOs break even or make a small profit. What true businessman would consider starting a company with a profit margin of less than 1%? Yes, you can argue that Amway is a business and not a game of luck, but making the right selection can help you succeed.

Other considerations that would make Amway unappealing include the fact that its items are generally more expensive (in general) than equivalent or identical products accessible at local merchants. Yes, Amway representatives will talk for quality and concentration, but such claims are justifications for the higher pricing. The vast majority of individuals are content with Walmart's lower prices. IBOs are also prohibited from advertising their products, forcing them to rely on person-to-person marketing, which is perhaps the least successful method of spreading the news. Because of the higher prices and unfamiliar products, many groups have IBOs who "purchase from themselves" to earn their bonuses. Furthermore, whatever incentive that most IBOs obtain is really a partial reimbursement for having overpaid for a product. Not to add that, unless you are at a higher level in the company, your upline(s) receive the majority of the bonus, whether or not they assisted you.

Yes, some people may be able to make money using Amway. Yes, some people make a lot of money using Amway. It is impossible for all IBOs to gain money unless they sell stuff to non-IBOs, and we all know that the majority of IBOs sell nothing or only a few items to others. We also know that the tools systems suck up any tiny bonuses IBOs receive, leaving them with a net loss. Losses for highly dedicated IBOs might run into the thousands of dollars and beyond.

Is it possible to make a life with Amway? It's possible, but it's not likely. But is it a smart idea to start an Amway business and use the resources that come with it? There is no defence for this.

Is Your Upline Strange?

 Looking back on my IBO days, I can now chuckle at some of the strange things we did, and I have reason to suspect that my former LOS, WWDB, still teaches some of this, as well as some other large groups. Some people have referred to the Amway business as cult-like or having cult-like tendencies because of some of these behaviours. If you identify some of these activities, you may be part of an unethical organisation, and you should ask harsh questions of your upline, as well as reconsider or reprioritize your involvement in the company.

One of the things we were informed was that we had to submit to our upline. Our group was instructed that upline would never intentionally lead us astray, so we should put our trust in them and never undertake anything without first consulting upline. After all, upline had a lot of experience and was likely to know everything. Some of the things that were checked upline were getting married, buying a car or a house, and even something as simple as buying a camera. The upline stated that there was no harm in checking upline before making a purchase because someone upline might have suggestions on how to obtain a good bargain on a camera. Upline, I'm guessing, didn't want you spending your disposable income on anything other than standing orders and functions.

Meetings that start late. Our upline was big on late meetings, with many of them taking place after midnight. It was probably a display of devotion and allegiance to the upline and the institution. Most people were irritated by their occupations since they had to get up early to get to work. It made me angry with our upline because the meetings didn't teach us anything and only made us fatigued. Time was always crucial to our upline, but it was never important enough to make him show up on time for his own late night meetings. Sleep deprivation is another cult-like aspect.

Secrets. We were either informed it was none of our concern or handed a photocopy of a 5-year-old bonus check that someone upline may have received whenever we inquired about how much income uplines may have earned. Upline flaunted photographs of sports vehicles and mansions as proof that the firm was successful. Of course, we now know that some WWDB gems had their homes foreclosed on, and that one renowned triple diamond had bankruptcy proceedings. Looking back, I believe many gems have mortgages, which would not be a problem if these leaders didn't scoff at the folly of taking out a loan. That diamonds may be used to buy anything, including houses, in cash. Because he won't buy a property unless he has the funds, my erstwhile sponsor still lives in a run-down leased home. As a physician, I find my former sponsor's viewpoint on home ownership absurd. Because of his devotion to the system and its functions, his oldest kid, a son, grew up without his parents.

Losing money is considered a win. Our company was repeatedly taught that losing money was a sign of success. Because we were investing in our futures, it was a success. That the industry is primarily about friendships rather than money. I guess upline taught this because everyone was losing money, so it was comforting to hear that success was on the road, and that we were all nicer people who were on their way to success if we simply went to more functions and bought more standing orders. People who sold part of their personal belongings in order to attend a function were educated. Clearly, these people were not encouraged to run their firm on a shoestring budget. Upline even claimed that going into debt was fine if it was for the purpose of investing in the business or purchasing additional function tickets.

While some of these activities appear strange, I believe they are the result of upline guidance that was intended to redirect their downline's money into tool purchases. It's the only conclusion I've come to. So, what's your takeaway?

You've probably come across the phrase "upline" before if you've ever been involved in a company that engages in multi-level marketing (MLM). The individual who brought you into the company and who is positioned above you in the organizational chart is known as your upline. They are the ones who will instruct you and provide support, and in exchange, they will receive a percentage on any sales you make. On the other hand, not every upline is made equal. There are situations in which your upline could come across as odd or even poisonous. The following are some indications that your upline might be a little out of the ordinary:

They put you under pressure to purchase more things than you are able to afford.

One of the most common gripes people have about multi-level marketing (MLM) businesses is that in order to "stay active" in the business, you are required to purchase a particular quantity of goods each month. It is a warning sign if your upline puts pressure on you to buy more goods than you can reasonably afford or tells you that you need to "invest" in more product in order to be successful.

They give you unachievable expectations regarding the amount of money you can generate.

MLMs are infamous for making exaggerated claims regarding the amount of money that may be earned through participation. However, if your upline is promising you that you'll be able to quit your day job within a few months or that you'll be a millionaire within a year, this is certainly an exaggeration. If your upline is offering you that you'll be able to quit your day job within a few months, this is likely an exaggeration.

They will try to encourage you by using scare tactics.

Some uplines try to motivate their downlines by appealing to their sense of fear. They might tell you that if you don't work hard enough, you'll fail, or that if you don't stick with the program, you'll never be able to realize your aspirations. They might also say that if you don't work hard enough, you'll fail. Working in this manner can be both demotivating and unpleasant at times.

They try to dissuade you from seeking counsel from other sources.

It is a warning sign if your upline advises you not to listen to anyone who is not part of the multi-level marketing community or that the only people who understand the business are other people who are involved in multi-level marketing. Before settling on a course of action, it is critical to conduct one's own investigation and to consult a number of different sources.

They make it difficult for you to participate in activities or training that are not associated with the MLM.

Because some MLMs believe that attending outside training or events is a waste of both time and money, they actively prevent their members from participating in such activities. Attending conferences, seminars, or networking events that are not associated with your MLM can be an excellent opportunity to enhance your knowledge and connect with people working in your field.

They will make you feel bad because you are not working hard enough to keep up with them.

Some uplines utilize guilt as a driving force in their business. If you don't produce enough sales or recruit enough new members, they can tell you that you're not doing enough or that you're letting down the team. They might also tell you that you're letting the team down. Working in this manner can be extremely toxic, as it can lead to feelings of burnout as well as resentment.

It's crucial to take a step back and evaluate the situation whenever you notice any of these warning flags occurring in your relationship with your upline. Consider whether the expectations that are being placed on you can be considered reasonable, as well as whether the promises that are being made can be considered realistic. It is also essential to keep in mind that your upline is there to support you and not to exert any kind of authority over you. If you are participating in a multi-level marketing opportunity that makes you feel uneasy or dangerous, it is acceptable for you to leave that opportunity and look for one that is more in line with your beliefs and objectives.

How To Invite An Amway Prospect WWDB Style?

 This invitation sheet was shown to me by a WWDB IBO. It's fascinating to listen to the tapespeak.

Inviting a New Individual

Please log into your For IBO use only my.biz website with your training login for further information, or contact your upline.

When someone is ready to begin, it is critical to assist them in doing so immediately. Teach them how to utilise a basic invitation:

1. “I met several people who are working on the front end of an Internet concept.” 1. “They've been working on it for 6 to 12 years and have it down to a science.” 2. “They're exploding in size and are in desperate need of assistance.” 3. “I need you to spend 10 minutes in front of a computer.” 4. “I'd like to spend 10 minutes with you.”

Option two: "Do you have access to a computer?" I'd like to show you around a website.” If they are not near a computer, make a time to call them as soon as feasible. Continue if they are. Interject some of the following points into your chat as they are setting up their browser: “I met several people who are involved in the early stages of an Internet concept.” “They've spent the previous 6-12 years developing it.” “It's ready for prime time,” says the author. “They're exploding in size and are in desperate need of assistance.” “It'll blow your mind!” says the narrator. “It's a notion similar to Amazon, except we own it.”

At this moment, the newcomer will only have one question: “What is this about or what are they doing?”

“Have you heard of Amazon?” should be your response. They have a notion that is similar to Amazon.”

If they are asked, “What is this all about?” “Have you heard of Amazon?” says the respondent. They have a notion that is similar to Amazon.” Encourage them to spread the word about the Web Tour:

Obtain access to the Web Tour for the newcomer (online, offline, or a paper copy). “That's as far as I can take you,” says the tour guide at the end. or "I'm only allowed to show you that." “I need to get you in front of these folks (on the phone or in person).”

WWDB

The Fruit On The Tree?

 When some Amway apologists recently mentioned looking at the "fruit on the tree" as a way to confirm that particular diamonds were effective, I had a nice laugh. According to one critic, his parents were broke, so he turned to his diamond, which appeared to have fruit on the tree. I considered this idea and agree that perhaps we should consider the fruit of the tree. First and foremost, what is fruit? Is it photographs of expensive stuff or financial documents that are genuine and verified? How would you tell if your diamond is affluent if he owns a Porsche? What if the same diamond was in credit card debt and was only trying to give the appearance of success? You say it's impossible. There have been confirmed reports of diamonds' homes being foreclosed on and other concerns.

Please ask your upline platinum or diamond to show you the fruit on their tree, IBOs and Amway prospects. Inquire about their (corporate) financial statements. This is a frequent technique in the real world of business. When a buddy of mine sold his company a few years ago, he prepared three years' worth of tax returns to present potential buyers. He displayed his personal and corporate tax returns. You have every right to request information/evidence if someone is asking you to do business with them that will need you to invest time and money.

Except for those who had their money revealed in public documents such as a bankruptcy, no bigger pin has ever shown their business financials, as far as I know. Why wouldn't they want to "display their fruit" if it made certain larger pins seem good? They don't mind flaunting their diamond rings, designer outfits, and sports automobiles. Many IBOs don't realise that flashy vehicles and other toys aren't proof of fruit on the tree. The cars may be rented, and the diamond could be underwater in debt.

It has been suggested that some diamonds may hire cars or expensive mansions in order to give the impression that they own them. In the past, some diamonds, possibly many diamonds, lied or embellished the facts about paying cash for everything, even their homes and cars. They've also created the appearance to the audience that these luxuries were all purchased with Amway money, although we know that many diamonds have likely had supplemental income from Amway systems or other business enterprises.

We're also aware that some gems are in debt, but they're merely attempting to depict an extravagant lifestyle. (See Ruth Carter's book, Behind the Smoke and Mirrors: Amway Motivational Organizations.) Even though a diamond earns a lot of money, that doesn't guarantee they're financially independent or able to live the jetset lifestyle that many portray. It's a fantasy to think that you'll be able to bring in new customers.

So, let's take a look at the fruit on the tree. Is there any fruit to be found?

Comment About An Amway Defender?

 Comments on Amway's most zealous and outspoken defender: http://www.unhappyfranchisee.com/will-amway-make-you-annoying/ Anonymous on April 23rd, 2012 8:32 am:

I strongly advise you to reconsider your participation in ibofightback. His comments can be seen here and elsewhere. He will distort and deform any argument in order to defend Amway or discredit opposing or anti-Amway viewpoints. I'm just a reader, so I'm not involved in his years-long feuds with other posters, but I think he's odd (no offense, ibo). It's amusing to observe how he deftly (sometimes) bends over himself to defend Amway in any situation. I believe he is a skilled manipulator with a hidden goal.

Again, no offence to ibofightback, but I believe he is a strange individual. He purportedly spends (and has spent) a significant lot of time and energy defending the reputation of a for-profit firm, despite receiving no compensation from the company and having no significant financial stake as an IBO. Why does he behave in this manner? Is there a near-full-time unpaid McDonald's advocate who builds blogs and fights for their honour across the Internet for no pay?

Why doesn't he use this energy to advocate against child hunger or for human rights, for example, if he's going to push for no pay? Why is he donating to a shady for-profit corporation? I believe he is either being compensated, directly or indirectly, for his efforts, or he is simply a strangeo who has chosen to spend all of his free time, passion, and energy to maintaining the reputation of a for-profit, cultlike ponzi scheme. If the former choice is correct, it may be deceitful and possibly illegal, but it is at least reasonable and understood. If the latter option is correct, it suggests mental disease or at the very least malfunction.

You don't have to use ibofightback if you don't want to. You don't require someone skilled in Amway; there are numerous trained experts who deal with all types of addictive behaviour. You'll need someone who is familiar with addictive behaviour.

Going to ibofightback for aid breaking from Amway is like to contacting a bartender for help with an alcoholic because of his alcohol experience. Asking ibofightback for aid divorcing from Amway is like to asking a drug dealer for assistance in finding a crack addict.

Asking ibofightback for advise on leaving Amway is akin to asking a pro-life campaigner for information on abortion.

Using ibofightback to get away from Amway is like to a couple seeking advise from a priest on how to spice things up in the bedroom.

[Ibofightback, it's nothing personal. You are a master of semantic gymnastics and discussion, in my opinion. And a few of my closest pals are oddballs. Just stay away from folks who have already been harmed by Amway to avoid causing further harm.]

The act of making a comment on an Amway defender is fraught with danger since it constitutes an attack on the values and viewpoints held by another individual. It is essential to approach a scenario like this with respect and an open mind, while simultaneously articulating one's own point of view.

If you find yourself in disagreement with someone who defends Amway, the first step is to try to comprehend the motivations behind their stance. It's possible that some people have had good experiences with Amway and sincerely believe in the way the company runs its business. It's possible that some people are defending Amway simply because they have a financial interest in the firm.

It is vital to avoid attacking the individual in question and instead concentrate on the facts rather than the motivations behind one's actions. Your position should be supported by evidence and data, and you should inspire the audience to conduct their own investigation. Sharing your own experiences or the stories of others who have had terrible encounters with Amway may also prove to be useful.

It is essential to keep in mind that everyone has the right to their own perspective, and it is highly unlikely that a single conversation can convince someone who defends Amway to change their mind. It is essential to maintain respect for the other person and to be open to resume the dialogue at a later time, if they are willing to do so.

In the end, the choice of whether or not to support or condemn Amway is a personal one that is determined by the experiences and beliefs of the individual. It is essential to not only make educated judgments but also to show support for companies and activities that are congruent with one's ideals and objectives.

Are You Ashamed Of Amway?

 Even now, I find folks who prefer to keep the Amway identity hidden when recruiting others. This strategy, I believe, is a big reason for Amway's poor reputation in North America. I was also deceived when I was recruited. I was invited to a "beer bust," but it turned out to be an Amway event. WTF was that? I wondered as I drove home that night. They deceive us, then expect us to join the company. This practise, I believe, continues to this day.

IBOs have tried a variety of methods to hide the Amway opportunity over the years. It was network marketing, e-commerce, an online shopping mall, and Amway was renamed "Quixtar" in North America. Unfortunately, the name change to Quixtar did not work, owing to the fact that the same approaches were employed to recruit new IBOs into Quixtar. Amway eventually reverted to its original name. I feel that Amway's terrible reputation in North America is why the company is doing so well in nations where people are either unfamiliar with the Amway name or where there haven't been enough former Amway/AMO victims to tarnish the brand.

So, IBOs, how can you expect someone to trust you and do business with you if you're lying or lying about the Amway opportunity? Are you embarrassed by the Amway brand? How can you ever be able to display any ideas, let alone sponsor anyone into the business, if you are ashamed or afraid to drop the "A bomb" on people? My former sponsor used to tell our group that the most difficult part is getting past the Amway name. To be honest, Amway the company is not to blame for the bad press. It is the unethical and bad behaviour of IBOs that has resulted in a negative reputation, but Amway police have not been clamping down and visibly taking action against offenders, therefore Amway is also guilty to some extent.

People who come out and say they work for Amway, on the other hand, are unlikely to get good results due to the company's bad reputation. For IBOs and prospects, it's almost a no-win situation. For these reasons, I feel that forming and maintaining a group is practically impossible, especially if your goal is to reach diamond. In recent years, it appears that more diamonds have left Amway than have been added. For WWDB, my former LOS, I believe this is correct. Are you ashamed of Amway, IBOs? If that's the case, why are so many IBOs still utilising deception and trickery to recruit prospects?