Dave Ramsey and Amway: Is Amway a Good Way to Make Extra Money?

As many of you know, I live in the home city of the Amway Corporation. Probably no other company has been so loved (my its members/sellers) and so loathed (by most others) as this one. Since I'm in their hometown, I've received my share of calls to have lunch about an "opportunity." I was naive enough to accept the first couple, but after that I've made it a point to ask if the meeting has anything to do with Amway (and if so, I decline.) Not that Amway's a bad way to make money -- it's just not my cup of tea.

Recently I ran into a short post on what Dave Ramsey thinks of Amway. The summary:

There have always been people who were successful in Amway. However, for every one person that was successful, there were nine who were not. I can tell you that the people who were successful worked very, very hard. Quixtar, Amway, and the like are good companies, but in order to make it, you have to work really, really hard which means it may not be the best option for a part-time job.

I have to agree. For every one winner, there are nine losers (if not more.) And those winners work as hard at growing their Amway businesses as I've ever seen anyone work at anything. It's tough going. For me, there are a lot better ways to make some extra money.

What about you? Anyone out there had a good or bad experience with Amway? Let us know about it in the comments section below.

Comments

[Sarah]

You really want to be associated with a company with this kind of history? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amway

[Ron@TheWisdomJournal]

The most hate mail I ever received was when I wrote a negative post about Multi Level Marketing businesses like Amway. I have another one planned btw.

My personal statistics show that only about 1 person in 165 makes any money and I suspect THAT is grossly inflated.

[Lynnae @ Being Frugal.net]

I'm not a fan of Amway. I grew up in an Amway family. My parents did really well at it for a while, I'm sure in large part because my dad is a great salesman.

Fast forward 20 years. My parents are divorced (not due to Amway :) ), and my mom doesn't have a lot of money from her job at a local retail store. She's convinced that she can replicate her earlier success with Amway, and she spends a lot of time and extra money on "building the business". I just don't ever see it happening for her. She doesn't have the time or the sales ability to make a good go of it, and I get a little peeved that she's so brainwashed into thinking that anybody can make Amway work.

[Moneyandpf]

My parents were into this Quixtar stuff last year. It's almost cult like and if you talk bad about or doubt it they just say "you would never understand". Well they just quit in the past 6 months after what I am assuming was no profit and if anything a loss from all of the seminars, books, etc. that they bought. If your going to make money doing one of these things hey just start your own business. The problem is people think it will be easy and in a few years they will be rich. MSNBC did an investigation that found only the top few make money and that is based on books,tapes, and other plan material. Here is the article http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4375477/ for those interested.

[mel]

Their are two specific problems I have with amway. The first is that if you are not willing to purchase or become a part of amway you lose friends. On more than one occasion we have lost friends because we were not interested in either purchasing or becoming members. They were told to basically lose the people who are not going to support them. The second problem I have is that I think they use dishonest tactics to recruit members. They showcase people making thousands of dollars a month from amway when those people have been making their money from motivational books and speeches, not from selling amway to others or getting more people in their down line. Also they do this tricky little thing. Buy wholesale but deposit the difference you would pay for retail in your account and it looks like you are making more than you really are since you are buying all your gifts and household products yourself. From what we have seen none of our friends have retired early or even seemed to prosper from the amount of work they are doing. Some people may be doing well with it but I agree with the first post that those people are in the minority.

[Tim]

the problem with amway and the like is people dislike pyramid schemes and amway has crappy products that cost more than good stuff. it is attractive to people who are disillusioned by the thought you can get rich quickly. after so many years, i can't believe amway is still going, but there will always be 9 or more others supporting the one, especially now more than ever, with the mindset of getting rich quickly.

i agree with everything in the post about amway. a good friend of mine used the ruse of having other friends over to pitch amway to them without letting them know it was his pitch for amway. now at least two of my friends will never talk to him again.

[Amy]

My parents have participated in numerous multi-level marketing schemes over the years, none of them have ever worked out as planned. I will forever be adverse to them.

[That One Caveman]

I wouldn't trust an Amway product or rep any further than I could throw it/him. I have a number of bad experiences (mostly from my ex-girlfriend's father constantly hard-selling me to join his network) and all of my research in that field has turned up nothing but more reasons to distrust any MLM scheme. Just read the Consumerist if you have any doubts.

[D Claus]

The problems now with Amway, Circle of Eagles, and many other MLMs is that the business model is grossly outdated. I'm sure you many folks make money if they were one of the "pioneers" 20 years ago. Amway probably still had some cache or mystery to it back then, whereas how quickly do you roll your eyes or cringe just by hearing the word? (and how many of us have nightmares of people holding hands and singing Cumbaya)

As for the friend aspect, I would probably do the opposite and cutoff friends who were gullible enough to think they could do something with it.

I would even go as far to say that MLMs and the like are why I'm not that talkative or overly friendly to people on planes, elevators, etc. It's because more often than not, the folks I have met in these situations that are actually "friendly" eventually ask me to hear about an "opportunity"..tis a shame

[SD]

Any contact I have had with Amway types in the past has led to a lost friendship. They and any that have their "business" with these types of companies it seems can't differentiate (very well) between making friends (or keeping current ones) and "business" because it becomes their sole desire to "make friends" to then slyly introduce the "business". I'm willing to bet that the ones who actually do make any decent money in these MLM "businesses" end up mostly with "friends" who are involved in their MLM or similar or they, at the very least, have lost plenty of friends in the meantime. Sad way to live I would think. I know somebody who has been involved in a similar MLM "business" who for probably 1/3 the ammount of work put in to "making friends" to introduce and sign up new "business partners" could work at a local grocery store and make more money and get some decent benefits also.

[No Debt Plan]

AmWay/Quixtar as far as I'm concerned are scams. The Wikipedia entry tells it all. Why would you want to be involved with such a company?

[James]

All the negative comments are very interesting. I am not in Amway, Quixtar or any of the others. In my experience, people who do well with MLM's are driven and motivated by success (usually at any cost). I am a relational person, therefore, I value my relationships with friends and family more than I value success in Amway. The folks I know who are successful in these ventures value that success more than the relationships (as evidenced by many broken relationships left in the "Amway wake").
All these negative comments and negative feedback come from people who have been pressured/coerced/hounded to join or have had a loved one who experienced these tactics. We've yet to hear from someone who is saying "I was approached, I put in the time and effort, and am seeing great results."
In the interest of full disclosure, my family does use some Amway products (primarily laundry detergents, dish soap, etc) and they are the best out there, bar none.

[Chief Family Officer]

My mom did Amway when I was a kid, and now, almost 30 years later, she still receives some residual income. I'm sure she worked hard but I don't remember it ever taking away from our family time. We used the products my entire childhood and I remember them being of good quality.

[Jane]

I have had the odd experience of having actually worked for Amway as a paid intern one summer during college, (not as a distributer but at the actual company.) What is really interesting is that none of the people I worked with had any part of the MLM side of the business. I remember the big news of the year was that the distributers did not like how we, the employees could buy imperfect products for personal use very inexpensively. One positive thing I found from working was that their products do work pretty good. But I don't buy them now b/c I don't want to deal with the hard sell to become a distributer.

[Irina]

My mom who is 76 y.o. and lives in Russia is very successful with her Tupperware sales.

Tupperware and other MLMs represent something different in Russia and Eastern Europe than what they represent here, in the US.

My mom, who has a college degree in English, has worked very hard (often two jobs) all her life. She worked as a teacher in various schools, including teaching English and Latin at a State Medical School.

My mom is a great teacher and a great inspirational speaker. I am sure in her "sales talks" she inspires people to more than just purchasing Tupperware pots.

From what she tells me about her Tupperware success, I know that she is very happy and satisfied with her experience. Her state pension is about $50 per month and sometimes she makes 10 times of that in her Tupperware sales.

I have never been interested in MLM myself, but I am grateful to Tupperware that they came to Russia and gave this "trilling opportunity" to my mom.

[Finance Monk]

Amway and other network marketing companies (Cutco, magazine sales in schools and the likes) have a hidden cost that really diminishes the total profit you get out of it -- you become annoying to your friends and acquaintances.

I realize that's rather harsh, and I know some of what's sold is of high quality (our one Cutco knife is the best knife we own) but people simply don't like being put in front of a salesperson, especially someone they know. There's a feeling of guilt if you don't buy anything, especially if they give a speech, and network marketing makes a lot of profit out of the social capital each of us have.

Unobtrusive sales is preferred by almost everyone -- going to the store to get something you want, or browsing the internet. Sales meetings in your social circles and being pressured to give your friends' contact information to the salespeople is aggravating and tends to make social situations pretty awkward. As someone mentioned above - the 'friendliness' seems fake and forced since there's money and a sale involved, and most of the time we don't want that aspect of life finding us in our social scenes (family, church, neighbors etc.). It's a strain on our relationships.

[tomtom]

I, too live in the city where Amway started it all. I, like many other friends and relatives, have tried "The Business". It is alot of groveling, pushy sales tactics and generally discomforting to think that every time you call another friend or relative they might be thinking, "Oh no, is he going to ask me to get involved with that Amway thing again?" It is just too much work while working another full time job to make it worth while. Maybe if I get laid off AND move to another city!!

[Greg]

I worked in the corporate headquaters of Excel Communications, a MLM company. Two things stand out. One, those who made bigs bucks would have done so anywhere, MLM and Excel were their vehicle of choice. Two, many people had no business trying to be "self-employed" or "own their own business." They just did not have the necessary tools or skills to do it. Oh, a third...lots of people who were looking for their big break; "Other MLM did not work, but this one will..."

[Josh]

Another thing to consider with Amway and any other MLM is taxes. People are told that having "your own business" can lead to tax breaks. That is certainly true for the first couple of years when your business expenses may actually be greater than your profit. This includes supplies, business aides, and even claiming part of your home and automobile depreciation. This can be deducted from your income using a Schedule C.

However, that "business" of yours can become a hobby very quickly. Take the time to read the IRS rules on hobby vs. business. Even if you happen to turn a profit, then you have to pay self employment taxes. I ran into the hobby issue this year with my wife's self employment skin care business. She took another loss, but we couldn't claim the business expenses. So, we get taxed on the profit and too bad on all the money that was spent out of pocket. Anyone have this experience?? Thanks

[Jason]

I too was naieve once and joined Quixtar. I was just into college so I didn't have much (any) money, but I quickly got brainwashed. They pump you so full of success stories you start to think the only reason people aren't successful is because they're lazy. So I dove in and started spending all of my extra cash on their products. One month, I even made $6. (revenue, not profit)

I consider myself an intelligent person, and I was constantly asking questions about the structure and details on how to make the "business" work. Unfortunately, "I wasn't ready for that level of information yet." I was told to just keep working the business and it would all work out.

I even paid something like $400 to go to a huge event in North Carolina where they parade the success of the "big dogs" in front of you. Their cars, planes, and whatnot, just to make you salivate.

One thing I really didn't like was that it erupted into a religious event for a while. Like pushing the greed button wasn't enough.

While there are probably many people making tons of money with such types of businesses, there are many many more people getting crushed. If you want to make money at something like this, be prepared for 20+ years of making pennies, while wasting away all of your free time.

In my opinion...use the time you have now for doing things you enjoy, not to "build a business" that might bring in some residual income 20 years from now.

[Outsider]

The large majority of those involved in quixtar or amway never make a dime. What compounds the problem is when the distributors pay good money for cds and seminars so they can learn about everything but how to run a quixtar business.

[Fulltime Firefighter/Part-time MLMer]

Okay, here's a little riddle to see if you all are really free thinkers or just drink the Dave Ramsey "Kool-aid":

It's a quality product
It can be had in a cheaper form for less cost in retail stores
You need to annoy your friends and/or family to move the product
very little of the profit benefits you directly
there are always gatherings trumpeting how much money is to be made from moving this product

What is it?

I'll be back in a couple of days with the answer(s)

[Ray Roman]

The problem is usually not the mlm company but the mindset and perception the uneducated bring to the table. By uneducated I mean, not knowing about direct marketing, having no business savvy, poor time management skills, poor work habits, and most importantly unrealistic expectations.

Because the entry level cost is so low you have lots of folks joining who have no business being in business. They also think that their investment of $49.99 will yields thousands of dollars in no time flat. WRONG! Keep in mind a McDonald franchise can easily cost $500,000.00 and take over 5-7 years to break even.

Not everyone is cut-out for direct sales, it takes a very strong personality who can persevere the countless rejections.

I have been in 2 direct sales companies and I made some money in both, but at the end I was not passionate about the products or profession to continue.

Direct Sales/MLM is not a get rich quick route, and unfortunately that what a lot of people think.

Regards

[Ray Roman]

The problem is usually not the mlm company but the mindset and perception the uneducated bring to the table. By uneducated I mean, not knowing about direct marketing, having no business savvy, poor time management skills, poor work habits, and most importantly unrealistic expectations.

Because the entry level cost is so low you have lots of folks joining who have no business being in business. They also think that their investment of $49.99 will yields thousands of dollars in no time flat. WRONG! Keep in mind a McDonald franchise can easily cost $500,000.00 and take over 5-7 years to break even.

Not everyone is cut-out for direct sales, it takes a very strong personality who can persevere the countless rejections.

I have been in 2 direct sales companies and I made some money in both, but at the end I was not passionate about the products or profession to continue.

Direct Sales/MLM is not a get rich quick route, and unfortunately that what a lot of people think.

Regards

[Marc Goodin]

I find it interesting so many people have the time to worry about what everyone else is doing. Most people are working for a company that helps keep them just above broke. Would you be able to pay your mortgage in 6 months if you were layed off today?

I own my own business and most people would say the risks and effort were to high. But the real truth is working for someone else cab be alot more effort and much riskerier.

From my experience either Amway or your own business takes eduacation, investment and effort to be successful.

Good luck - hope you go for it!

[Marc Goodin]

I find it interesting so many people have the time to worry about what everyone else is doing. Most people are working for a company that helps keep them just above broke. Would you be able to pay your mortgage in 6 months if you were layed off today?

I own my own business and most people would say the risks and effort were to high. But the real truth is working for someone else cab be alot more effort and much riskerier.

From my experience either Amway or your own business takes eduacation, investment and effort to be successful.

Good luck - hope you go for it!

[Craig Walker]

There are a lot if negative posts on this page! All I can say is that I just joined Amway and I made my initial investment back my first month in business. I really think people need to note the difference between Amway and the motivational teams. Amyway is a great company. There are a few motivational teams out there that do not so things the right way. I happen to be in a great group that understands that people don't like to be pressured and they also don't like to buy tapes/cd's at inflated prices. My sponser has yet to puressure me to buy anything, in fact, he loans me tools to use. There are good and bad in everything, so be careful, get good information, preferably facts, not opinion, and make a quality decision. Besides, people like Warren Buffett, Donald Trump, Robert Kiosaki, and other financially independent people agree that direct sales is a great opportunity for anyone willing to work. I think these guys know what they are talking about. Also, I do not pressure anyone, I share information and if they are interested, I share more. I have talked to family and friends, and I am still friends with both groups of people. It is the kind of person you are that determines your success in all areas of your life. As far as a low percentage of people making it to the top ranks, that is true for ANY company in America, or the world for that matter. The difference in this business is you get paid for your efforts. You are not dependent on your boss to "evaluate" you for a raise. Ask yourself this, what are your chances of becoming CEO of the company you work for? If you put effort into this tpye of business, you will make it. I am not saying Amway is the best thing for everyone, I am saying that it is a viable opportunity for anyone that is looking and that is willing to work. I wish everyone the best and remember to never give up in the pursuit of your dreams, no matter how big or small they may be. God Bless.

[Sara]

I have read, with some interest, the posts here. My parents got into the Amway business when I was 12 years old. They made some pretty good money there (more, by the way, than they did in the supermarket that they owned for which they paid $250,000 as opposed to the $85 they spent to get in Amway). Since growing up, I got involved myself right out of college and lived on the income for 5 years. I stopped working on the business for 10 years, but still made income from what I built. I am now back building my business. Not once have I lost a friend or pressured anyone into anything. It sounds to me more like a character flaw in your "friends", more than anything to do with the Amway business. The products are awesome and I wouldn't use any others. They obviously have to be or they wouldn't offer a 100% money back guarantee on everything and still do $7 billion last year. Does everyone succeed? Nope. Do most people succeed? Nope. That's not an admonition on the business, but on the person. If you come into this business thinking that you have all the answers on how to create a successful business and won't take counsel on how to build it successfully, you will fail.....just like you would if you tried to build any other business in an incorrect way. People seem to not understand the laws of success mean hard work, determination and a long term commitment.

As far as the "you can make more money working at a part time job" mentalily goes, consider this. That's fine and a good plan if you want to work more hours forever. With this business you build a long term residual income. As I said, I earned money for 10 years while doing nothing......try that working a part time job. It doesnt' work. So it comes down to what you are looking for, short term income for trading hours for dollars more often or are you willing to make a long term commitment, learn, work hard and create long term success. That determines success and failure in the Amway business. It's just in the country, most people choose the former. Don't blame that on the company, blame the person who picked the wrong path to acheive the goals they set for themselves.

[Bobby Jones]

SCAM, MOST ALL OF THEM IF YOU ARE NOT WISE

Amway, Pre-Paid Legal, Eco-Quest, Fraud Independent Insurance, Some Car Dealerships, etc. etc. etc.

They all use this same crap of a lie, YOU DID NOT MAKE MONEY BECAUSE YOU DID NOT DO THIS OR YOU DID NOT BELIEVE IN THAT, TO MANY NEGATIVE PEOPLE AROUND YOU BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH......

Go get a regular JOB paying a regular wage and you will spend more time with your family (you don't need a 50' ft boat, 8 Bedroom Home and 4 Cars to be somebody) and less hours pissing people off with these MLM SCAMS.

I did them all on a FULL FULL FULL TIME TIME TIME Basis and only the folks at the TOP are getting the MONEY....... the rest are worker ANTS waiting to be eaten after you have brought in fresh supplies (partners, downline members, etc.)

Get That Regular JOB

[Emmanuel Paul]

Hi,
I like this because investment is nothing and being in this you can learn lot about society and medicine and hidden truth in the society and you can learn human and it is preventing from illness.
Doctors affect the disease but it prevents from disease

[Emmanuel Paul]

Don’t speak silly like loosing friends .Who is friend? Friend will listen to you .Person who is not listening to you can not be your friend and People who is saying this don’t know about this Amway products and this Business .Because ABO are asking to join their friends because they are giving good opportunity to their friends.

[MLM Divorcee]

The latest one that I have seen is the Arbonne pyramid scam, which has suprisingly engaged church congregations and even pastors. An example is the West Hills Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. The pastor became involved with the Arbonne scam, thus creating a division between those "with it", and those ostracised for not taking part. I can cite at least one case of a tragic divorce and financial ruin directly related to the promotion of the Arbonne scheme by the pastor of the West Hills Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. This thing is suprisingly similar to how a cult controls its members. The real irony is that Arbonne is often promoted as a Christian company, when all it promotes is the idolotry of worshiping a white Mercedes!

[Blabbis Crombie]

Losers are always negative, especially when they can't strategize a successful business plan to hang in for the 12-48 months it takes of consistently building the business.

[JPF]

It's seems to be like everything else out there, you get out of it what you put into it. Of course, if you continuously make bad decisions and the quit, it seems like your the one at fault, not the system. I think it all revolves around the team of people you're in business with. A good team will help you reach whatever goal it is that you want whether it's just $500 or if you want to make a career out of it. For a lot of people that are willing to accept help, making a couple hundred dollars isn't difficult at all. Of course, your success can't revolve around someone else, if it's to be it's up to you. But no one should feel pressured or ostracised by anyone for not wanting to take part in a business like Amway, some people just don't realize what their capable of. Lastly, I would hope that a company wouldn't be judged based off of bad decisions that some of it's business owners have made. Crooked people are crooked people whether it be an mlm business or a major oil company a few years ago.

[jr]

Amway is the biggest scam of history, no doubt about it. go and try to build another business. this is not an option, I ve been on it for long and only waste of time and friends .tired of meetings and meetings, I like publix products better.I put 100%, but they say I should work harder,. is there any way to get my money back?, I mean the membership fee 167, can i sue them? stay away from this

[D]

Really Interesting posts. I can't speak for other MLMs, but for arguments sake let's say they are scams. I would think the other partnerships with multiple, major, and National retail chains would not want to be associated w/them.
Hmmm...Let me think...... I guess they're lawyers were graduates from an community college or vocational institute and were totally brain washed by Amway's Lawyers Huh?. Otherwise, Don't you think Huge National retail chain's attorneys would want to have nothing to do with A "SCAM" like Amway for their client?
Besides, If they were illegal and/or A "SCAM", Don't you think the Better Business Bureau or Federal Trade Commission shut the Amway business or their distributors down in a blink of an eye?
Please... I'm confused, Can anyone give a rational reason as to why Major professional and Olympic Athletes, would give their consent and want to be associated w/ such a scandalous Company and risk any chances of them getting cut or fined by the strict requirements of the Olympic committee? Or even Major Celebrities want to have their names and reputations ruined for endorsing or being associated with Amway in anyway?
Seems to me a lot of people need to do their homework and get their facts straight.
Oh yeah.. and for the person who mentioned the "expose" that NBC and Chris Hansen did on Amway, It's funny because, actually they probably should make a public apology to Amway b/c, I could've sworn seeing a clip from Kathie Lee Gifford & Hoda Kotb's morning show just adoring and actually I also think that Kathie Lee said it was one of her one of favorite items from Amway's Exclusive make-up line? But Wait aren't they on the same NETWORK? I don't knnn.....ow, ooohh, my little head hurts from thinking so hard! Are you nay sayers feeling like this now?
I can go on...and on and on and ON! I challenge anyone who has any refutes or has reasonable facts from a reliable source not Google! b/c if you or anyone gave time or consideration enough to read the small disclosure statement on Google Search engine, You would come to the realization that it is just that "A SEARCH ENGINE". NOT a RESEARCH ENGINE. Anyone can give an opinion and post it.
Go to the real reliable source. Directly to BBB and/or FTC website. I'm sure thay were bribed by Amway.... Shhhhyeah, Right. Need I say more? Cause I can give you more facts.
For all the Nay sayers and HATERS, Go waste your time elsewhere with your propaganda.
Amway is Soooooo.... Legitimate.
Oh BTW, all those that told the truth about Amway in the previous posts.They are right on the money. Losers always gripe and point the finger at the one who is actually trying to better your life and many others around the world. Why don't you all check out the charities that are associated and agree to receive donations from that "Terrible, Scamming, PYRAMID SCHEME"
Draw out any organizational chart for any institution. Don't you notice something? Churches, Boys/Girls Scouts, Sports Team's Managements. Let's see...., CEO top,then CFO 2nd level, Directors 3rd level, Regional Managers 4th. Ummm.... Wow! Looks like a PYRAMID to me! Now does that sound and look like a PYRAMID to YOU???????!!!
NO but wait, Where might you be? Maybe down at the bottom? Do you work and Slave Hard for your honest living but get paid beans? Does your boss or CEO of the company, Are they playing golf as many hours that you may be working?
I welcome any other rebuttals, I'm sure you'd really have to dig deep to find dirt. Oh yes, let's make sure this time the facts are from a straight, reliable source so there are no more misunderstandings.
Anyways, the whole thing is STOP Hating. Maybe we should listen to an old favorite of mine from the Black Eyed Peas..... "WHERE IS THE LOVE?"
May God Bless you all, If there were any hurt feelings, it was not intended, just wanted everyone to step back and realize, We only Have ONE World. Let's make a positive difference. Any Ignorant, Fearful person or group of people can be negative. Why be a part of it?
WE ARE all of humanity, let's get our world and economy back to what it was a few short years ago. Politicians are not at fault for the economic downturn but,They may have made it worse. If you study economics, There will be a Boom and Prosperous cycle, but I guarantee you there will be a burst of the bubble too and then, recessions.

[E]

All you negative people on here do yourself a favor and read Financial IQ and you will be surprised who really is stealing your money. They do it hands down, no pistol, no violence all they need is your cooperation. Amway is not a pyramid scam. Ignorant people will live exactly what Steve Jobs called "dogma", livingof other peoples results! Anyone can start a race, but only those who put the effort, training, and stay focused reach the finish line. You want a pyramid scam? How about your job? All the big shots make the money (they're at the top of the pyramid) while we live Just Over Broke, at the bottom of the pyramid as the working ants and we don't have a problem with that. Anything in life is possible wit faith. You can't solve todays problems thinking the same as yesterday. Do your homework guys before you put an opinion. Dave Ramsey in EntreLeadership talks practically about what my team members are teching me. Do the math Amways compensation plan says if you stop buying at your current retail store and buy direct as an associate I will return to you a fraction of what you invested. They say 3% of 300 U.S. dollars equals between $7-$12... if you know math I don't think they lie. Amway is not for EVERYONE.. its an option like all the jobs, careers, etc. Our own goverment is a pyramid scam but those mediocred in the middle class don't. Ask for more because they're just fine... house, car, entertainment... but once they sell the company you put so many hours in outsource it or simply gos broke, what happens to your income? Don't be ignorant that's all...

[Nancy]

Did you hear about the new car alarm? If someone comes too close to the car, a voice pipes up and says, "Excuse me. I'd like to tell you about a new business opportunity called, "Amway." They RUN away from the car.

[Alex]

Amway is a great company. They have an A+ from the better business bureau and always have. What is negative about the business isn't the company, it is the individuals who who alienate their friends and family once getting involved or who try to trick people into going to meetings. they deceive others to get them involved.

You cannot make money by signing someone up into business but a lot of people like the law of big numbers: "if I sign up enough people on hype a handful of them will actually do some work."

I am involved in amway and I am successful for one reason: my coaches would never teach us to decieve or convince anyone of anything. We do not endorse anyone into business until they have spent a minimum of 4 weeks gathering credible information, getting to know us and our coaches and allowing us to get to know them. Most of our business owners did not get an offer to go into business from us until they'd spent two months investigating and earning a spot on our team. The reasons for that:
1. If they are still excited about this business after two months of research and coming out to events they are probably for real about wanting to take this seriously.
2. When we go into business with someone we tell them we are committing a minimum of 5 years to that person to help them grow a successful business and we don't take that commitment lightly. Therefore we do not want to waste our time with someone who is going to quit in a few months.

Yes it take us longer to put businesses in than someone who hounds people and signs them up left, right and center, but it takes us far less time to be successful because we only work with people who actually understand what they're getting involved in and what it takes to build it. If someone isn't interested I do NOT want to be dragging them through business trying to get them to believe in it, I'd rather find people who want the opportunity. I'd rather run with one than drag 10 and that is how we teach all of our business owners, to be respectful of people and only bring up this business to someone who expresses a desire for opportunity. We've been involved a year and this month we will make $1300. Not riches, but an extra $1300/month doesn't hurt and it has been growing about $100/month since December. The toughest part is starting, but if you do it right it grows like rolling a snowball down a hill.

I hope that makes sense and people can realize just because there are people who misrepresent this company doesn't mean it is bad or all of us are bad. I'm sure in your job there are a few bad apples. Anyway, if someone approaches you about amway, hear them out, because it does work if you're willing to do the work. And if you can get involved in worldwide dream builders (a training system within amway) they teach the same thing I just described, slow and steady and not being pushy (though not everyone listens to what they are taught :)

[Ash]

I like these posts that defend Amway as a great company. Watch them come back a few months or even a few years later and say the exact opposite about Amway. Listen closely Amway is the biggest scam in history. They are privately owned so we don't have access to any of their finance information. They say they made $10.7billion last year in profit but where is the evidence. How come none of the news channels are talking about this great company? How come more people aren't becoming successful and how come we still have poor people out there? I consider myself gifted with numbers and I did some calculations. The conclusion: Amway lies about their profits. The company has deep political connections that is one of the reasons it can continue to lie. Give a few thousand to a few politicians, lawyers, judges... etc and just like that they dodge the FTC.

Final statement: As long as ignorant, low iq people continue to live, these MLM companies will continue to thrive. The best solution is to look at some numbers, do some calculations and see for yourself just how difficult it would be to make any profit out of this and whether it would be worth your time. But alas algebra and trigonometry are completely useless after high school right?