Thread: The case (for and) against multi-level marketing:

THE CASE (FOR AND) AGAINST MULTI-LEVEL MARKETING: The Complete Guide to Understanding and Countering the Effects of Endless Chain Opportunity Selling – or Product-based Pyramid Schemes

Dr. Jon M. Taylor of the Consumer Awareness Institute presents the results of his analyses of over 350 MLMs and 15 years of worldwide feedback in this e-book, that can provide crucial background information for federal and state law enforcement officials and for attorneys building cases for plaintiffs affected by MLMs. The book can be downloaded free of charge from his web site – The truth about MLM, or multi-level marketing, based on solid research and world-wide feedback.

Dr. Taylor provides a thorough treatment of problems of MLM as a fundamentally flawed business model, typical misrepresentations used in MLM recruitment, financial losses and other consequences of MLM participation, and potential violations of both federal and state laws. The book is refreshingly different from other books on MLM, mostly written by pro-MLM advocates and based on overly optimistic estimates of MLMs effectiveness and prospects.

Here is a partial list of the research and experience that went into the book, much of which is posted on his web site:
• Analysis of over 350 MLM compensation plans, and comparisons with alternative business models to clarify differences and possible harm
• Interviews with and feedback from thousands of MLM distributors and ex-distributors in a wide variety of MLMs
• Interviews with the top experts on pyramid schemes and with consumer advocates, agencies, and university research sources
• Surveys of hundreds of tax professionals where MLM is concentrated, representing thousands of MLM participants’ tax returns, plus IRS income tax records of top distributors in one state
• Court records in MLM cases, for which Dr. Taylor was hired as an expert witness
• Household consumer surveys regarding MLM participation
• Surveys of presidents of leading MLMs
• Private and public financial disclosures by MLM companies
• Communications with law enforcement officials at all levels
• Consulting and expert witness services for numerous MLM cases
• Advocating for consumers and encouraging the FTC and state regulators to protect consumers against MLMs’ unfair and deceptive practices
• Direct experience with prominent MLMs

Dr. Taylor makes himself available for consulting and expert witness services.
Again, to tap into valuable research reports and consumer guides resulting from this research and to download Dr. Taylor’s new e-book at no charge, go to The truth about MLM, or multi-level marketing, based on solid research and world-wide feedback


Stephen Barrett, M.D., is one of the most prolific independent investigators of health quackery and related fraud on the web. MLM Watch

404 Not Found – A classic article on MLM/network marketing, “What’s Wrong with Multi-level Marketing?” is written by Dean VanDruff

www.pyramidschemealert.com , sponsored by Pyramid Scheme Alert, established to expose and prevent pyramid scheme fraud world wide. Robert Fitzpatrick, the founder, has appeared on several local and national TV programs exposing pyramid scheme abuse. This site offers news on court cases and regulatory actions, resources including many from (Dr. Jon M. Taylor), the most informed Consumer Advocate today, in addition to petitions for action by law enforcement agencies.

Incredible people and resources. Welcome to the forum!

Soapboxmom

I don't trust any MLM company, not the first one.