Thread: MLMs that have gone brick'n'mortar / traditional retail, or vice-versa...

MLM expert friends-

Can you think of any examples of pyramids that "De-pyramided" themselves in favor of a more traditional way to market, or the opposite, product companies that adopted an MLM-model after a period of conventional retail?

I assume that NO product-based MLM has *ever* successfully gone on to sell their products in stores / online without an army of free labor/cheerleaders.... but maybe I'm wrong?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by JimGroan

MLM expert friends-

Can you think of any examples of pyramids that "De-pyramided" themselves in favor of a more traditional way to market,

No, but there may be a few out there.

Originally Posted by JimGroan

or the opposite, product companies that adopted an MLM-model after a period of conventional retail?

I believe AVON and Watkins sort of fit the bill.

Avon's adoption of MLM in 2005
Is Avon Different From Herbalife? - Avon Products, Inc. (NYSE:AVP) | Seeking Alpha


http://www.realscam.com/f9/watkins-scam-not-117/

Originally Posted by JimGroan

I assume that NO product-based MLM has *ever* successfully gone on to sell their products in stores / online without an army of free labor/cheerleaders.... but maybe I'm wrong?

Thanks!

It's hard to imagine why they would move to stores if an MLM company has "free" distribution via its network. I couldn't fathom an Amway for instance having to compete via price on the shelves at Walmart. Quality a big if too, is the world outside the pyramid clamoring for their products? Autoship seems to dry up when people leave the fold, which to me means former affiliates were more thrilled with the opportunity than value of the product.

Fake Doctor, Dr. Lindsey Duncan operated an MLM and had products in stores under different company names, Genesis Pure, Genesis Today, Pure Health, and maybe other names.

You could buy his snake oil cheaper off the shelf at SAMs Club, or pay a higher price 'wholesale' as an affiliate of the MLM - along with other fees.

He's in all kinds of trouble for false claims, and I think the company is kaput.
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/pres...oss-supplement