Front loading generally refers to a process in which a MLM company, or a sponsoring distributor, encourages a new distributor to purchase far more product than is commercially reasonable under the circumstances. Often the “push” is explained to the recruit as necessary to qualify in the plan. This is an unacceptable practice is often one indicia of a pyramid scheme.

On the other hand, virtually all regulatory agencies recognize that a purchase of an “at cost” sales kit is an acceptable practice in the mainstream of leading direct selling companies. Such mandated kits are typically in the $50-$100 range. They generally entail “hard copy” or online supply of sales and marketing materials as well as ongoing sales and marketing materials updates for a year. Typically the mandated sales kit does not include product and generally a company offers an optional deluxe kit that may include product. Such an optional kit, which is often referred to as a “fast start” kit, may contain several hundred dollars of product. This is not unusual. Although the same regulatory standards on upfront mandated purchases are applicable to party plan companies as they are to other companies, it is not unusual to see party plan companies mandate a beginning starter kit that contains a wide array of products, with a price tag several hundred dollars. Regulatory agencies are very liberal in their view of such mandated purchases in party plan companies because party plan companies are so overwhelmingly retail oriented and the movement of product to retail customers is the norm, and not the exception, for party plan companies.

Sign up FREE for our newsletter, MLM News Global, and keep updated on industry news, scams, video highlights, and relevant articles.

Learn more about the network marketing business at www.mlmlegal.com.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.

Can online-only starter kits be done in a way that ensures a high perceived value?

There has been a clear trend in recent years to offer sales and marketing support online and in the cloud. In reality, the developmental costs are equal or more in providing such support. The quality of support is quite significant, including: all company forms, distributor agreements and terms, policies and procedures, administrative housekeeping rules, product descriptions and updates, compensation plan descriptions and updates, training, communication tools, back office management of down line sales performance and financial reporting, replicated websites, the list goes on. In reality, the real and perceived value of emerging online sales and marketing support will far exceed the limited (physical) sales kits of “yesterday.”

If you are interested in attending the Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company conference visit our conference page, view our speaker list, or get more details. All executives/owners of direct selling companies are welcome to attend. Call 800-231-2162 to register.

Our next Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference takes place October 22 and 23, 2015 in Las Vegas. View our conference flyer and speaker list online. Participate in our Innovation Campaign for your chance to receive TWO FREE TICKETS to attend our next conference.

If you’re reading this blog post and the conference dates above have passed, check our website for the current conference dates.

Sign up for the MLM News Global newsletter for top headlines, news stories, scam alerts, videos, articles, and more information on the network marketing industry.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.

1)      Are You Outgoing? Network marketing is a great industry for outgoing people. Those who are uncomfortable asking friends and family to purchase products, or are generally shy, may want to consider other ways to earn auxiliary income other than direct selling.

2)      Do You Love the MLM Company and its Products? Find a company with high-quality products that you can get excited about selling. Also, be sure to do a little research to ensure that the company you want to join has a good reputation. The Direct Selling Association provides a list of members who agree to abide by its Code of Ethics, which is a good place to start researching direct selling companies.

3)      How Much Does it Cost to be a Consultant? Make sure that you completely understand how much you will be paying for the startup kit and any ongoing costs/fees. Average startup kits range around $99 (according to the Direct Selling Association); however, the price range for startup kits can greatly vary. Be sure that you are aware of the company’s fine print.

4)      Do You Know all There is to Know? Ask as many questions as you can think to ask the company. Ms. Collamer suggests some examples:

1. a.      What are your annual sales?
2. b.      How much money did you make last year — your income and bonuses, less expenses?
3. c.       What percentage of your sales were made to distributors?
4. d.      How much did you spend on training and buying products last year?
5. e.      How much time did you spend on the business last year?
6. f.        How many people have you recruited?

If you are unable to get satisfactory responses to your questions then it may be that the company isn’t right for you. There are many other considerations potential consultants should keep in mind when searching for the right MLM company. The short list above isn’t exclusive.

For more information and updates on the direct selling industry visit www.mlmlegal.com and www.mlmattorney.com.

Find us on our social networks:

Google+

LinkedIn

Twitter

Myspace

Facebook

Our next Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference takes place October 24th & 25th, 2013 in Las Vegas. Call Charity before September 1st to receive a discount! 503-226-6600 or 800-231-2162.

Visit us at www.mlmlegal.com to learn more.