SpeakAsia - Is this good news OR another controversy?
By Venkataraman
@venkataraman_vc (5293)
Chennai, India
June 8, 2011 4:24am CST
Today, I've seen a post shared by a Speak Asia member. I am sharing the link here.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/speak-asia-says-panelists-money-is-safe/articleshow/8765016.cms
As read in the post, there seems to be some relief. What do you think?
However, I don't accept it as a good business model. Using some brand names and later apologising for it, is very much unprofessional.
6 responses
@venkataraman_vc (5293)
• Chennai, India
9 Jun 11
The company is operating in MLM style, so there is no wonder that one has to earn by referring people. But, I too have the doubt on how they could guarantee 2 surveys a week while even GlobalTestMarket couldn't give that guarantee.
@venkataraman_vc (5293)
• Chennai, India
10 Jun 11
I don't think so. They might have been sending surveys to the members. Lately I heard that they send surveys to all, but deny to approve those surveys. Particularly who don't have any referral.
I have a friend who was receiving regular surveys. (Even, he forwarded those survey screenshots to me, since I too was having the same doubt as you. I believe he is not lying.)
@amitgune (877)
• India
9 Jun 11
Giving a guarantee is one thing and actually sending 2 surveys in a week is another. Is there a single person here who has got 2 surveys a week from SpeakAsia? Forget that. Is there even a single person who has got 2 surveys in a lifetime from SpeakAsia? I doubt. The company is only using people's money to create a downline ...MLM style. All over the world, for any MLM company, a product or service needs to be sold, else the company would be ILLEGAL. Hence SpeakAsia has come up with this concept that they are a survey company, so that they can show that they are promoting surveys. Actually there are no surveys at all.
@wealthymouli (710)
• India
8 Jun 11
I would like to say one thing. It is always better to stay away from those schemes and even other PRODUCT BASED MLMs when they ask you to pay in DOLLARS. Especially for INDIANS and other people whose DOLLAR VS NATIVE CURRENCY RATIO IS HIGH. Unfortunately I am forced use the word PRODUCT BASED MLMs. Because, MLM means PRODUCTS BASED only. Other schemes are called REFERRAL MARKETING. In my opinion, OFFLINE BUSINESS is giving sure PROFIT and GOOD CUSTOMER relationships. I wish to SUGGEST ALL THOSE WANT TO MAKE SOME PROFIT, better stay away from these schemes who promise LOADS of DOLLARs. It is not for us. If they lose its just 100s or 500s or even 1000 dollar for them. Where as it is 5000 / 25000 / 50000 Rupees. Remember this.
1 person likes this
@venkataraman_vc (5293)
• Chennai, India
8 Jun 11
Yes. I agree.
Product Based MLMs, at least we get our product for the money we paid. But, there is always risk of losing money with the virtual products.
@wealthymouli (710)
• India
8 Jun 11
That is what I also meant. Online-- virtual products and services are always slippery. :) and in my dictionary, MLM means Product based. Like the world famous companies AMWAY, ORIFLAME, MODICARE and there is a governing body DIRECT SELLING ASSOSIATION. for each country. and WFDSA - World Federation of Direct Selling Assosiation. So, anyone who joins would not lose money.
1 person likes this
@venkataraman_vc (5293)
• Chennai, India
11 Jun 11
In my opinion, the MLM has taken a twist in India. Actually it should be like, one buys the product, uses it, gets convinced and passes on the story to another user. But, here people just market anything even without using it or knowing it fully. That's the major risk they get involved.
Product based MLMs, though good, the delivery of the product is always a problem. The situation is like only big boys can dare to do it. Since they invest huge money, the chances of becoming SCAM is lesser. Online products, anyone with small investment can start it because it's deliverable anywhere instantly. The possibility of turning into SCAM is high, since the intentions of the owner is not known. (Also the identity is not known.)
@picjim (3002)
• India
9 Jun 11
News reports seem to indicate it is a scam or a controversy.Right from dubious ownership everything else seems to be indicating they aren't transparent in their dealings.Let us not invest and up losing valuable money.T.v.Channels have all been crying hoarse that it is dubious site and investors might lose their hard earned money.
@venkataraman_vc (5293)
• Chennai, India
9 Jun 11
Yes. Still they have no clear answer about the ownership. Besides unsustainable business style, their transparency has also become doubtful.
@sriroshan (2584)
• India
8 Jun 11
I don't think you should take chance to invest your money in this company
@venkataraman_vc (5293)
• Chennai, India
9 Jun 11
The very first instance I heard about this company, I decided not to involve as the business modal was not promising. Well. Even after these controversies, some people still keep telling that SpeakAsia is good company. I have nothing to do but to pity them.
@vigneshptc (181)
• India
8 Jun 11
im always hearing some difference in opinion from the review sites some say its legit some say its a scam.................im still confused :?:
@venkataraman_vc (5293)
• Chennai, India
9 Jun 11
Even if the company is good, the current situation is not very good. Controversies can kill the inflow of funds, whereas the strictures by banks can further increase the gravity of problem. It's better to just stay away and watch for a while, now.
@venkataraman_vc (5293)
• Chennai, India
9 Jun 11
How far the statement is true? God only knows.
Regarding people who have been paid, everything was fine so far. But, now the survival has become a big question.
