Getting Ambushed On A Virtual MLM "Party"
By Raine38
@Raine38 (12388)
United States
January 31, 2021 12:18pm CST
I do not have a personal experience of being a part of MLM schemes or multi-level marketing "businesses", however, I have close friends and family members who fell prey and lost a lot of money - and relationships - after getting into these pyramid schemes. I am not trying to judge anyone, but based on my personal experiences, these businesses are predatory in nature. I will advise against it when asked.
With the pandemic, they are also getting more creative and their persistence did not diminish any. And I am sad to say that a good friend of mine has fallen into it.
She has her own financial advising business. I miss her so much and since we cannot see each other as often as we used to, she invited me to a zoom call. I was still at work at that time, but since I figure it's only a short hi-hello from her, I will take her call. I was surprised to find that we are not alone in the call, we have other women in there too. She introduced us, thank us for accepting the call, and proceeded with the pitch that I know so very well.
I felt betrayed and irritated because there was no warning. And from the looks of it, the zoom party call is not going to end any time soon - it's about a party selling kitchen wares, like pots and pans. Honestly, I have way too many pots and pans that I cannot even find a place for everything that I currently own. And from what I can see, the pots and pans are not too great for the price.
After 20 minutes, I sent her a private message that I have to go because I am still at work and I did not know that the call will take that long. She said that it's almost done so to please stay on. After two more minutes and no sign of wrapping up, I spoke on the call and said my goodbyes to everyone because it is obvious that I was still at work. The other party host said okay, and asked for an email address where she can send me the catalog. I just said that I am not looking to buy any kitchenware but thanked her anyway.
It's been two days and I have not heard from my friend yet. I think I offended her. Oh well, she is not the first friend that I lost due to a pyramid scheme. I have lost 2 or 3, I think, because I refused to buy their overpriced makeup and diet products. 
8 people like this
9 responses
@kaylachan (77505)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
31 Jan 21
I personally would've hung up as soon as I learned that there were others in the call. If she was offended, too bad. I am sorry your friend fell into it, but given how desperate being out of work has made a lot of people, it's not a surprise. Most people want to get rich, quick. It doesn't work that way.
3 people like this
@kaylachan (77505)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
1 Feb 21
Exactly. One needs to be careful when getting involved with them. @MarieCoyle
2 people like this
@Raine38 (12388)
• United States
1 Feb 21
I do not like how these organizations sell the "be your own boss" or "own your own business" life, when in fact these are not helping them. Unless they are at the top of the pyramid, they will never get rich real quick like how they promised it to be.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (43690)
•
1 Feb 21
A lady I know who used to sell wax melts from a certain MLM company, told me that when she was recruited she was to refer to herself as a business owner. That was what the company insisted on. What do you really own? The inventory you are stuck with, I guess. Pyramid schemes never pan out for anyone except the one that's on the top, and that's precarious.
3 people like this
@spiderdust (14756)
• San Jose, California
31 Jan 21
Yeah, I would be irritated by that too. It almost sounds like your "friend" intentionally didn't tell people it was a virtual sales party so they'd be more likely to show.
2 people like this
@spiderdust (14756)
• San Jose, California
2 Feb 21
@Raine38 She's going to have a hard time getting people to attend the next one after tricking everyone into attending this one.
@Raine38 (12388)
• United States
1 Feb 21
Before, I am very shy to say no so I will suffer through all presentations. I cannot say no, so I always end up stuck in these kind of calls. Sometimes I even spend money to travel to attend a party only to find out it's an MLM party. Not anymore. I have way better things to do with my time.
1 person likes this
@Daljinder (23236)
• Bangalore, India
31 Jan 21
Yeah! Been there done that. Well not myself personally but my Dad. Not worth the time, money, and effort. OH and headache! 
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (43690)
•
1 Feb 21
I know some women who have bounced from one MLM scheme to another one to another one. They bombard people constantly with begging them to join them in their wonderfully independent business, it's only $100 for a start up kit, and so forth. I know I have 2 friends who sell more than one thing for more than one company--candles, wax melts, make-up, jewelry, children's toys. The list is endless. I realize they need money. I totally get that. But if you've tried 2 or 3 of these outfits and you didn't make anything worth talking about, why would you try more? I think I have made enemies because I always say I am busy and cannot attend their zoom sales pitches, various so-called parties that are really just meetings to get you to buy their items, or to get you to sign up to sell the items. I'm done. I prefer to buy my stuff somewhere that I can avoid all of this hassle and not worry about offending a friend anymore.
2 people like this
@Raine38 (12388)
• United States
1 Feb 21
Exactly! The business model is the same - those who are at the bottom of the pyramid end up securing income for those at the top. If a business depends greatly on recruitment to earn rather than the selling of products and services, then there is something greatly wrong with it. And I know it sounds so good to have your own business, and work at your own time. But like I always tell those who invite me on these: unless your name is on the business permit and tax forms as the owner, then they do not own the business. They are the customers re-selling whatever it is that they are peddling.
2 people like this
@prinzcy (32300)
• Malaysia
1 Feb 21
Been there as well. I have a 'sister' when I stayed in dorm during middle high. A sister is a senior who took care of you. Naturally, our relationship was close. I haven't met her for years when suddenly she contacted me. I was overjoyed and invited her to my house. She came and started promoting water filter to me.
That's the end of our relationship. I never want to contact her ever again.
1 person likes this
@UriahAnne (701)
•
2 Feb 21
It's okay to refuse sometimes.specially not needed.. For me I'll be irritated too..
1 person likes this
@UriahAnne (701)
•
2 Feb 21
@Raine38 Yes me too.If I have encounter like that ,I will do the same what you do .I'll refuse it.
