Carolyn Hax: My sister thinks that working in a marketing company is a real job. I have to make it clear.



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Adapted from a recent online discussion.

Hello Carolyn:

My sister has been selling for a few years for a multi-level marketing company. This seems to be slightly better than some of them – she "must" only buy her samples from her pocket, not all her stock. I've learned to skim calls on Facebook to try this or buy that, and I eagerly refused to try the last 30 day trial.

What bothers me is that she seems to think it's her future career path; she would like to escape from a stressful job. MLMs sell this dream because it's the only way anyone can succeed – to recruit lower-level salespeople, none of whom really benefit from selling products. You have to make them believe that it will work for them, if only they make enough effort and recruit too.

I have a little desire to shout: "They are taking advantage of you, and it will never bring you any money if you do not start taking advantage of others!" but I'm pretty sure it will meet platitudes about the quality and support of the MLM # tribe class.

Do I keep my opinion to myself because it's not my business, or does it disgust me because I do not want to shake the family boat?

– Want to scream

Carolyn:

Keep your opinion to yourself because it's not your business. In addition, the information on the companies presenting the problem you have just identified is available to anyone who requests it from a search engine.

Re: MLM:

I think it's a "damned situation if you do it, a damned if you do not do it". If you say something now, you're pissing off his dream. If you do not say something now, when she loses her life, you will be vilified not to warn her when you knew something was wrong.

There is probably a lawsuit (or fifty) brought against the company by the consumer fraud office of the attorney general of certain states (or states); if it were me, I would send this information by e-mail to my sister, then consider my duty fulfilled and worry about my own business from then on. If not, it may be one of the good ones.

– Anonymous

Re: MLM:

For what it's worth, I wish more people who sell things like this – things that are often very expensive that most people do not really need, such as makeup – really think long and hard before reaching their goals. friends. Many friends will feel compelled, even if they do not want to buy this stuff, and others will refuse and feel a bit guilty. One day my husband and I had an argument because I did not "support" our friend's company because I did not want to spend $ 80 on face cream. UGH. Do not put your family and friends in this situation!

– UGH

Carolyn:

Dear friends, do not feel obligated. Do not feel guilty. Just not.

Dear marketers, I am your friend and not your business opportunity. If you treat me like this, I will question your sincerity.

Carolyn Hax began her counseling column in 1997 after five years as editor and editor of News in Style and none as a therapist. Email Carolyn at [email protected], follow her on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/carolyn.hax or chat with her online at noon, Eastern Time, every Friday atwww.washingtonpost.com.

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