This week I've looked at what might be behind a funny story about combat-ready mermaids, and found out that it's not the answer I thought I was going to find. I also did a silly thing, and joined a Multi Level Marketing scheme - but don't worry, it's all above board. Just email me if you'd like to join my downline or buy some of my scrapbooking products, and I can give you my affiliate link.
Dear Mark, > > I was so pleased to hear on your latest podcast that you are interested in becoming a scrapbooker and/or card maker! It's a great way to preserve your memories rather than have them languish on your phone, to be lost at Google or Apple's whim. > > You've picked a great time to sign up to be a Maker as for a limited time you can join for just $45- and get $45- in CTMH Cash to spend on the things that you will love immediately. > > -=-=-=- > > For a limited time, you can sign up to become a Maker for just $45 and instantly get $45 back in CTMH Cash! > > In addition to your CTMH Cash sign-up bonus, which you can use to purchase a variety of products of your choice, you'll also enjoy these great perks when you become a Maker: > > 25–45% commission on all orders, based on performance > > Sneak peeks and previews for new specials and products > > Performance-based product and cash bonuses > > E-commerce website for collecting customer orders > > Annual incentive trip opportunities > > Flexibility to work your own schedule > > -=-=-=- > > All sounds great right!!! When you are ready to sign up I'm happy to walk you through it! 🙂 Or take a look here (https://susanshearer.closetomyheart.co.nz/ctmh/join.aspx) for more details and I'll contact you again in a few weeks to discuss any questions you may have. Next time you are in Auckland I am happy to have you come along to one of my events, or I can hook you up with a group close to your home. > > Although Craig commented that men are not at my group, there are plenty of male scrapbookers and card makers. > > Cheers, happy to talk anytime, > > Susan...
If you have a social media account, you may have found your feed clogged with advertisements for the new ecommerce platform TEMU. The company launched in NZ in March but has only ramped up its promotions in the past week. In particular they use influencers to encourage potential customers to send their friends and family referral links. In return, the referrers are able to earn tokens, chances to enter draws, and play casino games in order to win cash. If that wasn't worrisome enough, the company has already been subject to comparisons to the low-quality products of other ecommerce platforms like WISH and SHEIN. I'm currently on a dogged quest to find out all I can about this company and, while it isn't a pyramid scheme or MLM, its operations are reminiscent of other businesses I've written about. Keep your eye open for an article on TEMU in the near future.
In this week's newsletter I've taken a deep dive into a spam email trying to flog me snake oil, and found a funny coincidence at the end of the rainbow. I've also written about some of the more sneaky tactics I've seen the church of the Eastern Lightning use to try to attract new members, and keep them in the church. And finally Bronwyn has returned to Multi Level Marketing schemes (MLMs), detailing PrĂĽvit and their health food products - I'm very tempted to make a joke about the food pyramid!
When we started the NZ Skeptics Calendar project last year, the first place Mark Honeychurch and I turned to was our own archive. Unfortunately, it wasn't nearly as fruitful as it could have been, as editors past had removed all references to dates and newspapers from the clippings published. Still, there was one story that intrigued me…
What do Avon, Tupperware, Doterra, and Arbonne have in common? They are all businesses in New Zealand that utilise multi-level marketing (MLM) strategies. If you aren't familiar with the names or the products, ranging from hair care and makeup to herbal supplements, you might at least have come across the sales and recruitment gimmicks they employ. Maybe your Mom was a frequent invitee or hostess for a friend's sex toy party (Pure Romance) or cooking utensil business (Pampered Chef); maybe your favourite Uncle loved to talk about the conventions and seminars he was attending (Amway). Regardless, the fact remains that they are a controversial marketing model that exploits millions of people worldwide with promises of financial freedom that are only available to those who are placed at the tippy top of the MLMs' pyramid-like structures.
No true Scotsman…buys souvenir plots
A week ago I opened the LinkedIn app on my phone, and noticed a comment on a post that was made by someone in NZ who was an “EvoRich Consultant”. His profile didn't seem to match what I'd expect from a corporate consultant, so I quickly searched Google for EvoRich to see what it was all about - with the suspicion that it might be some kind of Multi Level Marketing scheme.
A UK company, Football Index, has financially collapsed over the last as its users have realised that the entire thing is nothing more than a pack of cards.
Doterra is a successful multinational company which sells innovative medical treatments - or at least that's what they'd have you believe. In reality, it appears to be a Multi Level Marketing scheme, based on Essential Oils, which preys on vulnerable people and makes dangerous untrue claims about their products.
Women's gifting circles have made the news again this week as they are now officially considered a pyramid scheme by the Commerce Commission.
By KINGSLEY FIELD and FIONA BARBER