This is a purely theoretical exercise so far - but who knows what will come of it?

I want go discuss the types of products that might be suitable for Network marketing businesses.
From my research, they key to making an MLM business work in the short and long term, is having a
product that people actually use, and they want to buy on a repeated basis.

Of course, Avon Products and Amway are two of the most successful businesses using this marketing
and distribution system, and they sell cosmetics, beauty and cleaning products. So we know that can work.

Let's consider those traditional products, alongside some new ideas.

Here are some factors that I reckon will be important:

+ Not too expensive to buy (or to manufacture or produce)
+ Repeat and regular use. Ideally everyday usage, and a need to purchase every month
+ Not difficult to ship (ie not easily perishable, or too bulky)
+ Not something that will create a big disposal problem

I have idea. Involves foodstuff (Juice, really)

Dont want to say much. Someone here may pinch it.

MLM systems are all around us - sometimes visible as with AVON, AMWAY etc. or less visible as with various insurances, banks, funds and even charities.
There is a strong demand for systems that provide additional income to clients - and why should consumers advertise brands and pay through their product purchase without receiving any reward whenever they bring in more clients. Why paying landlords for high rentals in shopping malls if consuming and referring similar products can produce an additional income for yourself.

Since the mentioned systems became very successful during 'good times' the question is how many more will be attracted by such systems when economies are suffering and the need for additional income streams is rising.

MLM might be more in line with human nature as are other systems which explains why internet blogs are successful where consumers look for 'independent' opinions and testimonials and let such influence their purchase decision making.
MLM offer both:
1. trusted opinions and testimonials regarding products
2. additional income streams

Yet it is true that the MLM market is full of gangsters and H&R experts (Hit & Run) - all exploiting the greed and need of consumers.
Good examples are so called Binaries which are fortunately not allowed here in HK but still account for the biggest share of MLM's around, promising fortunes and delivering very little or nothing in return and often even come with mediocre and overpriced products at most (I would not completely exclude the a.m. 'big' names from this statement).

Since legislation has a difficult time following up on and testing the various new binaries in the markets there will still be many of bad systems around for the time being but some simple advise might help:

1. if it sounds too good to be true it might be
2. if the guys who did the system seem to be the only ones who understand it - leave it
3. if commissions are attached to conditions that have nothing to do with actual sales (i.e. symmetrical distribution of referrals) - leave it (physiognomy has little to do with sales - so don't worry if your left leg is shorter than the right one ;-)
4. check the products - in the end its about products and how happy people are with them

MLM are a way to support people, to enter markets more efficiently and to create a higher level of customer loyalty than traditional systems can. There are good systems and products around and asking the above questions and raising awareness will help to sort out the bad apples and potentially create a better life and independence for many.

This vision of MLM systems is much more compatible with what I am aiming to do with GEI.
The key thing though, will be to find an appealing product.

That's why I through in the Battery idea, even though I think it is far from ideal.
It would be great to find something (Solar Cells, maybe?) that is closer to the interests of people
who post on GEI

Hey, WHY NOT VOTE?

This thread has had 25 hits, and only 3 votes.

Why not pick 2-3 areas (or more!) that you like.
It only takes a second

I voted for solar cells if only because the first few products are well covered by various network franchise operations which come dangerously close to being pyramid operations

I think a highly original different product is needed

Thanks for voting, and supporting the thread!
Ideas for new MLM products are appreciated BTW.

The product itself doesnt mean it is a pyramid.
What matters is the incentive program.
If people are buying goods and not using them (or reselling them), and they have strong incentives
to behave like that, then it looks like a pyramid, and becomes illegal in many countries.

"Binary" systems are also illegal in some countries, but I cannot give you a definition.

I now have some responses to my MLM Q&A, and will post them shortly.

This is on the public forum (open to guests - to read) at this stage.

Let me know if you want me to move the poll to the section that can only be seen by members.
There's a good Q&A on Network Marketing there.

Sort of tupperware parties for energy saving products, bit more then lightbulbs. They have a catalogue and your other half goes though with it with her friends in a frugal party working out how to save money and gas and electricity.

Over the next 10 years there will be a move from globalised to localised trade as abundanent energy declines. In the short term this is going to express itself in soaring energy prices and shortages of goods. Traditional retail organisations will struggle to adapt quickly to the opportunities because of inertia. This creates an opportunity.

Groups will form at a local level to meet needs. The focus of these groups will at first be on reducing energy use and transferring knowledge of frugal living. Any product that reduces external energy use and can be scaled down to single house will be attractive.

There should be low start up costs. Grants might be able to cover some of these. Green product will not be enough , these are seen as a luxury. The products need to generate savings.

/potential product range CAT is 20 years old and know their market.


In the cases where these groups are seen to be effective, the complexity of projects that they tackle will increase. I can seen a situation where cooperatives will form in a street to grow food gardens.

All growing space will be used and human effort will replace petro-energy.

The majority of the waste created by the street will be recycled into compost to be used by these coops.

People will eat more lamb. The UK is good for lamb. They will be bought directly from the farmers. More people will keep chickens and pigs. The media is already conditioning people to see this as desirable.

The energy efficiency and power generation schemes will be expanded to include collections of houses. Two and three at first, then the whole street. Those people who live near a river will benefit from hydo-electricity. Mill towns orginally built around sources of hydro-power will have a rebirth. The price of waterfront property will rocket.

Geothermal power will be be more accessible to the rest of us. Micro-plants could be created by the local government and private enterprise who will be aware of the schemes due to planning restrictions needing to be overturned.

Car sharing will be resisted but as petrol becomes more expensive public transport will become attractive.

Agriculture will need nitrogen sources to maintain yields so there will be an incentive to sell animal waste, especially urine. Pubs will have an extra stream of revenue.

The rag and bone man will be seen again.

Shortly after central government will act. They will mobilise in a manner similar to WWII and implement these schemes nationwide.

I think you are onto something here. I have been thinking in a similar vein, and am beginning to think that it may be
useful to have a toe hold on such a business. Perhaps we should be brainstorning here about how to do that.
I have a few ideas that I will share later in this section.



Could be unless the sea rises.
Best to have some commercial connections nearby with seatransport



Yes. A good business opportunity to look into- something involving car-sharing

MLM around Green energy saving products??

Looks like someone has already started such a businesss! / see: eNIGIN

But they wont tell you anything useful about it, until they have you email address.
(site has Web pages like this one):
"If you are going to start a new business you need to ensure you are Personally Empowered. Submit your details to Receive a FREE download of the Personal Empowerment video, part of the comprehensive 'Winning More Customers' Training Program as used by Barclays, Norwich Union and Anglo Group PLC to name but a few."

Do I dare to give it??