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Do you find today that ethics are lacking in direct sales based on your experiences? With some people trying to jump on the money train do you think they are overlooking proper business practices and ethics? Do you think this hurts the industry as a whole or just reflects on the individual business itself.

I've seen that a little with different ds company reps from other companies (NOT mine, btwsmileys/smiley2.gif). Makes me glad to be a part of BYBhttp://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley4.gif


I think it reflects badly on them AND their company. And probably damages the industry as a whole a bit.


Kim

In all honesty, I've only seen this with one company, and they don't flag themselves direct sales.


For the most part, those in direct sales are just like you and me. Sure, there are a few bad apples or greedy people, but I strongly believe in Karma and it's never affected me.


Debbie

Good, thoughtful questions youhave asked. Here are some of my
thoughts.

"Do you find today that ethics are lacking in direct sales based on your
experiences?"
A. There have ALWAYS been those whose personal ethics are less-than-
appropriate. It's not just a recent phenomenon in my view, and it's not
just in Direct Sales industry. I also am seeing that the DS companies
themselves are equally "challnged" at times. Depends on the specifics of
the individual and company involved...

"With some people trying to jump on the money train do you think they
are overlooking proper business practices and ethics?"
A. Same answer as above. Additionally, we are all in Direct Sales to make
money, aren't we? Not sure I understand what you are saying here "With
some people trying to jump on the money train". The context is unclear
to me.

"Do you think this hurts the industry as a whole or just reflects on the
individual business itself."
A. All tree are affected when an individual or company mis-behaves. The
company, the individual, and the industry. Look how Amway turned
peole off of mlm with their company-endorsed deceitful tactics of getting
people to "meetings".

Hope this helps,

Nondy

I personally have notnoticed a lack of ethics with DS companies. I enjoy purchasing things from other WAHMs and have had only positive experiences.

I have been to a lot of different DS parties in the last quarter and I have seen nothing like that. I do like it better if a company is promoting something that more than one DS company may have, that they do not dis the other DS company; I don't really think that is necessary as it is obvious that each consultant would think their product is the best in the field. I seldom see that happening, though.


I find that most people in the biz are just like you and me, and they wouldn't be in it if they weren't trying to earn money (or free products). I prefer it if they LOVE their product, tho!

1. With some companies, Yes. --- I believe that there are a few companies that use scare tactics, inventory loading, and false claims of income or product benefits in order to conduct business.


2.I think if money is the only reason for them, then they will not care who they hurt.


3. Unfortunately, it does hurt the industry as a whole. Consider this, a woman joins a company and due to unethical business practices, she loses money. --- One day she meets you. You are a Rep for a solid, ethical company....But she has been hurt before and won't even talk to you.


Premier Designs founding verse:


Proverbs 16:11 "The Lord demands fairness in every business deal. He established these principles."

This is an interesting question!


It has been over a year now since the company I am withlaunched and ironically, all of the people that I found to be unethical (in the beginning) are gone for various reasons.


The core team of consultants we had at the beginning are amazing now that the "bad apples" are gone. Some were "fired", some left because they were worn out and some left to join the next big thing.


Ultimately, I am a firm believer in the direct sales basics.Host parties...meet people...sponsor those people...and train. It is simple!


The people desperately chasing the "money train" often spin their wheels and wear out. I am going to let the "money train" come to me. LOL


TraciEdited by: ColorfulCareers

I'm with Deb on this. Sure, there are some really unethical people out there, but it's no different than the corporate world. There are good companies, there are highly questionable start-ups, there are good people that bad things just seem to happen to, and bad people who are really great at pretending to be good. Sounds like the crew at my old office! smileys/smiley36.gif


I think it's about equal because, after all, people are people no matter where you go. I do wonder why our industry seems to be under the microscope so much more, though. Or maybe I'm just sensitive to it because I'm in this industry?

Over all I think it is not an industry issue but only personal issues withan indivdualrep. I don't see it much, butI have seen it and Yuck! Glad its not my DL or UL!


One thing that does get me is whenI see reps overrunning each other when someone posts on a board for information on the company and 4 reps from that company say they are emailing info. Why the overkill? Whoever answers first is it. If someone is interested in speaking to a certian rep about signing up then they will Pm or email that rep in private, but on a public board, you are scaring off someone by inundating them with info from too many people. How would someone pick a rep to sign up with?I would go somewhere else completely.


Sorry,I went off on a tangent! I had to ventI guess! LOL


Chris

I have to tell you.... I was with a company for about 9 months. I felt trapped and that I had to stay in to get paid. It was awful. All they did was put down every other company out there. Especially Party Plan! I got a call one night from my "mentor" at dinner time. It was a 3 way call with someone else. They were preaching to me that I needed to work with my people, customers and tell them that they need to do this as a business and not just for personal use. At that moment is when I decided to quit!


I did not believe in this company at all. The products were supposed to make a difference. The only difference was that I never ran out because I had to stock pile. You had to order so much a month or they would automatically debit your account and send you stuff!





I was told to lie to people. Litterally. Don't tell them everything. It was horrible. But with party Plan I have not had this issue. Just be careful of what you fall for. smileys/smiley2.gif


I am still ashamed of those months I was with that company, because who is the first people you call? Yes, Friends and Family!

I had one issue with a consultant that was, in my opinion, extremely
unethical, but I blame her, not the company. She decided to leave
her company and join a new one(chasing the money train) and when she
did she sent a recruiting email(for her new company) to her
downline!!! She had, at one point, been pretty high up the
promotion ladder, but didn't maintain her personal business, so she
lost her titles. By the time she sent this email out, she had a
huge downline, but they were all really under the leaders that were
under her! So, she was literally trying to just steal people from
her own promoted leaders! Luckily, I think everyone saw her for
what she really was(unethical and just plain rude) and I didn't hear of
anyone who joined her new team!

I do wonder why our industry seems to be under the microscope so much more, though. Or maybe I'm just sensitive to it because I'm in this industry?


MLM does have a scandalous reputation. Think Amway, Excel, Quixtar, etc... Unfortunately people sometimes lump us all together when they find out that we can make commission from a down line structure.

Totally agree with you Dazzle! Mine was a different company, but VERY VERY similar!

That is very true, Dazzle. Annoying, but true. smileys/smiley36.gif

The one thing all of us can do is to make sure that we have our priorties and core values straight. Knowing that, even if it means losing a sell or a recruit, that we must always uphold a good moral standing about who we are and the companies we represent.


Sometimes, it takes more than just doing what you are supposed to do...it is also important to train and support those you bring into the company to do the same. When you decide to build a team, they will only live up to the expectations you set for them.


My upline said to me one day, "You must be the most spiritually mature person of your team in order to lead them." Simply put, that just means that I have to lead by a Good Example, I have to be Honest and Trustworthy. And I have to teach that to those around me.


If your business is built on a solid foundation, you will be very Successful in more ways than just financially.


You Guys Have a Blessed Day http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif(Sorry for the Sermon) haha!


Sheryl