MLM HORROR STORIES #62 | MLM booths outcast at a craft show, preying on family tragedies

#hannahalonzo #antimlm #mlmhorrorstories
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:44 Story 1
6:24 Story 2
14:56 Story 3
20:50 Story 4
29:56 Story 5
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[@rappsface]

Petition for Hannah to do a compilation of all the times Zeke interrupts her while she's recording 🐱

[@edenwilson3270]

YESS 🤗🥺💖

[@carlalindstrom1857]

Zeke looks just like my Zelda 🥰 I am all for this!!

[@BlackKatX]

Yes please!!!

[@jojopok7722]

Yes please 🥰

[@angelicaespinosa306]

Yesssss

[@ppe9388]

My guess is that the cost of the vacuum fell on the rep. That's probably why he was so forceful. I bet that man had to pay for that vacuum.

[@vickischwaegel6122]

That is what I thought too! Plus he probably never read the contract and/or was never told of the 30 day clause.

[@JellicleKitten]

That was my guess as well, which explains why he suddenly upped the ante after the thirty day window. Still so scary!

[@sleepzzz7768]

Yeah I was just going to comment this. Mlms make people do crazy things they probably wouldn’t have done otherwise, one would hope at least.

[@starlingswallow]

And all the damage he did to their house! Holy crap!!

[@Tui-and-La]

My thoughts exactly!

[@missbola1997]

I got kidnapped by kirby in college. They told me it was a 9 to 5 but drove me an hour away from the city. We didn’t get back til 9pm. I will definitely send a email of my story

[@timetravelkitty425]

PLEASE DO😂

[@DarwinAwardJudge]

saaame it was all a lie

[@tbexter]

I will forever be amazed at the audacity of Kirby salesmen

[@carlic.7555]

Right? I'm honestly scared of Kirby reps after hearing these stories.

[@kaesijoo444]

lmao kirby sales rep stories are always so insane to hear

[@chrispham6599]

@@carlic.7555 if you're in america, it is THE PERFECT opportunity to exercise your second amendment and Castle Law rights

[@aahrobot]

Honestly makes you wonder if Kirby made the rep pay for the vacuum unless he got it back 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@livo9134]

​@@aahrobot that's what I was thinking! I bet the reps have to cover the cost of those or lose business, etc I would be determined to get it back in time but not go full psycho! I'm surprised they didn't get arrested but there are more cameras and ring doorbells used thankfully

[@AwesometownUSA]

New slogan idea: “Kirby. It’s not just the vacuums; our reps suck too!” (* because vacuums “suck” - it’s a play on words. in case you didn’t get the joke. jokes are funny cause sometimes words mean 2 things. hope this explainer was helpful, and now we can all agree that this joke CRUSHED)

[@lauriechan1426]

Kinda related to the kirby story: my first job was at gap...i was 18 and i started getting mega intense trying to make sales at first. My manager (one of the best bosses i've ever had) told me something i will NEVER forget: we are selling jeans, not curing cancer...you can relax a bit, no one will die if someone doesn't purchase something every time

[@radnairenegat]

Meanwhile at Kirby: "if you don't sell a vacuum a day, EVERYBODY will die" :"D

[@postallyheidi5821]

I was the one who submitted the craft show story! So glad everyone enjoyed it. I really see my standing outside the gym as the Good Lord's work LOL

[@sarahporter806]

I'm from Iowa too! I love craft fairs

[@leishatompkins872]

😂👏🏻

[@msquietwoman]

Love that you did that! It's very tempting to do similar in the future! Have had several family members fall for mlm culture, so it's extremely important to save others when possible

[@julia_cat6]

Not all heroes wear capes! As an actual craft maker (resin art) who does craft shows, I applaud your efforts.

[@timetravelkitty425]

The “in real life cacophony of hey hon messages” took me out😂☠️

[@samlangham7511]

Sometimes my cat will hear Zeke trill and he gets excited and trills back and now he watches your videos with me to watch for Zeke

[@NA-vj5lu]

This is one of the most wholesome comment I have read today 🥰

[@Shoot4AlarmFire]

That is SO cute!!!!

[@janewaysmom]

This is the cutest thing ever ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kysterrr92]

That’s adorable

[@tsktsklookslikerain4578]

My partner and I are so proud of Zeke for letting you post Anti MLM content on his channel 😇 Keep fighting the good fight, Hannah!

[@carolsummers8734]

Both my daughter and granddaughter have 2 cats. Both work from home and their cats definitely want to interact with the keyboard and screen.

[@Elle_M717]

Love it when my coworkers' cats make an appearance during zoom calls.

[@ladylark10884]

yes he's such a good kitty for letting hannah borrow his channel! he even named it after her! he's so sweet

[@TheYazmanian]

The only time it's acceptable to be a Karen: to pushy MLM reps that don't take "no" for an answer.

[@bridgettamillow5170]

As someone who is trying to make a go as an embroidery artists, I do my fair share of craft shows. I did ONE that allowed MLMs and now I actively seek out shows that do not allow them. It really cheapens the work that us actual crafters and artists do! I don't need someone so turned off by an aggressive hun that they just decide to leave w/o visiting those of us that actually create things. Ugh. Don't call it a craft show if you're going to allow MLMs.

[@brookehildebrant9868]

I don’t sign up for fairs that allow MLMs now! Only ones that explicitly say they’re not allowed. Better crowd visiting and better experience for everyone

[@deltaloraine]

Makes sense! And by doing that you let the craft show hosts know it’s better to turn MLMs away to get more businesses and customers. 👍

[@bohemianmermaid]

When they first started the mlm fests I thought it would be a good mix w/ crafts, esp for a dinky table show filler. Maybe drawing a common audience. But then you learn the cheapo nature of their stuff, and ppl come just for a deal. Like you say, cheapens our hard work.

[@Elle_M717]

Exactly. We're there to make money, selling our crafts. Not spend more money signing up for an MLM.

[@bridgetw8688]

Also, pushy MLMers makes buyers like myself leave quicker bc we are so uncomfortable. Luckily I see a lot of craft fairs and farmers markets in my area that don’t allow MLMs.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

To the person who turned everyone away from the MLM portion of the craft fair, not all heroes wear capes, but you deserve one 😂

[@JellicleKitten]

I'm a small business owner (I make soaps!) and the last craft fair I was at, there was a Scentsy rep the next row over. While I was setting up she came over to look at what I was putting out, and for the rest of the show she kept glaring at me. You would hope she had better things to do but apparently not??

[@purrmanum]

“these anti-mlmers are haters who can’t stand to watch other women succeed,” they say while glaring at you for having the audacity to build a real business with original products that people might actually want to buy

[@brookehildebrant9868]

I said this on another post, but if you’re ever trying to narrow down which fair to do for the weekend and you want to focus on the handmade/artisanal qualities, then you can narrow down fairs to only ones that don’t allow mlms. I think that people tend to frequent these types of fairs and are scared off by the ones that allow mlms. I am anyways lol

[@Shoot4AlarmFire]

LMAO!!!

[@goodradoodles1549]

If I may ask, was she glaring the entire time, or just when people were checking out your products, or buying? Did she appear to just be generally irritated, or…? It seems very strange either way, but even more so if she was simply glaring the entire time.

[@JellicleKitten]

@@goodradoodles1549 I was busy so I can't say if she was glaring at me or at everyone the whole time, but I definitely felt like every time I had a customer with me she was staring daggers at my table and it felt so weird the whole time!

[@kimsaysfourletterwords4533]

One of the schools near me has a craft fair twice a year and they group the MLMs together and call it, “Direct Sales Hallway.” 😂 I wonder if the MLMers get mad at that.

[@ajwinberg]

The Kirby story: I bet the sales man was told that if he didn't get the vacuum back that he had to pay for it. He probably figured that they hadn't read the contract and would have just given it back. I am sure he didn't expect what happened to happen. Because he didn't want to pay the money for it himself he was going to try the best he could to get it back. I don't know, but I am sure that is why he was so persistent about retrieving it.

[@sandradmendez]

Right? That's what I was thinking, if it was such a bad vacuum, why did they keep it and why do they still use it?! Like?? Poor Kirby rep.

[@kated89141]

​​@@sandradmendezno not poor kirby rep. They said it was a good vacuum. If he didn't want to have to pay for it he should have gone to get it before the 30 days was up. Or maybe not take people hostage in their own homes so they feel like they have sign something just to get you out in the first place. Anything bad that happened to that Kirby rep was his own doing. The people who kept the vacuum did nothing wrong.

[@ultraboombean]

​@@sandradmendezkirby vaccuums are very good lol. I don't blame them for fighting to keep it

[@UKjaydee]

​@@ultraboombeanwish they returned it or paid for it. What they did doesn't sit right with me but they've probably spent more now fixing their home

[@morganwentworth2041]

What were the stakes that the Kirby rep was facing to retrieve the vacuum?? When I was working retail, if something got stolen that was the company's issue, not mine Edit: I saw a couple of comments saying the rep probably had to pay for it, which reminded me that the Kirby was not a real retail job

[@VeginMatt]

I think somewhere between $700- $3000. I used to date a Kirby rep (before I knew, or even he knew it was an mlm) and he didn't have any product at one point so I asked him what he needed to get back on his feet and it was $700 (can't remember if that included the gas he would need to get to sales pitches or not). He had also previously told me he was selling $2000- $3000 vacuums so that's where I'm getting that number from.

[@jennchi]

Love the craft show story. We need more of that. I've been to a few craft shows where it's a third or more mlm booths. At one, there was an entry fee (donation to a local charity) for shoppers, and I sent complaint email following the show. One of the organizers replied by scolding me for not supporting small women-owned businesses. I then replied, asking her which mlm she's involved with, and expressed that if you advertise a craft show, I expect handmade goods and not huns to dodge.

[@maryeckel9682]

And of course we all know huns do not own any businesses.

[@draconicfeline6177]

@@maryeckel9682 And only hurt the cause of equality, too.

[@Angel-op1ou]

“Consider the source, remember the motive” 👌🏾. You should put it on a t-shirt and sell it as merch ❤

[@kiluanon]

I got sucked into a vacuum cleaning thing like that (Rainbow instead of Kirby) and it was horrible! I thought it was a legit job opportunity, the way they had advertised it in the newspaper. The demos do indeed take HOURS -- and if you're a new recruit "practicing" with friends and family members, they'll send a 60-year-old guy who actually does the sales pitch (so you learn nothing, you're just serving him your people to pitch to) and who will often be embarrassingly tone-deaf or insulting. My dude actually asked my 30-year-old friend why she wasn't married yet!!! Mortifying. I'll have to write that one up and send it in.

[@Sakaki_Hime]

My mom had two Rainbow vaccuum cleaners while I was growing up. It works but requires water which I found to be extra work, which every kid hates doing. And the second on had this gross air filter thing and it smelled so gross!

[@kiluanon]

@@Sakaki_Hime Yep! I’ve never seen a Kirby but I feel like it probably works better than a Rainbow. And the dang thing cost $2K!

[@s0lastsummer7]

Heh. Sucked into it. 😁😂

[@chipmunkwarcry]

Rainbow is one too?! Oh my god we have one of those and my dad absolutely loves it, but since I was usually the one told to vacuum with it I hated it and was happy when we got a regular vacuum. The thing is from the 90s, but my Dad has kept it going all these years lol (He gets to vacuum with the Rainbow, while my stepmom and I use our Dyson :D )

[@staceys2562]

I have a BS in Finance and an MBA (from a highly ranked school). Granted I got them in 2005 and 2009, but at no point were MLMs brought up. I ended up in multiple MLMS, and even after ending the last one, it took several years and finding the anti-MLM community to realize that they were the problem, and I wasn't.

[@Captain04801]

Agreed! I got my degree in 2010 - no mentions of MLMs. I think the only reason I was lucky enough to avoid them is because my mom. She hated the door to door sales reps but still got sucked into a vacuum pitch at our house that took hours when I was a kid. She said Never Again and she always said “if it’s get rich quick, it’s a scheme of some sort” I’ve used that filter on every job posting or ad since and have avoided many headaches because of it. Sure I haven’t gotten rich but I can say I’m happy with a comfortable lifestyle that doesn’t make me sell shitty products to every person I know.. It should definitely be taught in schools!

[@dodgermaven]

That Kirby vacuum story is a trip, but I 100% believe it. I remember we had a Kirby demonstration once when I was a kid, and I remember being amazed by it, but then again I was 11.

[@atlasbonds6095]

Same, but I was 10. They were in our home an awfully long time.

[@allicanseeispink]

Story 2 was so scary I'm glad the LW didn't have pets left at home when the Kirby rep vandalized their house.

[@timriehl1500]

I wish they had had a rottweiler, lol.

[@cwestover5706]

Two kinds of people lol

[@ladylark10884]

​@@cwestover5706 the duality of man

[@ElleriaZer]

​@@timriehl1500 I imagine a Caucasian shepherd or an Akita would be even better than the rottie.

[@pinklotus2443]

​@@ElleriaZer ehyehh he77hyrytytt7h676hy4y3u

[@autumstevens6497]

As a crafter who participates in craft shows that have been overrun with MLMs, the lady from story #3 is my new hero🤩

[@TenderKiss86]

I remember on Sister Wives they tried to sell jewelry at a craft fair and everyone thought it was too expensive. Now Janelle and Christine are selling Plexus? Imagine if paparazzi was a booth right next to them then. 😆

[@lane6216]

I had to help my grandma fight off a Kirby salesman. This was pre-cellphone days. It was actually frightening. He threatened us physically. I stayed strong and came back at him. All 5’ 5” 111 of me. I don’t know how we did it, but he left and never came back. I then helped her stop the payment and made a note for her to hang near the door so she would never let a stranger in again. My poor kind hearted grandma.

[@maggiee639]

That’s awful. Some people are too nice for their own good.

[@flowerjpotter1629]

That was so brave. I don't ever have salesmen into my home, learned that lesson the hard way ! But I did get a local firm to clean my sitting room carpet and I once he started moving all the furniture around I said no thanks you've done the bits I wanted. That's enough for me. But he wouldn't stop, he was all sweaty and in "the zone" and it got really uncomfortable. So, not going to do that again.

[@lane6216]

@@flowerjpotter1629 , thank you, it was brave. And I was very young. I just always wanted to help my grandma. She had done so much for me. That person shouldn’t have done that. He should have fully respected your words. I hope you called the company after and let them know. He needs to respect people’s boundaries.

[@cheynepatricia9931]

When I was a kid I remember my mum allowed 2 people in our lounge to clean the carpet to try get mum to buy a vacuum. After they cleaned she said “Thanks” and literally showed them the door was super funny 😂

[@karenneill9109]

My cousin was a Kirby salesman, very briefly. He was exceptionally good at it, made money hand over fist. (My cousin is one of those people who could sell the air around you). He very quickly realize that it was like a cult. “It’s just a vacuum. They take it so far!”.

[@jenniferdeer9528]

I forgot to mention how handsome Zeke is. Such a handsome boy! And he looks SOOOO soft! ❤️

[@aechawk]

Story #3, the dimly light hallway sounded like a horror movie to me. All it needed was the person to go into the room and scream in fear at the sight of all the MLM monsters.

[@Lady-Lilith]

I would totally watch an MLM-themed horror movie.

[@vickischwaegel6122]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Kirby rep had to pay for that vacuum.

[@Aalisrocklist]

exactly

[@elvingearmasterirma7241]

If that was my house he would have had to pay for the vacuum AND his medical bills

[@aechawk]

Kirby salespeople are crazy, but this guy in the second story, he is on a whole other level. That is scary. Clearly he didn't care enough to get the vacuum with in the 30 days.

[@jenniferdeer9528]

I laughed so hard at the idea of all the MLM reps basically sequestered in their own room at the end of a dark hallway. Perfect solution!

[@Thatblingbitch]

As a craft vendor that is my BIGGEST pet peeve. Especially when they have someone that makes beautiful Jewlery and then they have paparazzi……. But yeah some events specifically say no MLM’s

[@katethielen3883]

I've done that! It was ten minutes into an online interview that I THOUGHT was with Aflack but it was an MLM for finance 😭 I cut him off and told him he was a victim. He was shook

[@AeriaGl0ris]

Holy flying shirtballs, that Kirby vacuum story was WILD. That sales rep was a piece of work! I can't recall a previous story involving Kirby that entailed getting the police involved.

[@deannab56]

The reps in that last story are so appalling. I am so sorry the writer endured all of that shaming on top of the life stress that was going on.

[@FireVixen164]

That last story is so tragic, good for OP for standing up to those ghouls! Hannah, you should ABSOLUTELY get in touch with your college to persuade them to educate their students on MLMs - it's a great opportunity to do even more good!

[@Pen.nail.timate]

When a Kirby salesperson “cleans” for you, the have a special attachment for the vacuum instead of the bag. The dirt accumulates in this attachment on round circles like coffee filters. When it gets a good layer of dirt, the salesperson takes the dirt paper out and puts a new paper in it. They then line up the papers so you can see all the dirt that the vacuum collected. It takes so long because they explain every little thing about the vacuum while they clean. Hope that information helps!

[@autumnmoyet2531]

The last story is heart breaking 😭 I’m so sorry for what this person went through. 💔

[@marielcalder103]

Dear Hannah, my goodness me just when you think you've heard it all these stories get wilder! Thank you for your interesting and informative channel, I enjoy learning about the devious tactics of the multitude of MLM companies.🙂 You remind me so much of my granddaughter, in appearance, age, profession and just last week she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Mum, Dad, baby, dog and cat are all doing very well. ☺️. Sending all best wishes to you and yours from Queensland, Australia.

[@cailinanne]

The number of MLMs on college campuses makes me think that it should be ILLEGAL to push them on campuses.

[@antoinettemorales7052]

As a jewelry maker, I have managed to make relationships with craft shows that don't allow MLMs. Paparazzi is a particular least favorite of mine, because even though my work is handcrafted, made with sterling silver, gold and genuine, ethically sourced gemstones, it's hard to compete with $5 anything. Still doesn't stop Paparazzi sellers from hounding event organizers and even trying to set up without permission. The audacity of some of these huns never surprises me. I love your content, it's my go to for ant MLM content and I've sent more than one friend your videos to help them steer clear of being totally scammed.

[@MamaMOB]

I absolutely love the idea of putting all of the MLMs in one area away from the craft show because they don't craft anything. They don't belong at a craft show. Ordering shit from a mega corporation and selling it at a hugely marked up price is not a craft. Watching money disappear might be magic but it's not a craft.

[@Samnoldy01]

I went to a craft fair a few weeks ago at the local middle school and they also had the MLMs in the auxiliary gym in the back of the school! I did the same thing, “ooo more crafts!” I walked in, noticed it was MLMs, and walked back out! I’m glad they are separate from the real crafts and small business owners, but I wish they weren’t able to be at these craft fairs at all. Thanks Hannah for doing this good work!

[@sharonripley5479]

Kirby vacuum story: In the early 1990s, my husband had a vacuum salesman come to our house. He went through his spiel, asked if we were interested we said no. He then asked us to pull out our vacuum and compare it with his, as soon as my husband rolled out our 1960s Filter Queen vacuum the man lowered his head, grabbed his stuff and left. PS my husband’s father had been with Filter Queen since the 1950’s.

[@fahmd19]

In terms of the first story - I went to a Russell group university (uk’s version of the Ivy League) and now work at one too. The schools are great for some people but it is very easy for others to fall through the cracks. When colleges/universities have good reputations and good student > career turnover, they usually assume that everyone attending is *aware* of all things at all times. I think it’s very easy for academics to forget that not everyone starts higher education with the same base knowledge and experiences. That being said, it may also be due to the fact that MLMs are a “new” breed of scams - most laws haven’t caught up to classifying them as pyramid schemes yet, the lecturers may not be aware that this is an issue that needs addressing.

[@01wonderful]

My parents like to invite the Kirby guys to clean there sofas and mattresses....then they just shrug and say they don't have the money and if they don't leave, they call a few neighbours over and just stare at the guy until he feels uncomfortable and decides to leave. So far they got 2 sofas and 3 mattresses deep cleaned lol.

[@kylamcgowan1793]

Omg the Kirby story is so relatable to me. I had a sales person come to my house and asked the same question and me being way to nice said yes. 2 hours later I buy the vacuum which I couldn’t afford but felt so bad for the guy. I put myself into debt all so he could go on a trip to Mexico with his other co workers! Never again! I appreciate you making these videos for others so this won’t happen again. Love from canada.

[@katiej1517]

I really hate to tell you this, but there is no holiday. My dad worked for them for a short time. Anytime someone did want to buy a kirby, he would have to get them to talk on the phone to his supervisor and my dad would tell them beforehand that the supervisor will tell them that my dad is just one sale away from going on a holiday. My dad would tell every customer, there is no holiday so none of them would feel the guilt or pressure to buy.

[@Rowancat11]

Hannah: "...intercepted all the time..." Zeke: "That's my cue!" 😂😂

[@horsenroundstudio]

Got a good laugh about the "craft" fair. As a fiber artist, I do a lot of local small shows (also in western WA!). I very rarely do events that mix handmade and MLM booths. The approach the school took to put the MLMs in a separate area is hilarious! Even better with the writer standing guard at the door to turn some people away. Thanks for sharing all the entertaining stories! (Hi, Zeke!)

[@lsmmoore1]

And that approach is so very typical of how schools handle things too. It's basically doing to MLMs what teachers pretty much always do to unruly children - putting them in a time out/detention area (usually as a consequence for the kids with a time limit, though of course for the MLMs the time out/detention is for the entire craft show).

[@horsenroundstudio]

@@lsmmoore1 In our area, the school shows gladly mix the MLMs in with the handcrafters. Between that and the attitude of the parents who come through to not actually buy anything, I don't even consider most school "craft" shows anymore.

[@lsmmoore1]

@@horsenroundstudio Because I'm guessing most schools only use the time-out approach on the kids and not on things that need that approach more (kids don't always need to be handled that way as badly as MLMs do).

[@horsenroundstudio]

@@lsmmoore1 Honestly, I feel like more some coordinators need to understand that "No" is a complete sentence. MLMs are not crafts nor handmade and do not belong at craft fairs, regardless of what anyone thinks a "small business" is.

[@amandag5072]

I've had the exact opposite of that craft show experience. As a stall holder, I was shoved into a tiny back room with about 6 other stall holders - all of whom were real small business owners/crafters. The other stalls in the main area was filled with MLM reps.

[@stimlord]

Hi, Hannah! SEO specialist here who has been working in the field for about six years. You are correct regarding the Google search. Results for a query are pulled from several different sources, the algo looks at the metadata of existing sites, articles that mention related subjects, keywords in content, directories for local business information, etc. and sifts through the information for contextual cues to provide an appropriate answer in the SERPs. By directing the input exactly and telling her what sentence to plug into the search, what he was doing was gearing the results to search for that SPECIFIC query, like searching a quote in hopes of finding the source material it came from. It’s a clever tactic but a slimy one.

[@kiluanon]

Also, to address the Primerica thing, I'm an SEO content writer and it's not hard to position a webpage to rank at the top of Google for a specific search phrase, as you said. It's a matter of incorporating the phrase in the right spots the right number of times on the webpage, plus having backlinks leading to it (which is easy when you have a corporation with enough money to generate them.) That was definitely an intentional strategy on his/their part. MLMs and huns are starting to catch on to these more traditional digital marketing strategies that legit companies have been using for years, which unfortunately makes it easier for them to manipulate people.

[@saidahwilsonp.7756]

The Kirby salesman was freaking out because HE is now on the line for the vacuum. I'm not sure why he didn't come get it before (he probably didn't know the contract had been cancelled or that he would have to pay for it), but I'm sure around day 34 he got a bill for 1500 or so, due immediately. He was out of line, but certainly desperate.

[@karinaz8756]

I’m sorry - every Kirby sales pitch starts with an individual that let a STRANGER into their house. Learn to say no. Especially if you have kids at home.

[@siximpossiblethings6388]

I love the story about the craft show. MLM's have ruined their fair share of craft shows and art festivals in my area (including our largest annual art show that was a boon to local tourism). To say they single handedly ruined the shows would be over selling it, but they were definitely a massive contributer in making sure the shows were losing respect and some pricing themselves out of range of local artisans for booth fees. Sadly our massive arts and entertainment festival ended up collapsing and while we've had a boom of smaller shows, last year I probably worked two each month, we haven't had anything truly take its place since. Our town also has a small comic con type show that the community told the organizers in no uncertain terms that either the MLM's stayed out of the show, or the geeks and nerds were going to leave the show. We want comics, games, toys, and cosplay. Not partylite and norwex.

[@chipmunkwarcry]

That reminds me of how at a local small comic convention, I ran into an Usborne books booth

[@DowntownTasty]

If I was younger I’d be the type of person standing outside the MLM booths saying not to go there lol. Nowadays I ain’t got no time for that hahaha but she’s doing gods work

[@miss_andry1857]

They stay hours and hours to wear you down. The longer they stay the more annoyed you’ll get the more open you’ll be to buying just to make them leave

[@Marsena]

Over 25 years ago, I signed up as a Kirby rep (I was a recent college graduate, newly-engaged, and was really looking for actual hourly employment). I trained with them for 2 days, and was only with them house-to-house for ONE day. The whole time, I'm thinking, "Something is just not right. Why in the world are we doing all this to sell a vacuum cleaner?" Thankfully, my trainer and I were always respectful to each house we went to, but I still didn't like the idea of going to people's homes up until the evening hours (and this was in Brooklyn NY!). I decided not to come back the next day. Instead, I applied for a legitimate temp agency and got a REAL job/temp assignment. Glad I got out of the Kirby thing quick! There is NO WAY I would have been obnoxious and pushy like that in someone else's home. That's horrible!

[@natashaslaa1932]

The craft fair cracks me up! I was a (legit handmade stuff) seller at a craft fair this past Christmas. I kid you not, out of the 21 booths seven were MLM. It was a slap in the face to the people who actually put honest work into their craft... 😣 it should have been a red flag that a pampered chef hun was the one organizing it...

[@keisakura9014]

I vend at an outdoor fair and several years ago there was quite a few MLMs, but the organizer put them in one specific area. It was along one side of the property, but in an area that was effectively a wind tunnel. There was also the dumpsters behind this area and some drainage areas. Thus, the wind tunnel brought in some not pleasant smells. Over the years, there has been less and less MLMs applying to the fair. I asked the organizer about it and she said that the MLMers would get down right nasty when she tried to explain that her event wasn’t meant for MLMs. In order to get them to stop applying, she decided to play the long game by putting them in the most undesirable location. Word spread amongst the hunbots so she’s gotten fewer and fewer bugging her for a spot each year. 😂😂

[@Andr0meda_]

I zoned out halfway through story 2 and came back to something about a break in!? Immediately had to rewind

[@RichelleH]

So I was a Kirby rep for a month about 20 years ago. I busted my butt doing free cleans. Not only are these vacuums extremely heavy and having to haul them up so many stairs and not make a sale but I also hated forcing people into buying them so I didn’t sell one the whole month. The reason it takes forever to clean a space is because you are only picking up enough to show on a slip of white filter paper how disgusting that spot we just vacuumed is. It’s not to offer a free clean it’s to guilt people into buying an over the top vacuum.

[@katrinaa980]

oh man, I do a lot of craft fairs and hateee when they have mlms present. that woman is doing gods work.

[@eileenherbert8607]

Ellie, I hope you're in a better place in your life now. 💜 That story was the first time I've ever said WTF out loud while listening to these.

[@AQueerThem]

Hey Hannah! I'm a new subscriber and really enjoyed binging all your videos. I came across your content while researching Boss Lee, but now I can't imagine my youtube without your videos! These horror stories are the part that sucked me into your content, so keep up the great work. Your educating and helping, so thank you for all you do. P.S: I love your kitties, they make the videos fun.

[@carolsummers8734]

I came across her site and did the binge watching too.

[@HannahAlonzo]

Thank you so much for your support! I'm so happy you're here!

[@jamigibat0725]

This Kirby story is wild. Praying we never see one in our neighborhood.

[@DanaG1970]

Just this last month my sister in law became a consultant for Pampered Chef, funny thing is, my sister in law doesn’t cook, my brother has done all the cooking since they’ve been together. She’s constantly posting about her cooking these great meals and the equipment that she’s using. Anybody that knows her knows that she is being fed what to say because she doesn’t cook.

[@tdorn20000]

My thougjt is that Kirby has such a long pitch so people buy one just to get rid of the sales people.

[@elewysoffinchingefeld3066]

You have to be careful of even the craft vendors--I know someone who makes craft things *and* is in at least three MLMs at the same time, one of them is a crafting MLM!

[@kikiTHEalien]

At this point, just get a full-time job and save yourself the trouble.

[@Zurflu]

That is soooo funny how they had all the MLMs shunned away at the craft fair 😂

[@beccacleveland3116]

WOOOO PRODUCTIVITY TIME, THANK YOU HANNAH 🥳

[@lmusima3275]

If I were involved in renting out spaces to small businesses like crafts in pop up shops, I would put a prohibition sign 🚫🚫🚫 against MLMs

[@joannaswanson5753]

I'm just watching this a year later, and I LOVE the craft fair story. As a frequent handmade vendor at craft fairs, I love when the craft fair excludes direct sellers. Relegating them to a distant room is even better! 😆

[@wilddaisycottage]

I don't understand how people allow people in their house let alone let them stay for hours. Stick your foot in my door to keep me from shutting it you will end up in the hospital, at that point I will take it as a threat to myself or my child and I will make sure you regret knocking on my door.

[@maureenmaus8702]

This is why I 100% WILL NOT HESITATE to unfriend/block ANYONE who I used to know from forever ago who slides into my DMs trying to pitch an MLM to me.

[@CrazyBlogMoments]

I know I am watching this video way late, but I wanted to comment on the Kirby in this video as I used to be a Kirby salesperson for about three months. The craziness of that Kirby person was insane, but it does not surprise me. In the video, you said you could not understand why these salespeople get so serious about selling a vacuum. I can attest that the reason is because they get pressured and downright abused by their lead to sell. During training, I was told not to leave the home until I had a sale, regardless of how long it took. If I didn't sell it, I was forced to call in a senior salesperson, to "close the sale," which took another hour in the home after I had already been there for two. I do not know if times have changed but when I was a Kirby rep, if you did not sell a vacuum, you didn't get paid. I only lasted a few months because I could not handle pressuring people to buy something they did not want, and I did not like making people feel uncomfortable. I never made a dime with Kirby. On a side note, I didn't know Kirby was an MLM until watching your videos and honestly, I am still confused by that because I was never pressured to sign people up. Hopefully, while I am binge watching your videos, I will see one that explains this. 🥰

[@alyssajose2684]

MLMs should not be allowed in craft shows! It is true that many other actual small business put a lot of care and thought into their displays. The MLMs just have a clutter display of products and, yes, a sign up sheet for a chance to “win” something.

[@tawnyahubbard7824]

I am amazed. My child's middle school goes into MLMs, marketing schemes, how they target people and take advantage, etc.

[@JustaMossKindaLife]

Speaking of Kirby. My parents had a Kirby salesperson at their house just before Christmas a few years ago. Guy went through this whole thing. Dad showed him that he has had a Kirby since 1972. It was rebuilt a few years ago because it is guaranteed for life. Kid cleaned spots on the floor vacuumed the whole downstairs and the steps. My Dad told him thank you for doing his chores but he was not interested in buying another Kirby. 😂

[@maryeckel9682]

Go Dad!

[@celestinejoy]

Hi Hannah! I think we need to have a Horror Awards at the end of the year and you be the one to pick the nominees. Whatever. Something. Because that second story of the vacuum, oh my gosh! I do not have any words. Hahaha. Thanks for doing what you do Hannah.

[@MrPowerpen]

A business school that churns out students that can’t tell a mlm is bad business doesn’t sound like a good school

[@christafranken9170]

This person might have known how mlm's work. She might just use the 'I am business smart' to get a downline to make money off of

[@kristien2010]

All these Kirby salesmen horror stories are making me feel like I need to be armed when I answer my door to someone I don't know. Granted, the police station is literally just down the street so I have a perfect out there.

[@nousernamesarevalid]

I bet that Kirby rep had to pay for the forfeited vacuum himself. He couldn’t afford it either. The lengths he went through show his level of desperation. It just goes to show how dangerous these companies are … to everyone.

[@alykiara]

I also listen while I’m at work. I work in a craft shop where we make wooden blanks for crafts and we have to wear headphones cause of the lasers so I listen to your stories all day

[@mariaboamah7135]

Unlocked new fear: Violent Kirby rep

[@purrmanum]

my therapist: violent kirby rep isn’t real he can’t hurt you violent kirby rep lurking in my side yard: 👻

[@NatalieHammerTime]

Vacuum rep wouldn't have just walked up in my house and lived.

[@silence_take]

i love these videos so much! always happy that they get uploaded the moment i finish work on mondays!!

[@katiempojer]

I am about to start my day

[@silence_take]

@@katiempojer Different sides of the world it seems :D

[@Scottollio]

FYI if some one is inviting minors to attend or sell naughty products, that person is a predator and needs to be reported so they can get that red dot on their home on the SO registry map

[@KitKat10281]

Absolutely 💯 yes!

[@soggytortillla]

The craft fair person is my new hero, genuinely inspired by them ahaha

[@kellychin61]

Your videos usually play when I'm driving to work. Does wonder for anxiety specially during extra long drive in traffic jams.

[@kurotsuki7427]

I love that the craft fair moved all them away from the valuable actual crafters

[@michellehabza2290]

Ohhh I see new side hustle for Hannah....university talks about the negatives on MLMs. Teach or at least inform kids on how to use their smarts and powers for good and solid ventures. You should start putting it together so when you contact the school you are ready :) Cheers!

[@meganhuwawei6814]

On craft shows : I went to a vegan food festival near where I live in the UK and they had a lipsense stall there on the pretence that it was 'vegan'. I didn't know what it was at the time so I tried a swatch and it smelt like rubbing alcohol. Gross!

[@katie4929]

Wow, the audacity of people sometimes is incredible! SMH

[@jessicastafford3525]

My jaw dropped with the last story. Why would anyone say such I thing to another person. Hugs to her and family.

[@TheSafarim]

Kirby stories are always so unhinged

[@KSMP]

Exciting dinner party! People should have anti MLM themed dinner parties like the murder mystery ones lol

[@archangel5395]

I've been so busy! I hope everyone is doing well and the pregnancy is going well❤️ The fact that Hannah said, "doesn't know the difference between inappropriate vs inappropriate" at the end, though I know she misspoke, it's totally true 😅😅

[@jdjdjd7264]

In Story 2*, wouldn't them signing the contract technically count as signing under duress? Considering the Kirby reps are officially trespassing and are refusing to leave?