MLMs: Business Opportunity Or A Scam? | Talking Point | Full Episode

[@wumingkkk]

Professionals do not wear rings on their palms when doing a facial for clients. First, it scratches the client's skin if not careful, second it is for hygiene.

[@TheDavidlloydjones]

You have a funny idea of where the palm is.

[@daasocialninja4804]

@@TheDavidlloydjonesthey aren’t wrong David, been to facial several times their “hands” and “arms” should be clear of any jewelry or objects. This does not take away from the message jux because they use palms. Don’t nit pick like that.

[@ggg9gg]

but it doesn't matter, because MLM

[@wumingkkk]

@@TheDavidlloydjones It doesn't matter so long you know where I am coming from haha.

[@wumingkkk]

@@ggg9gg I agree haha.

[@stephanieteo91]

The four heavenly kings of scams: insurance agent, MLM, investment course, motivational speaker. Avoid them like the plague and your life will be better.

[@dukkyfuzzfuzzydukk3594]

Add youtuber

[@TiredBush]

Well said

[@carnesir]

Add property agent

[@Neonmusicity]

@@dukkyfuzzfuzzydukk3594 not always. Some. But not all.

[@andrewj3177]

@@dukkyfuzzfuzzydukk3594 influencer in general

[@TheoGobensen]

I was invited for the first time to an MLM session back in 2010 at LFI Singapore when I was just 17. It was a first hand experience of them hard selling the dream of success which was really alluring as an impressionable teenager. It was a believeable product that they carried and there wasn't mobile internet back then to fact check their claims live. In the session, I was "cornered" by 2 more senior sales guy pressuring me to commit 900$ to buy LFI's products to sell for a shot at this dream. I always look back with amazement at how I manage to be bold enough to excuse myself from that situation, which perhaps some many were not too fortunate to avoid. How shameless can people get to profit off the vulnerable young.

[@jamesgreen4212]

Anyone who took an Econ 101 class can see that the MLM company is making a guaranteed profit at their agent's expense. Because their agent typically *buys* from the company their goods just to participate. Creating artificial demand.

[@ElectroDuckyMusic]

Ya although that’s true but the point is this business modal works 😅

[@jamesgreen4212]

@@ElectroDuckyMusic that's the thing... it doesn't in the long term. It cannot last like Apple or even Old Chang Kee and will implode. Remember - this is *artificial demand* , like building a biz on sand. Sure, it get's the job done (for a while) but it's gonna crumble. Sry 4 the SAQ ans 🤣

[@Ayasegaki]

@@jamesgreen4212 Fools are born every year, scams will never die.

[@yusufbest4475]

So, moral of the story is to make money, start an mlm company but dont be an agent.. 😅 and to make more money, you first need money. Otherwise, if not careful, you may get exploited

[@jpt610]

@@ElectroDuckyMusic it works for those at the top, who joined first. Usually, those people know how the scam works but 99% of people who join fail, and it has nothing to do with hard work.

[@kachrachi]

As soon as you hear them say MLM, treat them like a human who's just been bitten by a zombie.. Turn and run, they are not the same person anymore..

[@yulinng]

lol. that's funny.

[@thLilJinx]

CNA this is disappointing. You had a chance to be tougher and have more journalistic integrity. The neutrality is so forced and you didn’t highlight enough people who suffered losses cos of this, families and relationships that were ruined by MLMs. This was a terrible showcase and gave too much of a good look to these scammy companies

[@marvint480]

They are owned by PAP Govt. Our Govt was never known for allowing freedom of speech. Don’t expect such journalism like in Canada.

[@thLilJinx]

@@marvint480 this isnt a freedom of speech issue if theyre not even criticising the government what. these are deceptive companies from abroad scamming our own citizens

[@nolongerhuman6192]

unless it's weed, don't expect them to come down hard on many other things haha

[@tienernwoon8637]

Every business has their downsides and ppl who misuse it for their own greed. The same goes to MLMs too. I don't think it's reasonable to condemn the business and system without fully understanding the pros and cons

[@daveevad3524]

So Instead of neutrality, you would prefer a biased report? Personally, I don't like MLM but even so, I think there are many videos out there depicting the evil of MLM so this neutrality is good imo.

[@reezdog]

When I was unemployed, a former coworker wanted to meet and talk about a business opportunity. I was so happy that I might get a job. Then she brought a friend and started talking about the "business" that was a MLM for insurance. I was so disappointed. But she got me to come to a seminar. Then they really pressured to join. I sad no many times and they said okay and then I left. I can see this working for useful, easy to sell products, but not insurance.

[@deezeed2817]

They're all pyramids. If you get in on it early you can make alot of money but then once the pyramid grows there'll be an army of suckers who'll believe their propaganda that they too can become rich. Alot of engage in cult like brainwashing sessions too.

[@f.n.8540]

none of them are easy to sell since they are all terrible products

[@kingseiryu929]

Are you okay now? Found a job?

[@John_Smith_86]

Scam. Obviously

[@gabrielkok9208]

scammers

[@andyng5321]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpaUk5qAZdikqtk

[@calebchoo896]

Mlm products are always way overpriced compared to cost. You are own business independent contractors but dependant on their products. 😮 Minimum orders are paying your up lines. Reql money comes from recruiting new members. 😅

[@macadish]

An MLM is an MLM is an MLM. Now, you can sugar coat the business model with products that might actually work, but if people have to rely on an MLM to buy and use the product, they are probably overpaying for it. Also, if your leader and his/her leader and so on are siphoning your earnings, do you really think you can make a reasonable profit? Yet, they sell the dream of earning a passive five-figure income proudly off of your sales. Now, yes, there are other business models that are worse and borderline exploitative, but that doesn't make MLMs any better. So sugar coat it all you want, an MLM is an MLM is an MLM. ***cough**** pyramid ***cough***

[@mamamememoo]

The interesting thing is downlines can overtake uplines in earnings in actual legit network distribution companies. So it isn’t true that uplines siphon from downlines. At least that was what I saw in two of the companies I listened in to before. Their products were sound so I was ok to listen in. The third was a bit sketchy and I was apprehensive. Products are popular but meh in quality. There are a few different types of comp plans so understanding the various types and their pros & cons is helpful too. Did a lot of reading up and speaking to people who made it work for them. Decent and honest folk. Not all MLMers are scammers. Shouldn’t lump everyone under one umbrella just based on assumptions and not actual facts. ^^

[@Retsbol]

​@@mamamememooAn MLM isn't a pyramid scheme; it is worse

[@macadish]

To be fair, there are elements of MLM that are maybe potentially good. For example, by leveraging word-of-mouth marketing, the company can save millions on advertising costs and pass on profits/savings to their representatives/clients. Whether the profits are shared equitably is of course, questionable (as is true in any corporation). The bigger problem arises when sales are not driven by real consumers but by sales representatives in the downline trying to hit minimum quotas established by the company. Modern MLMs try to blur the line between legitimate sales vs purchases by representatives, but if the business can only succeed if the representatives are required to hoard products themselves, then... an MLM is an MLM is an MLM.... Avoid...

[@nikiseptinand7767]

@@mamamememoo all MLMers is scammers that's fact. They have no value to contributed in this society except selling a dream and overpriced product.

[@andyng5321]

Fact is still that those on top rip the most profits out of those below, that's the bottomline.@@mamamememoo

[@HappyCoachYuantai]

2 main gripes with MLMs as a business model: 1. the hard work needed to get to a full time income is often down-played 2. most health "ambassadors" or product reps do not have the necessary technical knowledge to give proper advice. For those who are already successful in the business, all the best. To those who are considering to join the business, know that you have to try the products, and put in the necessary hard work to make it a full time income.

[@shem44]

Issues with MLM is that distributors are more interested in getting ppl to join to be their down lines as they will earn more rather than selling the products. Ppl who joined will buy a certain volume using their own $ in order to meet the min sales figure for commission. The downlines will find more ppl to be their downlines so that they can do the same. The cycle just repeat itself. When u join their talks they focus a lot on the $ u can make rather than the benefit of the product. A product may be good but it gets tarnished by the selling method and price was inflated a lot because it needs to pay out to many lines.

[@kite7976]

Distributors will usually offer their customers a membership so that they can either get promotion deals/discounted price etc. Price of a product can vary depending on the quality. One person can say a product is overpriced for the quality that he/she is buying. another person may not feel the same way. Based on your explanation, mlm product price can inflate because it pays out to many lines, a product from a traditional business also pays out to advertisers/distributors/manufacturers etc. Their talks can also vary depending on the goals of their prospects, whether its for product knowledge or for learning how to build the mlm business.

[@jujublue4426]

@@kite7976 It's true MLM product are much more expensive than their supermarket equivalent though

[@kite7976]

@@jujublue4426 if you gonna say something is true, then you got to base it on facts rather than hearsay. Is there any relevant data you can back up your claim with? For example is there a product you can compare with similar features and benefits but at different price between an mlm product and one from the supermarket?

[@Jams90.]

If you think this is not a scam, you deserve to get scammed by these people. The only people who make money off of these things are the people who make and distribute the product and the original owners. Lack of regulation in Southeast Asia is going to result in a huge downfall.

[@marvint480]

Clearly these mlm guys are having all the wealth to themselves.

[@kite7976]

how do you know there is lack of regulation?

[@lug.5329]

@@kite7976 , the mere fact they allow thepromotion of recruitment more than sales is a telltale sign

[@AT-oo8qe]

Kudos to CNA on providing such informative and relevant content to the general public.

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Black Ops MLS

[@minyaksayur]

It's worse than a cult when your "friends" started to shove their product every time you met.

[@martinsantoso4272]

In the MLM context, successful distributors often begin by depleting their savings to purchase branded goods or second-hand/COE cars (such as Porsche, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, etc.) in order to create the appearance of success and attract potential downlines more quickly. Some of them may also be part of a syndicate that fabricates overly promising 'dreams', where they invite individuals from various age groups to share 'successful' testimonials and employ pressure tactics with limited-time offers, coercing prospects not to miss out on the opportunity.

[@xijinpig7978]

I have been earning more than Ministers from selling pills and syrups Many of my underlings are now in changi chalet

[@mavv15]

@@xijinpig7978 what's your product's brand?

[@arcencielc2065]

I had a bad experience with MLM company (Melaleuca) more than 10 years ago. There was a monthly quota (about $120 ten+ years ago) that a member must purchase. If a member didn't go to the store to buy, Melaleuca would automatically send certain products to him/her. I saw many upline agents bring elderly folks to the shop to sign up for membership. I was worried about these old grandmas and grandpas. Didn't they know that there was a monthly quota to purchase? Don't you think such agents were evil? The commission was more important than their conscience? Uh! No more MLM for me.

[@donnylimlin5348]

Melaleuca and other network marketing company re evils . And their products re super overprice and no value to consumers. The only network marketing company re Atomy . Why Atomy ? No membership fee No Renewal fee No forcing of monthly purchase. Buy what u need . Atomy founder park han gill said if u buy something that u don't need, u re incurring a loss . But if u buy something that is high quality and low price , it is value to any consumers. I hate all mlm until I come into Atomy because of Atomy founder philosophy focus on customers interest , not company interest of making money from members . Membership id is globally link . Infinity level of unlimited downlines leverage . Passive income up to 3 generations So far , I HV not found any network marketing company that offers high quality products with absolute price. Except Atomy from Korea . Atomy founder re rewritting the history of network marketing.

[@donnylimlin5348]

I knows melaleuca will auto send the products if I didn't goes to store to makes purchase so in the beginning I gave a debit card details with a empty bank account to upline member so the company can't deduct any money from my account .

[@arcencielc2065]

@@donnylimlin5348 But you still owe the company purchases. It is better to avoid such MLM. Can always buy other brands.

[@newjourney9220]

My credit card was charged without my consent. Apparently there is a fine print they can do that. Beware

[@jpt610]

MLM representatives lose their soul along the way. You have to in order to get to be successful in selling the dream. They become so selfish and don't care how many relationships they ruin along the way as long as they get money.

[@gzSING]

1. Laws and enforcement are too lax in Singapore. Many MLM that contravenes the direct selling laws are still operating. Secondly, punishment is too light for e.g. Riway selling deer placenta claiming cure cancer etc have been fined by HSA multiple times but these fines are less than $10k which is a small amount in comparison to how expensive their products are sold at and the profits (they hosted a multi million dollar annual company event last year). Without strong punishment and on-the-ball enforcement, these destructive companies will continue to operate. 2. Dumb people will remain dumb. Whatever the professional experts such as Doctors will advise them, they will still ignore. 3. Greed will always tempt greedy people. 4. For (2) and (3) - you can't help them. For (1) - it's good if the government will step up their game to protect their citizens.

[@yukotan4836]

Should penalise more, then don't need to raise GST

[@kkrongin]

Would love to see Talking Point go in-depth in the latest fad in the beauty industry - Fat melt injections which are prohibited in Singapore but smaller salons have figured a loophole by marketing it as a needless injection via administration with a hyaluron pen, thus not requiring any license/medical certification to do so.

[@rickylow1655]

Malaysians really love these type of businesses, and they call this their own business. In reality it is a pyramid scam. If you get in earlier you earn mainly from those below you. But if you get in late, and most of you will be late, you will be out of your pocket.

[@clynt7452]

It truly cringes me when I see a friend of mine calling herself an entrepreneur just because she is selling "weight loss products" through MLM. Self glorified salesman imo...at best... the countless gala dinners she attended where the members gave each other pats on the back and shiok sendiri are truly a sight to behold. 😂

[@donnylimlin5348]

It is not Malaysian love this type of business . They HV no other choice . Their currency is weaker than our currency but their salary re likes in our 1980 . Cost of living in Malaysia keeps going up but wages re not rising. Don't do mlm , stilll got any business to do. Open shop involves large capital.

[@Onion_Knights]

some MLM even try to say they are not MLM, even when they are obviously is. plus, their products are overpriced

[@darrenchua5331]

CNA, you have very very good content recently.. You are very relavant

[@ksneoh3572]

MLM is definitely a huge scam. Many years ago, this kind of pyramid schemes was banned in Singapore. But for some strange reasons, the Singapore govt simply caved in.

[@train_xc]

They are everywhere, almost in all countries: US being the largest. They operate in grey areas.

[@mamamememoo]

You have to understand the diff between pyramid and MLM, there’s a diff. Pyramid is when u have to pay money to join, and then they promise easy money to you and there is no proper product- aka the product is just there to serve the purpose of a sale. A good example is Sunshine Empire- their catalogue was full of nonsense but their main thing was getting people to park money with them with the promise of doubling the money and all that jazz. But brands like Tupperware, Rainbow, Nuskin, Amway, Usana do have legit quality products that work. Some have zero membership fees and usually you are compensated for your time and effort to share and educate clients about the products and how to use them, so it’s not some easy money making scam. Basically it’s franchising minus a store front. That’s the key difference between the two types of biz.

[@donnylimlin5348]

Mlm originally start from US . The first mlm company start from US re nutrilite follow by Amway founder in 1959 , then Amway founder decide to buy over nutrilite in 1972.

[@andyng5321]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpaUk5qAZdikqtk

[@Gerrynade]

Hope the producers can also doing an episode for insurance. There's definitely quite a few sub-topics to cover: A) investment linked plans - the upfront commissions paid to agents (maybe 1 to 2 yrs worth of premiums) makes the return on the policy very low. High commission, high fees, long lock in periods, and horrible surrender values to lock in the customer. Its hard to see true returns, until maybe 20+ years, and it's possible that you were better off buying an index fund than sticking to ilp 2) insurance coverage - agents and "general guidelines" suggest to buy coverage to cover up to 3 to 5 yrs income [so that you have the payout of 3 to 5 yrs should you be diagnosed with cancer]. What is the likelihood of one not being able to work for 3 to 5 yrs should you have a terrible disease? Aren't you better off saving your own " insurance coverage"?

[@ben.s.s]

Confirm better to get any proper index fund than ILP, the math is so simple. I have to add. Even fixed deposits or even normal deposits savings with tier bonus is better than ILP!

[@YusriSapari]

whenever a friend comes to me asking about investment, for sure some insurance agent is trying to sell them ILP

[@Gerrynade]

3rd sub topic - insurance agents always sell policies, highlighting the projected or non-guaranteed portion. Many pple use that reference point to make the purchase decision. For some unfortunate folks, they will only see something slightly better than the guaranteed portion (and nowhere near the non guaranteed amount) when the policy matures after 20+ years. The life insurance association has somewhat tightened and lowered the % that could be used in these projections. But for the common folks who buy life and endowment policies, how should they expect their returns to be? What is their recourse if the payout is denied or maybe only the guaranteed amount (not sure if there are cases where insurer pays less than guaranteed amounts)

[@shurinhaha]

It's always the ILP. So irritating and they always talk to us like they think we're stupid.

[@missaisohee]

take it from me who have joined an MLM before : if you like the products, by all means go ahead and buy, but i recommend against joining the business itself. if they try to say you can only get cheaper prices if you join, don't trust them. they too are required to buy certain amount of products to be able to get comissions, meaning their garages and storages are probably filled to the brim with products. they are desperate to sell as well as to recruit new members.

[@amazingrace238]

I nearly got pulled into being a distributor in the same EO company years back. A good friend smelled like oils all the time and promoted many ludicrous claims like ingesting the oils and even dropping in the eyes. Horror horror! Whatever product you find in the MLM, you can definitely find somewhere else. MLM products are not that good. Distributors almost always promote ridiculous claims to make you believe the high markup is worth it.

[@LorTay-ho6wd]

MLMs are like a cult following, a fool and their money is easily parted

[@ILovePlayingZeldaGamesOnSwitch]

I was in orchard and an ex colleague saw me,invited me to takashimaya and one of the "team leader" started talking to me (i was young&naive that time) and i just let her talk. After an hour+++ she asked me if i want to join or try their products. I told her, No. My ex colleague told me to just accompany her and i only bought some food for my housemates(it's alr cold by the time she finished talking)She was very persistent that i buy. That's when i hated MLM so much. Eventually my ex colleague apologize to me. Never talk to her after that incident.

[@tigerrom03]

Talking Point should have sent Dr’s Secret skin products and nutritional products and the coffee products with Lingzhi for testing. At least to find if there is any harmful products in them and whether there is Lingzhi in the coffee.

[@xuanx4937]

exactly! disappointed they did not carry out any lab testing this episode

[@simplyme3306]

I was waiting for that too! We have seen so many food products being sent to the lab for testing by Talking Point in other episodes I was anticipating test results for the products.

[@CNAInsider]

Thanks for your suggestion! In fact, we had intended to conduct a lab test for the Ganoderma products. However, after reaching out to more than 10 different labs, we came to learn that testing for Ganoderma is not a simple process. There are actually many species, and specific components inside too. If these species or components are not known at the onset, it will be difficult to establish the method of testing. Additionally, if food substances like coffee had been incorporated, it also requires new approaches to testing. In any case, we are still learning more in this process. If there are ways of testing that we had not been informed of, do write to [e-mail] and we would love to find out more! - Cheryl, Producer

[@eileent103]

@@CNAInsiderwhat about dr secret?

[@eileent103]

cant test because its “secret”? 😂

[@rikopersian6407]

Unicity was big in Bangkok. My friend convinced me to join so after 3 yrs we can retire with big passive income. My friend hosted alot of event and invited an recruited a lot of distributors. She shoot up to the top, traveled to Europe , Dubai, Africa, US as company incentives. She works so hard and spent alot of money. After 3 yrs. Nothing happened as the downline she recruited quit to buy the product. No passive income even if she already on the top tier position. The bottom stop buying so do her commission. That MLM. Now she back to work. To me MLM is a big SCAM, nothing but a SCAM.

[@mbuhkah9372]

alot of mlm products are products that cannot compete if you put it in a place like supermarket, or any place where ppl can compare each product from their value and price side by side, so they have to sell it in a place where the competitor product are not exist, or nowhere close

[@donnylimlin5348]

Yes it is true most mlm company products re high quality and super over price or low quality and super overpriced. Only 1 company from Korea Atomy offers high quality products and asolute price. No other network marketing company can offers high quality products and asolute price. Most network marketing company products don't HV any value at all.

[@kite7976]

@@donnylimlin5348 what about amway products? i think their prices are quite fair though.

[@Suffkopp0815]

I personally prefer the more apt name "Pyramid scheme"

[@josephyeo6966]

I thought we concluded long ago MLM uses a business strategy that can be seen as "Too good to be true". Normal business is there to sell a product or service and its survival is dependent on sales. Whereas MLM primarily exists on recruitment of agents and more agents to buy their products. Hence it is not the quality or desirablility of the product that is driving force, but rather the ability of agents to recruit more agents to underpin the business. Hence the word "Pyramid selling", when your downline agents stop recruiting, your profit dries up. When something is too good to be true, you can be it is.

[@jpt610]

There's always going to be naive people out there that won't understand.

[@CNAInsider]

Thank you everyone for the feedback! We are always on the lookout for stories and are very willing to follow up on leads from viewers. If you know of people who have recently suffered immense losses due to MLMs in Singapore and are willing to share with us on the programme, please do write to us at [e-mail] - Cheryl, Producer

[@thLilJinx]

you guys did a terrible and disappointing job properly focusing on people who have lost out on this. its a shame it took you this long to even ask for feedback. MLMs are horrible and they have broken families like mine apart.

[@kite7976]

@@thLilJinx i am sorry that this happened to you, maybe you have a family member or friend who did MLM and you were against the idea. Family issues can be mostly due to misunderstandings and conflict of interest. One family can be accepting of MLM but another may not. Perhaps accepting that friend or family member of yours for doing MLM and letting him/her experience for him/herself, regardless of failling or succeeding, would work best for a better relationship.

[@travissubuaymanga8456]

Can talking point do make a episode on kaya toast?

[@travissubuaymanga8456]

Can you make a episode based on the question what is in our kaya toast

[@ketkivinayachandra6430]

Why are you so focussed hell bent on proving MLM to be evil. A reporter should not be biased. Why dont you check out both sides and see equally how pple have benefitted from Legit MLm companies - that are reg with Case? Seriously!

[@davegvaughan]

Those numbers used as monthly figures by the trade organizations are also wildly deceptive. They cut out a majority of the salesforce earning very little in the MLM. Thank you for covering these issues!

[@Puiz4Life]

MLMs would like to promote that the way to make it is selling their products. But open secret of earning is you need to get new members to sign up and buy bulk purchases. Most are not upfront about the cost and failure rates. They prey on the poor with promises of riches. Avoid at all cost. People who are in MLMs Usually target family and friends. If not they may make up claims the product does not do.

[@kite7976]

Jobs would like to promote that the way to make it is selling their products. But open secret of earning is you need to pay for qualifications and gladly accept a lower pay because you need a job. Schools & the govt are not upfront about the cost and failure rates in the workforce. Explotative Companies prey on their employees with promises of perks. Avoid at all cost..... basically i just change a few words and its the same thing though.

[@gohsoonheng9598]

They can rebrand themselves, a scam is a scam.

[@Jenniferbluefire]

Diana Ser, you are my idol! An excellent Newscaster and TV program host, proficient in both English and Chinese, professional and charismatic.

[@luminaire17]

She said she was being envied because she is her own boss na have many free time. Typical networking answers

[@Tuansil]

nicely portrayed without being too harst on MLM that avoid legal issues and being unethical and are getting away with it...

[@sgdadbored]

Have been in the MLM industry for 10 years. It’s product meets opportunity kind, more than just money or a dream.

[@dwichiesa]

They need financial literacy to see if it makes sense for them to be in the MLM business

[@munster1404]

Everyone loves money. But I’m not a good salesperson. I hate being around people, also have anxiety in crowds or face to face interactions. One needs to join MLMs with their eyes wide open. For every legit scheme there could be 10 scammers.

[@jialatliao]

how is this different from Pyramid selling which is illegal in singapore.

[@VamboraSingapore]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZSzm6N9a9Saosk It’s worse

[@cheesengyeap524]

The documentary has answered that

[@ChuChuAndAhBa]

Kind of the same but MLM more atas name. A Multi-Level Marketing or Pyramid Selling scheme will typically require participants to pay an upfront charge. In return, the participants are promised financial rewards for each additional participant recruited, as well as all new participants who are in turn brought in by their recruits - hence the pyramid-like structure. www.mti.gov.sg/Resources/Legislation/Multi-level-Marketing-and-Pyramid-Selling

[@mamamememoo]

You have to understand the diff between pyramid and MLM, there’s a diff. Pyramid is when u have to pay money to join, and then they promise easy money to you and there is no proper product- aka the product is just there to serve the purpose of a sale. A good example is Sunshine Empire- their catalogue was full of nonsense but their main thing was getting people to park money with them with the promise of doubling the money and all that jazz. But brands like Tupperware, Rainbow, Nuskin, Amway, Usana do have legit quality products that work. Some have zero membership fees and usually you are compensated for your time and effort to share and educate clients about the products and how to use them, so it’s not some easy money making scam. Basically it’s franchising minus a store front. That’s the key difference between the two types of biz.

[@Aphrodisiac80]

Pyramid sell investment without product but MLM sell product with items given.That's the reason why MLM is legal.

[@RiskyRight]

Place where u can play Doctor, Nutritionist, Herbalist, Beautician and skin expert at once. 😂😂😂 Without nececarily through formal education 😂

[@lecherhao86]

Remember the sunshine empire? Those sentenced must still be living a good life out there with all the wealth they have scammed from the people. Believe I came across a news of company selling placenta which has health benefit. Riway is it? Hope our MOH and other agencies look into this claim.

[@temasekb]

just a small fine, they're still operating 24/7

[@mamamememoo]

Sunshine was a pyramid. Not an MLM. How to tell the diff? The product catalogue was filled with nonsense like fengshui crystal… and iirc tissue paper?? My hubby’s army buddy’s daughter tried to sell Sunshine Empire to us coz we don’t mind MLM products as we find some of them have good quality items. We were very alarmed that u are asked to pump money in to get more money out and they show pictures of cheques and cars… easy money. So my hubby’s friend pumped six figure sum into the daughter’s venture with Sunshine. We warned him but he was offended and cut us off. Sadly he lost everything. Actual MLM requires hard work and isn’t easy money. Just that the comp plan is very attractive if you do the work. And most do not cost money to join as members (almost like how iHerb or Shoppee platform don’t cost anything to use). It is the sharing of the product usage and personal experiences and slowly growing that sharing that earns you money. Done with the right attitude it’s a respectable and decent, equal opportunity platform. The govt should really look into those who call themselves MLM but can’t get registered under the Direct Sellers Association of Singapore or DSAS- those are the dodgy ones with questionable accounts and products tbh. The old stalwarts like Amway, Nuskin, Usana are all known to have good quality products that work.

[@TyroneSong]

Maybe Yes nor No, For some people, they want to learn something from the leaders, some just want to build connections, some just try to expand business opportunities. Product is not what they concern themselves with... But for most people IRL, online e-commerce or something from Watson/Sasa will do the same for 1/10 cost.

[@eddy-currents]

Insurance agencies: MLMs or a scam?

[@JuraganEmas]

Scams, stick with local insurance like great eastern

[@mylittlebrother3318]

@@JuraganEmas lol 😂

[@evildaddyz]

Specially those who used to be your friends

[@ZX235w3]

@@JuraganEmas local insurance companies are especially the ones employing insurance agents, dude

[@jefferytay3225]

Both works the same way. It's a top down approach.

[@sususegar]

I can only imagine the wrath those ladies in MLM felt with that kind of closing speech, they can't be happy after voluntarily appearing in this... LOL!

[@cheny6489]

RIWAY is very active too in Singapore ... they even have a building in bedok... they too claim their product about health remedies... their members drive bentley..etc

[@marvint480]

Exactly! Nobody wants to investigate them.

[@moonstarsun633]

Yes I attended their seminars. Many performance cars and starter kit is 3000++. 5 or 7 bottles of deer placentas capsule. My friend jio me but I don't feel comfortable. Amway, Market Singapore.. Amway products are very expensive. I cannot afford to keep spending on it.

[@donnylimlin5348]

Riway is another sucks mlm . Their products cost re SGD10 but due the factors of commission tiers , they need to sell SGD200 to end consumers. Why pay SGD200 and u re getting a products that is SGD 10.

[@ustradingdiary]

Simple logic. If the products is really that good. It will be selling online or retails. Because the cost of selling is simply lower. Their business model is simply buying generic product and rebrand them and repackage with their logo. Example the cost of that products is $2. After factoring all comm from different hierarchy. It became $100. 😂 But the end of days u are using a $2 product. That is why mlm only based on beauty, healthcare. This type of products mostly. Because the prices is not transparent enough.

[@kite7976]

You see other online stores or retail shops also sell at mark up prices what, i suppose you know they also pay for ads and distribution right?

[@cinnamonbun5510]

When you are old 55 years old you can’t use any products out there even $200 moisturizer can’t do anything unless you will get Botox, lifting or plastic surgery. . If you want to make money it’s ok but if you are on fix incomes better to save your money for when you are old or nursing expenses. Women when they’re old need housing, transportation, foods, diapers, pay dr and caretakers eccetera. Many young people can’t understand it.

[@LimaFX]

If this lady created her own product she'd make way more money, She doesn't need a MLM they need her

[@coffeemanx]

Scammers: I am bank, police, ICA…. MLM: I am rich selling miracle products. you can be rich too.

[@costanttan2823]

You guys should do a news on renting retails with big companies like Mapletree, capital, etc. My family almost got bankrupt from a case. Luckily we were rich enough to fight till the end lol. I wonder how many retail owners suffered from this too.

[@burung81]

what is the issue with Maple tree or capital mal?

[@kocokan]

Too many are toxic ones, so i don't bother finding out which ones are worth it

[@myronlee8691]

The lady mentioned she earned 5 figures...this is commission yet to take away expenses e.g. petrol cost and no CPF and bonuses etc. And likelihood she needs to stock up as well to meet some quota to gain the commission In summary, don't fall for it and MLM might ruin family as well They will tell you they are helping people to gain back health and times freedom etc and you are fighting freedom for your family. Think twice ... It is not illegal but moral wise, not so sure and MLM is threading in grey area.

[@Samlowkiapeng1888]

Another quality production

[@betaalpha4275]

Generally, it's just the simpletons and the greedy breeds that buy into such marketing ideas...and this world is not shortage of these people. Btw, they comes in millions and millions every year.

[@kite7976]

Indeed. As a MLM distributor, i thank you for your contributions for being such an honest person with great principles. But i feel for you. Because you are so moral, those with money and power can just keep you poor by reminding you to simply work hard in your job and gladly accept that minimum wage.

[@edwardlumsianming3430]

In the end the product has to be sold. Just upgrade it to a high level. The question is, how long can one continue to keep buying the product. It is always the one at the top that benefits the most

[@kite7976]

do you see any career where the bottom earns the most? Just buy what you need. Its money that you are already spending on another store so just change your brand. whats the issue?

[@vahalla1982]

Bottomline is there's no consumer's law in Singapore. Even if there is, it is minimal to the extent of non existence. If you owe 10c to the Singapore gahment or owe taxes to them, they'll go down hard with every resources they've got. But comes to consumer rights, good luck you're on your own.

[@bluejedi723]

I respect the hustle. Sales is hard, and I"m not much of a salesperson

[@codyypeng]

As a current distributor of an MLM company I must say this is a great video! I love how it discusses the MLM act and how there are a few legal MLMs operating but that does not mean it suits you even if it is legal. People should always hold a skeptic eye towards our industry as many out there make outrageous claims or force you to do something outside of your ethics to be successful. Always and I mean always ask about the marketing plan and if there is a minimum spend BE CAREFUL! if you want to support your friend, buy the product at retail price first try it and give feedback. If you dont like it, tell them. Only join IF you like most of the products presented to you. Of course, if you do not want to hear from the distributor again it is well within your right to tell them that you are not interested in the products for now.

[@mamamememoo]

Yup. The one I’m already consuming and looking into as a biz requires zero upfront investment, products are really high quality and backed by really sound science. But I’ve heard of dodgy ones that require membership fees and buying specific starter kits. I’d be wary of those. Always check for DSAS membership, whether they are friends of CASE/ have CASE trust… Not all are good but not all are bad either. 😅

[@CNAInsider]

Thank you for your thoughtful and balanced response. It is indeed true that just because an MLM company appears to be legal, it doesn’t mean that it will necessarily suit you. It depends on whether the products have had a real positive impact on you. We’ve also learned that the specific team you join in a company makes all the difference. Even in the same company, some teams are pushier than others, and some leaders may also abuse the system to hit sales targets. So whether you are a consumer or distributor, you’ll need to be discerning and make informed decisions without being swayed by the opinions of others. - Cheryl, Producer

[@RayMak]

Success rate is about 0.003%. Just like any business or entrepreneurship.

[@goh1986]

I think one of the things that should be looked at with these MLM products is the amount of "cancer preventing" ingredients in the product. If ling zhi proves to be really effective and can prevent cancer, then how much of it would we need to consume in order for it to be effective? These companies are just sneaking in a small percentage of ling zhi or whatever to make these claims but I'm sure you'll need to consume a ton more ling zhi for it to even be effective!

[@mamamememoo]

The one I consume has actual published papers and clinical studies. Quite an interesting read and I sent these papers to my friends in the medical field to read and they are really surprised because the studies are sound and peer reviewed. Not all MLMs sell dodgy products. It’s good to go in with an open mind. ^^

[@50jakecs]

@@mamamememoo How about you share links to these published papers and clinical studies?

[@yyl5336]

Should share wad product you are consuming to help us commoners live a healthier lifestyle.

[@romanceidiot]

​@DerpyFaery what products, and links to the document? Can share here? Because it's suspicious. If they have such good product, they don't need distributors

[@kite7976]

@@50jakecs If you wanted to believe in the first place, you would have done your own research. This is your own choice

[@starstriker1881]

How would they feel being featured in CNA and painted in a bad picture of their mlm business. Too good to be true 1/10000 odds of success

[@sherwinteo86]

The only things we mainly worried is can the company sustain. If can’t sustain the company will just end

[@AverageAufa]

i was aggressively asked to sign up when i was a MINOR and to use my MOTHER’s details… my brain haven’t even fully develop at that age, MLM should be illegal

[@maplelim0212]

I don’t think people care .. MLM or scam. As long as they continue to earn from it they will keep doing it and they will recruit more ppl to do it. The cycle goes on and it will always exist

[@SuperValaVala]

Saw the Title, and already excites me to watch ~~!!!!

[@PrimeHealthEssentials]

the common problem with these "MLM" companies is their overpriced products! most of these companies are just forcing highly-priced low quality products on their customers...

[@LeoKennedy1993]

MLM is MLM, someone will get screwed over sooner or later.

[@Birdylockso]

I have a friend who has access to a big multinational MLM company's financials. He told me that only about 3% of the distributors make a positive earning. Those that make.lots of.momey are likely.the 3% of the 3&%. With so many buying lottery, it's not at all surprising that MLM exists

[@rescueninja4728]

EVERY MLM's selling point: 1. Greed 2. Sell to your friends 3. We are different 4. You can do it What you do not see on MLM is the number of people that fail. There is NO such thing as get rich quick (and stay rich). Stay away!

[@kite7976]

Have you ever seen any successful people that never failed? Whats wrong with greed? why can't you have what you want? Why let your failures decide what you can have and what you cannot have?

[@johcx1994]

To be honest, I first have to applaud Diana for this topic. Honestly, MLM has received flak (even by reading comments here or anywhere else). Being neutral and yet sticking to facts alone is not easy. Sadly, as most MLM companies are dealing with healthcare (which is also dealt the same with homeopathy/alternate treatment), which is why all the bad points come out. Being in different MLM companies and being in different environments (whether MLM or not), I realized that people don't think straight and the culture sometimes irritates people. Tbh, it is complexed, yet simple why people hate it, but to me, not all are bad eggs. Although I have withdrawn from MLM (because Im not a salesperson), but I am thankful that MLM was part of my life, to know more about people and to also be more neutral and mindful about what is going around.

[@kwokleongawyong2895]

What is definitive?

[@betaalpha4275]

TBH, you present yourself like a religious/cult person... what change of mindset etc etc...just playing with words. Put it in layman's terms: MLMs ( those internet ads on property sharing schemes/investment scams) are generally for those that can't make it to the affluent level but with tiny bits of assets...hopeful can turn around their pathetic life telling lies to sell unknown shix to their so-called friends and families members. The rest are all self-hypnosis and lies to yourself. In the face of money...most people are nothing more than a piece of ....xxxx. If you understand why people become religious...then you know why MLMs still exist.

[@CNAInsider]

Thank you for your comment! We understand that MLM is a controversial topic not just in Singapore, but internationally. There are legitimate concerns that many have experienced first-hand or learned through news or word-of-mouth. There are also several high-profile cases involving illegal MLMs (e.g. Sunshine Empire), that have had a huge impact on consumers. But at the same time, as far as we know, some assumptions about MLMs may not be an accurate reflection of the entire industry. The MLM industry in Singapore may not be the same as it is in other countries. It may also have evolved over the years. We also want to be sensitive to the fact that MLM can be a legitimate source of income for distributors, who need that extra cash for their living expenses. Hence, we decided to head into research with a more open mind, to hear what different stakeholders have to share about the topic. Thank you for appreciating our efforts! If you have any additional feedback or story ideas, please write to us at [e-mail].

[@daretofinance]

Respect the hustle, sales is not an easy job. But whether MLM is a scam or not, I personally feel it boils down to the effectiveness of the product and how to "get-in" the MLM.

[@davidsenra2495]

The "products" in MLM companies are bad, overpriced, and nobody wants them. They are pyramid schemes in disguise.

[@CNAInsider]

Other than a product that can “sell for itself”, a fair recruitment scheme that does not require high upfront fees in the form of membership fees, buying of products or services is also important. If these two criteria are not met, distributors can come off as pushy and aggressive since the products are hard to sell, and they also have an interest to sell off products to recoup the financial losses they incurred when joining the scheme. - Cheryl, Producer

[@Wvk5zc]

Only small percentages can make it big in MLM. You can try but dont overdream

[@violetblue3347]

It doesn’t matter what type of product you are selling. All MLM sounds the same. They take a big cut from your commission while telling you are your own boss and you are building a business. Then tell you to go out and recruit so more people can get scammed.

[@Tvyoutubeacc]

MLM traditionally sell health or beauty products and they are priced very high. So even if you want out after purchasing some of their stuffs, you would already have spent a few hundreds or even thousands to family members. So the person who recruited you in has made their commission from you and on to the next one :)

[@mamamememoo]

Actually that’s not how it works. The commission per product isn’t usually very huge. Where you get really paid more commission is when u training others to understand the biz, how and why the products work and possibly sharing about it to others beyond just personal consumption. Some of the products aren’t expensive. Comparable to what’s on the shelf. Eg skin care. Clarisonic was $400ish. Not MLM. But an MLM brand has one that is close to $300 with a cleanser. So that’s not more expensive. Some have moisturisers that cost $30+ comparable also to off the shelf in pricing. And shampoo $17-18 a bottle comparable to off the shelf Japanese products. The diff is quality. Whereas the regular retail items depend on using intense marketing in magazines and with celebrities to sell- which means most of the budget goes to marketing and not quality or R&D. An MLM product more often invests more of that huge marketing budget into R&D and better ingredients as they save on that. So the way they apportion their budget is inversed to retail items. ^^

[@dinglshingle]

@@mamamememoo great mlm promotion ! can i be part of it?

[@raylo9903]

WHEN YOU GO INTO A COMPANY AND ALL THE STAFF PUT ON EXPENSIVE STUFF MEANS THEY ARE NOT CONFIDENT OF THEIR BUSINESS MODEL OR PRODUCT THAT WHY THEY HAD TO IMPRESS THEIR VICTIMS.

[@ezekielk.3629]

What are current MLM products ? (e.g. Young Living aroma oil) The way the ladies talk is as if their being mind controlled. And no point filming all the branded products when majority in the market are fakes And no points making consumer buy the products even if its legal or illegal MLM company. All products have to go through HSA stringent testing and certifications before selling it to consumers.

[@ArabicReja973]

Last year, the Philippines 🇵🇭 authorities closed 175 Chinese gambling organizations, and deported 40,000 Chinese nationals who entered into the country and worked illegally, many as *online scammers and other shady activities.*

[@truelord]

Take a simple product and up sell it 2000x

[@90mychannel]

My parents in law are selling MLMs. Its always funny meeting them, having to listen to how good their products are and how much they are helping people, they even cure cancer. Its quite scary honestly. Is there an authority I can submit samples to test if its doing any harm or any benefits?

[@zaffyjay2806]

Does Amway and Mary Kay consider as MLM? My mom is an avid supporter of Amway. She just buys any new products the promoter sells at an exorbitant price!!

[@shahfuddinshukor1994]

Yes,they are MLM companies.

[@angxiang3186]

Being exposed to MLM n Pyramid Selling long long time ago; whilst I was then sales/marketing HOD. I could have made those big $$$ ~ but I see/known(I m an engineering student with a deg in economics: those “marketing propaganda claims, r unfounded n non scientific), I rejected those thoughts. MLM is sales driven n your personal contacts will sway away from you with those pushy tactics. It need to feed onto an expanding networking. My basic beliefs ~ I m a salesperson. It is my duty to sell the best pointers on the product. I sell the positives on the product. But I do not lie nor claim beyond the product usage. Those would be the negatives that the customer must determine for themselves. Hitherto so, MLM is not my cup of tea.

[@sweealamak628]

Of course it is a scam. They sell you a dream, not a product.

[@geoffreylimcowealthadvisory]

MLM = overpaying cheap products to fund commission. There are many products that work but only fraction of the cost. Dont get suck up into the luxury or sales, always go for the objective and value for money.

[@jialatboleh8590]

Well it is all about money.....

[@merlie1254]

Amway is like this.

[@leponpon6935]

No question about it, MLMs are a scam.

[@burnoutminion]

Would love to see Talking Point investigate the whole hype of Quantum Metals Gold investment too, which I sense something is fishy.

[@randomsgvideoguy3972]

They used to show them posing beside some expensive cars. My friend used to be the photographer. Photoshop services included too. LOL!

[@singaporeahma5965]

Starter kits, getting family members and friends who r too pai Sai (shy) to say no. I just refused to go to listen to such sales talk even when a good friend invited me to such sessions. Also just refused to buy from a friend who wanted me to buy $3k plus some placenta stuff. She was never a salesperson and definitely not a medical knowledge person but selling expensive medical stuff. Scary.

[@chinesememer]

Pyramid scheme with over priced products 😂

[@rashaunjones1027]

This was an interesting segment , I think MLM can be effective when used in the right way

[@monkeybusiness2204]

Yeah, it can earn you profits if you are at the top of the pyramid. Yes, that's how you use it "the right way". The rest are just sheep for your to slaughter.

[@ZX235w3]

Except if MLM products were effective, they wouldnt need be MLMs in the first place.

[@rashaunjones1027]

@@ZX235w3 , true its all huss

[@alchapopapo]

Guarantee you those "luxury goods" are fake....... its common in mlm grift land to fake it til you make it. But they never make it.

[@MrEding80]

mlm business model is the most ridiculous model of business. genius to the manufacturer, overprices to the buyer. stuck in between is the so called seller or distributor or any fancy title given. over priced product that you can get similar product with widely product in store. personal insurance industry is similar to mlm business too. i personally disgusted with this kind of business and reject all of them.

[@jaronchua6425]

Good products doesn't need agents to tell you. Been before to MLM company and they do hard sell you 😂

[@annieteo7169]

Insurance and property agebts need to pass tough exams to be licensed and clock in and pass CPD hours before selling other products.

[@ybbolb]

End of the day it's just an overpriced product because every level need to get their commissions.