I feel used. Well, not used so much as almost used. When Greg and I moved up here, this couple befriended us with 3 different tactics (and many times with each one). They seemed a bit too friendly for someone who didn't know us from Adam. Each time, it didn't work out to get together with them. It was just recently that I put two and two together. I found out that they belong to a very pushy multi-level marketing company. (I know another couple who sell this same product, and they have worn out their welcome with many, due to their ultra-spiritual, ultra-"healthy" ways). Here I thought these people were befriending us because we were new to the area, but now I see that they just wanted us to buy into their scheme.
It was after going to a party for microfiber cleaning products, that I started thinking about this MLM (multi-level marketing) stuff. The products are amazing, but extremely expensive. No matter how clean I want my house, spending $799 isn't a deal. I could hire a maid for alot less than that!! Anyhow, it got me thinking about all the MLM's, and how does one know if one is legit or not. Some offer great products, but some are just scams. These two quotes stood out, on the various websites I visited, trying to learn more. I seem to have lost their source, but here they are:
"I am not against the concept of multilevel marketing if the product is legitimate and is helping people, and many people have made a good income this way. However, more often than not, the people at the bottom of the chain end up losing more money than they make, or spend a lot of their time for little profit, or end up alienating some friends and family members due to their persistence. I personally know several people who spent enormous amounts of time and energy as distributors for little gain."
"He claims that over 99% of new distributors for various MLM companies lose money."
These are both from a MLM watchdog organization. So, what did I do with my new found information? I decided to go to our local stores, and see if I could find similar products for alot less money. The cleaning products from the party were microfiber cloths, so I found some at TJMaxx as well as some at Walmart. I brought them home, and voila! they clean just as well as the $80 ones. (it was $80 for just the kitchen kit, $799 for whole house kit) This company says their cloths last 4-6 years, so we'll see how long my $10 of cloths last. I still use dishcloths we got at our wedding 7 years ago, so why would these ones wear out faster? We'll see. I can replace my Walmart (Quickie brand) every year, and still be much further ahead.
But, I'm glad I went to the party, because I learned how to clean effectively with the cloths.
1) spray the place you want to wash with just plain old water from a squirt bottle
2) wipe off with the microfiber cloth. It takes everything right off (grease, finger prints, and allegedly germs)
3) rinse your cloth in warm water, hang to dry
4) throw in the laundry when it seems to need it, likely about once a week
5) hang to dry
My faucets just shine cleaning this way, so I will vouch that they do work. My windows are completely streak-free which they never have been (I washed them with a squeegee brush with just water, wiped them down with the squeegee side, and then dried them with the microfiber cloth in the sunlight (which normally is a no-no for windows). My mirrors are also streak free. So, I'm curious to see how these hold up, and if they keep doing the impressive job that they are doing. The cloths are supposed to work better over time, as you get rid of the soap/cleaner residues from what you are cleaning, as well as the fibers fray more and become more absorbent. I wouldn't trust them to disinfect from things like chicken juice, but for everyday gunk, I think they'll work great!
So, although I don't write off all these MLM's, as we do get some vitamins from another company, buyer beware! Check them out with the Better Business Bureau and be prepared to do research, and don't just listen to the excited people that are selling them to you. They are trying to make money, so it's a given that they are going to be super-nice, super-friendly and super-sneaky about whatever they are trying to sell.
It was after going to a party for microfiber cleaning products, that I started thinking about this MLM (multi-level marketing) stuff. The products are amazing, but extremely expensive. No matter how clean I want my house, spending $799 isn't a deal. I could hire a maid for alot less than that!! Anyhow, it got me thinking about all the MLM's, and how does one know if one is legit or not. Some offer great products, but some are just scams. These two quotes stood out, on the various websites I visited, trying to learn more. I seem to have lost their source, but here they are:
"I am not against the concept of multilevel marketing if the product is legitimate and is helping people, and many people have made a good income this way. However, more often than not, the people at the bottom of the chain end up losing more money than they make, or spend a lot of their time for little profit, or end up alienating some friends and family members due to their persistence. I personally know several people who spent enormous amounts of time and energy as distributors for little gain."
"He claims that over 99% of new distributors for various MLM companies lose money."
These are both from a MLM watchdog organization. So, what did I do with my new found information? I decided to go to our local stores, and see if I could find similar products for alot less money. The cleaning products from the party were microfiber cloths, so I found some at TJMaxx as well as some at Walmart. I brought them home, and voila! they clean just as well as the $80 ones. (it was $80 for just the kitchen kit, $799 for whole house kit) This company says their cloths last 4-6 years, so we'll see how long my $10 of cloths last. I still use dishcloths we got at our wedding 7 years ago, so why would these ones wear out faster? We'll see. I can replace my Walmart (Quickie brand) every year, and still be much further ahead.
But, I'm glad I went to the party, because I learned how to clean effectively with the cloths.
1) spray the place you want to wash with just plain old water from a squirt bottle
2) wipe off with the microfiber cloth. It takes everything right off (grease, finger prints, and allegedly germs)
3) rinse your cloth in warm water, hang to dry
4) throw in the laundry when it seems to need it, likely about once a week
5) hang to dry
My faucets just shine cleaning this way, so I will vouch that they do work. My windows are completely streak-free which they never have been (I washed them with a squeegee brush with just water, wiped them down with the squeegee side, and then dried them with the microfiber cloth in the sunlight (which normally is a no-no for windows). My mirrors are also streak free. So, I'm curious to see how these hold up, and if they keep doing the impressive job that they are doing. The cloths are supposed to work better over time, as you get rid of the soap/cleaner residues from what you are cleaning, as well as the fibers fray more and become more absorbent. I wouldn't trust them to disinfect from things like chicken juice, but for everyday gunk, I think they'll work great!
So, although I don't write off all these MLM's, as we do get some vitamins from another company, buyer beware! Check them out with the Better Business Bureau and be prepared to do research, and don't just listen to the excited people that are selling them to you. They are trying to make money, so it's a given that they are going to be super-nice, super-friendly and super-sneaky about whatever they are trying to sell.
