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May 12, 2004
FBI and IRS inquire
By QBlog in
According to Quixtar, the Dateline NBC story was a biased ratings ploy to push the hidden agendas of a few disgruntled IBOs. Fine. Whatever.
However, in all of the official Quixtar Response I can't seem to find a single mention of this little nugget from the Dateline exposé:
What about others involved in Quixtar? Both the FBI and the criminal division of the IRS are making separate inquiries into at least two top distributors not focused on in this report.So what's the hidden agenda of the FBI and the criminal division of the IRS? Oh that's right, they're both part of the ratings-hungry liberal media... no... wait... that's not right. They're government agencies. That's right. Keep forgetting. Silly me.
Comments
I caught that. So, my guess that the Yeagers, and who else?
Pork Chop Jim's post was a swift kick to the part of my brain that determines other people's sanity's groin. But then I read it again and hoped, dear God, I prayed, that maybe the stupid parts were supposed to be sarcastic, because if they're not, people like Pork Chop Jim shouldn't be allowed to walk around freely in society without their government-appointed handlers and a leash.
Actually Porkchopjim, FBI=IRS=Gov't Job=I can do nothing and still get paid a whole bunch of money and not get fired and take 5 weeks of vacation a year.
Trurth is, five years from now, Quixtar won't even exisist. You are making millionaires out of people at the top your pyramid, yet you can't even quit your day job. Once you quit your day job, provide for a family of 4, including health insurance, retirement, and so forth...then maybe I will believe Quixtar is the future.
Why don't you ask and find out?
One question I have, is what kind of dollar volume do each of these distributors produce in gross volume, and the bigger question... what is the weekly, monthly, annual gross dollar volume of the tools in: Britt World Wide, Global Pronet, Internet - The Puryear Group, etc. Get this info and get it public, and we will all see clearly as to why all this SPIN. We talk about symtoms- let's talk about Cause of all the turmoil.
Hold on to your tinfoil hats, lads.
I disagree with J.O. - Quixtar will be around for quite some time, at least longer than 5 years. You don't toss away something so easily milked that quickly. 99.9% failure/turnover has not done so yet, and probably won't, as long as there are folks who 'see the dream.'
I have one of those govm't jobs, but I only get 4 weeks off per year. I got hosed.
You know Porkchopjim, I was mistaken. Quixtar will be around for a long time. I forgot there was a sucker born every minute. I really don't want to steal your dream, which will probably end up being someone else's nightmare.
HI,
You need an IBO number to register yourself into this quixtar. My question is who is or are the first people to be registered into this business?
This question intrigues me. These people will always make more money than anyone else.
The sponsor of Rich & Jay DeVos (as JaRi Corporation) is believed to be Neal Maaskant. This relationship began in Nutrilite and was maintained by Rich & Jay.
There is a thread on the forum about it if you search for it--including reference to an article to document it.
As for the income. being registered does not guarantee one dime of income. There are several requirements that must be met first. One of the most important is that volume must come from more than one leg and you must have 100 PV of personal volume.
I personally have zero volume but have a silver producer under me. I make zero.
For the sake of accuracy, it's Rich deVos and Jay Van Andel. They are not related, except at the wallet.
PW
I am new to Quixtar, but felt it was very strange that at each Hotel Open Meeting which is held weekly around the USA collects cash.
It was because of this reason that I did not join the business, I felt this was illegal. To be paying cash out of my pocket stating on my taxes that it was for training when clearly I had no receipt for such training.
It behoofs me how the FBI the IRS and the FTC has allowed this practice for so many years to go on.
I did not wish to be caught up in any tax evasion scam and told my friend kindly that I would have to choose another MLM business that has fair practices in place for its distributors.
Just reminded me way too much how my Uncle back in the early 70s would not get his check from his upline because the upline would have usually spent it.
voice of the new
Dear J.O.
Just wanted to let you know that I am married and a father to twin boys. I pay my own health insurance etc. I am debt free outside my home and have 2 years income in the bank. We do over $1,000/month in retail business and make a mere $200-$250/month in tool profit. Most of the profit is used to maintain inventory levels. For example...if someone buys 1 info system box at $17...and I don't have any in stock...I have to buy a case of 25. In other words...the tool profit is used to offset this a bit.
Furthermore I have been retired because of the Quixtar business since 2001 and am enjoying the security of over 2 years of my income in the bank. My wife is a full time mom and I am a full time dad.
I don't say this to brag...but I just wanted to let you know that Quixtar has a bright future. Especially the organizations like ours that are aggressively creating sales through retail.
Our organization is very efficient at teaching new IBO's to create a $300-$500/month income at the retail level for starters. This is more than sufficient to fund their business for life. And no...we don't guilt our friends and family into buying. Believe it or not...our organization actually does product demos and price comparisons to earn a customers business. This is just how Rich DeVos and Jay VanAndel started and I think everyone needs to get back to this foundational principal on which the business was built.
Thanks for listening. If you build the business properly...the business can be great for anyone who is involved. There's no shortcuts.
mike
IF YOU FOR GOOD YOU WILL FIND IT IF YOU LOOK FOR BAD YOU WILL FIND IT.
FOR THOSE WHO COMENTED NEGITIVELY, IT IS OBVIOU THAT YOU ARE UNHAPPY IN YOUR FINANCIS, OR ELSE YOU WOULD NOT BE LOOKING AT QUIXTAR. IF YOU ARE LAZZY AND DO NOTHING IN LIFE YOU WILL GET NOTHING AS A REWARD, BUT IF YOU WORK HARD IN MOST THINGS IN LIFE YOU WILL GET THE REWARD YOU WORK FOR. THE SAME RULE APPLY IN QUIXTAR.
THERE IS GOOD AND BAD PEOPLE IN EVERY BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION EVEN IN THE FBI AND CIA, WE SHOULD NOT JUDGE A BUSINESS OR ON ORGANIZATION BY THE BAD PEOPLE ONLY.
Look Below, this is the mentality of Quixtar-Zealots... Nuff said. VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
mike-quixtar IBO, $1500 a month with kids? are you living in a row-home or a trailer? I make 3x more money then you do in my 25 hours of work each week (which really isn't work beacause I love my job) then you do in a month. I would come out of retirement if i were you because after that dateline special finally got truth out in the mainstream, i doubt they will be around much longer. go to college and not those quixtar training sessions, all they do is teach you how to major in unemployment and become a sucker.
Dear troub...
Do you even have a clue how the business works? Retail is only a small portion of our business. My point in telling people about our retail sales is to show them that this business is not a pyramid and that people actuall DO retail products. Our business actually does over $34,000/month in volume and we are founders Rubies (15,000PV/month/12 out of 12 months).
Congratualtions on making $4,500 per month in 25 hours. But let's not get in a "I make more than you war" because I don't think you'll want to go down that road with me.
And by the way...I saw the business in college and DID graduate college.
Also...we do not live in a row home...in fact we built a new home in 2001 and it's actually quite nice.
It would be a good idea for you not to post agressive blogs on this site just for the point of boosting your own ego. My initial message was very polite and was not directed aggressively at anyone. Then you come along and think that you put me in my place.
BIG oops...on your part. Now you look kind of ignorant. You might want to go to the Sesame Street blog site where you can really put those kids in their place.
Quixtar is not for everyone and based on your post it is not for you. That's fine. But don't post negative just for the sake of entertainment. If you have some valid points...make them...if you do not...just want until you do. Until then...just sit on the sidlines and watch.
Thanks.
mike-quixtar ibo:
I think troub's point was that $1500 is not a lot to live on (especially with kids). If you are able to do that, then good for you. Perhaps you should start a financial planning business. I, for one, would be your first customer. I mean that, and am not being flip.
My biggest problem with Quixtar is this:
In my experience, quixtar preys on the lower income folks and lures them in with promises of big income. I have been invited to see the business plan a couple of times. It all seems to revolve around one's "positive attitude." If you aren't making enough money, then it's your own fault because you don't want it bad enough.
It is also very tied into religion, and I have known some folks who believe that if they aren't doing well, then perhaps they don't have enough faith in christ.
I have lost a few friends to quixtar, because when I didn't want to invest in the business, I was some sort of negative energy that should not be endured.
I'm not saying it's like this for everyone, but that seems to be a vast majority. All these little folks spending hard earned cash trying to make it big. It plays on greed and low self esteem, and it's a little seamy.
utterly dumbfounded
Once again...My wife and I do $1,000/month in retail which translates into about $250-$350 in income/month. In addition to that we help others do the same.
Our total group volume is over 15,000PV/month. That translates into an additional income of over $5,000/month. We also receive $10,000/year Q 12 bonus.
My point in talking about specifically our retail volume was to show you folks that there ARE organizations that DO retail and don't just rely on personal use.
Anyone who is familiar with the Quixtar Sales and Marketing plan would have known that.
I wish that those of you who are critical of our business would at least understand it.
And sorry that you lost some friends. I myself still have all of my same friends and even some new ones.
If your friends were associated with a group that beliddled your beliefs for not being religious or Christian...then that is wrong. In America we all have the right to believe whatever it is you want to believe.
Yes...I am a Christian and I was even prior to entering the business. However...I have people in my business who may believe in God...but are not devote Christians.
In fact...in many cases...I would rather work with a new person who is secular because sometimes Christians are so "fluffy" and so "faith driven" that they forget that they still have to work for a living.
Faith is definitely not a bad thing but it must be followed up with action...no matter what endeavor you choose for your life.
I hope that clears some things up. I never wanted to get into dollars and cents about what I make...but felt it necessary to help clarify the fact that i don't live on $1,500/month. Are you kidding...And if you need a financial planner...i have a good one that I can recommend :).
Best regards...
utterly dumbfounded
One more thing...I am going golfing with a friend who quit my Quixtar business a couple of years ago. He is still one of my very best friends and was in my wedding.
He now has a successful mortgage business and I am very happy for him. He is still a customer of mine.
Not all of us are weird...
The Quixtar business is great. Especially when you get in with the right people.
I hope you will pass that message on to people you know that are checking it out.
Thanks.
actually mike i do know about "the business" (it's a stretch to call it a business) and i have a loved one who is in it and i've been dragged to those meetings and seminars and even went to the event in TN. When i was at that thing i felt like i was in the middle of some kind of cult, everyone chanting whatever the speakers were saying. I had to take a hot shower after seeing it in person I felt so violated from being around those people. I like my job but if i could quit it and work a lot less and make more money i would. But do you really think peddling your stupid overpriced products and "business" is how you want to remember yourself in years to come? do something meaningful with your life because right now you're on par with the avon and tupperware ladies, the last thing we need is another salesman selling the same stuff you can get at walmart cheaper. Also the percentage of people who actually break even is less then 1%. If you have actually made money and are not making it all up, then congrats, you beat the odds. But just think about all the people below you that are not making any money and not breaking even and probably never will. I just hope my loved one that is currently under the spell of quixtar and BWW snaps out of it soon, i'm really sick of hearing all the bullcrap propaganda they pump into her like STP and "flush that stinkin job". There is noway that her or any of her quixtar buddies can stop working as long as they are in quixtar ironically enough. Because if they didn't work then how could they pay to meet their monthly PV or buy all the books and CD, or go to the seminars? they certainly don't get enough from their monthly checks from quixtar.
Troub...You are so, so, so, wrong.
Just because you went to a few meetings does not meen you understand it.
And...I was watching game 7 of the NBA Western Conference finals last night. People had their face painted, big signs, and were chanting in unisin. I suppose you thought that was a cult too.
Do you even know what a cult is? I do...because I have had to answer that question a few times. During Catholic mass they say things in unisin as well. Is that a cult.
All sports teams have a team huddle before the game and chant in unisin. Is that a cult. And then they chase a ball or a puck around the arena as if obsessed by it. And then when they score, is it a cult dance that they are doing? Please let me know because I definitely don't want to be associated with a cult.
Furthermore, it seems as if a lot of my neighbors get up at the same time every day and drive to work at the same time as if obsessed. It's like their doing it in unisin. Is that a cult? Please help me save them.
Also, I was a loan officer for many years and noticed that 99% of my clients had credit card debt and virtually no savings. They had been working their jobs for many many years. If we analyzed your life as a "business" what type of profit would you show? The fact is...the average American spends more than they make every year. Please save the troub. You've got to let the people know. Maybe you and I can start a new website about that and you can complain about what a conspiracy it is. Remember..."they" told you that going to school and getting an education was the ticket and that if you did that you would "make it". The fact is...very few people make it.
In addition...many IBO's in our business make over $300/month in their first few months. More than enough to cover the cost of building the business. That is whey RETAIL is so important.
Also, our products are not more expensive. Just because you can't read the instructions on concentration...that's not my fault. Give me an example of some of our products that are more expensive on a cost per use basis. Of course, if your using generic, low quality, products you might have a case. But if you compare to the leading brands, which most of America buys, then you do not have a case and i will prove it to you.
It is obvious that you are just using cases from other websites and other naysayers about Quixtar. Give me something new...give me a challenge. This is fun. I can see that you are all worked up and on some sort of a mission.
Maybe you would like to challenge me on tool profit, pyramid schemes, or even the Dateline Special. I am ready so bring it on.
Better yet...why don't you come to my town and talk with all of our IBO's. That way I will not be at an advantage and you can take advantage of some of their relative inexperience.
But maybe you would be better off to walk around town and ask folks about their jobs. That way you would see how much people "love" (I'm being sarcastic) their jobs and just embrace their current financial situations.
Have a great day "loving" your job. I'm going outside to play with my kids.
Mike-IBO:
I made this comment on a more recent post, but wanted to print it here so you could review and comment, since I am very curious about a couple of things:
I became acquainted with quixtar about a year ago. Here is my story:
I have a friend from work who, incidentally, is horrible at money management. She and her hubby earn in excess of $100K/yr, and only drive one car because with their $95k in credit card debt, they can't afford two cars. Basically, her husband spends like there's no tomorrow, the epitome of, "I still have checks, I can't be broke." My friend spends her time obsessing on how to get out of debt.
She and I used to talk finances, since I, too, had credit card debt.
About a year ago I got this cryptic message on my answering machine about an opportunity to make some extra money. I was invited to the dog and pony show, and went because I couldn't say no.
I was turned off by the fact that this "business" was introduced to my friend by her pastor. My friend is one of those people we all know, who has had an extremely problematic life, tries really hard to fit in and be accepted, and recently found Jesus. She's really obsessive, and never does anything halfway. As such, she has devoted her life to the church. Her pastor says, "jump," and she asks how high. Again, we all know the type. Anyway, it seemed a bit unseemly that a church pastor was recruiting "business partners."
Despite this, I managed to get excited after the meeting, because selling direct off the internet sounded intriguing (and I did need the cash).
However, when I went home and looked at the website, I couldn't get any information about the "product." I couldn't even get on the website without a password. I found this odd. Aren't most internet retailers begging for traffic? Why the secrecy?
Oh well, who knows. I asked my friend what exactly quixtar sells, as I was interested in the profit potential before making my "investment." My friend tells me that she prefers I talk to her business parter (aka upline), as she is new to the business, and feels that he can better address my questions. Again, I found this odd. My college educated friend was unable to tell me what she sells in her own "business?" Well, I didn't want to become anymore involved with her upline than I had to. He reminded me of those telemarketers you can't get rid of, and I didn't yet have caller ID.
So, I went to google and typed in Quixtar. Well, I was bombarded with article after article, site after site, of the Amway/Quixtar miracle money machine. That was all I needed. I had vague memories as of a family friend losing everything (including his wife) as a result of his amway obsession in the 70s. I also knew for a fact that my friend had already had a negative Amway experience. So I politely declined, and printed up a few of the more objective Amway/Quixtar connection articles for her to look at.
She didn't speak to me for about 6 months, except to occasionally suggest that I might want to consider buying my new refrigerator or microwave from her business. She also set up a display of energy bars and drinks on her desk.
When I left for a new job, she told me she and her hubby would be retiring in a few years, so she wasn't looking for change. "It's really a shame that you turned down that business opportunity." She proceeded to use all of her accrued leave balances to attend rallies in Tennessee.
I heard from a mutual friend that her "upline" had recommended that she leave the important business decisions to her husband. This translated to, he puts all business expenses on the credit card, and leaves her out of it. He pays the credit card bills. I know him, and this means he pays the minimum, and they'll pay off the cards eventually when their ship comes in.
The kicker was on April 15, when my friend called me to ask about my tax refund, and to let me know that thanks to their business, they were getting a big enough tax refund to pay for their daughter's wedding. In order to get a tax refund, don't you have to have business LOSSES?
Anyway, that dateline special made me understand it much better, because it fits right in with her sweet, gullible, NEEDY personality type. I could just hear her chanting "Flush that stinkin' job." And sad as it is, I know that she believes that these people are helping her, and have her best interests at heart. And their upline is obviously savvy enough to realize since his profits depend on his "downline," put Hubby in charge of "business decisions." He'll spend like there's no tomorrow.
I have often wondered how Quixtar has inspired enough emotion to have started all these websites. Funny, I think I just wrote a whole essay on the one time experience I had...
Ok, mike, now that you have read my story, I do have a couple of questions:
1) Why are quixtar IBOs encouraged to let their upline provide information. I was specifically told at this meeting that if I had any questions, that I should not talk to people outside of quixtar because they would just try to bring me down. And it is really weird that my friend did not feel comfortable discussing quixtar products with me. Why are IBOs initially told that they should direct questions to their upline?
2) Despite troub's comment, I must admit that I am a tupperware lady. I have my "real job." But people know that I sell tupperware, and approach me if they need something or want to have a party. I make my "mad money" that way. The reason I bring this up, is that I have my own tupperware website, and people can purchase directly from my site, without ever speaking to me, if they wish. In fact, complete strangers have been directed to my site by tupperware, when you type in your address, you are directed to the geographically nearest tupperware sales person's website.
When I have tried to get on Quixtar sites to see what they sell, what prices, etc., I am asked to enter some kind of password. This is the only e-sales business I am aware of where this is required (not a self generated password you get after registering, but a password from an IBO). Part of the lure of e-commerce is the absolute anonymity and lack of high pressure salesmanship, if that is what one desires. Why does quixtar make it so difficult to purchase their product?
3) What exactly is their product? To date, I have never been able to get a definitive answer to this question. I have heard all the jokes about "soap and vitamins," but is there anything else? It really seems to me that the "product" is the opportunity to make easy money. But easy money off of what? Other people trying to make easy money, or actual quixtar consumables?
4) When you say that most of the people in your downline are making $300 per month, I am reminded that my friend bought a washing machine and dryer from her "business." She paid a heck of a lot more than I did for mine, and I found that odd. But about a month later she brought in her first commission check, or whatever it's called, for about $250. Her only sale for the month was her washer and dryer. The $300 your IBO's make, is that from sales to other people, or mostly to themselves?
5) As I stated above, at my meeting to discuss "the plan," I was told in no uncertain terms not to discuss this with anyone outside quixtar. Why are the IBOs not encouraged to get as much information as possible, and make an informed decision?
Again, I hope I have been clear that I do not wish to insult you. These are honest questions that I have had for a long time. I would really like you to answer them, because I would like an answer, without being referred to an upline that I have to talk to for half an hour or more about why I should pay $250 to have a business of my own.
utterly dumbfounded...
All very great and excellent questions and I will attempt to answer all of them directly and with no fluff.
But for right now...I need to mow the lawn.
Thank you very much for the sincere questions. I hope that you will be pleased with my answers. I will try to get back to you tonight if I have time after my boys go to bed.
If not...i will get back to you soon. What I really need to do is stay away from websites like this because it consumes a lot of my time. But for right now I feel it necessary so that this website, which receives a lot of traffic, has some balancing opions. Again...thanks for the great questions. There are a lot of them so it will take me some time to answer. Therefore I want to do it when I have an hour or so of time.
sincererly,
mike-quixtar IBO
utterly dumbfounded...
Okay...here it goes. But before I get started...I just want to say that my experience with Quixtar/Amway was, and continues to be, totally different than yours. I don't intend to discredit anything that you have said...nor am I saying that it did not happen. But...I must say that the things you mention are not something that I have seen in my 11 year association with Quixtar/Amway.
Before I address your specific questions, I want to first address some of the passing comments that you made in your story. Throughout my reply to you I may also incorporate some of the things that I have done, as well as a little bit about "my" Quixtar Story.
A little about myself...
I saw the business back in 1993 while I was in college. I met a man who is an Emerald today and has become a very close friend since that time. I was approached by him through casual conversation and he asked me if I was ever keeping my options open. I wasn't really keeping my options open because the fact is...I was already in another multi-level business (they are out of business today...like many are) but thought...heh...maybe I could recruit this guy. And he was thinking the same about me
One more thing...I think that it is important to know that prior to April of 1993...I had spent the previous 15 months telling people that Amway is a cult and that my business was nothing like Amway. I used all of the stereotypes that we still hear today to classify Amway distributors.
That spring...while still in college...I met with this man and wasn't really excited...but really enjoyed meeting with him. He had a lot of wisdom and he told me that I would be successful in whatever I chose to do. At that point I listened to some tapes and attended a few seminars. Not once did someone ask me if I wanted to get started. They left it up to me to initiate that on June 23, 1993.
Backing up a bit...that same Spring...I had a business class where I chose to do a paper on multi-level marketing companies. At that time...there really was no internet and I was limited to going to the library to do my research. It seemed that the only company that had any info was Amway. I read two books entitled The Possible Dream and Promises to Keep. (Now if you're reading this for the first time and you hate Amway...please...there are no need for comments on the names of those books...I realize that I am opening up a can of worms for some of you and I acknowledge that. There is no further need to tell me). I also read some articles that were in success magazine as well as Fortune. Don't ask me which issues because it was 11 years ago. I also thought that it would be a good idea to attend a few more Amway meetings and take some notes on what I saw
To make a long story short...that is how i got in the business. After doing extensive research and attending meetings for 2 months I decided that this was the opportunity for me.
Okay...now to the heart of the issue...Your story to me. Here is my reply.
You mention that you have some friends that make $100,000+/year and are still spending more than they make. You make reference to the fact that HE handles the finances and that his upline loves him because he spends spends spends.
When i got in the business in 1993. I had the following debt. Most due to college and racing motocross (not a cheap sport). I also new very little about money management and thought that I would get a real job someday and quickly pay it all off. Here was my debt...these are estimates.
-Credit Card--$20,000
-Student Loan--$12,000
-Car Loan--$4,500
-"Dad" loan--$30,000
Definitely not the worst debt situation I've ever seen but still the same...I had some debt and was delivering Pizza for a college job.
I will just say that even before I (now it's a WE because I married in 1999) became a Platinum in 1996...I had put a huge dent in that dent. We always teach...LIVE BENEATH YOUR MEANS. This is a subject that I could elaborate on greatly but for the sake of time I'll move on. Today we are debt free outside of our home with a large amount in the bank.
In your story you also mentioned a Dog and Pony show. I am sorry you saw it that way. Every presentation that I have seen has represented this business in a strait forward and professional manner. We do NOT chant "flush your stinking job" in unisin at large rallies.
Now let's briefly address the pastor issue. If you had a friend who needed a job and your pastor offered them one...what would you think. Furthermore...if you believed in Quixtar as much as I do...don't you think that it's okay to share it with others. Remember...Pastors are normal people too. I understand that it is a delicate situation and that many may disagree. People may argue...What is a pastor doing trying to make more money. Well...how much money is the correct moral amount. To each his own. Much open to discussion on this one.
Moving on to your vague memories of a family friend that lost "everything" including their wife. Now come on...these stories rum rampant. Do people get divorced in Quixtar? Absolutely YES! Do people get divorced in the rest of America? YES! 60% of America WILL get divorced...my sister got divorced IN Quixtar. Don't get me started on this one because I am very convicted when it comes to blaming divorces on this business. The truth is...Quixtar forces husbands and wives to communicate again. Look around you...how many truly great marriages do you see? If you see a few that's great. The fact is...I've been in this business for 11 years and have seen less than 10 divorces in my upline Diamonds (Over 10,000 IBO's) organization.
And if they lost "everything" else...then I am truly sorry that they had an upline that allowed it to get that out of hand. That is not the businesses fault. I have a friend (close friend) that had his boss tell him the other day to buy a new car because it would motivate him to go out and create more commissions. Go or bad advice...you decide.
You also said that you printed up some articles for a friend to see about Quixtar and that now that you've seen he Dateline special you have a better understanding of how Quixtar exploits the needy. Truth is...That Dateline special was a Travesty. It does not in any way represent how most build their businesses. It is unfortunate that the 5-10% of IBO who royally screw this business up make it more difficult for the rest of us.
Also, why is it that when we can hear 100 positive things about a subject and be skeptical but 1 negative one and treat it as gospel. Yes...I saw the Dateline special and I saw the Candle ceremony. Do you happen to know the context of that? I do...I have a friend in a different organization who was at that function and they said that they were just duplicating what OG Mandino (one of the most successful authors of all time) did years ago and it has to do with lighting someones dream. Seems Dateline left that out.
And come on...Dateline...when was the last time you saw a balanced news show. If they said that everything was great in world of Quixtar...they would have no show. Did you see an interview with one positive IBO besides the one taking a Drag from his Cig in the back. That dude does not represent MY business.
Okay...business and expenses. Let's talk about that. Yes you have to show loss to get deductions. It is good business sense to try and take a loss the first two years. I will qualify this buy saying that you have to have an intent to show a profit. If you don't you do not have a business. In our business...probably similar to your tupperware business...many of our day to day activities can be write offs if business was conducted. Our business is no different than any other. Please don't act so alarmed when someone shows a loss "on paper".
Okay...on to your specific questions. I Have included your questions in this post and will post the answers below the questions.
1) Why are quixtar IBOs encouraged to let their upline provide information. I was specifically told at this meeting that if I had any questions, that I should not talk to people outside of quixtar because they would just try to bring me down. And it is really weird that my friend did not feel comfortable discussing quixtar products with me. Why are IBOs initially told that they should direct questions to their upline?
Answer: I think that your friend was really hoping to sponsor you. Don't take that as an insult...take it as a compliment. It was obvious that she wanted to make sure that you got accurate information. Now if it were me...i would have just slid you a catalog or given you my IBO number so you could look at the site. And as far as directing questions to your upline....Obviously...uplines are here to help but my philosophy is this. I encourage new IBO's in my business to take leadership of their business ASAP. The sooner they take leadership...the sooner the business becomes their own. If they simply do not know the answer to a question then I may step in and help. I think that in your situation your friend was just nervous and didn't want to say the wrong thing. My guess is that they were looking at you with $$$ signs and failed to realize that the business is not built sponsoring a couple of people. I would rather have a new person mess it up a few times. They learn a lot faster that way.
2) Despite troub's comment, I must admit that I am a tupperware lady. I have my "real job." But people know that I sell tupperware, and approach me if they need something or want to have a party. I make my "mad money" that way. The reason I bring this up, is that I have my own tupperware website, and people can purchase directly from my site, without ever speaking to me, if they wish. In fact, complete strangers have been directed to my site by tupperware, when you type in your address, you are directed to the geographically nearest tupperware sales person's website.
When I have tried to get on Quixtar sites to see what they sell, what prices, etc., I am asked to enter some kind of password. This is the only e-sales business I am aware of where this is required (not a self generated password you get after registering, but a password from an IBO). Part of the lure of e-commerce is the absolute anonymity and lack of high pressure salesmanship, if that is what one desires. Why does quixtar make it so difficult to purchase their product?
As far as passwords to the site. You actually can get a password and access to product info very quickly. What your friend should have done was give you their IBO number and you could have used that to quickly obtain a client ID which is free. If you happened to stumble onto the site randomly and wanted to buy something you would just simply click on visitor, then click on register and fill out your information. Quixtar would then notify you of an IBO in your area and provide you with their IBO number so that you could register as a client. You would also have the option to remain anonymous. But Quixtar's vow is that they will never "go around" us and that an IBO will get credit for every purchase. It protects the integrity of the business..
3) What exactly is their product? To date, I have never been able to get a definitive answer to this question. I have heard all the jokes about "soap and vitamins," but is there anything else? It really seems to me that the "product" is the opportunity to make easy money. But easy money off of what? Other people trying to make easy money, or actual quixtar consumables?
Their product line is broken into a few different catagories. Basic commodities are broken into three subcategories. The are 1. My Home (cleaning supplies, air treatment, etc.) 2)My Health (Basic nutritional, Supplements, Sports Nutrition, etc) 3)My Self (Hair Care, Cosmetics, etc)
There is also an area called "Store for More". Think of this area of the website as a sears catalog. When sears used to have their large catalag...they had everything from stereos, to bedding, to appliances, to clothing. The brands in their are the same brands that you could get at Best Buy, Macy's, Target, and so on. It is an area of the website where you can buy items not manufactured by Quixtar.
The largest area is the area with the Partner Stores. When you go to the Quixtar website you simply click on Partner Stores and that brings up links to over 80 partner stores including Disney, IBM, Orvis, Hickory Farms, Craftsman, KB Toys, Circuit City, and Many more. There is also a link to a company called Catalog City which will link you to an addition 500+ stores. Through the beauty of technology...an IBO receives credit on every purchase. Profitability is the highest on the items manufactured by Quixtar.
And as far as all of the soap jokes. Guess what...no matter how bad the economy is or how bad your financial situation...People still wash their hair, take a bath, wash their clothes, and eat. That is why the mafia in Korea owns most of the basic commodity companies. There are big bucks in basic products and every day people use a lot of them. Sure we sell stereos...but how many stereos did you buy last year?
4) When you say that most of the people in your downline are making $300 per month, I am reminded that my friend bought a washing machine and dryer from her "business." She paid a heck of a lot more than I did for mine, and I found that odd. But about a month later she brought in her first commission check, or whatever it's called, for about $250. Her only sale for the month was her washer and dryer. The $300 your IBO's make, is that from sales to other people, or mostly to themselves?
The profit that I referred to in my previous post had to do solely with Retail sales and NOT personal use. It is the foundation of our business. Yes...we do sponsor...and sponsor aggressively at that. But my goal (our goal) is to help the newest IBO make a profit ASAP. Many organizations do not do this. I received a number today...Our organization today comprises 11% of Quixtars volume yet does 28% of all cosmetic sales. So you tell me...does that sound like we're retailing or are our women dressing like clowns :) That was a joke.
5) As I stated above, at my meeting to discuss "the plan," I was told in no uncertain terms not to discuss this with anyone outside quixtar. Why are the IBOs not encouraged to get as much information as possible, and make an informed decision?
Informed...are you kidding me. I have mulled over this website and I will say this. The owner of this site is a pretty good guy and I have had a chance to correspond with him a bit. But remember...an IBO who has something positive to say probably will not visit this site in the same numbers that those who are negative do.
I have seen all of the information on the web and have had good dialogue with a few of them. Many of their arguments are valid and DO represent some of the IBO's in quixtar. But even THEY may not realize how huge Quixtar is.
Also, people take financial advice from the most unlikely of people. Men usually do it over a beer while their complaining about their job (now before all you people send me a message on this one...I am using a cliche).
When we need medical advice we go to a doctor, when I needed help playing hockey...I asked my coach, when you need to add on to your home...you contact a builder. BUT...when you need advice about Quixtar...you ask uncle Harry.
We you are cautioned not to talk to people outside of this business...people inevitably do it anyway. We are just letting people know what to expect. When people go home from a presentation and tell their freind, relative, or whatever about a presentation that they just saw and how the person on stage told them that they could make a 6 figure income in this business...it is human nature for the person they told to tear them down. If you don't believe me...try this experiment.
1. Tell someone you saw quixtar and that you're going to be rich in 2 years. See what happens. They will tell you how it won't work.
2. Tell someone that you were at a Business presentation the other night and it looked good...BUT after the meeting you met the speaker and the speaker told you that you probably don't have what it takes to make it in Quixtar. Watch the person you told this too defend you and tell you what a winner you are and how you can accomplish anything if you set your mind to it.
Enough said on that one.
Utterly dumbdounded...I want you to know that I sincerely appreciate your intelligent questions. If was in any way offensive to you in this post...then I apologize. You must understand that I've been typing for an hour and to maybe elaborate where I really wanted to elaborate...I would be here for another hour and my hands are already starting to hurt. I haven't typed this much since typing class in 9th grade.
You sound like a fair person with good judgement and i wish you the best in your tupperware business and your family life.
Also, I realize that there may be "typos" in this post and some of it may sound jumbled. But for the sake of time I am not going to fix any of it.
Thanks again for your sincere and intelligent questions.
Have a great day.
sincerely,
mike-quixtar IBO
utterly dumbfounded...
Okay...here it goes. Remember...your experience is totally different than mine. I don't discredit anything in your story...nor do I think that you are not telling the truth. I just want to preface this by saying that my experience is the exact opposite of yours. Remember...this business is HUGE and sometimes...maybe even too often people come in contact with "Amroids."
Before I answer your specific questions...let me address a few passing comments that you made in your story.
You mentioned that you had some friends that were poor money managers and that they made $100,000/year and were still broke.
My experience is the exact opposite. When i saw this business...I had the following debt.
-Credit Card Debt
1) Why are quixtar IBOs encouraged to let their upline provide information. I was specifically told at this meeting that if I had any questions, that I should not talk to people outside of quixtar because they would just try to bring me down. And it is really weird that my friend did not feel comfortable discussing quixtar products with me. Why are IBOs initially told that they should direct questions to their upline?
2) Despite troub's comment, I must admit that I am a tupperware lady. I have my "real job." But people know that I sell tupperware, and approach me if they need something or want to have a party. I make my "mad money" that way. The reason I bring this up, is that I have my own tupperware website, and people can purchase directly from my site, without ever speaking to me, if they wish. In fact, complete strangers have been directed to my site by tupperware, when you type in your address, you are directed to the geographically nearest tupperware sales person's website.
When I have tried to get on Quixtar sites to see what they sell, what prices, etc., I am asked to enter some kind of password. This is the only e-sales business I am aware of where this is required (not a self generated password you get after registering, but a password from an IBO). Part of the lure of e-commerce is the absolute anonymity and lack of high pressure salesmanship, if that is what one desires. Why does quixtar make it so difficult to purchase their product?
3) What exactly is their product? To date, I have never been able to get a definitive answer to this question. I have heard all the jokes about "soap and vitamins," but is there anything else? It really seems to me that the "product" is the opportunity to make easy money. But easy money off of what? Other people trying to make easy money, or actual quixtar consumables?
4) When you say that most of the people in your downline are making $300 per month, I am reminded that my friend bought a washing machine and dryer from her "business." She paid a heck of a lot more than I did for mine, and I found that odd. But about a month later she brought in her first commission check, or whatever it's called, for about $250. Her only sale for the month was her washer and dryer. The $300 your IBO's make, is that from sales to other people, or mostly to themselves?
5) As I stated above, at my meeting to discuss "the plan," I was told in no uncertain terms not to discuss this with anyone outside quixtar. Why are the IBOs not encouraged to get as much information as possible, and make an informed decision?
Dreamstealers, of course. FBI=IRS=JOB. They're just looking out for themselves.
Regardless of the outcome, I will wager that several 'official responses' will gleen some nuggets from the findings to claim a moral victory and vindication.
Posted by: Porkchopjim | May 12, 2004 11:56 PM