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July 13, 2006
Are You Owned?
By Xanadustc in A/QMOs
Bob Pittman, Founder of MTV says:
The strongest appeal you can make is emotionally. If you can get their emotions going, make then forget their logic, you’ve got ‘em
This is the quote that became the philosophy for MTV and we can now see the effects on our youth. This is true in many other places as well, one notable one is Professional Development Programs associated with Quixtar.
Out of one side of his mouth, your sponsor might tell you to examine the business, but of course, if you go to a site like this, it is usually discredited without reason as simply ‘negative.' But they tell you to get to the next open, rally, or weekend function. What is the purpose? These are highly emotional places where large groups of people are telling you all the types of things that will make you turn your emotions to the business. Before you know it, you're hooked.
The continuation to the above quote is this: “We don’t shoot for the fourteen year olds, we own them.” Are you owned by your PDP? You are if you are avoiding the facts only getting emotionally charged.
Comments
"Plus, 28+ legal tax write-offs you can receive are great."
If one of the things you are excited about with this business is tax write-offs you might want to re-think this business.
If you are truly making big money in Quixtar you are still going to be paying in big taxes. All those tax break didn't seem to help Larry Winters.
Lin is too euphoric to talk to right now, but in a few months google "love bombing." If your upline is your strongest social support, what will happen if you decide to quit or stop building the business?
I don't think many critics dispute that Quixtar, as written, is a completely legal entity. However, as it is practiced through the various LOSs, the business is often illegal, and/or unsavory.
Best of luck, Lin. I hope you find something you love doing. If carrying and hawking soda 24/7 is it, how wonderful to have found your calling so young.
Trust me. That didn't "excite" me, but it excites some. My first time filing taxes will be next season, and it will help me, I know, to write off things like my function ticket and times we went out to eat, gas driving to meetings, QI pamphlets, catalogs, XS's I've given out, etc.
If that really happened with Larry Winters, that's him. I don't know him personally, but I've heard him speak. He seemed like a really good person, but maybe money has gotten to him. Maybe he is greedy. I'd like to think that I'm a good judge of character, but I don't know. I did research that when I read it. I only saw anything about that on the sites I mentioned. Maybe he cheated on his taxes, but if it's true it's really shameful, as he truly... TRULY has no reason to.
At least I know I won't. It's just dumb.
If you own a business and get a huge tax refund, that is a bad thing! Why? Simple. Because the more money you make in profit, the more you need to pay in taxes. On the contrary, the more money you lose in a business, the higher your potential tax return. Business owners shouldn't be bragging about how much they got in a tax return, but rather how much they had to pay!
Janet,
WOW. Okay. I sound euphoric. Thanks for reading more into my entry than is there. Did I say they're my strongest social support? If I did I apologize. I didn't mean to. But they are a support. Too many people don't have that in or outside this business. There are people who spend time with us (and that I just know about) that were in the business and got out or were never in the business at all. If it were all about money, they'd be outcasts, and I'd be told that I should hold off on school or something like that. I'm a STUDENT. That's my occupation right now. I wan't to be a psychologist, and that's what I'm going to be. I don't want "IBO" to be my job title. I'm building a business so that I can have security as well as stability. Years later, if I want stop being a psychologist, I want to be able to walk away from it... unlike my parents who want to retire but can't. If I'm successful with this I'm going to retire them first. They're my driving force.
In response to your saying that I "carry and hawk soda 24/7," I drink a lot of energy drinks and so do a whole lot of college students. I drink them whether I sell them or not, so they're on me anyway. I've saved money on XS and so will they because I charge $2 per can (including tax, etc.)versus its competitors' $2.14+ (plus tax) per can. It's healthier because the energy comes from vitamin B instead of sugar and carbs, and the energy lasts longer. The taste is amazing, so I feel like I need to share it. It helps me get more done. I always give at least one away to people before I sell it to them.
They certainly have you 'fired up' after only a month and a half in the business.
You won't recognize the 'brainwashing' part - but I do. I have read many of those exact words and phrases before...which suggests they are not your own. You're using someone else's thinking. A month and a half of books and CDs have "helped you grow so much as a person" - heard that, too. Remarkably efficient books and CDs, or maybe not your own words again?
Relook the definition of a 'pyramid scheme.' Making more money than your upline is not a determining factor. That's a false 'disqualifier.' Take a moment to consider if this basic 'fact' given to you is incorrect - what else is wrong?
Beware of what you are truly getting into - indeed.
My email address is mjhuff86@hotmail.com. Feel free to e-mail me. I give this because I'll probably very seldom return to this site because I am busy. If you have anything you feel I should know, PLEASE tell me. Again, I've researched and have seen no flaws with the system itself. As a student, I have little time and money to WASTE on something that will definitely hurt me. I have yet to hear something "from the horse's mouth" (so to speak) that is worse than, "It was just a bad time," or, "I didn't want to do the work," etc. So if you know something I don't know, let me know.
*Know, though, that I won't take what you say as biblical truth immediately. I will research and find more info before I receive your statements with validity. Websites are helpful.."
Thanks
"My first time filing taxes will be next season, and it will help me, I know, to write off things like my function ticket and times we went out to eat, gas driving to meetings, QI pamphlets, catalogs, XS's I've given out, etc."
I am going to give you some good advice. Do not rely on your upline for help with your taxes unless they are certified. There are quite a few rules and the IRS takes their rules much more serious then Quixtar does. Some of those things you list have conditions as to whether you can really deduct them.
I did a podcast on it a while back, you can listen to it here.
I was using "you" in its indefinite form except when I specified you by name (3rd paragraph), Lin. If I wanted to attribute something as coming from your post, I would have used quotes.
But thanks for avoiding most of the subject of the post and instead arguing perceived details.
I will admit that I am very surprised that you have met so many people through Quixtar who are no longer in the business. If that is so, they would probably be a good source of information for you about the business in addition to your upline (as they have a vested interest in keeping you in).
I would find out why they quit, their profit/loss, average hourly rate, how long before the free systems material stopped, etc. If they were all in different LOSs, be wary. They may be being courted by your upline.
However, if they are willing to discuss they experience with your upline, including why they left and the barebones numbers of the business (not the touchy-feely 'it improved all aspects of my life' bit), they would be a great source of information for you.
Very interesting that you are going into psychology. Good luck.
Thanks for that, Drew, truly... especially how you stated it. But yeah. Despite all the information I've attained (critical of and positive for Quixtar), I am still not a "trusting" person or, for that matter, as trusting as I may seem from what you've read. It was never my intention to file my taxes with my upline. I'm going to go with my parents and use their agent. I know she's good since they were audited a few years ago and everything had been done right.
They're remarkably efficient, Porkchopjim. I've heard people use something to the effect of that phrase before after having read a really good book. I've heard of books or motivational CD's doing that for people since I was a child. I've said it before too after having read a meaningful book--I'm talking about pre-Quixtar. So I meant it when I said it.
Whether I was "brainwashed": well, you didn't know me before the conference so you don't know if the things I say were affected by Quixtar or not. After reading comments like that and seeing the DatelineNBC segment. I asked people if I seemed different. They say "No. Not really. Just more a little more motivated." Not that I wasn't already "motivated," but I just think a whole lot more long-term.
The first comment just sounds like a big advertisement.
did anyone ever think that maybe long happy posts on negative sites might be how the web initiative is really going to work?
Janet,
Those people are in my upline and they themselves say that they have an “invested interest in my success.” I understand that. I know how the system works. But at least they don’t try to hide it. They said that they quit when they were more than doubling their original incomes through this business. And they didn’t hide the fact that it took them years to achieve this.
As I said, I did a lot of research, especially before I signed up, and I came back and pounded several different people with tons of questions. They were able to answer all of them, and their responses were completely relevant to my questions, unlike many people say that IBOs are in the practice of doing. If this business weren’t legit, trust me, they would not have been able to do that (or if they were trying to be deceptive). That’s the kind of person I am… guard always up. I know I’m young, but I’m careful for my age, and I have too many careful people in my life (family, friends, etc.)
Lin,
How many vitamins did you take before you started quixtar? How many energy drinks a day?
Gosh, I didn't mean for my post to sound happy or euphoric or anything like that. I'm just extremely long-winded when it comes to writing. My teachers always get on to me for that. But I was trying to say all that I had to say in one message. I'm not trying to get people to sign up or think positive about the company. I don't expect that or anything else for that matter. I just saying stuff I've been wanting to say.
Sorry it seems like an ad, but what a load of crap for someone to read my message and have something like that to say. I guess if someone has something positive to say about Quixtar, Quixtar is using them... amazing.
Man, this is crazy. I'm through here. E-mail me..
I tried one energy drink before I signed up.
mjhuff86@hotmail.com
I wasn't implying quixtar is using you.
I do find it curious that someone who only had one energy drink before is now marketing them toward success.
You will probably find no "flaw" with quixtar. The "flaw" and reason sites like this exist is the fact that whether you see it or not, you are being exploited.
Being as smart as you say you are, please try to notice that the same people telling you to attend conferences, read books, buy cd's, join Kate, etc to make you successful are the same people making money for each one of those items you buy, and they make that money whether or not you are successful in quixtar. Sites, like this are here to inform, not bash. don't believe everything you read, but in this situation, at least pay attention to what people are saying.
there is a reason most of these people are here saying the things they are
Lin,
You need to be more SKEPTICAL with the QUIXTAR business. Sure, the Quixtar company is purportedly operating legally, but your upline has told you a bunch of stuff that you're ASSUMING is true.
I'm sure your upline is honest and trustworthy, but why don't you simply ask for a balance sheet and P&L? Whether you spend it up front or over time, you will invest a lot of money and time in that business. Why not just verify the success that they are telling you.
***A copy of a check, a nice house, or a nice car is not evidence that the Quixtar business works.***
I'd love to see that work in real life.
"Hey, do you want to buy my business?"
"Does it make money?"
"Sure, don't you see my big house and car here? Check out this Rolex."
"How can I pass this up? It's like free money."
Lin, you have not done your due dilligence with this. Slow down and be cautious with your time and money.
PCJ said "Relook the definition of a 'pyramid scheme.' Making more money than your upline is not a determining factor. That's a false 'disqualifier.' Take a moment to consider if this basic 'fact' given to you is incorrect - what else is wrong?"
Quite true. The "qualifier" for an illegal pyramid is whether you get paid for recruiting. The courts have clearly stated that if you don't have that, you're not a pyramid. We don't have it. In a true illegal pyramid of course, being paid for recruitment normally means downline can't earn more money than you though. So if that's is happening, then it's not a pyramid is it?
Note: my post has nothing to do with Lin's post! It relates to the original post.
I have an excellent example of making hundreds of seemingly intelligent adults forget their logic and use their emotions. This took place at almost every major Florence function we attended during our 3 years we were in during the mid-90's.
The first thing we were taught was to edify our upline to the point of following what they said without thinking. I have numerous examples, but perhaps the most annoying and inane took place at functions. Functions seats were not assigned, so the first ones there got the "best" seats. It was considered a measure of your devotion and hunger for the business to be first in line. This would include driving down early to wait in line for the function to open, getting up hours before the function started the next morning to wait in line and (this was the most annoying part) in the middle of the function they would announce that they had to "clear the building" which meant you had to take everything with you and of course you lost your seat. If you were truly devoted, you got right back in line instead of going to eat, etc. and waited a few hours for the function to resume so you could prove your loyalty by having a close seat.
They were deadly serious about you doing this. If you wanted to get your upline's attention, you had to do this. We found that the function really wasn't that better up front- but your direct was taking notes about your devotion. This did nothing to improve our ability to build the business!
Of course you also had to stay and be the last out and try to follow your upline around at the end as well.
Do functions in other organizations work like this? I considered it to be a huge mind game.
No Henave. The functions themselves, do not work like that. There might be "individuals" who work like that. No wonder so many aren't making money! If they're so worried about WHERE their downline are sitting?!?! Oh my goodness...how silly!
We have an upline who is quite anal & just spits out "tapespeak" (over and over and over) but doesn't LIVE what he preaches. So, we IGNORE him! We actually "tolerate" him. We don't badmouth him because that's gossip and that would be frowned upon by our God.
However, bottom line is...for the most part...he's a goofball. So, we are nice to him and "agree" with him but we don't actually follow most of his advice just because he's our upline. My husband has actually had to pull him aside to have frank "discussions" with him about working with our downline. He's from the old "scam-way" model & he's hurt our business because he's blown people out. He has a completely different way of "working the biz" than we do. Our way is to follow what SOT says, to SERVE people's NEEDS where they're at. We have sought out other upline to build relationships with. The ones that are growing (Ruby & Diamond). They have been REAL to us.
We have missed meetings. We don't get shunned. We don't check kate everyday (we're working on that), we don't get shunned. We have gone a full month without sponsoring a new IBO. We've missed months without purchasing a book of the month. We don't get shunned. We've sat at under 2000PV for over a year. We're not shunned. Quite the opposite. We're sought out to be worked with. They're reaching out to us in personal friendship and in offering to help us build our business, IF THAT'S WHAT WE STILL WANT!
Kendall,
SHAME ON YOU! How dare you "warn" Lin that he's not being told the truth when you don't give him any FACTS otherwise? Good Lord! Is it that hard for all of you to understand that not EVERYONE is going to fail at this? Some people have what it takes! Let him go & go Diamond! Or Eagle or 1000 or whatever he wants to do!
Lin,
Great job doing your homework. You're doing it just right by checking out the legit sites with the gossip sites (of which this is one) then making up YOUR OWN MIND!
Listen all, I am a somewhat experienced person in that I've lived a little life (over 30 anyway, ;-) ) and have worked a large variety of jobs & have had a successful sales career. I've made over six figures a year and been on the brink of bankruptcy. I've travelled, earned awards, am married, and have children. I guess my point is, I have found NOTHING better for us than the Quixtar business opportunity.
No monthly quota.
A very small annual membership fee.
High quality products at very reasonable prices.
Very flexible hours - in fact, self-determined.
No cap on what you can make.
Work environment is very desirable - people with similar goals, mindsets, values & morals.
The best training available & OPTIONAL!
I'm all in! :-)
Sally
Sally,
Interesting in one statement you go from shaming someone because you said they did not provide any facts to calling this site a "gossip site" without having any facts to back up that claim yourself. As long as Qblog has been around you are going to have a real hard time trying to convince any rational person this is a gossip site. Maybe you should look at your own behavior before shaming another's.
Drew,
THAT'S what you got from my post? That's it? That's all you can comment on? Wow.
As far as "gossiping", that's the truth. That's what we're doing, isn't it, Drew? We're sitting around on our little computer chairs around the country...heck, even the globe, and we're making statements (false or real), pointing fingers, playing the blame game, calling IBO's names, calling "critics" names, tossing the same old accusations & defensive statements around (only in different words each time)over and over and over again. It's getting really old.
I'm not any better because I'm doing it too. I've fallen into the trap. Deep. And I want out.
Sally
I grew up on Disney's "Tron." No other movie evokes more joyous feelings and memories of childhood than "Tron" does. However, "Tron" was a critical failure, and you and Siskel and Ebert and whoever the hell else can point to it's terrible box office earnings and about a hundred reasons why "Tron" is a crappy movie, and deep down I know it is, but I'm going to point to about a hundred reasons why it's the best movie ever made.
Get it?
Sally,
I'm not going to provide any facts that Lin can't already read on this site or find through other sites. Others have laid out the facts much more eliquently than I ever will.
The whole point of this post was to show that emotion is a much more powerful tool than logic. Quixtar IBO's exploit that everyday when they show the plan.
Also, you're not telling the whole story with your list:
No monthly quota - How about being core or using a minimum amount of PV per month otherwise your upline won't "work" with you?
A very small annual membership fee - but there are weekly, monthly, and yearly system costs that can be in the thousands of dollars.
High quality products at very reasonable prices - I'm sorry, but most agree that the prices are not reasonable.
Very flexible hours - in fact, self-determined - not entirely true. Meeting times are most often set by others and usually begin when the normal work day has ended.
No cap on what you can make - There's no cap on what my kids can make with a lemonade stand either. It doesn't mean they will make very much though.
Work environment is very desirable - people with similar goals, mindsets, values & morals - as long as you are "plugged in".
The best training available & OPTIONAL - shouldn't the determination of best training be somewhat related to actual net profit being made?
If you feel that Quixtar is the business opportunity for you, great. Go for it. I don't believe it is. My experience says that there are other businesses that can provide much better returns.
With any business, you should do your due dilligence to investigate and research any claims that the business owner is telling you. Quixtar is no exception. I'm sure most IBO's are good people, but they have every reason to exagerate or lie about their successes. Verify those claims with hard numbers!
Sally,
No actually there was quite a bit more I could respond to but I was getting ready to start a podcast and since you weren't addressing me directly I thought I would just point out the obvious contradiction to you and leave it at that.
But since you have asked my answer is NO, that is not what we are doing. Many people have come to blogs like this and found answers that they were not getting anywhere else. Answers that they should have gotten. Those nagging questions that kept spinning around in their minds got answered and I can't help but wonder why you would degrade that by relegating it to gossip.
I don't see how discussing a business model and a tools system attached to that business model and it's effect on people's lives is gossip.
Now I would agree that the comments take on a personal tone back and forth with critics and IBOs. But that is what a blog is, personal. But for you to lump the mounds of information on this site in with anything that is put in comments is quite simply irresponsible.
I think if you want to discredit Eric's blog as nothing more then gossip you are going to have to do much better then what you have. If you want to make an accusation like that you better be able to point to several, and I do mean several posts on this blog and show why they are gossip. BTW, comments are not posts. Otherwise, if you are talking about the comments being gossip you should take better care with your words and specify that next time.
"Get it?"
Got it dude. Tron Rules, you won't ever hear me say otherwise.
"I've fallen into the trap. Deep. And I want out."
That's kinda funny, I get e-mails from current IBOs who want out of Quixtar with those same feelings.
Morals?
I hear this a lot, but it was my experience in INA that really left a bad taste in my mouth about this one.
They used God in ways that made me cringe. It went against everything I was taught as a Christian. I'm not a fundamentalist, so maybe that was the problem?
I would hope that times have changed, but from what I read it seems that this still occurs in many systems.
Oh well, I'm off to Disneyland and I'm not getting any PV for it!
**Sorry again for writing so extensively. Again, I'm a long-winded person..**
Kendall,
You said:
"Also, you're not telling the whole story with your list:
No monthly quota - How about being core or using a minimum amount of PV per month otherwise your upline won't "work" with you?
A very small annual membership fee - but there are weekly, monthly, and yearly system costs that can be in the thousands of dollars.
High quality products at very reasonable prices - I'm sorry, but most agree that the prices are not reasonable.
Very flexible hours - in fact, self-determined - not entirely true. Meeting times are most often set by others and usually begin when the normal work day has ended.
No cap on what you can make - There's no cap on what my kids can make with a lemonade stand either. It doesn't mean they will make very much though.
Work environment is very desirable - people with similar goals, mindsets, values & morals - as long as you are "plugged in".
The best training available & OPTIONAL - shouldn't the determination of best training be somewhat related to actual net profit being made?"
All of this confirms what I've been saying. I've read your statements (well, rather, your responses to Sally's), and that is what I'm talking about. There are too many LOS's who make rules like that, and tell their downline that it is Quixtar's rule. It's not true.
There are no minimums for the team I'm a part of, and, believe it or not, there are other LOS's that practice the same. When they do, it works. Yeah it would help them make more money, but they tell us it's stupid to set minimum PVs for our downline, as they're not doing it for us. When they draw up the plan, yeah they say 100PV per month but it's just an example to present numbers since the FTC says that the average family of four spends about 100 points (or $250) per month. They do that to say, "If you have this many people (families) doing 100PV per month, you'll make this much." It's not a requirement, just an example. No one says anything if someone does less than that or even nothing at all, ***and they continue to work with you***.
The annual membership fee is quite small in my opinion and in the opinions of the several traditional business owners I know in and out of this business. It is small, and there are no other "required fees" I find myself paying. At open meetings, they ask for $4 dollars from IBOs to help pay for the room, but several times I've said I didn't have any cash, and they say, "It's cool, we'll make up the difference." They also provide XS's energy drinks and protein bars or meal replacement bars sometimes. The system costs you talk about (I'm assuming CEP, etc.) are completely OPTIONAL. It's truly sad that some upline present them as a requirement, but they're not. Quixtar will let you be an IBO if you NEVER get on CEP or any other systems. I hate reading from people who are upset with Quixtar because they spent thousands of dollars on tapes, CDs, books, etc. when it is all supposed to be optional. PEOPLE, CHECK WITH QUIXTAR BEFORE YOU SPEND ALL THAT MONEY. Don't blindly follow your upline because they tell you to. DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO IF YOU WANT TO DO THIS, BUT FIND A GOOD LOS. Believe it or not, there are some out there.
The products are really good, and MOST of the prices compare very well with most stores. Trust me, my mom would not buy toilet paper, paper towels, tooth brushes, tooth paste, feminine necesities, dish soap, laundry care products, etc. from the site if the prices and quality didn't compare well with Wal-Mart and most other stores. Check it out for yourselves. She tried to prove me wrong in this, but we got out receits, sat down, and compared. My sister buys diapers, clothes for her kids, and other household products too from the site. Of course, some things don't compare well, but we choose not to buy them. Most things that we need anyway compare well. I've already discussed some of the exclusive products on this blog, but trust me, the things I talked about aren't where it ends. The ARTISTRY make up is amazing. It's the best looking make up I've ever seen, and it has cleansers in the product to clear up skin while it's being used. And the prices are really good. That's why it's the number one make up bought online today.
I have had no trouble juggling school, church, work, basketball, and this. I create my schedule, and no one has a problem with it. If I'm trying to schedule a QI and the other person wants to meet at a time that conflicts with other obligations, my upline steps in. I can find someone... at least I haven't had a problem yet. Open meetings for our team are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8pm. They're not mandatory, but they're there. I attend as many as I can to learn more about furthering my business and just to be around the team.
I actually agree with what you said about there being "no cap on what you can make." That's true. There is no cap, but you aren't GUARANTEED to make a fortune. If you want to do this, the amount you need to do to make a certain amount is set and presented. Once again, many people get burned and are promised much more than they end up making. They just need to learn their facts and not simply EXPECT anything. Know what your upline says, but also know what the company and others say. Know what has to be done, and be smart about it. I don't EXPECT to make a fortune because money isn't everything for me personally. I just would like some security, so I'm going to do this (slowly, if I need to) and be honest with people and do it right. Like I said the products are good, and I'd still use a lot of them if I weren't an IBO, but I'd just like to get something back for what I'm spending anyway.
I've heard that term "plugged-in" used at the function. I've also heard things like "be good to your upline" or "show your upline you appreciate them," etc. All from just a couple of people that got up there. Everyone didn't talk like that, but pre-function, one of my upline said, "Functions and meetings are like buffets. You take what you like and leave what you don't like. That's not God up there talking, and don't treat them like gods. You don't HAVE to accept everything we say or they say." If you like the people on your team and what they have to say and the beliefs they hold, by all means, spend time with them, but they should not "spit" on you if you feel otherwise.
The last thing you meantioned-training. It depends on how you look at it. If you like the training available to you, by all means use it, and use it well. If you don't want to spend money on it, see about borrowing it from someone. Or sit in the book store or library to read a book. Again, as Sally and I have said, IT'S ALL OPTIONAL. Some lie and say it's required and that you have to buy it from the site or through CEP, but people shouldn't listen to that.
***Once again, this is the LOS I'm a part of, and I'm not speaking for everyone and definitely not all LOS's. No one can speak for all LOS, all upline, or all IBOs. Everything I've said is from personal experience.
Kendall, maybe you or someone you know tried Quixtar, and their upline set rules like those, but you ABSOLUTELY CANNOT speak for ALL LOSs. If this were how all teams worked in Quixtar (and this were the type of behavior it endorsed) it would be impossible for it to exist as a legitamate company.
BTW Sally, I'm a female.
:)
What is it with Q/S and females?
Seems the only posters here (cept maybe brad and insider) are female.
What gives?
Its not about "using the training they give you"
The biggest issue here is that the training they give yu has nothing to do with the business. Nothing or very little.
You yourself said "They told me to listen to tapes or CD's or read books for PERSONAL GROWTH"
There's that nasty word'personal growth'
What does 'personal growth' have to do with making money or learning to make money?
Do you think if people being brainwashed "felt" they were being so would LET themselves be?
Why do you think there are so many cults? Do you think most of these people want to burn themselves to death (ok extreme example)
Lin,
Well done! I couldn't have stated it better myself.
Kendall,
Lin's right. I'm right. All the things I stated as optional are just that, OPTIONAL. We do NOT get ignored by upline, crossline, overline, beeline or downline. :-)
If the LOS is doing that, then shame on them! You heard me Drew...I said it again...shame on them! ;-)
Drew,
To me, it feels like "gossiping". It may or may not be, that's completely subjective. But, to me, that's what it feels like.
As far as the challenge, I've been thinking...the "beef" you guys have is really with the LOS's that ABUSE the tool/support systems, correct? And the knowing IBO's who go along with the abuse & then mislead & deceive prospects & new IBO's, right?
Why don't you go to a "kingpin" of one of these LOS's and challenge them? I don't understand what in the world you could expect to get out of a person like me.
Here's me: I'm a married, stay at home mom of 2 kids. I've been through many financial, marital, house, family illness & deaths, moving & job loss struggles in the past 4 years. We are just now getting our heads over the water & breathing steady. It's nice.
We started this biz as a hope for our future. A hope to build another stream of income to help us to reduce/eliminate debt, to build a financial future & to eventually, fund our vision of our international ministry. That's it. That's all.
This biz has provided (because of our faith & steady, consistent work habits) a steady monthly income to help me continue to be an at-home mom. Plus, it has provided new, Christian relationships with couples who believe in marriage & family as additional association.
We still "hang" with our old drinking buddies (we don't drink anymore, but no biggie). We still "hang" with our families. No tension there because we have avoided creating any! No limitations on our association outside of WWDB & Quixtar.
Now vs. 4 years ago:
Our marriage is better (we were talking about separation)
Our finances are SIGNIFICANTLY better - through our association with WWDB, we have found better work, sound advice on getting out of debt (books & cd's) & financial investments with high ROI.
Our faith walk has grown SIGNIFICANTLY as well - not only through our business association (plus the cd's & books), but through new churches we've been part of as well as through various true Christ followers we've met.
We have HOPE for our future! I didn't have that before this. We could barely pay our bills and we were surrounded by many like us. Now, we're rising to what God has given us & expects of us.
I guess what I'm saying is this: I would only have info. based on MY experience. NOT overall WWDB or overall Quixtar experiences. I would not have detailed hours & P&L statements, etc.
I think you & your fellow critics need to go to the SOURCE of your anger & frustration. Not the honest, hard-working IBO's.
Sally
Copy & paste pre-written scripts rule!!!!
Sally> Our finances are SIGNIFICANTLY better - through our association with WWDB, we have found better work, sound advice on getting out of debt (books & cd's) & financial investments with high ROI.
IM>How can you attribute all these things to Quixtar and /or your LOS? My husband and I did these things without Quixtar at all. (refinancing, reading and doing some studying on investments, examining our budget, carefully examining wants vs. needs, etc.)
Sally> Our faith walk has grown SIGNIFICANTLY as well - not only through our business association (plus the cd's & books), but through new churches we've been part of as well as through various true Christ followers we've met.
IM >Same here. We love our church and are able to give back to God from what He has bless us with. There are so many opporunities to build relationships with other Christians. Never had to pay a thing for that... Oh, yeah, we never we're told that we'd make money doing it...
Sally>We have HOPE for our future! I didn't have that before this. We could barely pay our bills and we were surrounded by many like us. Now, we're rising to what God has given us & expects of us.
IM>That's what a Christ-centered church will preach and proclaim. That's one more thing I like about our church.
Sally>I guess what I'm saying is this: I would only have info. based on MY experience. NOT overall WWDB or overall Quixtar experiences. I would not have detailed hours & P&L statements, etc.
IM> P& L statements. I'll assume that you are refering to profits and loss statements. I wish that my mom-in-law could go to a session at one of her functions that would explain to her how to figure her profits and/or losses. I guess that doen't matter as long as she feels good about herself.
And this all starts with simply buying from yourself.
I can't seem to make heads or tails of this business/ religion/ therapy/ self-improvement whatever-it-is Quixtar. My simple common sense logic just can't comprehend how somany people seem to miss opporunities presented to them in the past, but when it comes to the chance to make some money (I know, all in the name of charities and missions) then suddenly it's different.
In the words of my in-laws:
I just don't get it.
Marc,
I said: "My upline also SUGGEST that I listen to CDs and read books for personal growth."
I meant that the BOOKS were for personal growth... books like "The Magic of Thinking Big" by David Schwartz (
The CDs, I said in one comment, are more for business, at least the ones I've listened to.
Marc,
Also, what does gender have to do with anything??
Lin,
I am glad your LOS isn't like the rest. And most critics do only criticize the LOS leadership. Because not only did you sign up for Q you also signed up for wwdb a completely different organization. So when you recruit people, who are you recruiting for?
I am still very interested in your response to the energey drinks. How can you go from only trying one to now marketing them toward your success
Aally,
If you cant even go on the record with your own experineces -refer to my 5 people asked and 5 given excuses why they wont go on record- post
Do you really expect the kingpins to go on record?
Aren't the kingpins too "plugged in" or too busy "plugging people in" to even READ blogs? I've never seen one 'kingpin' post here. Unless insider considers himself one :D
Lin,
I find it troublesome that people don't advertise their own business, and when they recruit they recruit under the major LOS. That is deceiving and a major reason critics are here. You have done your research into the legality of Q*, but how do you research the morals of your LOS organization. If one single person operates as stated above, I would, and did, feel betrayed.
What type of business do you want to run?
Sally,
Why do you not drink anymore?
Because they're that good. Full Throttle used to be my favorite and I marketed for them (w/o compensation). I told people it worked the best for how it tasted, but I tried one XS and compared nutrition facts and I was sold. As I said, I'd drink XS whether or not I was in the business and would talk about it whether or not I was in the business. It's just a way I can make money for what I'd be doing anyway.
Just in case people don't look it up for themselves:
Nutrition Facts--
Full Throttle: Calories 110, Sodium 85mg, Carb 29g, Sugar 29g, Protein 0g, Vitamin B6 20%, Vitamin B12 10% (Taste, in several people's opinions: okay, better than Red Bull, but not something to drink unless energy is truly needed)
XS (Citrus): Calories 8, Sodium 24mg, Potassium 25mg, Carb 0g, Sugar 0g, Protein 2mg, Vitamin B6 300%, Vitamin B12 4900% (Taste, well, I'm sure you've heard about it).
So yeah, I'd talk about it anyway b/c it's that good and good for you. It's just nice to see something for what I'd be doing anyway.
As a student, I'm always looking for other ways to earn money (even small ways). This way, I see something for what I'd be doing anyway.
And I recruit for Quixtar
anotheribo,
Honestly, I would have felt betrayed too had my sponsor (and life-long friend) done that to me, but she just called and asked if I was looking for other means of income and asked if I could meet her in 30 minutes, and I showed up. Again, I've done extensive research and didn't sign up for two weeks after that meeting.
I want to run an honest business. That's why I said I would no longer use the scripts or the title Snipes & Associates or another made up name. As I have found, people do feel betrayed.
***And I think it's the other way around, though (Granted I don't truly know which came first), but I think people avoid the Q-word and beat around the bush because of sites like these. As I said, people go home Google "Quixtar," or something else that might have been said, and accept what they read on blogs or sites created for a critical purpose as FACT and true one hundred percent of the time (positive or critical). I believe in extensive research for both positive and negative. And I believe in going back and pounding the person who introduced you with dozens of hard questions and going back and asking ones already asked to see if you get the same answer. That's what I did to make sure that they were being honest with me.
I don't care if people Google "Quixtar" or whatever else and accept whatever they read, but I know that I will be more honest, which would be good for the company's reputation and prevent me from losing friendships that are more important to me than this business.
I know that the system works and the company's legit, so what do I have to hide other than the reputations of a lot of bad LOSs (which is impossible to do anyway)?
Sally,
The kingpins may have started the tools but if the average IBO was not buying into the hype and passing that hype downline there would be no excessive tool profits.
You are the one who came here and started telling critics where we were wrong. I did not seek you out. My podcast is simply another way to speak what you believe about this business, and tell a critic directly where I am wrong.
Sometimes it sounds as if you IBOs want a free pass to say whatever you like and then when called on it you tell us to go talk to the kingpins. You are trying to guess at what our beef is and that tells me you really don't know. Sorry, but I just can't help but think you can't stand up and even discuss this business you claim is so wonderful.
"I know that the system works."
O.K, I'll bite. How do you "know" the system works? Are there thousands of diamonds who joined Quixtar after 9-1-1999 that I don't know about?
Also, I like ZipFizz. Check their website for the nutrition info. You can get it at Costco for $20 for 20 drinks. What was the cost of XS again?
actually Lin, the chemical they use to sweeten XS is not good for you and cause diahrea especially if you drink too much
Lin,
Unless you are telling people you are recruiting for quixtar, you are being unethical, unless you explain the difference between joining quixtar and joining WWDB, or BWW for that matter, you are being unethical. Unless you have read and understand all of the rules of a quixtar IBO and follow them, you are being unethical. Maybe if people would have been honest from the beginning, instead of deceiving people, quixtar wouldn't be in the mess that it is in.
think, quixtar is a new business, but from the beginning IBO's were deceiving people, about what business they were really joining
Kendall,
I don't think that the number of diamonds is a determinant of whether or not the system works. I've been told (and am not going to disagree) that this isn't a get-rich-quick scheme. Too many people find themselves being told that it is, and even if they aren't they believe it. They either quit when it's not happening or believe anything their upline says and are cheated. The way the system works, though, if you are able to get and maintain 6 "platinum" legs under you, you have a salary of $150,000 per year before bonuses (from Quixtar and, for the Winters team, from Larry Winters).
I look at it this way: We all (well, I guess not everyone because I can't speak for everyone, but most of us) want to retire at some point in life (preferably by age 65). Many of us go to college, try to get a good job, and retire comfortably by that age. But unfortunately most people don't acheive this--90+ percent. With Quixtar I heard this figure (well, they say 98%), but I've also heard it from high school and college teachers, and the way Social Security and the economy is going, the predicted average age for retirement for college-educated people in my age group is 78. And most people who do retire aren't comfortable. My grandmother is 74, and she's retired and lives at home, but her daughters take care of her much more than government aid and her savings can. Both of my grandfathers are still working. One is 74, and the other is 68.
All of them have worked hard their entire lives and wanted to retire comfortably, but haven't been able to do it. I think that the majority of people in this nation are hard-working, and many of them are college-educated, but only 2% achieve retirement.
I compare this to success in anything (including Quixtar). Only a few people in any walk of life achieve the highest status--in our jobs, in school, in church, etc. Not everyone becomes CEO, supervisor, boss, or employee of the month; not everyone becomes a principal, dean, administrator, or makes the honor roll; not everyone becomes a preacher, youth leader, deacon, elder, or bishop.... Granted, not everyone wants all of these positions, but only a few of the ones that do make it.
And we know from Matt 7: 13-14 (for the people who believe in this sort of thing) that only a few people are going to make it to Heaven.
*** NOW, PLEASE... OH GOD, PLEASE, do not think, by any means, that I believe that all of these things tie together. No, I do not think that all CEO's, preachers, administrators, honor roll students, and (especially) diamonds or crowns are going to Heaven!!! I'm just using that as an example to help me make my point. ***
I don't expect to become a diamond. I'm not going to be upset if I don't. I'm just doing this to make some money on the side. If people don't approach this thing with such a degree of eagerness that a great many do, and are smart about this thing, a lot more will see themselves making more than they lose (I'm not saying everyone, but a lot more).
Kendall,
XS is about $2 per can, and so far it's the best I've tried for the taste, nutrition, cost, and effect.
I've never heard of ZipFizz, and have have never seen it. I'll try it if I can. We don't have a Costco around here, but I'll see where I can get it. I'm always looking for something better. XS is just the best I've found so far, but I'll definitely try it. Thanks.
anotheribo,
What chemical is that?
I drink too many a day (LOL) because of the taste, but I'm cutting back to 2 per day (although I only need 1) because I'm consuming way more than I'm selling. But I haven't experienced any diarrhea. I just feel good.
anotheribo,
I say Quixtar now. I used to say Snipes & Associates (I haven't heard of WWDB until I read it on blogs), and so did my upline (some of them still do). But I completely understand why. Had my sponsor said Quixtar, I would have googled it and probably wouldn't have done thorough research and just said no. She didn't give me any name though. She just said, "do you look for exta ways to make money?" I'm going to explain this to people, and why many IBOs use other names. My doing this is just a small step that adds to the company's credibility...
Lin,
I wish you the best of luck in you Quixtar endeavors. If you're looking to make a few extra dollars, then I hope you do. My experience with Quixtar and their pattern of very limited success has caused me to believe that it is not worth the money or time invested.
If you believe XS is right for you and others are willing to buy it giving you a retail profit, then please do so. I hope you make all that you want.
Just analyze this as a business. Are people willing to buy these products even if they don't become involved with your business? Your products don't need to be the cheapest (although it greatly helps). Customers need to see value and be willing to pay money for it. If you feel you have that, go for it. I just don't believe you'll make any significant money with Quixtar. If you're looking for retirement money, I suggest you look elsewhere.
Lin,
So because you know two people who can't live on Social Security alone, you think that 98% of the people in the US are not "retired"? Do you have any CREDIBLE source for these statistics?
Second, how do you make the logical leap from lack of security about retirement to Quixtar? You think Quixtar and it's promise of "residual income" is going to let you "retire"? Do you think Diamonds don't spend most of their time taking care of their QUixtar business? With 50% of IBOs quitting annually, this is not a business that you can really let rest on its laurels.
Third, there are many other retirement solutions that guarantee a better return on your investment than a Quixtar business. Why not ask your bank? They'll be glad to help you out.
ok, lets clear up one thing, anyone who thinks Quixtar is a pyramid is retarded. tell me...why would so many very credible businesses, such as bass pro, barnes and noble, circuit city, etc. be in business with a company that is running a pyramid scheme...look at your jobs and you will see a real pyramid, or are you too stupid to see that? go ahead and work for the next 40 or 50 years of your life, im not. period
Don Incognito and Kendall,
If I implied that I am using Quixtar as something to help me retire I'm sorry. I misled you. The retirement statistics I used was just to prove a point that, logically, only a few will make it to the top positions. I don't know if that statistic (98%) is truly accurate, but it's what I heard from my upline. I've heard for years from people in school, etc. that more than 90% of the people in the United States do not retire by age 65, and many of those that do still find themselves struggling to survive on government aid and savings alone. I was also using my grandparents as an example. I know several people over 65, some of whom are retired (a lot for physical reasons), but none of those retired are comfortable. I've researched the statistics b/c I found it really disappointing, and I'll look again so I can tell you where I found it. But the talk about retirement was just to help prove a point.
We in Quixtar need to stop promising Diamondship to people b/c the statistics speak for themselves, but instead we need to say: "This is what you need to do to make this much. I can't make any guarantees that you can achieve this b/c I don't know what you'll do. But if you do this you WILL make this much." ( Personally, my plan is to develop a plan from the time I leave college to be able to retire comfortably. I hadn't thought about checking with the bank, but I will. I want to be a psychologist (more-so a counselor) with my own practice. If Quixtar helps me at all with this, GREAT. If not, I still know what I want to do, and I still have that. My sponsor is the same age as I, and she quit school for this. I told her I disagree, but I'm letting her live her life. I know it's possible to achieve financial freedom with Quixtar, so yeah I'm going to go for it, but I'm not promising myself or anyone else anything. I'm just not going to drain myself financially or put this before the life I already had.
People just have to be smart about this thing. I'm taking it slow and am not breaking myself to become a millionaire. The luxury and lifestyles Diamonds speak of may be great for some, but it's not everything. Personally, I won't go through my resources and energy to try to get that lifestyle. Seldom to people realize this, but it's possible to achieve Diamondship without breaking yourself and wearing yourself out. As I said, I'm only going to spend money that I would have spent anyway... household necessities, energy drinks, make-up, etc., and I'm only buy things from the site that are bargains and worth their cost. People need to know that it's unnecessary to go out of your way to buy things to achieve a certain PV per month or to get a certain number of people signed up under you per month.
Lin,
Your approach to Quixtar seems to be well-tempered and quite intelligent. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for your sponsor.
The people on this board can be a great resource for suggestions to help you make sure that your business is putting money in your pocket and not vice versa. The system, unfortunately, does not seem to teach intelligent money management tactics.
Best of luck to you in your business and studies.
"ok, lets clear up one thing, anyone who thinks Quixtar is a pyramid is retarded. tell me...why would so many very credible businesses, such as bass pro, barnes and noble, circuit city, etc. be in business with a company that is running a pyramid scheme...look at your jobs and you will see a real pyramid, or are you too stupid to see that? go ahead and work for the next 40 or 50 years of your life, im not. period"
Jason,
Did you just sign up yesterday or something? I usually ask because this is some of the same drivel that is commonly brought here by new IBOs who have not looked into what they got involved in.
Might I suggest you do some reading on this blog and many others and stop by the forums. These arguments have been debunked many, many times. Those arguments are kind of Quixtar 101 stuff.
Not to mention your elementary insults.
"ok, lets clear up one thing, anyone who thinks Quixtar is a pyramid is retarded. tell me...why would so many very credible businesses, such as bass pro, barnes and noble, circuit city, etc. be in business with a company that is running a pyramid scheme..."
Jason, aside from your tapespeak, (and I know how you feel, I felt the same way myself, but let me tell you what I found out) If Am/Quix were such a great deal for these companies, why do the continue to build brick and mortar locations, why not just sell exclusively through Am/Quix.
I also found out that after fifteen years in the business, I would be a heck of a lot closer to retirement now if I had just taken the tool money and invested it in a bank savings account, and bought my shampoo from Wal Mart.
First, the 98% people are broke at retirement comes directly from Congress...in a report from 1935!!! You can find out more here, http://www.amquix.info/amway_retirement_legend.html. The reality is, since the beginning of Social Security, the number of broke people by retirement is significantly less. Most people do not have pension plans anymore, but if you plan with 401K's and IRA's, and invest wisely, building a nest egg is possible.
Second, what ingredient in the XS and other energy drinks actually give you energy? Ask a biology professor or professional, or evena high school biology teacher. Energy is created with Adenonine Tri-Phospate (ATP) is made from Adenonine Di-Phosphate (ADP). I'll spare you the biology lesson (I don't think I'd teach it that well since it's been a bit since my last bio class), but to make a long story short, to start this process, the body needs glucose, which is a simple sugar. Carbohydrates, complex sugars (made up of a lot of simple sugars) are a great source of energy, because one carb molecule can have several glucose or close to glucose molecules. With energy drinks, unless they have carbs or sugar, you aren't truly getting much "energy." At best, you are getting Vitimin B, which is a catalyst (makes energy creation faster and more efficient) in energy production. However, 300% of your RDA of Vitamin B12 isn't going to help you create 300 times more energy. In fact, most of the Vitamin B will be excreted through waste, as the body only needs a small amount. Meats, nuts and certain veggies also contain high amounts of VB, and if you eat one banana, you have also eaten more Vitamin B then your body needs for a week! At worst, energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine, which may give you an artificial energy boost.
Last, the definition of pyramid scheme has nothing to do with the shape of a pyramid, and most certainly has zero to do with people at the bottom having the ability to make more then the people at the top. I'll give a quick example. A true, no-product Ponzi scheme where the person sponsoring gets $100/person, and upline splits $25 between himself and his sponsors. Person A sponsors person B (gets $100). Person A then sponsors only one other person ($100), person B sponsors 20 people ($2,000), and person A gets about $5/person from B's sponsors. Person A has made $300, Person B, the downline, has made $2,000. Still doesn't mean this isn't a pyramid scheme.
The definition of a pyramid scheme is a little fuzzy, but the qualifier many courts use is can the people participating in the scheme make more money then they are spending. Say if every person in the above scheme had to pay $150 to join, each person would have spent $25 more then they made back on average. With AmQuix, every person would have received products, but if you look at the bank accounts, the aggregate would be negative, i.e. the people would have less money on the whole because they joined!
End rant.
DMM, you're ridiculous.
What you leave out: Vitamin B! B6 and B12 specifically:
"If we eat more food than we need for immediate energy, some of the excess calories are converted to a form of glucose (blood sugar) called glycogen, which is stored in the liver and muscles. When blood sugar drops, glycogen is broken down into glucose and used for fuel. The enzyme that does this requires B6." http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/23/7.cfm
"Vitamin B12 is the "energy" vitamin, as it often increases the energy level, whether obtained from eating the B12 foods or from supplemental use. There may be several reasons for this. Cobalamin stimulates the utilization of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It also helps iron function better in humans and is important for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, as well as for production of choline, another B vitamin, and methionine, an amino acid." http://www.ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminb12.asp
So, DMM, Vit B is a necessary catalyst for your wonderful scientific analysis above. how bout you start downing sugar/candy bars everytime you need energy, and we'll supplement Vit B food/supplements instead, wonder who is gonna feel better?
And from way above, IM:
"Sally> Our finances are SIGNIFICANTLY better - through our association with WWDB, we have found better work, sound advice on getting out of debt (books & cd's) & financial investments with high ROI.
IM>How can you attribute all these things to Quixtar and /or your LOS? My husband and I did these things without Quixtar at all. (refinancing, reading and doing some studying on investments, examining our budget, carefully examining wants vs. needs, etc.)"
There you go IM, so Drew has NO EXCUSE for the debt he is in, it couldnt have been a result of Quixtar? Take that up with him...
Do you eat meat, Brad? If you eat just one serving a day, especially red meat, you are getting plenty of V vitamins. A quarter pounder (20% fat) contains nearly 40% of your B6 RDA. How about cereal? Most cereals are fortified, and I bet you there are B vitamins included.
The only people who truly may need B supplements are vegans and people with anemia. The rest of us most likely already intake more then the RDA on a consistant basis. There is certainly no need to drink anything with the amount XS drinks have. You are litterally pissing most of it away.
Yes B vitamins are important, and those without enough B6 or B12 will feel lethargic (anemic). But, I would recommomend eating a banana to those who are not diagnosed anemic. It will give you plenty of B vitamins, and be much more healthy overall then an XS energy drink. But then, we usually don't do what's most healthy for us, do we?
Hey Brad,
DMMs analysis was a lot more accurate than yours. His point was correct, the energy drinks do not give you energy, but vitamins. Frankly, even overdosing the body with vitamins is not sufficient enough to produce energy. All that the B vits will do is catalyze the reaction, and but there are still about 30 other factors in there that also are required because the reaction is rate limited at several steps.
All of the excess Vit B12 is filtered out of the body very rapidly, within the hour I would guess. Frankly, adding excess B12 will not help because it is not passively absorbed well, but rather, requires intrinsic factor. It is the level of this factor that will determine the effectiveness. The upper liimit for absorption is 1.5-2 microg per meal plus 0.5-1% passive absorption. On top of that, there is no reported benefit in the peer-reviewed scientific literature about excess vitamins, but I can show you a vitamin toxicity curve if you would like?
"There you go IM, so Drew has NO EXCUSE for the debt he is in, it couldnt have been a result of Quixtar? Take that up with him..."
Yeah, Brad has someone else take it up with me cause he is too scared to do it himself. BTW, Brad I never said my debt was a direct result of Quixtar. It was a result of your precious motivational organization that you can't seem to muster up the courage to discuss with me on a real-time forum.
Don Incognito,
Thank you for that, truly. I really appreciate it, and I will use this site from time to time b/c I know that there are people on here who have experience with the business and could provide some sound suggestions. I say that because, as we both agree, my sponsor is not being completely logical about this thing, so I probably won't be going to her for all of the information I need in making good judgements... and she's a habitual "tapespeaker." (a lot of the things on the CDs are good and helpful for furthering business, but not when it replaces half the things one used to say.)
Thanks again,
Lin
Lin mentioned:
a lot of the things on the CDs are good and helpful for furthering business
Like what? Any specifics that could be applied to your business, or business in general that the CD's provide? How have you applied these ideas, or are planning to apply them? What type of growth in your business do expect from implementing these ideas, and based on what analysis?
Brad> So, DMM, Vit B is a necessary catalyst for your wonderful scientific analysis above. how bout you start downing sugar/candy bars everytime you need energy, and we'll supplement Vit B food/supplements instead, wonder who is gonna feel better?
Inquiringmind> I usually don't eat a candy bar for energy, I eat them because they taste good. They may not be good for me, but in moderation, a candy bar everynow and then is not bad.
Ever eat candy Brad? Not for energy, but just for fun?
I just wanted to share somethig that I learned from one of these "evil" CDs that you guys all bash. If you are trying to tell me that this is a pyramid scheme and its illegal, then apparently you found something that 100's of legal companies, the Better Business Bureau, and the Federal Trade Commission didn't find. As Dean Kosage said, "Congratulations, now you get the key to the city!" How about we quit googel-ing this business and actually find some credible people to talk to. When writing a research paper you wouldn't quote the National Inquirer and Star Magazine would you?!
Who said quixtar's illegal? It's legal pyramid. And as far as I know, the BBB or FTW had not looked at quixtar.
Yes, I know corporations can also look like pyramids but it doesn't mean quixtar isn't one.
But are the teaching systems legal and ethical?
***I’m really sorry this is so long, but it covers pretty much all of the things I’ve been wanting to say, and I’m going to post this on several blogs.***
I am a 19-year-old college student, and I've only been in the business for about a month and a half. I've been doing extensive research about Quixtar since before I signed up because I like to think of myself as a "brain." I always like to be really knowledgeable about whatever I'm involved in (I’d like to say that I researched with an open mind, but initially I aired more on the side of skepticism than neutral). Quixtar, as far as I have found through the pages and pages of online resources I've seen, is legitimate as a company and is a really good company at that. The only negativity I have encountered (AT ALL) has come from blogs and sites dedicated to pointing out the business's flaws. I'm not saying that sites such as this and others as well as the dozens and dozens of blogs out there aren't helpful. I'm sure many of the things said on those sites are said with passion and belief and a desire to save people from getting involved in something before they know what it is and find them selves hundreds and thousands of dollars in debt. And I’m sure that a lot of those things are true and that people feel taken advantage of. However, the system works the way the company says it will. I have yet to come across any truly credible source (the FTC, the BBB, the IRS, etc.) that have anything worse to say than: “it meets all of our regulations, but people should be truly aware of what they’re getting into before they start.” If you are able follow what THE COMPANY says (which isn’t that hard) you will make money, and you will make the amount they say you will. Plus, 28+ legal tax write-offs you can receive are great. And, contrary to what many believe, it can’t be a pyramid because it is possible to make more money than your upline (…and there are other qualifications for being a pyramid for which Quixtar doesn’t meet).
There are scripts to use when calling people or “contacting” people when you’re out, but I’m going to stop using them because I’d much rather be straight-forward, as I know that the system works. We use scripts and beat around the bush (saying we’re with “Snipes & Associates”—which is true to some extent, since Danny Snipes is our upline), seldom saying the Q-word because of sites like this. People go home and Google “Quixtar,” read blogs and take what they read as biblical truth. I’m going to stop that because, not only do I feel guilty for “tricking” people into being shown the plan, but they take whatever I say from then-on with less credibility.
Unfortunately this is a people business. And with people (in all walks of life) come competition, corruption, and greed (especially when a great deal of money is involved). The more people that are involved in something the more you will see some trying to take advantage of others. I won’t deny, therefore, that there are people out there who will take advantage of the “little guy” or that there are sponsors out there who will do or say anything to get people to sign up under them. They will do anything to get you to buy more products than necessary (so that they will see more PV) or OVERLY stress that you need to buy CDs, books, attend meetings and functions, etc. or say something like “Tools are optional, but so is success.”
FORTUNATELY my upline is nothing like this. They SUGGEST that I buy only household necessities from the site (stuff that I buy anyway) because the prices compare quite well with Wal-Mart and other stores plus I get a 30% discount, PV, and 3% of my BV back. Also, it saves on gas and the huge amount of impulse shopping my family is accustomed to doing. So I do that, and my parents and older sister buy from me as well. I also buy products I enjoy anyway such as the XS Energy drinks, Zenso teas, Double X, and products included in the Trim Advantage Weight-Loss System. These are all products that are so good that I would continue to buy even if I weren’t an IBO. I’ve been trying for so long to lose weight, and the TA System is the best out there hands-down because it creates a lifestyle change, and it’s not just a diet. My doctor agrees that it is the best program. It’s SO easy to follow. The XS and Double X give me the energy and daily nutrients I need to function (plus the fastest man in the world, Asafa Powell, takes Double X, and it helped him achieve that status). So yeah, the products are good.
My upline also SUGGEST that I listen to CDs and read books for personal growth, but they let me borrow their CDs and books and suggest that if I can’t get a book from them I should go check one out from the library or sit in a book store and read it. These books have helped me grow so much as a person. These are books unrelated to business and (even more so) Quixtar. The CDs help me business-wise and with everything I try to do (school, church, etc.).
I have developed relationships with my upline for up to nine levels. I know them on first-name bases and have most of their cell phone numbers. I have been so fortunate to belong on the team I do because I’ve developed friendships. We have cookouts, go out to eat, watch movies, sit around and talk, etc.
I think Quixtar wants all teams to be more like this. It would have a much better reputation if this were the case. Again, this is a people business. It’s meant to change lives in a positive way, and it can be done if done the right way.
Also, I went to my first function last weekend. I really couldn’t call it a “brainwashing seminar.” Maybe some felt “brainwashed.” I don’t know. I just felt enlightened, motivated, and refreshed. When I got home, people just said I seemed to be in a better mood. My business hasn’t “taken off,” (although it could have) because I’m more focused on school right now but I have been doing much better in school since I got home and have been more focused on whatever I’ve done, making sure it’s positive and geared toward helping my future.
Just a tip for IBO's: XS ENERGY DRINKS SELL THEMSELVES. I’m sharing this because I’ve been doing it at team meetings and open meetings and have been told that my saying this really helps a lot of people. Have a can in your hand all the times (even if it’s empty). People ask about it. Tell them all the facts, and they’ll want one, especially if they’re in college or work a really exhausting job or if you already know that they drink energy drinks. Give them the nutrition facts. Explain that you don’t experience a sugar crash with these, and tell them how long the energy lasts. Also make note of the fact that it’s the #1-selling energy drink in the US and it’s #2 world-wide right behind Red Bull. **IF POSSIBLE, HAVE ONE ON YOU AT ALL TIMES FOR OTHERS TO TRY** Once they try it, you have a new customer. It’s the truth. And, more importantly, you probably just changed someone’s life for the better (health-wise and the amount of things they can get done per day).
Posted by: Lin | July 14, 2006 7:30 PM