Note: This is my own perception of my personal experience with the Amway business. If I've had a bad personal experience than that's what I had, I'm not attacking Amway or those in Amway, I'm telling my personal story ***If you are in Amway - Before you freak out please see the links I've posted below in Amway's Defense.
I was in Amway 12 years ago. It was more like a nightmare than a business for me. I got the inside look at the weekly meetings and the grandiose Amway functions. I used all of their overpriced products while my then husband was encouraged to show the Amway plan. (Draw circles on boards trying to convince others to join Amway so they can become super rich).
From the moment I saw the first Amway convention I felt like something was wrong. There was a whole lot of hype, lots of people crying, and crowds of people admiring the millionaires on stage, hanging on their every word, taking notes, following whatever they said. It actually scared me, but not my husband, he loved it.
My husband spent thousands upon thousands of dollars on Amway tools, cassette tapes, videos, books, and meetings. I "the dutiful wife" was told to listen to the Amway tapes over and over again and to follow the advice of the "Amway Diamonds." (Who are he people who got rich through Amway). Only problem is the tapes kept telling me to leave my kids to go show the plan and to keep my eye on the prize. Since my kids are my biggest prize I wasn't willing to leave them to go convert people to Amway.
So my then husband (who is not a salesman) spent many nights out hunting for people to show the Amway plan to. He annoyed many people, but didn't sell the business idea to anyone.
Amway has an interesting and unique system where they basically encourage you to brainwash yourself with the Amway tools. Granted, they are not brainwashing you, you are choosing to do it to yourself. Those who miss meetings, don't listen to the tapes, or don't use only Amway products are looked at as losers and told to try harder. Those who sponsor (get people to sign up), buy all of the tapes, books, etc, are the heroes.
The good side of Amway would be that the people are encouraged to have big dreams, set goals, and to stay positive. They teach great sales techniques, leadership skills, and the power of positive thinking, hard work and determination.
Learning to be a positive go getter doesn't hurt anyone, but spending all your money might. My husband I divorced, being very young and dealing with the added strain was too much.
I have since remarried. The people who are in Amway say it strengthens families, and that you cannot possibly lose money, and when people come out and say that yes, I lost my marriage or yes, I lost money, they tend to attack. I have heard that they do not like it when anyone says anything bad about Amway, but people have a right to their opinions.
I believe that anything in the extreme has the potential to be destructive, but Amway encourages you to go to the extreme, and for some families destruction is exactly what it causes.
Here are some more sites about Amway and the new name they go under Quixstar.
Welcome To Amway The Continuing Story
MLMSurvivor.com (MLM stands for Multi Level Marketing)
Quixtar Amway Business Analysis
Dreamstealers
Amway/Alticor/Quixtar Sucks!
In The Defense of Amway
Amway.com
The Power Of A Dream
The Good Things About Amway
Tall Actor, Huge Bodybuilder
Lovemarks
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23 comments:
Very interesting. I was an Amway distributor in the UK between 1995 and 1999. I also spent a lot of money and wasted a lot of time under the illusion that the wealth of the Diamonds came from Amway bonuses. It doesn't - it comes from the secret tool business. See www.merchantsofdeception.com for the full story. You may like to know that Amway and several of the motivational organisations are under investigation by the Department of Trade and Industry in the UK. Since the beginning of May 2007 no one has been allowed to recruit or do any 'training'. Only product sales are permitted.
Oh wow, I had no idea that they were under investigation, that's really interesting.
I also had a couple that was higher up in Amway tell me about the secret tool business and later they felt scammed and quit.
Thank you for your comment, I appreciate it.
Have you read the book Through Rose-Coloured Glasses by Ex UK Emerald, Ruth Salway. Is it just fantasy or is there a lot more to it?
Hi,
No, I haven't read the book, but I do believe I've heard of it before. Thank you for your comment!
Recently a friend of mine joined Amway and it breaks my heart because I know it’s nothing more than a scam. My partner and I were in Amway 3 years ago and reading your personal experience brings back a lot of our memories with Amway. Our dear friend has only been to one seminar and she is completely possessed with far fetched promises. She gets very offended even if we slightly suggested there might be some flaws in the business as we experienced first hand ourselves. I think I was her 3 years ago, brainwashing is truly amazing.
Hi Anonymous,
It is sad. And if you try to say anything reasonable, like perhaps you shouldn't put too much of your money into Amway, you then become the enemy out to steal their dreams. I know the routine. When I was in Amway they kept telling me what my dream was. But they were wrong. I'd be happy sitting in a log cabin writing, not in a mansion surrounded by Amway. Not everyone has the same dreams.
EX IBS EMERALDS ARE PREPARING A CLASS ACTION AGAINST IBS AND AMWAY.
A decision was made on Monday 17th December 2007 to go ahead with a Class Action against IBS and Amway (UK) Ltd. Former Emeralds, John and Nancy Lear and Neil and Ruth Salway have in recent months been contacted by hundreds of distributors, including many leading ex IBS Emeralds and Directs.
Last year Ruth Salway launched her debut novel ‘Through Rose-Coloured Glasses’.
The book was written over a five year period and helped Ruth to come to terms with the harrowing experiences she and her husband Neil had to endure while under the influence of IBS. The book was written to warn teenagers of the dangers of these parasitic schemes. The story evoked a lot of raw emotion for many distributors who were part of the same regime and prompted them to get in touch. The majority have been emotionally scarred and the financial loss is immense; something needed to be done to support these people and to rectify the damage.
Leading London lawyer, Clare Kirby who specialises in the evolving field of law known as ‘undue influence’, ( which falls outside of the 6 year statutory limitation claim period,) has been instructed to act on behalf of the distributors on a ‘no win no fee basis’. A case is being prepared and anyone who feels they have been affected by their involvement with Amway/IBS and would like to reclaim what was lost on the use of the IBS ‘system’ and time given free for the privilege to work at IBS functions is advised to get in touch with either John and Nancy Lear, Neil and Ruth Salway or Kirby & Co. Solicitors.
Contact details:
class4action@aol.com
clare.kirby@kirbyandco.co.uk
Ten years ago I was sponsored to attend an 'Amway' function in London by a very dear friend.It left me cold as it was clear that very few, if any, in the audience were making any money and anyway it was a dreary event on a Sunday. There was considerable hype and a rather indifferent speech by Jerry Scriven who I now know to be one of the owners of IBS. Returning home it slowly dawned on me that my sponsor had had to pay for my ticket and that was where the wealth was really being made. I felt bad as I knew I would not pursue things as a result of what I had seen. My friend has pursued this over the years, successively over-committed herself and is now involved heavily with Jerry Scriven. At no point was it ever indicated that the tapes and events were key to the large sums that were said to be made, which, by any standards, is deception - let alone undue influence. I am now worried about her given the contents of this blog as she has certainly come under some severe undue influence - which is heartbreakng to watch. I can only hope that she can come out of this, if not unscathed, but at least wiser. What else would a friend be for - something probably not taught by IBS?
I'm 21 years old and am making a lot of money from Amway, especially from the jewellery and artistry products.
If it didn't work for you I apologise but in its defence, I earn more money a week in jewellery parties than any other job and get bonus's on the side signing up other girls who like to do it.
I've made lots of friends, conquered a lot of my dreams and nothing anyone says can stop me from getting up there.
It's only been a year for me and I've already signed 12 people. I'm only 21 years old.
In 9 years time I can have up to 100 people. It is a long term retirement plan for me. I can retire at the age of 30 easily from this.
Mel
I really admire anyone that has dreams and vision but particularly young people and in particularly those that are willing to get out there and make it happen. However in this case a word of caution.
You do not mention that you are buying books, tapes and function tickets. If you are not then keep it that way because you do not need a constant supply of them to stay positive.
I also hope that you have not been given absurd claims as to what this business can give you because they are from experience usually exaggerated. Without spending needless money (and time) on books,tapes and functions it is possible to supplement your main income. How much this equates to depends on your efforts and the calibre of persons you introduce to the business. It is not however an opportunity where you will end up with a yacht, mansion and fast cars. Hopefully you have not been promised such things.
Why have I bothered writing. Quite simply because I do not like young people's minds being played with or down right manipulated. I will not go into my experienec of Amway because I had the sense to walk away from it in the early nineties before I thought too much damage was done. Little did I realise how much it affected my former wife. She was convinced it was the only way to realise our dreams and when I walked away it probably was the end of our marriage.
Before it ended we had three great kids but I had already worked out the scam of the books, tapes and functions long before it really became an issue - or long before the power of the internet. I was of course called a quitter and a loser etc
I went on over the past 11 years to build by own conventional business which I sold last year for a nice profit and now I just lecture on business start ups for a few hours a week. I am also remarried and very happy with my lot.
How different to the thousands who wasted years of their life pursuing an illusion. Fortunately last year this was finally exposed and IBS and the other organisations who latched themselves on to Amway have finally been unlatched. It could be argued that Amway if they had so wished could have done this many years ago.
Anyway I do not want to go into yet another Amway story. All I would wish to do is advice you to read Ruth Salways book Through Rose Coloured Glasses. Also read about Neil and Ruth Salways experience of Amway and hopefully you will gain a better perspective.
I remember the Salways when I was involved and back then they were building a big Amway business along with the likes of Lyndon and Jeanette Farringdon, the Kents, the Pugsons, the Lears, the McCanns, the de Souzas and probably about a dozen more. The Salways were Emerald with 3 Emeralds and 20 Directs below yet they and the others mentioned walked away from Amway.
The reason they did this is because they found out that to get the big money they had to be in the inner circle of IBS. The ones who were making the money from the books, the tapes and functions. I myself contributed for a while and I have the Michael Aspel videos to prove it!
So Mel, I am sure with the attitude that you have got that you will achieve many good things with your life. Just be careful of the intentions of those around you - they might have different goals than yourself. For those involved in Success University, E-Lottery and uVme - beware - IBS is now called The Team and they have moved in on these opportunities to exploit those involved with their books,tapes and function tickets.
The likes of Jerry and Mandy Scriven, Dave Butler, the Galloways and formerly Pat and Greta Gregory and my old upline Mike and Di Beasley to name but a few are truely the Masters of Deception - and deserve no sympathy whatsoever.
George or whoever you are, The IBS system has done me nothing but good. Our Amway income has always way outstriped our IBS investment. Probably because I "acted" on the advice and mentorship which many of you never did and so are looking to blame others to save your lack of face. Shame on you. Pat and Greta Gregory are our friends and have only ever had a possitive influence on our lives and of the people we have introduced to them.
Anonymous
Thankyou for your reply but please read what I wrote in full not the last paragraph which mentioned the Masters of Deception - which includes Pat and Greta Gregory.
I actually did not disuade anyone from getting involved in the Amway business but to warn them that the big money which fuel the dreams is in the tape, books and functions business not the Amway business. Yes you can cover costs, perhaps create a reasonable second income but if it is mansions, yachts and fast cars that fuel your dreams then you need to be in the inner circle. I do not recall that ever being mentioned when I was involved but perhaps things changed.
As I said, do not take my word for it - I am a quitter and a loser - though for the last 7 years I have earned a six figure sum year on year from my own efforts. In some ways this is thanks to my time with the Amway business as I realised that working for myself was the only way forward and some of the books I read helped. My point is that if you have big dreams the Amway business will not deliver them.
Recent data from Amway shows that only two couples achieved an income above £78,000 a year which puts you in the top 2% earners in the UK. The top was the Lowes with £106,000 in one year who are Diamond and have been in the Amway business since 1981 and the others were Diamonds Jerry and Mandy Scriven.
Alot of people would love these incomes but they would not sustain the lifestyle that IBS portrays to people joining the business. It is this point that I was attempting to get across not to attack anyone involved apart from those who have blatently mislead people to line their own pockets, from the proceeds of you guessed it - the books, the tapes and the functions.
Who ever you are who replied to my intial rant then I wish you well with the business. Lots of people have taken on board the teachings of IBS, myself included and used it to good effect but like I said originally take on board the words of the people who actually went out and built massive Amway Businesses like the Salways and see what they found out. Perhaps like them you will see why the Gregory's, the Scrivens, the Galloways and the other inner circle are now widely known as the Masters of Deception.
Hello, my name is Ryan. I'm 18 and I recently joined Amway (2 Months), thus far I havn't found the going to tough but then again I havn't seen any large rewards. I personally focus on selling jewellery at the moment which nets me around $200-$300 a month plus an $80 bonus which obviously isn't enough to retire on. I as most IBO's are, am 'gunning' to become a diamond along with the 100k a year income and the time period I have been quoted is 2 - 5 years which seems even to me to be slightly
exaggerated.
The reason for this email isn't to attack you or even to promote Amway itself, instead I just want people to know that there are still people getting involved with the business and that we're not all 'brainwashed'. I don't really understand why people go to the trouble of creating websites and blogs in order to turn people away from Amway, I personally think people should be aloud to make up there own mind and generally Amway IBO's are nice friendly people but as in all businesses there are some rougs and for that I feel bad that you had a bad experience.
I just want to leave people with the thought that even Dexter Yager himself had to start at the bottom and work his way up, as anyone can. That isn't to say that everyone will, obviously not everyone succeeds otherwise the entire world would be involved. I believe that if people get a chance to have a look at the plan, they should go in with an open mind and atleast see if it's for them. Afterall no one is forced to enter or stay with Amway.
Thank you and I hope this helps people to see a slightly different view of Amway.
If you want to contact me my email is ryanh@impulse.net.au
Hi Ryan,
The reason that people create entire websites about Amway is because they've lost money, relationships, etc., and they are very upset. They feel better by trying to warn others.
If you're happy in Amway that's great, and I'm sure your learning some fantastic sales skills. You are young and have more options then someone who is older with a family. Basically you have less to lose by devoting your time to the Amway business.
I wish you all the success in the world, and thank you for your comment:)
Ryan
If only I was 18 too - and know what I know now!
Firstly I am not writing to tell you not to do the Amway business. (If you are like me when I was 18 it would be futile.) You are as an 18 year old in the right place right now - but the wrong business long term.
You will learn many positive things about yourself, many positive things about free trade, many positive techniques that will help you in your future life - but if you spend time on trying to build the Amway business to anyway near the level that is required to earn a decent living - you will waste a great chunk of your life - and cash - and later on relationships.
My advice for what it is worth is to learn all you can about sales and business from the teachings within Amway - then put them to use in the `real' world. You will be surprised what you can achieve - and how much more enjoyable than the insular world of Amway.
Yes there are some nice people in Amway. It is strange however that when you leave you never hear from them again - and overnight you turn from being a winner to a loser.
If you ever get the opportunity - ask Dexter Yager to break down his income for you. Ask him what proportion he has made from Amway - and what proportion he has made from books, tapes and function tickets etc.
I have never wrote or replied to a blog, a letters page, a phone in programme - nothing in my entire life until I saw this page. This is now my third entry and the reason for that is because I passionately do not like young people being used, manipulated and screwed up by people who portray themselves as friends. They are what they are - The Masters of Deception.
PS Thanks Christy for putting forward such a measured reply. I hope the young people in Amway take time to investigate the business more deeply - before they too feel the pain of so many predecessors - because as you know, unfortunately they will sooner or later discover - The Masters of Deception.
Hi George,
I can completely relate to what you are saying and understand how you feel. I think it's hard to explain it though to people who are caught up in the excitement of the business.
God knows I spent years trying to convince my now ex-husband of these things and his constant reply was that we were meant to be Diamonds.
Very frustrating indeed, and I'm sure you know what I mean. :)
The Training System which was required by anyone wishing to build an Amway business bigger than about 20 people was not responsible for "huge" profits. I was close to the inner workings of IBS and know how much functions used to cost to run. At one function we had an electricity bill from the NIA in Birmingham for £10,000 for one weekend. And that didn't include the electrician sat in the canteen on Sunday rates and his mate who "might be needed" as a safety number or the extra money paid to his Supervisor for being "down the pub" on his mobile phone.
However, with recent changes to the Amway business, I believe that it is no longer a business for people that want to generate a large ongoing income. I was a Ruby Direct and then a Ruby IBO and earned some good money from the business. However, I would not trust the Amway Corporation as far as I could throw them. If you want to know why, checkout what happened to my good friends Jerry and Mandy Scriven:
http://www.jerryandmandy.com
As for the e-Lottery, uVme and Success University businesses, that "The Team" are involved with, there is no training system required above and beyond that provided by Success University, which is one of the businesses on which you can make bonuses. (I only mention this because I don't understand some of the earlier comments about The Team bringing a system to these new businesses.
In fact, if you are interested in checking out these businesses, here are the links:
http://galloway.successuniversity.com
http://www.virtualworlddirect.com/vwdguest/default.asp?rq=0.5050775&m=164042rg&
http://www.uvme.biz/benefits/benefits.asp?m=343903AG
What you'll find is that it is much easier to build these businesses as part of a team i.e. The Team, than trying to figure out everything by yourself. That was always the idea behind IBS and providing training for the Amway business. Unfortunately, one ends up working with people who would love to have all the nice things in life as long a someone else could spend their time, energy and petrol money to bring it over to them! As for reading a book, listening to the proven advice of Millionaires (at £5 a throw) or dare I say putting that advice into action by switching off the TV and getting out of their front door, then you might as well forget it.
Conversely, these new businesses can be built online and even most of the training is provided by in-home broadcasts, either live or pre-recorded. It is all free. Even the mentors and tutors that spend a huge amount of their time and effort preparing all of this training material do not ask for any payment. The only reason the former training system could not be provided free of charge is that there were costs involved, room hire, travel costs, equipment hire, etc. Just trying to set the record straight.
The next Team Seminar is on Sunday 2nd March 2.00 – 6.30pm. It will feature presentations on uVme, e-lottery and Success University as well as testimonials, recognitions, and videos. The location is:-
The Centennial Centre
100 Icknield Port Road,
Edgbaston
Birmingham B16 0AA
Price £10.00 including VAT payable on the door.
Same old Same old....H E L L O!!!
No prizes for guessing who's pocketing the door money!
What an interesting find this blog was! I was in Mike and Di Beasley's 'downline' in the late 1980s in the UK... and not for very long! I was probably only 18 at the time, but could see clearly see that this wasn't how a MLM business should operate, and my role of showcasing laundry products and smiling at the right time really wasn't for me - I was far too chopsy and outspoken and I think they all breathed a sigh of relief when I walked away from the business and my then boyfriend (who subsequently saw sense and also walked away).
What I would say is that some of the books they 'made' you buy, were truly great books (Steven Covey for example).
Suzy Cross
Thankyou anonymous for finding and publishing the info on the forthcoming TEAM seminar. The new ball is finally rolling. Let's hope a whole new generation are not promised fame and fortune yet systematically ripped off by these ex- Amway Masters of Deception.
I give credit to Andy Galloway for attempting to put the record straight but the fact that they have now started holding these meetings and charging for entry perhaps says it all.
As for the £10,000 electricity bill - this was peanuts compared to the overall income. Even when I was involved a funtion ticket for the NIA in Birmingham was £30. I was one of 12,000 at just one of these events. There were others held also with thousands attending. Taking just the NIA example, after deducting £10,000, what happened to the other £350,000? There were no staffing costs because all the duped Directs worked for nothing. I do not know how much the arena hire was for a day or two but surely not that much. Where did the rest of the money go? I later saw functions advertised at over £100 each.
The TEAM are now involved in UVME, Success University and e-Lottery. I recently saw that one guy involved had paid £500 to attend an e-volution function.
The Masters of Deception must be rubbing their hands with glee as they now have a whole new generation of internet uses that they can now exploit.
Beware! You do not need this lot to help you be successful. Mr Galloway quite nicely sums it up by his attack on those that could not be bothered to get off their backsides to build the Amway business. It did not stop himself and others however coercing many in to beleiving that success was impossible without attending seminars and functions and buying books. Of course for themselves that was the only way they could ever make truely significant sums of money. In my book that is Deception - and the TEAM are very much The Masters of it.
My wife and i were in the IBS/Amway business in the 1990's. Although i personally hated the system. like so many other people i was desperate for money. We reached the 18% level but at what cost. My sister & brother in law were in our downline. Due to the fact that my upline did not like my attitude ( I had/have a sense of humour) they set them against us and tried to make their business a success and ours fail. The IBS system brings out the worst in people, if they get any success they turn into bullies and manipulate their down line. Jerry Scriven was always telling us about the sanctity of marriage - I note he is now divorced! Our upline directs, Nigel & Ellie Darville, were cruel and unrelenting. i shall never forgive them for the pain they caused our family. Don't touch Amway or IBS with a barge pole, it will only end in tears.
Richard.
Hi all, this is Kshitij Raval from India,
Over a period of few years three close friends of mine have approached me to become Amway member. Yesterday, it was really heartbreaking and disappointing to see our good neighbor – who are a very nice little family of a husband-wife, daughter and a son, with decent jobs, nice close knit family, approach me with Amway plan.
This “wealth-creation ideas, private island, private jets, etc.” never appealed me. You slog for 5 years than you are earning 1000s of Rupees a month without doing anything – how would you feel. You spend time on yourself, your family, your health, go on vacations, etc. Is this what you want – 365 days a year on vacation! I guess not. Life is made of those small-small things, not of islands and jets for yourself.
Of course, no harm in a desire to make it big, but I am sure this is not the best way. I soberly denied them that I was not interested. I opined rather than “gathering wealth” I would rather choose “gathering knowledge, I gave reference to the book Powershift by Alvin Toffler” … pat came the reply that “oh yes knowledge that you could apply” … I thought “Apply!!! apply what, where, for whom, what about the next generation … to earn so much money in 5 years that you don’t have to do anything for the rest of your life … I was simply disturbed by this reply” … I had to say, “frankly speaking I don’t consider this (Amway plans, products, etc.) as Knowledge.”. That is Information not Knowledge. 2+2=4 is Information, not Knowledge. But how can we use this information for the upliftment of Individual -> Society -> Country -> World is definitely Knowledge.
They also gave me a Video disc of one Diamond achiever. I watched the video with my entire family (my wife and my parents). All of us were so disturbed to see this Diamond family. My family became concerned - What now, what’ll happen to their children’s future, etc. Anyway, we are not in a position to do anything for them. There are hundreds of experiences in any society around the world that easy money has lead to psychological bankruptcy. Listening to what children of the Diamond couple had to say, I could see them slipping into psychological bankruptcy already.
It has been 24 hours since then and I am still feeling distrubed that I should have argued with my dear neighbors – not that I don’t want to join, but that you should leave Amway, and this mirage like dreams, right away. But then I am not in a position to influence them with my ideological shit so they were sure not to buy. I actually wanted to help them draft their dream! … funny isn’t it :)
Today I thought, let me surf the internet to find more truth on Amway. And then I bumped into this blog. It is really painful to see so many bad experiences with Amway and obviously I am going to share it my neighbors. I would like to thank Christy and all other bloggers to have put forward their experiences in such details. Thanks again.
With Best Regards
Kshitij Raval (India)
Never been with Amway :)
… and very very happy about it, and actually this site helped me reaffirm my wise decision that easy money dreams are bullshit. Absolutely nothing wrong in having a simple life. (I am so disturbed, I would like to keep writing … but let me stop for now).
Hi Kshitij,
Thank you for sharing your experience. You made a wise choice, and you're right, there's a lot more to life then money.
There is probably nothing you can say to your neighbors to change their mind but over time they'll learn more about the Amway Business and then they can decide whether or not it's truly something they want.
You could argue your point but they'll just accuse you of trying to steal their dream. The best thing to do is just tell them it's not right for you but you wish them the best of luck.
I don't blame you for being disturbed, thank goodness you could see the truth about the business so clearly.
:)
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