[Earl]

I am not gullible to buy into these scams but has anyone here ever met anyone who has actually made money from any of those infomercials you see on tv in the middle of the night?

I know a few people who made money from MLM's in the 80's and 90's, but really, how do these people get suckers to spend money on their get rich quick program, right now I am watching a "make money with internet millions" infomercial since nothing else is on at 4am in Az. The have a cute girl on the show that makes 110,000 a week, WOW.

Notice how they never have ugly people testifying to the success of the scam...

This was another boredom thread by yours truly.

[Kitty]

I've never known anyone who got rich by one of these methods.

I think the people who make the infomercials get rich by the gullible people buying their "potion" for wealth....not by using the actual ideas they are selling.

[Erin524]

I used to work for one of the inbound telemarketing companies that took calls for a lot of those infomercials. (the telemarketing place wasnt the company that produced those infomercials, it was just the people they hired to take the orders)

You would be amazed at how gullible some people are...or at least amazed at how people dont listen and shocked at how many people will say yes to anything as long as you say "free 30 day trial" while reading the up-sell script. (required to be read...if I had the choice, I wouldnt have)

I took orders for most of that infomercial crap, and I also did credit card applications. (oh, dont get me started on the people calling for the credit cards...these people probably couldnt even get a subprime loan and should not have been getting credit cards)

[mom2five]

Infomercial businesses? I have never heard of that and would definitely be cautious. I have never heard of ANYONE doing one of these, let alone making money doing it.

However, Network Marketing (MLM) is totally different. Warren Buffet purchased three network marketing companies and said it was the best investment he ever made. Donald Trump even said that Network Marketing is a viable and lucrative business option.

That being said, you must still proceed with caution. Not all Network Marketing companies are good...in fact many are not. I have been fortunate to be involved with two reputable Network Marketing companies. The first one was Mary Kay. (A front loading, stairstep, breakaway compensation plan.) I earned the car and everything - but it was an old pay plan that required a lot of work, for not a lot of pay. AND...you had to really love sales. The second one, I am still involved in. It will be two years in February. I love the products and can do most of my work from home. I consistently earn $3000-$4000/month - and I know a LOT of people doing the same and more. (New generation binary comp plan) There is a lot of benefits to residual income - it allows me the "bad" days.

My advice: Stay away from TV ads and do your homework if you decide to get involved with Network Marketing. It's not for everyone, but it is for me. There are four basic comp plan structures. Many involve several "hoops" that you must jump through to "qualify" to get paid. You don't want to get involved with anything that requires an "investment" or an inventory. Also, be very cautious if all they can tell you about is the TOP people...ask them, "what are YOU making?" Be sure the company is well capitalized and run by people that understand being in the field. Check out their track record and ask a LOT of questions.

[Twinkletoes]

I watched an informercial and saw my own dentist and his wife! And yes, they are attractive people!

I can't remember what it was even about.

I know I've personally helped to finance at least a wing of his new house. I doubt he needed the money.

[freeinhou]

I sell small gelatin capsules for $4.95 each that when ya put one in your gas tank you triple your gas mileage! I learned about it at 2 am on channel 10... I sell maybe 10,000 a day. The empty gelatin capsules cost less than a penny!

I'm also selling lakefront oversized lots in lovely Ft. Stockton TX for real affordable prices! Guaranteed that the lake actually had water in it at some point in time (10,000 BC...).

Just be cautious people. There's easier ways to lose your money (the stock market comes to mind...).

Tom

[Jules A]

The programs themselves sure are money makers. I have had friends who are very intelligent call me about the Real Estate seminars where you pay money for them to "educate you". Supposedly they will find your properties, help you find financing, etc. For $10,000? Huh? Sounds like what my Real Estate agent does at no cost to me.

The scary thing is that these are not stupid, naiive people. I guess the thought of striking it rich is seductive and when it presented as so easy that you don't even have to lift a finger I guess thats it. What a load of bull.

Now all I have to do is figure out a nice way to say "are you freaking kidding me?" next time a friend asks what I think about these programs, lol.

[Kitty]

I bought a couple of pieces of Tupperware from a friend and now I'm getting mail weekly trying to get me to become an "associate". I only have to pay "X" amount to get started.....that was enough for me.

[Dejibo]

dont you hate that? you attend a whatever party by a friend, and before you know it, you are being romanced by the company to hold a party of your own! GO AWAY!

most of what you see on TV is crap.

[Kitty]

Yeah....I'd make a fine Tupperware Lady!!! I can't even get the lid off the piece I bought due to my right hand being gimped up. I can see me trying to demonstrate the products at a home party!! The piece of plastic would shoot out of my hand and hit some poor woman in the eye...then I'd be sued! So....I think I'll just keep things the way they are now....and everyone stays safe!!