In times past, direct marketing and multi-level-marketing programs developed an uncertain reputation due to industry practices that the U.S. government viewed with alarm. Several companies were urged to clean up their acts, and the format has generally improved.
The basic framework remains familiar - you join the company, recruit more people into the company, you make products available for customers, and your income depends largely on the size of your network. As more people work under you - your "downline" - and more products and/or services are sold, the more money you make. It's that simple.
Melaleuca has retained the basic arrangement, with some changes - sales are handled online, so "directors" do not need to stock products, and the customers can shop without sales pressure.
But the biggest game-changer now is high gas prices. Where it was once possible to jump in the car and drive out without too much thought, now we're thinking more - is there anything else I can do on this trip? Do I need to make this trip now or can it wait for later?
This new reality makes shopping at home, with the product delivered to your doorstep, a lot more attractive. Melaleuca is poised to take advantage of this atmosphere, and the work-at-home aspect is also appealing - does a way to earn income without having to drive around sound good now?
Nancy Fittro, a deaf woman in Central Florida, thinks so - and she's been doing it for a year and a half. We interviewed her to find out more.
i711.com: Let's start with a simple question. What is Melaleuca?
Nancy: It is a wellness company that is safe for your home, children, pets, and your health.
i711.com: How did you learn about Melaleuca?
Nancy: Through a dear friend of mine. It was only 1 buck to join, so I thought, why not? What do I got to lose? 1 buck? So I went for it.
i711.com: So what's involved in joining? How does that work?
Nancy: We get paid by referring customers, by word of mouth. No selling or stocking.
i711.com: And you build up a network of people through Melaleuca who also refer customers, is that correct?
Nancy: Yes, that's the general idea.
i711.com: How many deaf people do you know are involved in Melaleuca now?
Nancy: I assume more than 100 since I have more than 49 in my own organization. Altogether there are 384 deaf members.
i711.com: That's nationwide?
Nancy: Yes, nationwide.
i711.com: If your goal was to work as a Melaleuca representative, how long do you think it would take someone to work up to doing it full time? How long have you been doing it?
Nancy: You advance at your own pace, really. Since December 2007, my network has expanded to 33 states, so far.
i711.com: 33 states? You mean your network has people in 33 different states?
Nancy: Yes, deaf people in 33 different states. It's a residual income. They also offer monthly promotions.
i711.com: For people who are not familiar with exactly how this works, what is a network at Melaleuca and how does it result in income?
Nancy: You get paid each month by referring customers and you earn 27 percent on your customer's first monthly order. Customers get to order on their own. If you want to become a director, you only need 8 customers and you make $500+ each month.
i711.com: So to clarify...the people in your network, they're all directors with their own customers?
Nancy: So far, I have 2 directors in my organization which makes me a Director III. They become directors once they refer 8 customers.
i711.com: Thanks for clearing that up...so you have directors and customers, any other major players?
Nancy: We have executive directors and senior directors who get free cars from Melaleuca. My goal is to become a senior director so I can give my current car to my daughter, and travel more.
i711.com: What kind of car are you thinking of getting through Melaleuca?
Nancy: A Lexus SUV!
i711.com: Oh boy...you'll need a lot of sales to pay for the gas!
Nancy: They offer a $400 car bonus each month when you become a senior director. For the level above that, they give you a $1,000 car bonus each month. This month's promotion is free gas for a month or two.
i711.com: Nice perk! Ok...so how do you refer customers to build up your network?
Nancy: By word of mouth, through advertising, networking... Facebook and MySpace are great sites.
i711.com: How much time do you personally put into your Melaleuca work?
Nancy: Really, you are on your own time, your own boss, flexible hours. I personally put maybe 1 or 2 hours into my work. Some days I don't work at all.
i711.com: Right, that's clear, each person can determine for themselves how much time they want to focus on it. Do you feel the rewards have been worth the time you've put into it?
Nancy: Yes, I love every minute of it, and every handsome check I get each month. They also publish your name in the Melaleuca magazine and you receive certificates.
i711.com: What magazine is that? Is it a magazine for directors?
Nancy: It's called Leadership on Action. We all receive a monthly magazine with our orders. Only directors receive emails from Melaleuca.
i711.com: How do customers choose the products they want to order?
Nancy: They order 35 points each month which is approximately 50 to 60 dollars' worth, and they get paid each month. It's like they receive free products! My personal favorite is tooth polish.
i711.com: Ok, you have a point system, is that for customers or directors? And are customers required to order 35 points of products each month?
Nancy: Both customers and directors participate in the point system. For directors, 70 points is a minimum. And yes, customers are required to order at least 35 points' worth of products each month, through their agreement.
i711.com: How do the customers choose what products they want?
Nancy: They order whatever they like online by the end of each month. It's like shopping online and getting paid for it! It's better than shopping at Wal-Mart and not getting paid at all.
i711.com: Saves on gas too, eh?
Nancy: Oh yes, big time.
i711.com: What sort of products are available for customers? You mentioned the tooth polish- what other products are popular?
Nancy: Customers order these products for their own personal use. Shampoo, deodorant, laundry detergent, dish soap, house cleanser, vitamins, pet shampoo, food, weight management, things for kids' hygiene and medicines... the list goes on.
i711.com: How is Melaleuca different from, say, Amway?
Nancy: Amway is now known as Quixtar from what I heard. They have good products. The difference is they are more expensive than Melaleuca and it's harder to receive a commission, while you get paid by Melaleuca each month- guaranteed.
i711.com: So the networking setup is similar? They're both multi-level marketing programs?
Nancy: We don't support MLM. We are an $850 million wellness company that has been around since 1985. We are also an eco-friendly company. We aren't distributors either. In 1990 Melaleuca made 30 million, and now it's over 850 million.
i711.com: That's a lot of growth. So you're saying Melaleuca is not an MLM?
Nancy: Right. You advance on your own, or you can be just a direct customer. We offer 5 to 15% off purchases made at many retail stores, such as Target, Nike, Dick's Sporting Goods, Barnes & Noble, etc. We also offer many benefits such as health care. We also have wireless / Internet phone offers.
i711.com: In what ways is Melaleuca an eco-friendly company?
Nancy: They produce non toxic cleansers. Most of them include melaleuca oil, also known as tea tree oil, which is really good for your health.
i711.com: So Melaleuca offers services in addition to products? You mentioned health care, what services are available in health care?
Nancy: Office visits, pharmacy, vision, hearing, dental, behavioral counseling, and many more.
i711.com: So they're offering health care insurance?
Nancy: It's called Healthcare. You can find it at their website - http://www.melaleuca.com
i711.com: Do you see yourself still involved with this in five years? Ten?
Nancy: Yes, very much so. I also want to see my deaf team grow.
i711.com: Anything else you'd like to add?
Nancy: Join our business and you won't regret it! Especially as you're going through our tough economic times.
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Kevin McLeod is a dual Canadian/American citizen with a diverse background in creative arts. His web development experience includes work for Gallaudet University, iXL and the Washington Post. His writing, graphic design and editorial service for the deaf press has included the GA-SK Newsletter, the NAD Broadcaster, and Silent News. He currently works as a Mental Health Technician at the National Deaf Academy in Mount Dora, FL, the world's only psychiatric treatment center designed for deaf residents.