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MarketingWV Tested

Network Marketing / MLM

Sell products and recruit a team through a network marketing company on commission.

31WV
WhichVenture Score
Network Marketing / MLM
Startup cost
£100–£1000
Weekly hours
15 hrs
Difficulty
3/5
Income potential
2/5

What is it?

Network marketing (MLM) involves selling a company's products and recruiting others to do the same, earning commissions on your sales and your team's. Income is highly skewed; most participants earn very little.

Who it's best for

Highly social people who enjoy selling to their network and recruiting others.

Who it may not suit

Introverts, people uncomfortable selling to friends and family, or those wanting predictable income.

How to get started

  1. 1Research the company's income disclosure carefully
  2. 2Understand the real costs and inventory requirements
  3. 3Talk to people who left, not just recruiters
  4. 4Decide only if you are comfortable with the model
  5. 5Track your real hours and costs honestly

Main advantages

  • Low barrier to start
  • Built-in training and community
  • Flexible hours

Main disadvantages

  • Most participants earn very little
  • Reputational risk with friends and family
  • Income heavily skewed to the top

Risks & considerations

Read the company's published income disclosure statement. The median participant typically earns far below minimum wage. Treat any income claim with scepticism and verify independently.

Tools required

Company-provided materialsSocial media presence

WhichVenture verdict

Overall Score: 31/100. We have personally tested this venture.

Score calculated from the eight evaluation factors. Evidence status: WV Tested.

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