Slate Money Money Talks: Selling The American Dream
Jan 7, 2025
Jane Marie, a Peabody and Emmy Award-winning journalist and host of "The Dream," dives into the murky waters of multi-level marketing (MLMs) and their impact on American consumers. She reveals the dark side of MLMs, detailing personal stories of psychological manipulation and financial losses. Marie also explores the origins of these companies, spotlighting Brownie Wise's legacy with Tupperware. The discussion critiques the misleading tactics MLMs use to lure individuals, especially women, into their webs—challenging the notion of the American Dream.
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MLM Nightmare
- Companies like Avon, Mary Kay, and LuLaRoe sell the American dream through multi-level marketing.
- However, these opportunities often turn into nightmares for those involved.
MLM's Real Goal
- The primary goal of MLMs is not selling products but recruiting new members.
- These recruits buy starter kits and inventory, generating profit for upline members.
Pressured Producer
- A Slate Money producer joined a makeup MLM and was pressured to buy excessive inventory.
- Her upline encouraged her to purchase a $900 makeup pack, highlighting the manipulative tactics used.
