Being angry that no one signed up to be a rep after getting free product from the games at an MLM party feels like the same vibe as guys who expect their dates to put out because they paid for dinner.
My great grandfather had a saying "If you want an answer now, it's no." Meaning if the person won't give you time to think about it, it's not worth saying yes to.
OMG that's exactly how I do it. If I feel pressured and cornered to make a decision on the spot, then I'm telling the person that if they demand an answer from me right now and not willing to give me time to think, then my only option is to say no 😂
Correction on your Schitt’s Creek review: they TRIED to recruit everyone in town buuut, everyone in town is already part of the MLM and has closets full of their products 😂😂
oh my gosh, my intensely introverted self screeched at "what better medicine but fun with friends???" especially as someone who HAS spent nights at the ER before - that just sounds like a double nightmare 😭
@Rach But think of all the inspiring sob stories they can turn your lives into! Seriously, every time a hun-devil's victim actually recovers (because they stick to their medication/therapy/time passes), a dozen hun-devils get their wings. Many people are incredibly susceptible to testimony and quacks know it well. (Don't get me wrong, huns are usually victims themselves, but those who intentionally search for victims among those they deem most vulnerable moments are vile and lose all my sympathy.)
@Rach agree! its sad that people with mental health and addiction are preyed upon by so many people, since we are so vulnerable and make a prime target for people who want to use and/or abuse people. (edit: spelling)
“Cook pasta in the microwave” killed me! Made me flashback to the day my friend dragged me to a Tupperware party and the lady cooked chicken in the microwave... it was still pink when she opened the Tupperware. I’m a foodie. I was terrified! 🤣
I work in healthcare, have worked both in the kitchens and housekeeping departments at my current employment and holy moly. If there was pink chicken served at my work? We would likely be put under investigation the same day, put under extreme scrutiny and potentially have a government body advisor come in to control our day to day goings on until we showed improvement. Playing with food hygiene is NOT something anybody wants to do, ever. That can quite literally kill some people. I'm glad you have the understanding of what's wrong with these items! Being a foodie is a helpful talent in the MLM world it seems
One of the worst stories I read about pushing an MLM product during a wake was about a mom whose son killed himself. The mom was a Herbalife(?) hun and she used her son's eulogy to pitch her crap. All the people attending the wake were livid. It was a story written in Reddit from the son's best friend.
Yeah, things like that is how someone gets exiled in modern timesz I hope that hunbot learned that 👏 funerals 👏 aren’t 👏 advertising 👏 spaces 👏. Hell, most social events aren’t, and taking a place of tragedy to try and exploit? It’s basically using someone’s corpse as a prop for their pitch. Some people have no morals
Since the world needs balance, I would just like to say that my name is Kate and my mom wouldn’t even let me sell those “world famous chocolates” we had to shill as fundraisers in middle school because she despised any sort of selling/social obligation 💀
Damn. I didn't realize that the John Oliver video is such gold! While rewatching it, I realized hes been debunking the "But your corporate job is a pyramid scheme" line since 2016 (5.5 years ago!) I absolutely agree with your recommendation of that video. It hits so many of the main points. Thanks for doing what you're doing!
Wow Betsy is off her rocker. Cbd will not cure a heroin dependency. Not even close. Much sympathy to Ashelyn. I am chronic pain sufferer and have prescription meds- and when my husband and I started trying to conceive I tapered off and it was hell. I wouldn’t wish that torture on my worst enemy. I hope you are doing ok 🙏🏻
That CBD oil one pisses me off so much. CBD can actually be really good and helpful (but not cheap crap that MLMs would sell) but basically claiming it can save someone from a drug problem is so ridiculous.
I can't with that story. The amount of friends I have lost, I have lost track of the number. 😢 Just last November I had to clean up a long term friend's overdose scene. I mever thought about how the paramedics & poliece don't do it and leave things behind. CBD can "help" with some of the withdrawal symptoms, but it can't solve opiate addiction.
It's so funny to hear about Mary Kay first thing because I saw a HIDEOUS pink Mary Kay Cadillac on my way to work this morning 😂 I actually immediately thought of you, Hannah!
Oh my Lord I am cracking up!!!! During the 3rd story I kept hearing a cat meow and since I have 11 cats, I started looking at the 5 cats that were all in the same room with me, but every time I heard the meow, I never saw which cat of mine it was coming from. Finally it dawned on me it was YOUR cat I was hearing!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I wish this would have been around when I got roped into one. I had never even heard the word pyramid scheme. Honestly i just wanted the discount on skin care, because honestly, even today rodan and fields has very good skin care and I’ve tried A LOT. I never went to trainings, calls, never wanted to recruit. I just bought the pv and either used it or sold it to my family for my discounted price. I never made money or lost money. Once I saw these kind of videos, I closed my account with them. I didn’t want to even be part of problem by even buying product. Now I buy my products from Sephora or Amazon. I’m a full time nurse and told my uplink I never planned on working the business at all. So she didn’t expect much 😂😂😂
So proud of the person in story 6 who stood up for themself and their peers in the outpatient program! Also so thankful for Hannah for sharing all these stories and fighting the good fight (and of course raising the best bois 😺😺)♥
I love what the last person said about preying on people's vulnerabilities. That's my problem with MLMs, they prey on people during vulnerable times in their lives to make more money for themselves. It's truly gross behavior.
From what I understand, Monat reps handle the autoship orders, instead of the customer. It's probably to make it awkward for people to push back their autoships.
I’m late to the party but cannot escape the fact that Monat’s VIP program sounds A LOT like the old BMG or Columbia House CD clubs - respond on time each month or you buy the cap we send you
@HannahAlonzo love the content! Keep it up. I had a crazy ride with Beachbody. I was not in it long, but what a nightmare and mess. So happy someone is bringing awareness to these predatory companies.
Squee! I check my phone all day to see if the notifications have dinged with a new video from you! So appreciative of the way you present this content. You have a wonderful speaking voice and composure. 💜
The fact that a hun talked someone into getting a credit card just to make a sale makes me wanna 🤢 I didn't get a credit card until I was 27 years old because I knew the horror stories I've heard. Apparently I didn't learn my lesson because I'm currently in a lawsuit because I owe 10 grand. 🎉 I held out until 27. I wish I could go back. I don't even know why I decided after being almost freaking 30. But here we are. That's so terrible man. That's predatory. 😭
Credit cards definitely require a lot of self control, and it's very, very easy to overspend more than you can afford. I'm sorry you ended up in that kind of situation! Credit cards and their interest rates are insanely high, so once you overspend more than you can pay in a month, you quickly get in the hole. They're a blessing and a curse. I got mine at 19 and I'm 21 now, and it's definitely helped me on months where my hours at work were short, so I'm able to buy groceries on it to save the money in my account for bills that month, and then I just tighten my budget and don't buy any fun extras the next few months until I've paid off the credit card. It has saved me from ever having to choose between food and paying my bills, but it's very easy to be tempted to keep spending on it. There definitely needs to be more guidance out there for first-time credit card users!
At 21, broke, struggling, I was targeted by a Mary Kay rep and I let her talk me in to taking out a BANK LOAN to join!! OMG, 28 years later I cannot believe I did that!
To the woman that lost her wife, sending love and prayers! Thank you for sharing the part about both your journey through grief and mental illness. You standing up to that evil hun was AMAZING!! Stay strong and proud! Thank you to everyone that shares! ♥️♥️
My favorite time of the week lol. I binged all the old ones and my husband heard a few videos and mentioned his experiences with Kirby. I may eventually send in my own stories cause it seems like once you have kids the mlms come out of the woodwork. Thanks for your work !
Mary Kay reps are not only bad for pushing you to open credit cards to get the kits, but they especially push their credit card because the rate on them are insane!
Yeah they do its horrid. I was in mary kay for like 2 months when I turned 18, Nevada is rife with MLM huns, it's how I ended up finding the anti mlm community. I deal with Monat huns daily at work but I do have to say though that Amway is literally the worst, the way that they recruit is by hiding the company until the very last moment and avoiding answering any questions. Those huns are also especially insidious because they work as couples and are taught to go to places like target or a grocery store across town from where they live and recruit vulnerable people by befriending them and inviting them to lunch or coffee, you think you've found a new friend and its all a scam. sorry for the long comment.
Yep!! This. I went for a “free makeover” at age 18 with a friend and I was pitched on their “college program” which really meant targeting college kids. When I said I couldn’t afford the kit, I was told they have their own credit card I could apply for to pay for it. I’m so thankful I asked my parents about it first before applying because the consultant wanted me to apply then and there. Super predatory.
Mom here - can confirm, if you're visiting a new mom in the hospital, you are to bring three things: a smile, compliments, and whatever food she's craving!
Public schools in the US should have a required financial class where they learn about mortgages, interest rates, debt to credit ratio, credit cards, etc etc.
I love the mlm "family" image. Let's take pictures and pretend we're the best of friends knowing full well we're each other's competition out in the market. Most of us in the same areas are competing for the same customers and recruits while stabbing one another in the back to get them. Smile, hug, post photos 😂😅
XS drinks are sold under Amway. At least in my country, but I guess everywhere. They were pushed HARD when I was in Amway. They taste good, I give them that, but they are expensive.
The fact that some of these people can say to someone they love, with a straight face, "oh if only they had tried x, then they wouldn't have died" or "wouldn't have some disability". That is ALL the proof you need that these schemes are cults.
I don't know if anyone else pointed this out in the comments but at the 49 minute mark the story involved a person selling XS and you said that XS was the company's name. It's actually an Amway product. I know because I was in Amway before becoming an Anti-MLMer. They call it an energy drink, but it actually has very little to NO caffeine in them.
When I was introduced to Monat, I did know not it was an MLM. I thought I was helping out a friend getting back on her feet after beating cancer, while getting some promising hair products. I didn’t even realize I was signing up, I literally thought I was doing a one time purchase. I tried the “hydrating products” a total of 3 times and they driiiiiiiieeeeeeddd my hair so bad! I stoped using them. Second month comes around and I get charged and I’m like WTH. I call customer service, still not realizing this is even an MLM. So I called and was telling the rep I wanted to cancel. THE REP was the one leading the conversation saying this like “oh I am sorry this didn’t work out for you. Were the products burning your scalp? Did the person who signed you up not tell you?” Like leading with tone, ya know. I was like yeahhhhh it burned my scalp mhmm. Lol The rep then gave me a refund and canceled my “membership. I guess my friend was a bad up line? Lol
HANNAH!! Maybe this should be an email but I am FRANTIC- so, back story. I’m a caterer for Moe’s southwest grill here in cincinnati. I mostly cater for drug reps who are trying bribe offices to prescribe *their* medicine to patients over generic (yuck, big pharma). Today, I catered to a GI office. And in their lunch room, there was a big, huge bag of IT WORKS KETO COFFEE!!!! I couldn’t help myself, I left a note. It basically said, “MLM bad, science good. I expected better from a medical office, look into their lawsuits.” And now, I have feel like I have a SEVERE lack of trust in that doctors office!! I went there for a while for an esophageal tear I got from an ED, and I’m just so upset. I have to be scoped every now and again by those doctors, and I’m switching offices. I expect better from our healthcare providers. I expect that they would do their research and used actual, science-based products. I was so distraught, honestly. Felt betrayed. I immediately thought of you and your videos when i saw it, and debated the note, but chances are they’re not a distributor (maybe idk). Am I wrong to feel betrayed? I mean, they didn’t do anything to me… idk. It was a lot to process, honestly
XS Energy drinks are from Amway. I have a very good memory of that connection as I seriously thought of (when I was part of Amway in my late 20s for a hot second) I could sell them since this was 20+ years ago when the energy drink market was still not as big as it is today.
The girl pitching the cbd at his funeral sickens me. I am a recovering addict/alcoholic with 5.5 years sober, and a lot of friends who die every year from overdose unfortunately. actually any credible person or program would not recommend cbd to a recovering addict. And blaming his death on not using oils instead of the sadness it really was, which was an untreated addict in the throes of his addiction, is pitiful.
My mom was in Scentsy for a while but it didn't last long since she was never comfortable being pushy about sales or recruitment. I actually have a lot of Scentsy products that my mom gave me as she had to make purchases to remain active and I always found that so shady that she had to do that. It is actually what sent me down the anti MLM rabbit hole. I'm not gonna lie I LOVE their warmers and waxes. It is a shame they chose this predatory MLM business model because if they just sold them in stores or online normally I would actually buy them. But, as they are now I refuse to support them.
My sister in law is with Scentsy - so I got products for my birthday!! I have to say they are nice but when she showed me the prices there is no way I'm buying any. Last time I visited she opened up a cupboard which was overflowing with products. The other day she posted a picture on FB of my niece using their "room spray" - so cringey - and today she posted about a "fantastic sale"! Not that anything I say will be listened to if I mention 'MLM'!
100% believe the guy in the last story pitched at the hospital because he knew they couldn't just up and leave. He had fuel with the new baby and had them trapped to fully hear him out
I found your videos recently and they’re pretty much all I watch when I open the UA-cam app at this point … you’re the first anti MLM content creator I’ve found and I absolutely loooove it
If Hannah is the first one you have found, I encourage you to check out cc Suarez, Amal Williams, Julie no, Isabella lanter & Erin bies! Those are some of my favorite creators there all so awesome!
Wow what you said about Amway is exactly what my experience was with it. My ex fiancé and I both got into it together signed up separately but we tried to work it together and he was way more invested in it it took up all his time I was barely invested in it and we ended up breaking up because of it well I will say he broke up with me and it was because I was not into it like he was and at some point in our relationship he literally told me the business was more important to him than I was and I knew what that point it was pretty much over.
In story 7, XS energy drinks are sold by Amway. I don’t know if the drinks on their own are their own MLM but they’re definitely in the catalogue of Amway things. When I first met my wife, she had heaps of empty cans of XS on her backseat. She was roped into Amway at 19
In regards to the auto ship & minimum of 3 orders, I'd be calling customer services asking them to send me a copy of the agreement I signed agreeing to the terms of service, knowing it doesn't exist and they can't!
I am so surprised that the guy who gave the pitch in the hospital didn't get the crap smacked out of him! It's probably because she couldn't reach him from the hospital bed...
I’m so early !! 😊😊 I’ve been binging your content for the past month while taking care of my newborn! I love your videos, you are so well spoken! You have made me realize why my many encounters with mlms always left me uncomfortable and weird… Thanks for educating us all on the subject 💕 Love from Canada
I'm with Nutrimetics - which by definition ranks as a MLM. I have been with them for 15 years. I love just being able to order the products when I need them with no pressure of monthly sales figures or needing to have x amount of people in my team. Yes, I can do all that if I wanted to, but it's too much work for so little gain.
Hi Hannah! I've had a few run-ins with MLM's in my life. Most recently (a few days before posting this comment), an old friend friend from high school tried to pressure people into joining her "team" using the BeachBody platform in a Facebook story. She was trying to pressure people and say that if we needed to "think" then we could take the time to think about it and "get our heads right," implying that the only right answer would be yes. I couldn't help thinking, after all the Anti-MLM content I'd consumed recently (you, The AntiBot, Savannah Marie, etc.) not joining impulsively and having free and low-cost ways to achieve my goals and advice from actual licenced healthcare providerss, I do have my head right. But i only replied with "I'm not interested in Beach Body or any MLM," and "And there are ways to work towards the same goals that don’t exploit people or prey on vulnerabilities the way multi-level marketing does. It’s not just BeachBody, it’s the whole industry." At that point I unfriended her.
There’s a girl at my work whose husband had an Herbalife store. He’s in debt with it and is just making enough to keep it running (no profit). He’s thinking about shutting it down but she wants him to “wait it out”. I don’t know what to say to her, as I of course want to encourage that waiting won’t change this situation because it’s an MLM. Any advice on what to say when the subject comes up?
Thanks for another great video! I’ve been waiting to hear you narrate my story, I should have added an interesting title to the subject line haha. I love hearing everyone’s stories!
I've tried cbd in soft gels, caps, liquid drops, salve and wax. The only one that truly calms my anxiety and pain was the wax bc it's super concentrated. I use higher love wellness and hit balm. I'd never get it from an mlm.
Listening to story #1, it makes me sad that Arbonne's Canadian HQ is in my city - I pass by it every time I'm on the bus to and from work (located at Derry Road East and Highway 410)
Just looked up CBD MLMs and OMG even Young Living has a CBD line too, now I’m curious if that person was a YL rep and they strictly stuck to the CBD line. Or it could by all means be one of the others, there are so many.
I did find story 3 horrific--losing a friend like that because she got sucked into a stupid pyramid scheme is heartbreaking. Like, how many happy memories of your friendship are tainted now? I know what having a platonic soulmate is like. It's deep emotional intimacy on a level that other people can come close to but never quite match. That kind of chemistry and connection defies explanation. The thought of it all vanishing, that kind of betrayal . . . I've been stunned by many of these stories but this one Got Me. I hope the author of that is doing well.
For Story 6: IOPs are fabulous! I used one during a particularly dark time in my life and despite never bringing up or discussing my extreme aversion to touch (being touched or touching), it was mysteriously not an issue anymore after the program ended. I highly suggest it to people who are really struggling with MH issues, long term or otherwise.
Regarding story 5 and what you mentioned about people splitting up over MLMs / Amway. Amway is absolutely one of the reasons my parents got divorced after 30+ years. Someday I'll send in my story... in the meantime. I'm so glad I found your channel.
The story that spoke about the MLM hun urging their friend to open a credit card for the purpose of purchasing a product pack reminded me of a recent Facebook post I recently read. A Q-Science promoter was BOASTING about their new “debt relief” plan. Yikes!!! Talk about tying yourself to a sinking ship. I was not able to find all the details, and I did not want to ask and open that can of “hey hun” worms. The thought of tying your debt to an MLM company feels very gross. One day, I’ll write in and share my experience with this same person. The more I learn, the more I unlock memories and understand the exchanges we’ve had. And, I’m still a bit bitter about it lol. Thanks for all you do.
I actually didn’t open a credit card until I was in my mid 20s, maybe early 20s. I had also been taught the whole 9 yards of how they work. Surprisingly, I have never once been pitched any MLM. I’m still not sure how I’ve gotten away with not being pitched for 33 years, but I’m actually quite grateful for it. However, I am kind of trolling MLM or‘s online. I’ve been posting a fair amount of fitness stuff on Twitter, hoping to catch the eye of a fitness MLM. I am very good at saying no to scams, but I’m not good at saying no to trolling people. Yes, I know it’s a jerk move. So sue me.
Am I the only one who gets tons of ads for marketing tips for success? It's so crazy I'm watching Anti-MLM content and I get ads for helping my MLM business.
It's astonishing that they tell people, who can't afford to buy the starter pack, to use their credit cards and even ask for the card details. That's just creating debt which will attract interest unless it's paid off at the end of the month. Listening to you reading those letters, my blood was boiling. MLM's are the scum of the earth.
Yup. Literally happened to me with beach body. The girl calls me, gives me the whole speech wtv. Tell me price I’m like 😳 that’s alot I can’t afford that. She said to use my credit card. Absolutely insane.
Story number five is Amway 100% "these are all things you're buying anyway, so you can buy them from me to help my business!" Guilt trips. Upon guilt trips. I'm going to have to write in, growing up as an Amway kid
The sound @ 18:48 scared me. It’s late, I’m all alone in this wing of my house and I literally thought an animal had gotten in. After pausing video and searching and listening in every corner of the room , and standing in silence for quite a bit…I was like ‘ oh wait, I wonder if that a sound on the video’. Phew- such a big relief to know I don’t have an unknown companion tonight. Last week a huge bird flew in,once a roadrunner got in, lizards, etc. the Arizona deserts are always interesting. 🌵🌴
My parents taught me about credit cards at a young age: they’re more secure cash. It’s insured and you earn rewards, but if you cannot pay for it in cash/ at the bill, you can’t afford it. They didn’t want me to end up in debt because I didn’t understand what credit it and how it worked. Surprisingly, I’m the only person I know whose parents did that.
I've been approached by about 5 different MLM reps in my life, most before I even knew what this was. On the surface it sounded ok, but my gut instinct was always a blaring alarm/red flag. Glad I went with my gut every time. I even had one rep get visibly angry at me for turning him down, how insane lol.
“Kate, you’re in a pyramid scheme” is the MLM equivalent of “Kim, people are dying”
Omg yes! 😂
I am sick and started cough laughing at this comment.
💀
“harold their lesbians”
"You're a wizard, Harry!"
Being angry that no one signed up to be a rep after getting free product from the games at an MLM party feels like the same vibe as guys who expect their dates to put out because they paid for dinner.
My great grandfather had a saying "If you want an answer now, it's no." Meaning if the person won't give you time to think about it, it's not worth saying yes to.
love that! might use it too hahah
I love that.
I say it to my children when I am on the phone, and they MUST know if they can (insert obscure request) RIGHT NOW!! LOL 😂😂😂
OMG that's exactly how I do it. If I feel pressured and cornered to make a decision on the spot, then I'm telling the person that if they demand an answer from me right now and not willing to give me time to think, then my only option is to say no 😂
T-shirt idea: “Kate! You’re in a pyramid scheme!!”
I would totally buy 3 of them 😂😂
Do the shirts exist yet? I'm still waiting. 😅
Please make these a reality
Did you know you can get your 3 shirt for free if you sell 2 to your friends?
@@lillyvaughn5398 😂
Shirt party at my house. Bring all your acquaintances. Host gets a free paperclip
Correction on your Schitt’s Creek review: they TRIED to recruit everyone in town buuut, everyone in town is already part of the MLM and has closets full of their products 😂😂
🤣🤣
One of my favorite episodes
That was such a hilarious episode 😂
I love the part where everyone says what rank they are 😂
"Kate, you're in a pyramid scheme!" had me wheezing. XD
oh my gosh, my intensely introverted self screeched at "what better medicine but fun with friends???"
especially as someone who HAS spent nights at the ER before - that just sounds like a double nightmare 😭
Agreed! The friends are fine, and would have let her nap I'm sure, but the two random women? Not ok at all
Yeah, that's the last thing I would want!
“A handgun sandwich” could have been my reply
I would have just said "no" and walked away 😆 but maybe that's why I would never have been caught dead in a sorority.
Same! I physically cringed when she said that! As an introvert, I would straight up lie down on my bed without responding to anyone's questions!
The woman in mental health had every right to go off on that lady. I love how she said "we won't be your victims!" Love it!
@Rach But think of all the inspiring sob stories they can turn your lives into! Seriously, every time a hun-devil's victim actually recovers (because they stick to their medication/therapy/time passes), a dozen hun-devils get their wings. Many people are incredibly susceptible to testimony and quacks know it well.
(Don't get me wrong, huns are usually victims themselves, but those who intentionally search for victims among those they deem most vulnerable moments are vile and lose all my sympathy.)
@Rach agree! its sad that people with mental health and addiction are preyed upon by so many people, since we are so vulnerable and make a prime target for people who want to use and/or abuse people.
(edit: spelling)
In the first story, I bet Kate ended up quitting and her mom got all of her customers which could be why she suddenly emailed her.
“Cook pasta in the microwave” killed me! Made me flashback to the day my friend dragged me to a Tupperware party and the lady cooked chicken in the microwave... it was still pink when she opened the Tupperware. I’m a foodie. I was terrified! 🤣
I work in healthcare, have worked both in the kitchens and housekeeping departments at my current employment and holy moly.
If there was pink chicken served at my work? We would likely be put under investigation the same day, put under extreme scrutiny and potentially have a government body advisor come in to control our day to day goings on until we showed improvement.
Playing with food hygiene is NOT something anybody wants to do, ever. That can quite literally kill some people. I'm glad you have the understanding of what's wrong with these items! Being a foodie is a helpful talent in the MLM world it seems
One of the worst stories I read about pushing an MLM product during a wake was about a mom whose son killed himself. The mom was a Herbalife(?) hun and she used her son's eulogy to pitch her crap. All the people attending the wake were livid. It was a story written in Reddit from the son's best friend.
Yeah, things like that is how someone gets exiled in modern timesz I hope that hunbot learned that 👏 funerals 👏 aren’t 👏 advertising 👏 spaces 👏. Hell, most social events aren’t, and taking a place of tragedy to try and exploit? It’s basically using someone’s corpse as a prop for their pitch. Some people have no morals
Since the world needs balance, I would just like to say that my name is Kate and my mom wouldn’t even let me sell those “world famous chocolates” we had to shill as fundraisers in middle school because she despised any sort of selling/social obligation 💀
omgggggg. We need "Kate, you're in a pyramid scheme!" merch 😭
Yassss
Hahaha 😂👌🏼
Damn. I didn't realize that the John Oliver video is such gold! While rewatching it, I realized hes been debunking the "But your corporate job is a pyramid scheme" line since 2016 (5.5 years ago!) I absolutely agree with your recommendation of that video. It hits so many of the main points. Thanks for doing what you're doing!
John Oliver has made a ton of important, informative videos. The MLM-one is definitely one of the very best.
John Oliver is epic. Genuinely a hero for all. Reminds me I need to watch his recent videos!
Wow Betsy is off her rocker. Cbd will not cure a heroin dependency. Not even close. Much sympathy to Ashelyn. I am chronic pain sufferer and have prescription meds- and when my husband and I started trying to conceive I tapered off and it was hell. I wouldn’t wish that torture on my worst enemy. I hope you are doing ok 🙏🏻
Thank you for the kind words! I am almost 2 years clean from all drugs 😊 I'm so happy you were able to taper!
Hi!! Former amway kid here- “XS” is amway’s proprietary energy drink!
My dad is still in amway to this day and hypes the stuff up *constantly* 🙄🙄
Omg, that story about the guy who poses in front of a mansion in order to sell a "lifestyle" is straight up from the Tai Lopez playbook.
7:26 I need a time stamp for that "Kate, you're in a pyramid scheme!" 😂😂 hilarious reading of that line
That CBD oil one pisses me off so much. CBD can actually be really good and helpful (but not cheap crap that MLMs would sell) but basically claiming it can save someone from a drug problem is so ridiculous.
I can't with that story. The amount of friends I have lost, I have lost track of the number. 😢
Just last November I had to clean up a long term friend's overdose scene. I mever thought about how the paramedics & poliece don't do it and leave things behind.
CBD can "help" with some of the withdrawal symptoms, but it can't solve opiate addiction.
It's so funny to hear about Mary Kay first thing because I saw a HIDEOUS pink Mary Kay Cadillac on my way to work this morning 😂 I actually immediately thought of you, Hannah!
Does it have to be pink?
They are always pink. It’s a marketing technique
Not too long ago we saw one, and the license plate said Dream Big. XD
I saw one the other day too and I said Ew out loud to myself lol
Oh my Lord I am cracking up!!!! During the 3rd story I kept hearing a cat meow and since I have 11 cats, I started looking at the 5 cats that were all in the same room with me, but every time I heard the meow, I never saw which cat of mine it was coming from. Finally it dawned on me it was YOUR cat I was hearing!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for the warning lol, my pair tend to shout randomly, making me go find them to be sure they aren't trashing something quietly!
I wish this would have been around when I got roped into one. I had never even heard the word pyramid scheme. Honestly i just wanted the discount on skin care, because honestly, even today rodan and fields has very good skin care and I’ve tried A LOT. I never went to trainings, calls, never wanted to recruit. I just bought the pv and either used it or sold it to my family for my discounted price. I never made money or lost money. Once I saw these kind of videos, I closed my account with them. I didn’t want to even be part of problem by even buying product. Now I buy my products from Sephora or Amazon. I’m a full time nurse and told my uplink I never planned on working the business at all. So she didn’t expect much 😂😂😂
Ya we don't have mlm time. I had a similar Tupperware lady.
So proud of the person in story 6 who stood up for themself and their peers in the outpatient program!
Also so thankful for Hannah for sharing all these stories and fighting the good fight (and of course raising the best bois 😺😺)♥
Aw i feel bad for the friend in the first story. Her mom and aunt definitely kept her in.
The amount of manipulation and pressure she must have had before being old enough for uni, straight up child abuse
I love what the last person said about preying on people's vulnerabilities. That's my problem with MLMs, they prey on people during vulnerable times in their lives to make more money for themselves. It's truly gross behavior.
From what I understand, Monat reps handle the autoship orders, instead of the customer. It's probably to make it awkward for people to push back their autoships.
I’m late to the party but cannot escape the fact that Monat’s VIP program sounds A LOT like the old BMG or Columbia House CD clubs - respond on time each month or you buy the cap we send you
MRSA can be quite contagious, so I really think they should have let the poor woman get some rest!
@HannahAlonzo love the content! Keep it up. I had a crazy ride with Beachbody. I was not in it long, but what a nightmare and mess. So happy someone is bringing awareness to these predatory companies.
Squee! I check my phone all day to see if the notifications have dinged with a new video from you! So appreciative of the way you present this content. You have a wonderful speaking voice and composure. 💜
Thanks for watching! 🤩
Hi Hannah and big thanks to all the people who were brave enough to share their stories. You’re all fabulous 🤩
The fact that a hun talked someone into getting a credit card just to make a sale makes me wanna 🤢 I didn't get a credit card until I was 27 years old because I knew the horror stories I've heard. Apparently I didn't learn my lesson because I'm currently in a lawsuit because I owe 10 grand. 🎉 I held out until 27. I wish I could go back. I don't even know why I decided after being almost freaking 30. But here we are. That's so terrible man. That's predatory. 😭
Credit cards definitely require a lot of self control, and it's very, very easy to overspend more than you can afford. I'm sorry you ended up in that kind of situation! Credit cards and their interest rates are insanely high, so once you overspend more than you can pay in a month, you quickly get in the hole. They're a blessing and a curse. I got mine at 19 and I'm 21 now, and it's definitely helped me on months where my hours at work were short, so I'm able to buy groceries on it to save the money in my account for bills that month, and then I just tighten my budget and don't buy any fun extras the next few months until I've paid off the credit card. It has saved me from ever having to choose between food and paying my bills, but it's very easy to be tempted to keep spending on it. There definitely needs to be more guidance out there for first-time credit card users!
@@hailyjohnson407 yeah definitely not from just some girl that works for a MLM. 🤣 & It's okay! They can't take money that I don't have. ❤️
@@Brookerulezz for sure 😂😂 newbie credit card advice definitely shouldn't come from an mlm hun
Working for MLMs is not even considered real employment. It’s actually considered an “employment gap”
Bwahahaha!
“Kate, you’re in a pyramid scheme”!
Omg just watched the John Oliver episode. It is gold!!!!!!
At 21, broke, struggling, I was targeted by a Mary Kay rep and I let her talk me in to taking out a BANK LOAN to join!! OMG, 28 years later I cannot believe I did that!
To the woman that lost her wife, sending love and prayers! Thank you for sharing the part about both your journey through grief and mental illness. You standing up to that evil hun was AMAZING!! Stay strong and proud! Thank you to everyone that shares! ♥️♥️
"Kate, you are in a pyramid scheme!" We all need a Jen in our lives 😂!
My favorite time of the week lol. I binged all the old ones and my husband heard a few videos and mentioned his experiences with Kirby. I may eventually send in my own stories cause it seems like once you have kids the mlms come out of the woodwork. Thanks for your work !
Mary Kay reps are not only bad for pushing you to open credit cards to get the kits, but they especially push their credit card because the rate on them are insane!
Wait are you saying that Mary Kay has its own credit card?!
@@kristaw483 yep has for a while. It has horrible interest rate tho. Like over 20%. They really like to push it.
Yeah they do its horrid. I was in mary kay for like 2 months when I turned 18, Nevada is rife with MLM huns, it's how I ended up finding the anti mlm community. I deal with Monat huns daily at work but I do have to say though that Amway is literally the worst, the way that they recruit is by hiding the company until the very last moment and avoiding answering any questions. Those huns are also especially insidious because they work as couples and are taught to go to places like target or a grocery store across town from where they live and recruit vulnerable people by befriending them and inviting them to lunch or coffee, you think you've found a new friend and its all a scam. sorry for the long comment.
Yep!! This. I went for a “free makeover” at age 18 with a friend and I was pitched on their “college program” which really meant targeting college kids. When I said I couldn’t afford the kit, I was told they have their own credit card I could apply for to pay for it. I’m so thankful I asked my parents about it first before applying because the consultant wanted me to apply then and there.
Super predatory.
Literally just got home from my final university exam of the year! This is perfect to unwind to. Thank you Hannah! ❤️
I hope your exams went well! 🥰
@@schrdngrskat3847 they did, thank you!!
Mom here - can confirm, if you're visiting a new mom in the hospital, you are to bring three things: a smile, compliments, and whatever food she's craving!
I always bring food! Hospital food is awful. People brought me sushi! 😂
Public schools in the US should have a required financial class where they learn about mortgages, interest rates, debt to credit ratio, credit cards, etc etc.
And "MLMs"......
I love the mlm "family" image. Let's take pictures and pretend we're the best of friends knowing full well we're each other's competition out in the market. Most of us in the same areas are competing for the same customers and recruits while stabbing one another in the back to get them. Smile, hug, post photos 😂😅
the cbd lady is not "sweet as pie". She was all kinds of insensitive and rude.
I HATE when people mix up being polite vs being nice/kind/sweet! In this case the woman wasn’t even polite though LOL
XS drinks are sold under Amway. At least in my country, but I guess everywhere. They were pushed HARD when I was in Amway. They taste good, I give them that, but they are expensive.
The fact that some of these people can say to someone they love, with a straight face, "oh if only they had tried x, then they wouldn't have died" or "wouldn't have some disability". That is ALL the proof you need that these schemes are cults.
Yaaay I was waiting for a new video! I’m such a lifer for Hannah lol
"kate! you're in a pyramid scheme!" actually made me laugh out loud. i love friends like that, who'll just be brutally honest for your wellbeing.
I don't know if anyone else pointed this out in the comments but at the 49 minute mark the story involved a person selling XS and you said that XS was the company's name. It's actually an Amway product. I know because I was in Amway before becoming an Anti-MLMer. They call it an energy drink, but it actually has very little to NO caffeine in them.
I've been having a rough time lately and this content is oddly relaxing for me. You're my fave anti-MLMer! Keep up the great work!
When I was introduced to Monat, I did know not it was an MLM. I thought I was helping out a friend getting back on her feet after beating cancer, while getting some promising hair products. I didn’t even realize I was signing up, I literally thought I was doing a one time purchase. I tried the “hydrating products” a total of 3 times and they driiiiiiiieeeeeeddd my hair so bad! I stoped using them. Second month comes around and I get charged and I’m like WTH. I call customer service, still not realizing this is even an MLM. So I called and was telling the rep I wanted to cancel. THE REP was the one leading the conversation saying this like “oh I am sorry this didn’t work out for you. Were the products burning your scalp? Did the person who signed you up not tell you?” Like leading with tone, ya know. I was like yeahhhhh it burned my scalp mhmm. Lol The rep then gave me a refund and canceled my “membership. I guess my friend was a bad up line? Lol
HANNAH!! Maybe this should be an email but I am FRANTIC- so, back story. I’m a caterer for Moe’s southwest grill here in cincinnati. I mostly cater for drug reps who are trying bribe offices to prescribe *their* medicine to patients over generic (yuck, big pharma). Today, I catered to a GI office. And in their lunch room, there was a big, huge bag of IT WORKS KETO COFFEE!!!! I couldn’t help myself, I left a note. It basically said, “MLM bad, science good. I expected better from a medical office, look into their lawsuits.” And now, I have feel like I have a SEVERE lack of trust in that doctors office!! I went there for a while for an esophageal tear I got from an ED, and I’m just so upset. I have to be scoped every now and again by those doctors, and I’m switching offices. I expect better from our healthcare providers. I expect that they would do their research and used actual, science-based products. I was so distraught, honestly. Felt betrayed. I immediately thought of you and your videos when i saw it, and debated the note, but chances are they’re not a distributor (maybe idk). Am I wrong to feel betrayed? I mean, they didn’t do anything to me… idk. It was a lot to process, honestly
I think I would have reacted the same way. Hopefully someone white elephant gifted it to a staffer there.
Dr. Greg Salzman in Northern Kentucky is a great GI doctor.
That would affect how I feel about my doctor too.
XS Energy drinks are from Amway. I have a very good memory of that connection as I seriously thought of (when I was part of Amway in my late 20s for a hot second) I could sell them since this was 20+ years ago when the energy drink market was still not as big as it is today.
The girl pitching the cbd at his funeral sickens me. I am a recovering addict/alcoholic with 5.5 years sober, and a lot of friends who die every year from overdose unfortunately. actually any credible person or program would not recommend cbd to a recovering addict. And blaming his death on not using oils instead of the sadness it really was, which was an untreated addict in the throes of his addiction, is pitiful.
My mom was in Scentsy for a while but it didn't last long since she was never comfortable being pushy about sales or recruitment. I actually have a lot of Scentsy products that my mom gave me as she had to make purchases to remain active and I always found that so shady that she had to do that. It is actually what sent me down the anti MLM rabbit hole. I'm not gonna lie I LOVE their warmers and waxes. It is a shame they chose this predatory MLM business model because if they just sold them in stores or online normally I would actually buy them. But, as they are now I refuse to support them.
I love Scentsy products; I purchased quite a few before I understood it was an MLM.
My sister in law is with Scentsy - so I got products for my birthday!! I have to say they are nice but when she showed me the prices there is no way I'm buying any. Last time I visited she opened up a cupboard which was overflowing with products. The other day she posted a picture on FB of my niece using their "room spray" - so cringey - and today she posted about a "fantastic sale"! Not that anything I say will be listened to if I mention 'MLM'!
I had a girl set up for a beach body pitch. During her pre-pitch small talk she learned im majoring in accounting. She ghosted me 😂
I live a simple life, I see Hannah posted a new video, drop everything and watch :))
100% believe the guy in the last story pitched at the hospital because he knew they couldn't just up and leave. He had fuel with the new baby and had them trapped to fully hear him out
I found your videos recently and they’re pretty much all I watch when I open the UA-cam app at this point … you’re the first anti MLM content creator I’ve found and I absolutely loooove it
If Hannah is the first one you have found, I encourage you to check out cc Suarez, Amal Williams, Julie no, Isabella lanter & Erin bies! Those are some of my favorite creators there all so awesome!
Wow what you said about Amway is exactly what my experience was with it. My ex fiancé and I both got into it together signed up separately but we tried to work it together and he was way more invested in it it took up all his time I was barely invested in it and we ended up breaking up because of it well I will say he broke up with me and it was because I was not into it like he was and at some point in our relationship he literally told me the business was more important to him than I was and I knew what that point it was pretty much over.
I love how you take time out to educate on certain MLM tactics and problems when they come up in the stories. Very cool.
One of these days it would be nice to see you do a video about the MLM gurus like Tracy Biller.
In story 7, XS energy drinks are sold by Amway. I don’t know if the drinks on their own are their own MLM but they’re definitely in the catalogue of Amway things. When I first met my wife, she had heaps of empty cans of XS on her backseat. She was roped into Amway at 19
my husband's response to your video title: "I always suspected that!"
XS energy is actually an Amway product. My parents were a part of Amway for a lot of my life and we always had boxes and boxes of it.
In regards to the auto ship & minimum of 3 orders, I'd be calling customer services asking them to send me a copy of the agreement I signed agreeing to the terms of service, knowing it doesn't exist and they can't!
I am so surprised that the guy who gave the pitch in the hospital didn't get the crap smacked out of him! It's probably because she couldn't reach him from the hospital bed...
With the scentsy hun, I'd honestly talk to the organiser of the mental health group about the hun that caught wind of the group by mistake
I’m so early !! 😊😊 I’ve been binging your content for the past month while taking care of my newborn! I love your videos, you are so well spoken! You have made me realize why my many encounters with mlms always left me uncomfortable and weird… Thanks for educating us all on the subject 💕 Love from Canada
So close to 40K! You absolutely deserve it, love your content and your approach.
I'm with Nutrimetics - which by definition ranks as a MLM. I have been with them for 15 years. I love just being able to order the products when I need them with no pressure of monthly sales figures or needing to have x amount of people in my team. Yes, I can do all that if I wanted to, but it's too much work for so little gain.
Hi Hannah! I've had a few run-ins with MLM's in my life. Most recently (a few days before posting this comment), an old friend friend from high school tried to pressure people into joining her "team" using the BeachBody platform in a Facebook story. She was trying to pressure people and say that if we needed to "think" then we could take the time to think about it and "get our heads right," implying that the only right answer would be yes. I couldn't help thinking, after all the Anti-MLM content I'd consumed recently (you, The AntiBot, Savannah Marie, etc.) not joining impulsively and having free and low-cost ways to achieve my goals and advice from actual licenced healthcare providerss, I do have my head right. But i only replied with "I'm not interested in Beach Body or any MLM," and "And there are ways to work towards the same goals that don’t exploit people or prey on vulnerabilities the way multi-level marketing does. It’s not just BeachBody, it’s the whole industry." At that point I unfriended her.
I know this is an older video, so who knows if anyone will see this, but XS ENERGY IS AN AMWAY PRODUCT!!!
Your friends should be your escape from work NOT your work.
There’s a girl at my work whose husband had an Herbalife store. He’s in debt with it and is just making enough to keep it running (no profit). He’s thinking about shutting it down but she wants him to “wait it out”. I don’t know what to say to her, as I of course want to encourage that waiting won’t change this situation because it’s an MLM. Any advice on what to say when the subject comes up?
Thanks for another great video! I’ve been waiting to hear you narrate my story, I should have added an interesting title to the subject line haha. I love hearing everyone’s stories!
I love just sitting at home watching tv with my husband and our cats. That's all i really want to do 😂
I've tried cbd in soft gels, caps, liquid drops, salve and wax. The only one that truly calms my anxiety and pain was the wax bc it's super concentrated. I use higher love wellness and hit balm. I'd never get it from an mlm.
Higher love is hands down amazing 💜
OMG the Celebration of Life story is just insane 😳
Listening to story #1, it makes me sad that Arbonne's Canadian HQ is in my city - I pass by it every time I'm on the bus to and from work (located at Derry Road East and Highway 410)
XS Energy Drink is part of Amway btw. My parents were in it and tbh they had some good flavours. They left it lol.
Just looked up CBD MLMs and OMG even Young Living has a CBD line too, now I’m curious if that person was a YL rep and they strictly stuck to the CBD line. Or it could by all means be one of the others, there are so many.
I did find story 3 horrific--losing a friend like that because she got sucked into a stupid pyramid scheme is heartbreaking. Like, how many happy memories of your friendship are tainted now? I know what having a platonic soulmate is like. It's deep emotional intimacy on a level that other people can come close to but never quite match. That kind of chemistry and connection defies explanation. The thought of it all vanishing, that kind of betrayal . . . I've been stunned by many of these stories but this one Got Me. I hope the author of that is doing well.
For Story 6: IOPs are fabulous! I used one during a particularly dark time in my life and despite never bringing up or discussing my extreme aversion to touch (being touched or touching), it was mysteriously not an issue anymore after the program ended. I highly suggest it to people who are really struggling with MH issues, long term or otherwise.
The only part of your videos I don't like is when you say "and with that, that's all I have for this video" 🙂 I could listen for hours
I agree.
Regarding story 5 and what you mentioned about people splitting up over MLMs / Amway. Amway is absolutely one of the reasons my parents got divorced after 30+ years. Someday I'll send in my story... in the meantime. I'm so glad I found your channel.
The story that spoke about the MLM hun urging their friend to open a credit card for the purpose of purchasing a product pack reminded me of a recent Facebook post I recently read.
A Q-Science promoter was BOASTING about their new “debt relief” plan. Yikes!!! Talk about tying yourself to a sinking ship. I was not able to find all the details, and I did not want to ask and open that can of “hey hun” worms. The thought of tying your debt to an MLM company feels very gross.
One day, I’ll write in and share my experience with this same person. The more I learn, the more I unlock memories and understand the exchanges we’ve had. And, I’m still a bit bitter about it lol.
Thanks for all you do.
I actually didn’t open a credit card until I was in my mid 20s, maybe early 20s. I had also been taught the whole 9 yards of how they work. Surprisingly, I have never once been pitched any MLM. I’m still not sure how I’ve gotten away with not being pitched for 33 years, but I’m actually quite grateful for it. However, I am kind of trolling MLM or‘s online. I’ve been posting a fair amount of fitness stuff on Twitter, hoping to catch the eye of a fitness MLM. I am very good at saying no to scams, but I’m not good at saying no to trolling people. Yes, I know it’s a jerk move. So sue me.
The John Oliver antimlm bit is the best. Some times I will watch it just for fun.
Am I the only one who gets tons of ads for marketing tips for success? It's so crazy I'm watching Anti-MLM content and I get ads for helping my MLM business.
The algorithm doesn't see a difference between MLM and anti-mlm. We all get them
You are sure a genuine sweetheart.
That Monat one reminds me of the time I used to push back Just Fab orders and then spent an hour on the phone trying to cancel my account
It's astonishing that they tell people, who can't afford to buy the starter pack, to use their credit cards and even ask for the card details. That's just creating debt which will attract interest unless it's paid off at the end of the month. Listening to you reading those letters, my blood was boiling. MLM's are the scum of the earth.
Yup. Literally happened to me with beach body. The girl calls me, gives me the whole speech wtv. Tell me price I’m like 😳 that’s alot I can’t afford that. She said to use my credit card. Absolutely insane.
Story number five is Amway 100% "these are all things you're buying anyway, so you can buy them from me to help my business!" Guilt trips. Upon guilt trips. I'm going to have to write in, growing up as an Amway kid
The sound @ 18:48 scared me. It’s late, I’m all alone in this wing of my house and I literally thought an animal had gotten in. After pausing video and searching and listening in every corner of the room , and standing in silence for quite a bit…I was like ‘ oh wait, I wonder if that a sound on the video’. Phew- such a big relief to know I don’t have an unknown companion tonight. Last week a huge bird flew in,once a roadrunner got in, lizards, etc. the Arizona deserts are always interesting. 🌵🌴
My boyfriend and I accidentally got into amway for a few months 😂 your analysis about amway and couples is spot on!!
Today is my 30th birthday and I consider this video a present✨
Happy birthday!! 🥰
@@HannahAlonzo owwwnn thank you❤️ I love your content
My parents taught me about credit cards at a young age: they’re more secure cash. It’s insured and you earn rewards, but if you cannot pay for it in cash/ at the bill, you can’t afford it. They didn’t want me to end up in debt because I didn’t understand what credit it and how it worked. Surprisingly, I’m the only person I know whose parents did that.
MeryKay tells their victims that it's not an mlm, its sick
Jen is a STAR
I've been approached by about 5 different MLM reps in my life, most before I even knew what this was. On the surface it sounded ok, but my gut instinct was always a blaring alarm/red flag. Glad I went with my gut every time. I even had one rep get visibly angry at me for turning him down, how insane lol.