Sorry you feel that way, but I think I can make some clarification about your impressions of a Pyramid scheme.
Sorry, you feel that way, but I think I can make some clarification about your impressions of a Pyramid scheme. (online, in-person). As a consultant, I offer complimentary Cooking Experiences, both in person or via Zoom, to showcase the product. We cook several recipes in the comfort of a home environment and you get to see, touch, hear, smell and taste the recipes we cook together.
Direct selling eliminates several intermediaries involved in product distribution, such as regional distribution or wholesales. Instead, products go straight from the manufacturer to the direct sales company, then to the distributor or representation, and then finally to the consumer. The products sold through direct sales channels are usually not found in typical retail stores, which means finding a consultant is the only method to buy the product. Our appliances are shipped from Montreal, all across Canada. I do not keep any in stock and customers purchase through my online shop.
Direct selling takes place when individual salespeople reach out to consumers. In the Thermomix business model, we use the single-level and host or party-plan model to achieve this, and consultants are paid a commission on closed sales. We also really do build our businesses on referrals and word of mouth.
Direct sales sometimes are mistakenly referred to as multi-level marketing (MLM) or network marketing, but these terms are not interchangeable. While MLM and network marketing are a form of direct sales, not all direct sales systems involve MLM. For instance, with Thermomix being single-level marketing, the consultant is only paid a commission on the sale they personally make – i.e. a sale of a Thermomix. We do not take any commission on any accessories or books that are purchased later on.
This is the same reason we are not a pyramid scheme. Most pyramid schemes will keep the income stream going by charging fees and requiring distributors to regularly purchase a certain amount of products – even if they don’t need it. Again, once you have bought your Thermomix, that’s it. (Unless you want another or an upgrade…) Plus, pyramid schemes are actually illegal and Thermomix is a legal business. Pyramid schemes also involve promising returns to participants for enrolling into the scheme without any real product or service to sell.
Finally, Thermomix consultants really do put a lot of value in the after-sales services, by supporting all of our customers and helping and guiding them through their purchases. We are men and women who love to share their passion for cooking, some work full-time, part-time, or even stay-at-home moms and dads. Choosing to be a Thermomix Consultant can easily fit in around their main career and family life.