MLM: Are make-up empires exploiting mums? BBC Stories

Journalist Ellie Flynn goes undercover to investigate a multi-billion pound online selling industry that mostly targets young women with the opportunity to earn big money. The phenomenon known as 'multi-level marketing' is sweeping across social media as beautiful 'influencers' post job adverts offering the chance of six-figure incomes in return for selling products online. But as Ellie digs deeper into two companies, Younique and Nu Skin, she uncovers a darker side behind these enticing Instagram posts. In search of answers and accountability from these billion-dollar companies, Ellie's investigation takes her all the way to Utah, USA, and the heart of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - the Mormons - where many of these companies are based.
#mlm #multilevelmarketing #nuskin

We BBC Stories, are a bunch of journalists making films, long and short, with the younger audience (18-24) in mind. The idea is to tackle issues which concern and impact this group of people. So think about anything from race and identity to mental health, money and much more.

[jmz]

We used to call these “Pyramid Schemes”

[Ialivinci]

That's why Norway restricts any business that has a model of recruiting other individuals to do over 50% of the sales.

[LET-rd]

When it’s too risky to share your identity, you know you’re in a cult.

[edricklawrenceong]

“MLM” is just a new fancy way of saying Pyramid Scheme

[areox]

Hey BBC, can you please change your ad settings? There was literally an ad for an MLM for this video.

[aprylspage]

Sounds like all the components of an abusive relationship

[Thinkforyourselves]

Those at the bottom are being used to keep those at the top rich. They’re only your friend while you’re making them money. Not one minute longer.

[mspolicecall]

I had a friend who is largely involved with Lula roe. As soon as the debit card was swiped she stopped talking to me before i even left her home.
After this experience, i swore off all mlm friends.

[ericnelson]

Military wives are also notorious for getting suckered into this.

[motivationnation]

I was with an MLM for years and nearly lost my marriage because of it. They make you feel guilty when you lose your rank and make you feel like your not good enough. I lived my life on social media and devoted so much time to recruiting recruiting recruiting that sucked up time from my young kids. Late nights and early mornings. I was in a constant state of anxiety of what to post next. Getting rid of social media and my business was the best decision I have ever made. Relationships with my kids and spouse far outweigh my rank and how many ‘friends’ I had on social media.

[IsabellaGracen]

Mary Kay cosmetics, and Amway are the original MLMs. They are not based in Utah. All MLMs hurt relationships, so many of those who have really succeeded do not sell to family. These can make a lot of money for people who are truly gifted salesmen/women, but for the average person it's a financial Black hole waiting to happen. And don't kid yourself...women who are really successful in these businesses are NOT staying at home with their kids. They are working their backsides off 24/7!

[ArtTasticCreations]

MLMs should be illegal, honestly. I don't understand how they get away with the things they do.

[rainepanda]

I grew up mormon and I left a few years back. I honestly am shocked at how those who could claim to have such wholesome religious beliefs and practices could prey on young families. It is something I witnessed repeatedly when I lived in Idaho. The church is not directly affiliated with these companies but they NEVER discuss it. They don't discourage it and allow members to continually fall victim to other predatory LDS members. The LDS church is organized to feel like a tight knit community so these people truly trust the MLMs because they are associated with the church. It's terrible.

[MrsMoonify]

My therapist's office is right across the street from the Younique HQ. I've always wondered about those giant creepy faces on the windows...haha

[daveharrison]

Hello. My name is Elder Price. And I would like to share with you this most amazing makeup.

[almstreet]

I’m really glad that the criticism of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was focused on the culture and not the doctrine. As an active member, I have many problems with “Mormon culture”. I enjoy watching videos talking about different aspects of my religion but most of the criticisms I end up seeing are directed towards the doctrine and not the culture (which is usually the reason for the criticism).

[sithlordhibiscus]

NEVER let a potential employer know you're desperate for a job, even if you're to the point where you would literally work anywhere. If it's an MLM or financial sales position, they'll exploit your temporary vulnerability and if they're legit, they'll be turned off bc the insinuation is that you're not good at your job, thus can't get hired. So, be (truthfully) confident, even if you're faking it and always let them *think* that you have offers you're sitting on.

[ginac]

DoTerra and YoungLiving Oils are also both MLMs started by LDS members with sketchy backgrounds and located in Utah. People born and raised in high-control groups like the LDS Church easily fall victim to these also-high-control MLMs. (See the B.I.T.E. model about high-control groups).

- Resident of Utah County and post-Mormon

[ClassyGyal]

If they don't spell out the job role clearly, I'm not involved. I know it's some kind of scam, they even have jobs like this on the job sites, *no experience needed, training given* but no clear breakdown of the job, that is always a big red flag to me.

[bob]

MLM thrives any tight-knit community. They are very prevalent in the Latin American community. I think what some people don't realize is *just* how tight-knight the church community is. (I'm a member.) You *instantly* trust other members of the church. We are more than a church, in many ways we are a nation as we developed in relative isolation in the mountain west. There are simply few groups that are so tight knit, trusting, and collectivistic.