It’s legal, but is it lucrative? Inside the risky world of multi-level marketing
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Amanda Kirby was an Epicure ambassador for five years. She feels the company’s consultants have been left without guidance following its bankruptcy declaration. (Olivia Garrett/CBC)
Multi-level marketing is nothing new. From Tupperware to Avon, these commission-based sales positions have been a popular way to make money from home.
But sometimes, business can come to a screeching halt. That’s what happened to Amanda Kirby and every other Epicure ambassador in Canada.
Kirby, who lives in Pouch Cove, N.L., has been both a consultant and a customer of Epicure for half a decade.
The B.C.-based seasoning and culinary brand is labelled as gluten and allergen-free, which makes it very attractive, she said.
According to the Competition Bureau, “a multi-level marketing plan promotes the supply of a product to participants in the plan. Participants earn compensation based on supplying products to other participants or customers.”
Commission-based consultants are considered self-employed by the Canadian Revenue Agency.
Kirby did not start selling Epicure products for the money, she said, but because her son — who has autism — is particularly fond of it. However, she told CBC News she sees why it is a seemingly popular trend to become a consultant on the island.
“You can do it from the comfort of your own home,” said Kirby.
But, as with any business, there is a level of risk.
Epicure went into bankruptcy in January. The company is now selling off the remainder of its stock, and its ambassadors are left scratching their heads. (Epicure)
Content retrieved from: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/legal-lucrative-inside-risky-world-093000197.html.
