Approached by MLM, how to say "No thanks"...

[smkiya]

I have been approached by neighbors with Usana nutritional supplements to sell the items under their MLM (Multi Level Marketing) structure. I plan to start my own wellness business, but the products are expensive and I am not the type of person to recruit people to sell as an MLM would require. This type of business doesn't fit into the model of the business I want to start. I thought that I might refer clients to them to purchase the product if they were interested, but even then I'd be afraid that they'd try to pressure my clients into selling for them and I could lose future business. (Many people don't want to be bothered with MLM's and their associates)

Now I have been approached by someone with Melaleuca to sell their products. I'm told that it's not an MLM, but it is VERY similar to USANA. It seems like an MLM to me too. It is a co-worker of dh, and he didn't know what it was. When she called to set up a time to meet and talk (give her presentation) she wouldn't tell me anything about the company or business. She said she would explain it all when we got together. Well that didn't sit well with me, so I called her back to find out the company name so I could do research and she said, "Why would you want to do that? I'm going to tell you all about it." I convinced her to tell me, so I could make an educated business decision and when I googled it, it seems very similar to USANA.

I will listen to what she has to say, because she is adamant that she speak with me, but if I feel that it is in fact not for me, how do I decline?

For anyone who has been approached to join an MLM, or someone who sells via the MLM, what is the politest way to say "No" so the person knows you mean it?

I know I may get flamed by people who think I have no backbone, but I've learned never to burn bridges. She could be a potential referrer of business to me. She also has a relationship with my dh at work. And, I am interested in what she has to say, it may spark an idea or two for me and my business.

I've found that most people who are successful in MLM's are great sales people who usually don't take no for an answer. A "no" to them means, "maybe, if you do a harder sell". This is why I ask. I know how to say "NO!", but want to do it without having to turn into my evil twin.

 

[Handbag Lady]

"No, I will not buy anything that has anything to do with MLM."

Look them square in the eye.



When they start up again, repeat the above.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I'm sorry but this just does not fit in well with my business plan. I hope you have luck fining a good fit elsewhere. Repeat as needed.

 

[minniecarousel]

ugh! I hate MLM's! If they have such great products, what's with the recruiting? Why not just sell the product?

I like the above suggestions.

Good luck.

 

[Robinrs]

I've worked with salespeople all my life. I guess I'm immune to them. I also used to be an Amway salesperson so I knoiw what and who she is...

Just be frank, "Wow, that sounds awesome but I have no interest at all in it. Thanks so much." and END the conversation.

My son calls them "period sentences". I'm good at them and understand that some people are not. REALIZE that anyone in sales knows that everyone will not buy. Don't feel bad and don't think it will burn a bridge. It'll only burn a bridge if you're nasty or uncouth, and you don't sound like you'd EVER be that.

 

[smkiya]

I'm sorry but this just does not fit in well with my business plan. I hope you have luck fining a good fit elsewhere. Repeat as needed.

This is great!

But, how do you stop the circle and end it. If they keep going at it after you've repeated the above phrase? Do I just have to get right down to it and say, "Look, I said I'm not interested, please leave!" That's what I want to avoid, but from the responses, I guess I should just be ready to do that.

Why does it have to be that way? I hate high pressure tactics.

 

[smkiya]

My son calls them "period sentences". I'm good at them and understand that some people are not. REALIZE that anyone in sales knows that everyone will not buy. Don't feel bad and don't think it will burn a bridge. It'll only burn a bridge if you're nasty or uncouth, and you don't sound like you'd EVER be that.

I think you've nailed it. Thanks!

 

[NHdisneylover]

Can you schedule some other meeting for the time right after the alloted time for this presentation? Have a possible new hire coming in, the electrician, whatever? Then repeat the I am sorry but I really feel it will not work for my business thing as much as needed only for that short time until you can look at your watch and say Goodness I have an interviewee coming in (or whatever) in 5 minutes, the time sure went by fast. Thanks for taking the time to share this with me, I am sorry it didn't work out (all the while walking them toward the door).

 

[okeydokey]

This type of business doesn't fit into the model of the business I want to start.

These were your words and they are just right.

 

[Disney Doll]

This is great!

But, how do you stop the circle and end it. If they keep going at it after you've repeated the above phrase? Do I just have to get right down to it and say, "Look, I said I'm not interested, please leave!" That's what I want to avoid, but from the responses, I guess I should just be ready to do that.

Why does it have to be that way? I hate high pressure tactics.

You just outlast them. You keep repeating the same sentence over and over uintil they stop asking. Even if you have to repeat the same sentence 42times in the same conversation.

It's the classic way to deal with manipulation.

 

[kirbsam]

if anyone comes top you and says i would like to talk to you about an opportunity over a cup of coffee, i just say no. and that ends it.

 

[marlynnp]

Whatever you decide to say - just be prepared to repeat it as necessary. Do not deviate from it. Do not offer any details or explanations.

 

[THUNDERMOUNTAINMOMMA]

" I'm sorry but I have a lot going on right now, and simply don't have the time."

 

[The Mystery Machine]

You just outlast them. You keep repeating the same sentence over and over uintil they stop asking. Even if you have to repeat the same sentence 42times in the same conversation.

It's the classic way to deal with manipulation.

Absolutely.

Much better than are you from planet stupid? I said no.

 

[golfgal]

I do like the USANA products though but I don't want to sell them either. Luckily my job prevents me from doing any MLM schemes so I have that to fall back on. Melaluca is a MLM, don't let them tell you any differently.

 

[Pigeon]

No thanks, I'm not interested.

Rinse and repeat.

 

[EclecticWAHM]

Now I have been approached by someone with Melaleuca to sell their products. I'm told that it's not an MLM, but it is VERY similar to USANA. It seems like an MLM to me too. It is a co-worker of dh, and he didn't know what it was. When she called to set up a time to meet and talk (give her presentation) she wouldn't tell me anything about the company or business. She said she would explain it all when we got together. Well that didn't sit well with me, so I called her back to find out the company name so I could do research and she said, "Why would you want to do that? I'm going to tell you all about it." I convinced her to tell me, so I could make an educated business decision and when I googled it, it seems very similar to USANA.

I will listen to what she has to say, because she is adamant that she speak with me, but if I feel that it is in fact not for me, how do I decline?

Honestly, I think you should do you and her a favor and decline the meeting at all. Your time is valuable, her time is valuable. If you know going into it that MLM isn't the type of business you want, it would be a waste of both of your time to have a meeting about it. If it were me I'd tell her "I value your friendship and appreciate your thinking of me. I'd be happy to look at a catalog or your website and order products that interest me, but I don't want to waste your time with a business meeting." She may be "adamant" that you talk about it, but there's no point in sitting through a presentation of something you don't want to do.

It's really ok to say no to these things. It doesn't have to be considered bridge burning at all, especially if you frame it in a "I want to respect your time" kind of way. Why would any smart business person want to waste time in a presentation to someone who is never going to say "yes"?

Now if they keep pestering you, you may have to take a harder line with it

 

[Ceila]

Honestly, I think you should do you and her a favor and decline the meeting at all. Your time is valuable, her time is valuable. If you know going into it that MLM isn't the type of business you want, it would be a waste of both of your time to have a meeting about it. If it were me I'd tell her "I value your friendship and appreciate your thinking of me. I'd be happy to look at a catalog or your website and order products that interest me, but I don't want to waste your time with a business meeting." She may be "adamant" that you talk about it, but there's no point in sitting through a presentation of something you don't want to do.

It's really ok to say no to these things. It doesn't have to be considered bridge burning at all, especially if you frame it in a "I want to respect your time" kind of way. Why would any smart business person want to waste time in a presentation to someone who is never going to say "yes"?

Now if they keep pestering you, you may have to take a harder line with it

I agree with this. Why waste your time and hers when you know you aren't interested?

I would call her back and tell her that you researched the company, it is not something that fits with your business plan, and since you value her and her time you won't waste it with a meeting. She will push and push to keep the meeting, but hold firm. Then politely say you have to get off of the phone and then do so.

If you DO decide to go ahead with the meeting, I strongly suggest not having it at your house or business. It's hard to force someone to leave your house, but you can always get up and leave a restaurant.

 

[Imzadi]

"No, I will not buy anything that has anything to do with MLM."

ugh! I hate MLM's! If they have such great products, what's with the recruiting? Why not just sell the product?

GRRRR! This is exactly how I feel! Why does a product have to be MLM? The very fact that it is means it CAN'T sell on it's own. Otherwise the product would sell itself. You don't see Coca Cola being MLM.

I also despise acquaintances trying to use me as their personal ATM machine.

I know a person who has literally SIX products in his email signature. The very fact that he has to sell six means no ONE product is selling that well for him. Then he wonders why women aren't interested in him. "Well, when you figure out who you want to be in life, meaning one direction, one purpose, one product, then maybe women will take you seriously."

Just be frank, "Wow, that sounds awesome but I have no interest at all in it. Thanks so much." and END the conversation.

My son calls them "period sentences". I'm good at them and understand that some people are not.

I think this is part of the problem right there. If you compliment the product AT ALL, they don't hear anything else.

They don't get you are only being polite. They zoom in on the fact you may be interested and then they become obsessive with beating you down till you buy.

These people are relentless. They don't care about you. You are an ATM machine for them. Your saying No stands in the way of them making money. They just have to figure out your PIN code, to get you to buy.

Whatever you decide to say - just be prepared to repeat it as necessary. Do not deviate from it. Do not offer any details or explanations.

Yes, details are just fuel for them into figuring out how to beat you down into giving YOUR money over to them. They have real boundary problems about understanding other people's money is other people's money. They just somehow think they have to convince you to give it to them in exchange for their Kool-Aid. Once you drink the Kool-Aid, you'll also want to sell it to others.

 

[EclecticWAHM]

GRRRR! This is exactly how I feel! Why does a product have to be MLM? The very fact that it is means it CAN'T sell on it's own. Otherwise the product would sell itself. You don't see Coca Cola being MLM.

I also despise acquaintances trying to use me as their personal ATM machine.

Now I have to disagree with this a little. There are lots of MLM type products out there that are really good stuff. The companies exist in this structure not just to sell product, but to give ordinary folks the chance to earn $$. I would guess, too, that this marketing strategy can be less expensive for the companies than major ad campaigns and that sort of thing.

I don't mind if someone wants to let me know they're selling XYZ product or invites me to a party or something. I'm ok with saying no when I don't want to. Frankly, if I like the product, I'd much rather see a friend or acquaintance make $$ rather than some big brand corporation. I just make it clear when I'm not interested in the product and that I'm not interested in selling it.