I'm a Christian homeschooling mom in Michigan. I found a great way to supplement my husband's income. I work for a 16 yr old catalog company that's listed with the BBB. I don't have to do home party presentations, collect money, deliver products, or stock inventory in my home! I work with a team of moms just like me... trying to make extra money for their families and remain at home!!!

If you would like more info, you can email me at stedfastmom@yahoo.com.

You can also visit a website I created to help inform people of the dangers in our homes. http://healthyhomeABC.ipfox.com

-- W. Eaton (stedfastmom@yahoo.com), May 14, 2001

Answers

Well please tell us what you do ? What kind of money do you earn and how many hours ? I don't want to be negitive but I don't recall your name , have you been here before ? What jumps to mind is if it seems to good to be true it probally is .

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@slic.com), May 14, 2001.

If you don't have to deliver stuff, don't collect money, etc. what is it that you actually DO on your job??? Please forgive us for being cynical but I do worry that "if it sounds too good to be true it probably is!"

-- Suzy in Bama (slgt@yahoo.com), May 14, 2001.

I looked at the site. It has some interesting statistical info about household environmental toxins. It's not very specific as to what is being offered but I think many people who visit this site are already cleaning with things like baking soda and vinegar etc. I guess I'm wondering if the products you are offering could be produced less expensively with common household items at a lesser price? How would your products be better?

-- Denise (jphammock@msn.com), May 14, 2001.

Wendy, I saw your previous message posted on the "Work at Home (business - anyone .....) thread. What is the name of your company. Many of us would be interested?? Why do we have to email you? Can't you just tell us all here?

-- JoAnn in SD (jonehls@excite.com), May 14, 2001.

Thank you kindly for your replies! I understand your concern, but there is NO SCAM going on here! This is a very unique company with a very different way of earning an income. They do all of their advertising by "word of mouth"... so that is the reason I don't just blast there name every where... like other companies! They've been in business for nearly 16 yrs now and have an astonishing reputation, and they would like to keep it that way.

But since you have replied and asked me directly... I will say that the company I proudly represent is Melaleuca. And all I have done is switched stores. I now buy everything that I use to clean my home and all my personal care items at this new store... and refer others! I figure... hey, Walmart and my local grocery store never paid me a dime to shop there or refer others... so I've redirected money I already spend, like an investment, and refer others to this amazing store for BETTER, SAFER products. That's it.

I have emailed each one of you personally with further details and information.

I am just so excited about this company and about the healthy changes I've made in my home. My husband is working with me too! (and believe me.. he's is "THE BIGGEST SKEPTIC"... so if he didn't approve of it, I would not be part of it.. period!) Who knows what the future will hold and job security is getting scary. That's why we are building a residual income for our future... and it's willable to our children.

God bless each of you! Take care, Wendy

-- Wendy (stedfastmom@yahoo.com), May 14, 2001.

Sounds suspiciously like MML (Multi Level Marketing) to me... Always the same pitch, you have to buy this stuff anyway, why not make some money and invite your friends and relatives, now if you take in, I mean bring in 5 new friends and they bring in five friends each......

-- Willy Allen (willyallen2@yahoo.com), May 14, 2001.

You know what, that's what I thought too! I've already been burned by a couple of scams out there! But to me, this just made sense. Not everyone is looking to build a residual income, but I am. I love this company and what they stand for, and I'm not ashamed to say who I'm with in the least! My husband thought I was in A----- (a company we all know), but when he looked it over... he was impressed!

When I came across this board... originally searching for more info on "homesteading" and going back to a natural way of living... since we are looking at purchasing property.. about 100 acres and would like to start a small farm and garden... I thought to myself... maybe a family here might be interested.

I'm a Christian homeschooling mom living on one income. I've already tried several work-at-home jobs... such as child care, medical transcription (too time consuming!), Avon, and fell for an online scam! I've done my homework and know the Lord led this one to me! Especially after taking a month to think & pray about it!

This is not for everyone, I'll admit. But I like to be on the computer and why not take advantage of it? We only have one car, so I'm pretty much stranded ALL DAY LONG... so I have to do something that does not involve travel of any kind!

If you want to investigate this further, I can send you more info directly, which should help anyone here decide if this is right for them. You can also check with the BBB in Idaho, that's where Melaleuca is located at.

Best wishes to each of you... and God bless!

By the way, is there a place to make my introduction? I really like this board and the great information available here...

Thanks, Wendy & Brad Eaton Michigan

-- Wendy (stedfastmom@yahoo.com), May 14, 2001.

http://www.Melaleuca.com/

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), May 15, 2001.

About a year ago, we invited a relative over just for friendship, and he asked if he could bring a friend. Of course, we said, "sure." When they got here, it turned out it was Melaleuca. The "friend" I found out later, was a rather new aquaintance of his. This guy had a powerful personality, and perfect grooming. He was a top of the line salesman. I smelled a rat as soon as the red convertible purred into the driveway.

The pitch was first of all, quite impressive. The products are really interresting. They are environmentally friendly, non- polluting, etc, etc. They are extremely beneficial to your health, also, as Melaleuca is actually the tea tree from Australia. It's leaves have been used for eons by the Aborigines for healing, and it actually works.

But the biggest puch that night was not only for us to buy, but for us to become dealers for this amazing company. There was a lot of money to be made here. In fact, I have met some people since that have actually made a very nice income doing this.

But I know myself. I personally HATE salesmen. I have the biggest sales resistance of anyone I know. I really would hate a life of trying to sell things myself, and furthermore, getting people to sell for me. Melaleuca says they are not multilevel marketing, but they really are. The salesmen are recruited in the same way Amway does it, and the recruiter gets a bump in his earnings off everything the guy he recruits sells. There are a few differences, such as not having to deliver the goods yourself. All you do is get out there and do the footwork of advertising for the company and try to round up more advertisers.

I just cant stand it to think of treating my friends and family like that. We love to get together with people to just be friends. But such old-fashioned relationships go down the drain when someone begins to look at all relationships through dollar signs.

-- daffodyllady (daffodyllady@yahoo.com), May 15, 2001.

I looked with great interest at this post and the responses! Very interesting...BUT, my first thought was similar to daffodyllady's. I can't imagine going to all my neighbors with this! When they hear this, they will feel that I am looking at them to make myself some money! No thanks. Been in A____ and I remember the friendships that were troubled cause of it. God bless!

-- Ardie from WI (a6203@hotmail.com), May 15, 2001.

To comment on being a "saleperson"...that I am NOT. I do not chase down my friends & neighbors. I've been in this since Dec. and have not approached not one of them! I chose to just order and get familiar with the products, which I LOVE. I'm NOT looking to get rich fast either! There's no such thing!

I've done a lot of research and reading on what toxic exposure is doing to our bodies. I love the fact that I've removed those "other" products I've used for years. My inlaws came to me and asked me what I was doing. I let them try my products, look at a catalog, and read some literature. They said they would like to sign up. I never even tried to approach them. I do love the fact that they are taking better care of themselves, and are taking the vitamins & supplements that their bodies need. (They were not taking anything prior!) They asked me if I liked it, and I said YES. If I didn't like it, I would say NO and quit myself!

I love my inlaws, family, and neighbors... but I'm not going to push anything on them. I value our relationship too much. But several are asking me about it.. they APPROACHED me. There's a difference. I never even said what I was doing. I think they value the fact that I didn't chase them down or pounce on them, which I would never do any way.

Now... this seems like a great place to hang out. I am only sharing what works for me, that's it. JUST A SUGGESTION! If you are not interested, please don't respond. I wouldn't dream of bashing anyone else's way of making a living or supplementing their husband's income. I wish the best to each of you.

I apologize if someone had a bad experience with Melaleuca years ago, but the group of moms I work with don't handle their business like that at all! We simply present the info, after someone requests more info.. if they want to join, that's great! If not, that's ok too. I just like meeting new people and making new acquaintances... especially since I don't get out much. I've make contact with many Christians around the USA, homeschoolers, and just great people... who I keep in contact with, even though they didn't join. (I'm even buying a pup of one woman in Florida (who didn't join, but may consider it further down the line.) That doesn't offend me.

God bless...:) Wendy & Brad Eaton Proud Members of Melaleuca Homeschooling Family in MI

-- Wendy (stedfastmom@yahoo.com), May 15, 2001.

I checked out the website...just "AMWAY" by another name!! Am I the only one who thinks this post is unappropriate for this forum.

This one is just spam via forum. It was posted in that secret "rying to hook ya" way all those spam emails do instead of just saying "am trying to recruit people so I can make money off you via MLM".

I hope this isn't opening the door for other MLM spam. Gosh, guess it is everywhere! I love this forum and sure don't want to see it cluttered by advertising. Homesteads for sale, animails, etc. are one thing but down right spam has no place here. Only my opinion.

-- KLB (pascolawyer2@hotmail.com), May 15, 2001.

MLM to the max... I works so well it sells it's self - You don't have to deliver it - you don't have to store it - you don't have to do anything except become one of "those" people who invade your space with MLM schlock. MLM propoganda in the guise of helping homesteaders make money. This everybody doing everybodies laundry for money don't work, can't work, will never work... IMHO Don't think it has ANY place on this forum except as "possible" information in the way all information is welcome, but not dressed up as this was - cut to the chase, it's MLM!

-- Willy Allen (willyallen2@yahoo.com), May 15, 2001.

I agree. It does seem to be MLM. But I don't see that as a bad thing. I've seen a few people do very well with this sort of business. I checked out the site and felt that the products were way too expensive. Most things like soaps and laundry products can be made at home with much less expense and still be environmentally sound. You can even purchase tea tree oil and add it to your concoctions if you want too. Also premade products from earth conscious companies can be purchased from coops for less money. I'm not slamming your attempt to make extra income. I think it's a wonderful opportunity for the right person. I would prefer to make most of these things myself and would encourage my loved ones and friends to do the same. I wish you much success in your endeavor.

-- Denise (jphammock@msn.com), May 15, 2001.

Why don't we ask outright--is this an MLM, W?

I agree about making your own products in order to save money. I've been using essential oils for years to making my own home cleaning products and bug repellents. My concoctions are crude but work well for us. Also, tea tree oil can be purchased wholesale and is not expensive.

It's great you've found something you love and feel good about. There is nothing wrong with that at all. Honestly, I'm not into MLM's because of high costs and sales tactics. I'm not a salesperson and never will be comfortable in that role.

-- amy (acook@in4web.com), May 15, 2001.

This is my final post. You guys won! Happy now?

MLM, No. CDM, yes. CDM = Customer Direct Marketing. I buy only what I need direct from the manufacturer. With MLM's you normally have to inventory product, which I don't. I don't purchase from my upline and resell to my downline. Buy direct from the store itself.

Who knows, I may even quit this company and start selling chicken eggs & seeds, which seems to be more profitable. Not.

Take care all... God bless you in your endeavors and business ventures. I'm going back to where I came from... a more friendly homesteading board where one can make a friendly income suggestion and not get rebuked for doing so.

-- Wendy (stedfastmom@yahoo.com), May 15, 2001.

Wendy, I don't think anyone bashed you or your business! We all simply expressed our opinion! It would be no different than if we were all sitting around my kitchen table visiting and you brought up this subject. Everyone would express their thoughts and experiences. This forum is for that...to exchange information. Good luck in your endeavors and God bless!

-- Ardie from WI (a6203@hotmail.com), May 16, 2001.

Oh Wendy, No one wants you to go away! I think most who have responded wish you well. You've tapped into a bunch of self reliance type people who are proud of it. Speaking for myself, I thoroughly enjoy my chickens. They give me alot of pleasure and if I can sell their eggs and have enough for the family too it's a great bonus. That way they aren't costing me anything. It's not necessarily about profit here. As a matter of fact, I would venture to say the majority of us are a bunch of tightwads! We derive our extras from the money we save by making things ourselves and doing without. I identify with your situation. I am a homeschool mom of 4. I also think about how to make extra income but find that I can save more than I could make by cooking from scratch, raising some of our own food, and raising food type animals etc. Since I make alot of my own products it would in the long run cost me more to use these products than I would make. I really get alot of satisfaction doing these things for my family and feel they are a great learning experience for my homeschoolers. I'm not saying my way is the right way. I'm just saying it works for me, just like your business works for you.

You mentioned buying some land in the future. Stick around. You can really learn alot at this site. Just be prepared that some people aren't always friendly. And some can be downright cantankerous. I just try to stay away from those threads. I guess I'm saying there are all types in this world. Please don't take it as a personal rejection. People just aren't always going to see things the same way! I hope you stick around.

-- Denise (jphammock@msn.com), May 16, 2001.

Ah Yes Melaleuca!

My sisters friend tried to get her involved. She wanted more information, but instead got $300 dollars of stuff charged to her credit card and a $50 a month business fee. It took us 4 months to get it straightened out. We had to pay for the return shipping of this junk and when one box was damaged UPS returned it and she had to pay for shipping again.

Beware of companys who wont send info about themselves without getting your credit card first.

-- jennifer (schwabauer@aol.com), May 16, 2001.

I am very sorry for your sister's bad experience. I have no answer for that and I am not trained to handle my business in that fashion... and if it were recommended, I would QUIT. So basically you are warning people to beware of ME, and I resent that. I understand about having to be careful... that's a fact of life. You have to be careful about EVERYTHING you do... such as buying a house, a car, an animal, etc. I am not looking to scam people or schmooze them out of their money. I am not looking to get rich off this. If it takes me 10 yrs to build a decent income, that's ok with me. Money isn't everything and it can't make you happy. I love the products and I will continue to buy them because I approve of them, so does my husband. If someone wants to join, good. If not, that's ok too.

You know, this type of message board doesn't attract a lot of "worldly" people, that's obvious. Why do you think I even visited? I would think that a site like this would have only the best kind of people hear on earth. People who care about what their families and what they expose themselves to. That's the type of person I am. Why don't you just give someone a chance?

And yes, I know, "you are only stating your opinion." Well, I was taught that if I didn't have anything good to say, don't say nothing at all.

Now, this is my opinion... I love my family. I love my home business. I love Melaleuca and their products. I love the team I'm on.. The "M.O.M." Team. I love the fact that the Lord led me to do this. I love the fact that I have met so many great people while doing this and I'm thankful for every friendship made.

Thank you for your warm welcome...

-- Wendy (stedfastmom@yahoo.com), May 16, 2001.

I guess this just goes to show that you can make some of the people happy some of the time, but you can't make all of the people happy all of this time! We just voiced our varied opinions which is one of the reasons for this forum. You know...an exchange of ideas! God bless!

-- Ardie from WI (a6203@hotmail.com), May 16, 2001.

I, for one, was not bashing you, Wendy. I really do think it's nice you've found something you love to do. I'm just not a salesperson; I work in health care and have never been a business person. I actually tend to give stuff away! Even when I give herbal workshops (another side job of mine), I don't sell stuff, and people ask me if I'd sell them herbs. I just don't have the energy to deal with business stuff.

I think you find a lot of skeptics on this forum, but in the world which we live, one cannot help but being skeptical. There's a heck of a lot of get-rich-quick schemes and frauds out there. Not to say you are like that, but people are hesitant to embrace sales-oriented approaches. Also, " MLM" concepts are turn offs for many homesteaders because the reason people become self-sufficient is to rely less on "corporate mentality." Folks here want to make their own cleaners rather than sell them to other people! :-)

Again, best of luck to you with your home business.

-- amy (acook@in4web.com), May 16, 2001.