Safety In Numbers
          
          
               There are organizations you can turn to when
          you're trying to choose an MLM company.  For example,
          you should check to see if a company is a member of the
          Multi-Level Marketing International Association
          (MLMIA).  Although companies who are active in the
          MLMIA are not automatically legitimate, membership is a
          good sign because it shows the company wants to get
          involved in helping MLM gain respectability.  In any
          case, an MLM company should adhere to the MLMIA code of
          ethics, and so should you.
               Another organization that can help you is the
          Direct Selling Association (DSA).  Here are some tips
          on evaluating an MLM company from the DSA:
               * Take your time.  If an MLM company really
          affords a good business opportunity, it won't disappear
          overnight.  Don't let someone pressure you to join now,
          because you'll be left out if you hesitate.
               * Ask questions.  Find out about the following; 
                    1) the company and its officers
                    2) the cost of its products
                    3) the start-up fee, including required
          purchases
                    4) the company's promise to buy back required
          purchases
                    5) the average earnings of active
          distributors
               * Get samples of all company literature.
               * Consult with others who have had experience with
          the company.  Find out if its products are actually
          being sold to consumers.
               * Investigate and verify all information.  Don't
          assume that documents are accurate or complete just
          because they look official.
               * Ask to see, in writing, the following information:
                    1) the business backgrounds of the company's
                    principals, including any lawsuits or
                    bankruptcies
                    2) audited financial statements -- operating
                    revenues, sources of revenue profits and
                    losses -- for the past three years
                    3) a complete description of all initial and
                    future charges that you'll have to pay, as
                    well as all other obligations you'll incur
                    4) a description of any sales training or
                    other assistance the company will provide to
                    you and to distributors you recruit
                    5) a list of the names and addresses of
                    others who have signed up with the company
                    5) support for any earnings claims, including
                    the percentage of purchasers who have
                    actually achieved the results that are
                    claimed
                    7) a description of any restrictions on what
                    and when you must buy and sell.