The network marketing, multi-level marketing industry (MLM) has risen as a more profitable and accessible model than many franchising or traditional markets. Are you thinking of exploring opportunities in network marketing, but not sure where to start? Do you want to take control of your financial future and keen to enjoy the freedom of working for yourself?
These definitely top the list of reasons that people are attracted to the industry, and what helps keep the sector vibrant. The Direct Selling Association says that in 2017 there were 18.6 million people in the US involved in direct selling.
On one hand, direct selling can be considered as an underestimated industry which many people easily dismiss, it has widely mixed results for individuals despite its potential. So, it is an industry you need to enter with your eyes wide open. You should do plenty of research on any company you wish to associate yourself with, as not all are necessarily worth your time and hard work.
It is also no secret that there is still some confusion around the concept of network marketing, so it is probably worth mentioning that there is a difference between a legitimate MLM and a Pyramid scheme. Direct Selling News has a good rundown on some differences and a few things to watch out for. You want to avoid anything that smells at all like a pyramid scheme. Keep this in mind when you are considering your options. Every company on our list here is a legitimate direct selling business.
Since this is direct selling, it is super important that you choose a company whose products you love and are going to use. Finding a product and a business you are excited about sharing means you are much more likely to be committed and do a good job selling the product. Network marketing companies are also overwhelmingly in the health and wellness sector, which are just the kind of products that people want to hear personal recommendations about.
Still confused by the idea of looking through products, compensations plans, and lead generation tips. In this article, we are going to let you know some of the top network marketing companies which you should be looking into to start your own business.
How do we decide which companies to list here? Whilst is who deserves to be recognized as the best might be a little subjective we’ve also taken a few important points into account:
Product, Training, and Support
One of your best supports is to have a top product to sell, and product-driven MLM companies tend to last better.
As you are going to be running your own business, but the attraction of joining a network marketing company is that they will provide you with a product and support to get you on your way. Good support upline will help keep you on track in your business.
Revenue & Growth
Companies doing well and with high turn over are more likely to have good quality products which customers want to use. It is more often going to be the bigger, established companies which make the tops of this list too. Of course, these companies also started small at some point and there are definitely smaller companies bringing high-quality products to market via direct selling.
A Member of the DSA
The Direct Selling Association (DSA) has a code of Ethics which members agree to adhere to. It is at least a good place to start to locate companies which are running ethical businesses, which have put in place reasonable policies and protections for their direct sellers and consumers. This just covers America though, and companies based elsewhere have other similar local associations they might belong to.
How long has the company been around?
This is not the only factor, but in an industry which is notorious for having a lot of businesses which become very hot very quickly, then also disappear just as quickly, it is an important point to think about. Over at Nexera only companies which had passed their 10th anniversary were even considered in their top 25. They claim that only around 50 companies since 1956 had made that milestone and are still in business, even though there have been thousands of network marketing companies start up and many hundreds active now.
So, with all that out of the way, here are our top recommendations for network marketing companies.
Scentsy
This company is hot and has a hot trendy product which people love. All their products are about fragrances and their top products are their scented warmers and diffusers, which replace and are far better than candles. They are product driven, rather than focussed on a strategy of “join us and make your millions”, which says that they are in the game for the long haul.
They’re media savvy and have a unique product offering that has seen them reach an impressive $456 million turnover in 2017 and is also one of the fastest growing MLMs. If this product fits you there’s still great growth potential in Scentsy.
Ambit Energy
Ambit stands out because it is in the business of energy provision, in a sector crowded with health and personal care products. No, it doesn’t sound glamorous, but the no-nonsense offer of simply lower fixed prices for natural gas and electricity seems to be very popular. They have an annual revenue in the order of around $1.2 billion and are in the top 20 MLMs for global revenue in 2017. Not bad.
DoTERRA
Amidst the general trend towards healthy natural living, many people have been drawn towards using essential oils, and doTERRA is succeeding well with a solid product offering in this area. Plus, there’s still a lot of potential for growth, and doTerra is top of the list of fastest-growing MLMs. Apparently, they have been a hit in Utah for a while, but now they are expanding to the world. This is also a product which does well through word of mouth referrals and recommendations.
Avon Cosmetics
This one of the big names that everyone knows, and is a highly regarded US company. Launched in 1886, it also the oldest MLM in the world, and offered the way for women to independently earn money at a time of limited rights. Their byline is “the company for women”. It is number 2 for global MLM earnings according to Network Marketing Central, at around $6 billion. Big as they are, they aren’t necessarily so appealing to younger generations, so they might be in need of some revival.
Amway
Amway is very established and tops the list for global revenue for an MLMs at close to $9 billion. The brand is used and trusted around the world and they have a huge range of products on offer.
They have been doing this for a long time, have a huge product range, and a good model which supports their millions of distributors to sell well.
Younique
Founded in 2012, this is a newer cosmetics MLMs, and actually pretty good. In 2017 Younique was partly sold to Coty for $600 million, and are valued at around $1 billion. It is another entry on the on the list of fastest-growing MLMs.
They have a very strong social media presence and use real customers as their models. Younique sells through home parties and focusses on a message of empowerment for women.
Arbonne
Arbonne is a huge cosmetics company competing with the giants of Avon and Mary Kay. With their focus on cruelty-free products and natural ingredients, they have a difference which the market responds well to. They have been around a few decades now and pulled in $541 million in 2017, and amazingly is also on the list of fastest-growing MLMs. This success is underpinned by good products which are updated regularly.
Jeunesse
Jeunesse is on the list for having super success with a top product that actually does what it says. And, since people always want to look younger, and what it claims is to reduce wrinkles, Instantly Ageless is in great demand too.
Jeunesse is another fast growing MLM and is top 20 MLM in terms of revenue – $1.41 billion in 2017. They are a DSA member and have a super low sign up fee.
Beachbody
Beachbody is doing very well as a business offering a full range of fitness products. Health and fitness is definitely a hot sector and Beachbody has a good offering which stands out from other MLMs.
They are responsible for the P90X and Insanity workout DVDs. Again it is a case of great products leading the way to success. $863 million for 2017 says they have a winning formula right now, and their growth is solid.
Don’t forget to also check out a few other of the big established players that could also be the right MLM for you: Herbalife, Nuskin, and Mary Kay – all well-recognized brands.