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The Enduring Primacy of Retail Sales in an MLM Context

The Enduring Primacy of Retail Sales in an MLM Context

POST HIGHLIGHTS • Meaning of Amway rules (1979), especially the “70% rule” and subsequent deterioration • Koscot (1975), Omnitrition (1996), and BurnLounge (2014) provide seminal rulings on the determination of…

Multi-level Marketing: The Long and Short of It

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Multi-level Marketing: The Long and Short of It

The financial appeal of multi-level marketing companies attracts investors and swindlers alike.

The Direct Selling Association on Pyramid Schemes: Truth and Truthiness

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The Direct Selling Association on Pyramid Schemes: Truth and Truthiness

Guest blog by Peter Vander Nat and William Keep.

H.R. 3409: Protecting Pyramid Schemes, not Consumers

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H.R. 3409: Protecting Pyramid Schemes, not Consumers

Former FTC economist outlines issues with new “anti-pyramid” bill.

Why This Anti-Pyramid Scheme Bill is Outrageously Wrong for Consumers

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Why This Anti-Pyramid Scheme Bill is Outrageously Wrong for Consumers

POST HIGHLIGHTS • H.R. 5230 runs directly counter to 40 years of case law on pyramid schemes. • It obliterates the difference between distributor purchases for the business venture versus…

5 Reasons Herbalife’s Survey Won’t Save It from Prosecution

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5 Reasons Herbalife’s Survey Won’t Save It from Prosecution

Deconstructing Herbalife’s defense that a survey found most people join for discounts.

The Fundamental Takeaway from FTC v Vemma

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The Fundamental Takeaway from FTC v Vemma

Vemma settlement clarifies FTC’s position on what constitutes a legitimate MLM.

FTC Chairwoman Creates Framework for MLM Regulatory Environment

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FTC Chairwoman Creates Framework for MLM Regulatory Environment

FTC Seeking to Clean up the MLM Industry

Former FTC Economist Calls for Federal Pyramid Scheme Rule

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Former FTC Economist Calls for Federal Pyramid Scheme Rule

FTC case-by-case prosecution of pyramid schemes not enough to deter them.

Fight to the Death

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Fight to the Death

Why the FTC has not pursued Herbalife.

Former FTC Economist’s Response & Thoughts on Vemma

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Former FTC Economist’s Response & Thoughts on Vemma

Getting to the bottom of affiliate vs. customer.

Vemma’s Version: Business Foolishness in the Extreme

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Vemma’s Version: Business Foolishness in the Extreme

Upon reading the transcript of the Sept. 15 court hearing re Vemma, which conveys the most unusual meanings that Vemma attributes to such common terms as customer, business opportunity, and…

DSSRC’s Arbonne Decision Gets It Wrong

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DSSRC’s Arbonne Decision Gets It Wrong

Council blesses MLM’s use of unsubstantiated earnings claims.

What You Should Know about the FTC’s Action against Vemma

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What You Should Know about the FTC’s Action against Vemma

Having combed through the 200-plus pages that the FTC filed against Vemma Nutrition Company, Vemma International Holdings, Inc., Benson K. (B.K.) Boreyko, Tom Alkazin and his wife Bethany (defendants) in…

Best Buy: Buy It Now with Confidence (and Questions)

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Best Buy: Buy It Now with Confidence (and Questions)

The fine print of Price Match Guarantees.

Kevin Trudeau – one heck of a salesman or one heck of a liar?

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Kevin Trudeau – one heck of a salesman or one heck of a liar?

Self-described “consumer advocate” and “exposer of corporate and government corruption,” this convicted felon lost the latest round in his decade long battle with the FTC. On November 29, 2011, the…

FTC and State AGs Need to Take Their Relationship to the Next Level