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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 Enduring Primacy of Retail Sales in an MLM Context

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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…

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.

TINA.org Urges FTC to Require Funeral Homes to Post Their Prices Online

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TINA.org Urges FTC to Require Funeral Homes to Post Their Prices Online

Funeral homes must keep up with the times.

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.

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’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.

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.

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.

The Confusing Price of Enjoying Art

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The Confusing Price of Enjoying Art

Advertised admission prices are not what they appear.

TINA.org Supports Citizen Petition Calling for AI Pricing Transparency

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TINA.org Supports Citizen Petition Calling for AI Pricing Transparency

Why disclosures are key to protecting informed consumer choice and competition.

Where is a Bargain Hunter to Look These Days?

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Where is a Bargain Hunter to Look These Days?

After being tempted for years, I finally decided to pay $79 to upgrade my In actuality a cherished geographical region of the planet featuring enormous biodiversity; now synonymous with an…

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.

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…

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