Can the pig help us out???????

[nevos]

Hi all, it struck me that a lot of us are not so well off these days, a friend recently introduced me to The Utility Wharehouse opportunity. Have taken a really good look at it and I'm impressed by the proffesional set up of a fast growing PLC. A lot of folk have made some good money and the concept has just scratched the surface for now. Have a link here for more info and a video. If anyone here is already a distributor or simply a customer, let me know out of interest.

[ukaviator]

It looks like a "Pyramid" selling company. I looked at something like this years ago selling beauty products, but that involved buying stock. There are some negative comments on this forum:

 

Moneysupermarket.com - Utility Warehouse

[nevos]

Hi there UKaviator:

 

Thanks for the link, have read through it. Reading between the lines, the UW broadband gives a problem for some folk. Over a period of years we have tried a lot of different ISP's and had a smattering of trouble with a few. Just had a run in with BT on thier feature line. We couldn't get the BB to work at all well, told them we want to cancel it, they said, sure but, you signed up for a 24 month contract, Oh where is the contract? in your BT email, the girl said and you made a verbal contract over the phone wow..thanks very much hehe. The problem we had was the BT BB kept dropping, I called them again, the guy said plug it driect into the PC but, I protested, I have a Net Gear Wireless adapter USB an expensive one. Anyway, to this day it is plugged direct into the hub and works fine.

 

Regarding pyramid selling: As I read in your link, Utility Wharehouse use network marketing, they save on advertising costs. I don't see anything wrong with thier technique though, I for one wouldn't alienate friends and family by making them feel obliged to sign up or, go door to door.

 

We are looking for an income stream with residual payments, kind of a pension, yesterday we signed ourselves up for the gas/electric and one sim card pay as you go. We can see from the news letters and support site that, plenty of people are doing quite well, many have given up full time work and some, live abroad on the income.

 

Have decided to become a distributor but, do not want the hassle of the rah rah meetings, texting plumbers and electricians who's vans are parked outside Tesco's etc..we are going to build a net based marketing system, as automated as possible.

 

For the folk on the moneysupermarket site, if they have a complaint then, why not contact the person who signed you up. You can short circuit customer services and let the distributor sort it out with his marketing manager.

 

I posted a thread in the utility part of CAG where I said: The new people living in my old home are using Utility Wharehouse, I got a bill from NPower which was around £400, on checking the meter reading on NPower's bill, it was higher than that of the new occupiers after 5 months, crazy! I wrote to NPower pointing this out, as yet no reply. While there, at our old home, I saw thier UW gas/electric bills, for sure they were about 15% to 20% less than ours used to be. Then we started to research the company, have now spent many hours doing just that result, fairly convinced there is an opportunity for people to make some extra cash and save on bills.

 

The best thing for us would be the monthly billing, the discount and being in control of the meter reading. We would not switch our BB on the grounds of " If it aint broke do'nt fix it" The lady of the house told me, she had been with UW for 3 years, she estimated savings of £12 to £15 per month. Every little helps.

 

Here is the link through to UW promo video again, would welcome any comments from CAGers, good, bad or ugly.

 

Thanks again.

Edited November 15, 2008 by nevos

[ukaviator]

Nevos

 

Have a read here about Network Marketing, it may help you decide.

 

Network Marketing F.A.Q.

[Castlebest]

I actually got involved with an American company called Amway in the early 80's who sold household cleaning products on this basis. Their products were good and the only stock you needed to carry was under your own kitchen sink.

 

The problem I found was that I had got involved relatively late in the process so the market that was available was limited by people who were already doing it or had decided against it, this type of marketing is self limiting because of the multiplication factors involved with recruiting the next links in the chain.

 

The other thing I found was no matter how much you try not to alienate friends and family by making them feel obliged to sign up sooner or later you have to steer the conversation in that direction or forget about them as a sale

[Bookworm]

Also no matter how they try to sell it to you, Amway are a pyramid scheme... Oh, they try to cover it up this way and that, but any system which relies on someone getting more people in by signing in on the scheme to make more money is by definition a pyramid scheme.

 

So my response to the question: "Can the pig help us?" would have to be... "Can it fly?" ;-)

[KER]

Here is the link through to

 

Thanks again.

 

 

Mmm you keep trying to promote your business (I'm assuming that's all your details below that video etc etc...) but how about laying out the facts and figures you are actually getting paid - that's far more interesting

 

 

(And remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!!)

[nevos]

UKaviator: Thank you for the link.

 

I got this in my email today:

 

Profiles of success: Injury stops Policeman working...but he keeps earning

 

When Jimmy Chapman was forced to leave the police service in 2004 due to an injury he was sad to leave a job he enjoyed. "I loved being able to help and serve other people. I was proud of the job I did". However, Jimmy was confident that his future was going to be bright. "I'd already started working my Telecom plus business in my days off from the police and I knew it had the potential to support my family and I once I realised that injury was going to force me out of service. Many other people in my position would have been forced to take menial jobs they didn't enjoy, but I can spend time doing what I love helping people to save money on their essential household services, and if they want, helping them make extra money too. Its great for me to choose my own working hours now and spend time with my son Sam teaching him to play golf and other sports! I strongly urge you to get in touch with the person who showed you the Utility Warehouse business and find out how you can benefit". More profiles

 

 

Looks like it does fly BW

 

 

I'm going to give it a go but, I don't want to go down the old style of friends and families etc..going to take on 50 downstream partners via the net and give them free the tools to impliment three income streams.

 

 

The Utility Wharehouse costs £199 to sign up as an Authorised Distributor but, if you get 12 customers in 90 days you get it all back.

 

 

The problem I found was that I had got involved relatively late in the process so the market that was available was limited by people who were already doing it or had decided against it, this type of marketing is self limiting because of the multiplication factors involved with recruiting the next links in the chain.

Yes, I remember Amway became saturated, have checked UW and they only have 10% of the market so, on the face of it there is scope.

 

Thank you for the input it is much appreciated It would be great if this thread becomes a blow by blow of how it's going.

Edited November 17, 2008 by jonni2bad
enough links now!

[nevos]

Mmm you keep trying to promote your business (I'm assuming that's all your details below that video etc etc...) but how about laying out the facts and figures you are actually getting paid - that's far more interesting

 

 

(And remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!!)

Hi Ker, thank you for your comments. While reading about the company, I read that, if you can acheive a certain level like 75 customers, you can get a free BMW Mini. Was thinking to myself, yeah right, problem is, there is one parked around the corner from my home, I almost choked when I saw it. Always wondered why anyone would stick a purple pig on a car lol..

[KER]

I was just doing some digging, and have a read of this thread, there are some very good "come back down to earth" comments on there

 

Homeworking Forum: Telecom plus does it actually work)

[MARTIN3030]

Also no matter how they try to sell it to you, Amway are a pyramid scheme... Oh, they try to cover it up this way and that, but any system which relies on someone getting more people in by signing in on the scheme to make more money is by definition a pyramid scheme.

 

So my response to the question: "Can the pig help us?" would have to be... "Can it fly?" ;-)

 

 

Its been grounded Bookie.....due to the credit crunch

The old saying that pigs might fly-is sadly a thing of the past......

 

Ask Michael O Leary;)

[nevos]

Hi Ker, what a great link.

 

I love this comment:-

 

The crux of it all is that if you work at something it will work, if you put no effort in then it doesn't. What would happen if you didn't put your foot on the accelerator of your car?.... It wouldn't go... this is true in most businesses.

 

Thank you!

[KER]

I preferred this bit:

 

 

All MLM's "can" work for you as long as you understand the real principle behind them.

 

You may think you "know" 20 people who'll become customers (family & friends), in reality you'll get half.

 

You may "believe" that you'll be able to find more customers by advertising etc... you won't unless you spend more money than they're worth!

 

The ONLY way you will succeed is by recruiting new people to do the business opp. just like you are contemplating.....and for those people to do the same again....... and so on.

 

There are methods to attract new customers and agents which don't involve major advertising costs BUT you won't get anything for nothing.

 

If you don't feel comfortable "selling" to friends and family then don't fall for the "it's not selling, it's sharing information" line. It is selling.....no matter how it's dressed up.

 

SO how easy is it to recruit others into the business..? More difficult than you would even begin to imagine. Although the company refered to have a good reputation and it all "sounds" so easy you'll still spend lots of money advertising for new recruits.

 

Do people get rich doing MLM...? Yes some do, some make a "reasonable" living and some may just get back their investment..... but a lot will neve get close to even getting their investment back!

 

Look at it this way.... most people won't change from a trusted company provider to a company they may or may not have heard of, even if they will save a few hundred punds in a year UNLESS the recommendation comes from a trusted family member or friend....therefore the need exists for you to "sign-up" your family and friends, then recruit others to do the same to their family and friends and so on.......BUT would you really recommend to a family member or friend that they get involved on the business side when you haven't even made your original investment back?

 

The most important thing to remember is you WILL NEED to recruit and if you don't spend money to recruit then you won't succeed in the business.

[KER]

Hi Ker, what a great link.

 

I love this comment:-

 

 

 

Thank you!

 

 

To which a couple added:

 

"Putting your foot down only works if the car has wheels and an engine........

if the car hasn't got any petrol in it you can do whatever you will with the accellerator; nothing will happen.

 

There are always other factors to consider. Hard work is just one of several factors in MLM or any other business."

[nevos]

Hi Ker, yes I understand all of that and here are my thoughts:

 

Firstly, I definately do not beleive in the old format of MLM marketing, here are my reasons. If you ask one hundred people including family and friends then, at least 95% will decline your offer no matter how good it may be. This is a 5% success rate but, a 95% failuer rate.

 

Therefore IMO, the way forward is not to direct sell but, to have prospects comming to you, this is thinking outside the box. Currently, I am reading anything I can read on the subject and fast comming to the conclusion it is the right and modern way of thinking, in short, change the negative into positive.

[KER]

Hey if you are prepared for the fact that you will eventually run out of people, and that you may lose more than you save... then go for it and I wish you luck!

 

Many many people have had their fingers burned over these things, and always remember, the promotional videos you are shown (and you are showing) are full of actors paid to say these things!!

[nevos]

Hi Ker, do you work for British Gas? lol

 

edited

 

Wigoder wants to gain further market share in the UK. So far it only has 1% of a multi-million pound potential.

 

Think there is a long way to go before running out of people

Edited November 17, 2008 by jonni2bad
Less advertising, more opinion...

[Bookworm]

Nevos

 

Have a read here about Network Marketing, it may help you decide.

 

Network Marketing F.A.Q.

Uk, I don't know how you came across that link, but it reads like the MLM bible. I have heard it at Amway meetings, I have heard it every time someone has tried to enrol me in one of those, I think I even heard it on Watchdog last week when that girl from the Apprentice programme was filmed trying to peddle yet another one of those schemes. Guess what? She also denied it was a pyramid scheme, instead calling it a network marketing opportunity.

 

And no, I don't work for British Gas either. ;-)

[42man]

To be honest....I wouldn't put any of my family or my friends through this as they wouldn't be my friends for very long...!! and my family would disown me !!

[nevos]

Hi Bookworm: To be honest, I have also heard all the that stuff on MLM, I even signed up for the Euphony deal myself some years ago.

 

Looking at the standard format of Utility Wharehouse it smacks of the same, like, get all your pals and relatives signed up. This is the last thing I want to do.

 

I wouldn't involve anyone in anything if I wasn't convinced myself. The only way I could convince myself is by doing it first and creating ny own model and proving it worked.

 

My approach is this: A person would need to harness the power of the internet, think in a positive way and also think outside the usual MLM box i.e. NOT Trying to oblige friends and relatives to join you, NOT sitting through those rah rah meetings watching tired old videos or listening to the guy in Liverpool who now has a Porche and 5 bed Barret hutch. Certainly NOT going door to door or doing an Anne Summers party.

 

Most people can plonk away at a PC and do simple tasks, search google, post into forums, email etc..What if you were given 3 opportunities all rolled into one package, your own website with ready made pages having your three lines of income sitting there ready to go. I found this system in America, so I bought it for $39, it gave me access into a members area and I could see exactly how it works. If anyone is interested I would be happy to explain how it works.

[MARTIN3030]

Theres lots of other ways to make a few bob that dont rely on the cooperation of people in your circles.....I am sticking to selling stuff on ebay for a tenner,that I bought on the car boot sale for 50p;)

[nevos]

Hi Martin: Good idea! Doesn't it prove the power of the net, ebay is a classic example. Got an ebook all about making a fortune on ebay yours for free if you would like it? Would post you a link but cagbot is removing them.

[skbuncks]

I personally would exercise EXTREME caution before involving myself in any MLM scheme. Very few of them offer anything other than heartache and despair (unless you happen to be the person who set it up in the first place).

 

Some basic info on MLMs can be found here.

 

Summary of an MLM scheme:

 

1) The business model is fatally flawed.

2) It suckers people in with an appeal to greed.

3) People can be convinced of it due to wishful thinking.

4) It can get a grip of people due to indoctrination and self-deception.

5) It may result in the loss of money, credibility and self respect.

6) The perpetrators of the scheme will have made a profit out of you regardless. They are the ones that can't lose!

 

skb

Edited November 17, 2008 by skbuncks
pesking spelling

[Bookworm]

7) depending on what the model scheme is, it may be in breach of the CPUT Regs 08.

 

 

;-)

[nevos]

I personally would exercise EXTREME caution before involving myself in any MLM scheme. Very few of them offer anything other than heartache and despair (unless you happen to be the person who set it up in the first place).

Been there got the T shirt that's why I feel this is different:-

 

Short Overview of Telecom +

 

 

The story is only just beginning!

Telecom plus PLC is the first company outside the established energy industry to be granted a full license by OFGEM (the official energy regulator) to supply gas and electricity. Indeed, Telecom plus pls is the first company in Europe to offer its customers a single bill for all the major utilities - gas, electricity, telephone, mobile phone and internet.

London Stock Market

Telecom plus plc has not only achieved profitability in a very short period of time, but it has also gained a full listing on the London Stock Exchange and currently the company is valued at around £220million.

Share in the success - literally.

Share options have long been used as an effective way of motivating and rewarding key people to achieve incredible results - the more successful you are, the more income you achieve through share options. This is the only company in the UK using referral marketing to offer share options to its independent executives.

Over the next 3 to 5 years, this company is well positioned to make many millionaires through share options alone.

The Management

The management of this company already has experience of building a profitable business that achieved £175million turnover in its sixth year.

 

Edited November 17, 2008 by nevos