When looking for a business, things are not always what they seem. If you take a moment to consider what you’re looking at before joining an offer, you’ll probably save yourself a lot of money, a lot of time, and a lot of frustration.
A few things to keep in mind before joining:
The company website: This is easy… a moderately talented person can go to Wix and build a site in a few days that looks like a multinational conglomerate. Could be a one man operation.
Payment processors: There are many. Some are even free. With a few dollars to set it up, it will look like you are sending money to a large company. Could be a one man operation.
Company Name: They will invent something that sounds fabulous but is really just a postal box. Could be a one man operation.
Incorporated: Is really? Check with the state where they claim to do business. It is their mailing address in the same State where they claim to be a Corporation. They may be incorporated in Nevada or Delaware, but have their operation elsewhere. Some may say they are an Inc. or an LLC… but they are not. Also check with your local BBB. Could be a one man operation.
Their products: Do you make your own? If not, it could simply be a private label operation with questionable product quality. Be careful. Could be a one man operation.
Transportation: Are the products being shipped from the listed location, or are they coming from a completely different place? Does it take a long time to get the product once you order it? It could mean that the ‘company’ is behind in its payments to the dealer. Could be a one man operation.
Call customer service: Do you get a recording saying they have “high call volume” and will get back to you if you leave a message? Could be a one man operation.
Be careful. 80% of the time a new business fails within the first 18 months. Do not waste your time. Another reason to be careful is that these people who fly at night only want their ‘sign-up’ fee. I don’t like to see people’s dreams shattered.
Oh sure… they’ll try to keep things running for a while to get more and more signups, but most won’t mind if you use any product. They just want more registration fees.
A few years ago the government finally shut down one such operation and it was estimated that the owner had received about $43,000,000.00 in the couple of years that he operated.
Do some research before signing up with someone! Could be a one man operation.