A few weeks back, I had posted on an opportunity I had to join in on a "business opportunity" (original article and more detail), which was basically a multi-level marketing organization named Shop To Earn/Shop To Earth (http://www.shoptoearn.net/). In this case, it was very early on and the potential for pretty significant profits and passive income SEEMED like a decent proposition. After much consternation, introspective thought and an overall bad feeling about imploring my friends and family (or even Everyday Finance readers) to join, I opted against signing on. In the article, I highlighted that there were also some facets to the program that require further consideration and in one particular aspect, I feel that I've identified a FLAW in the Shoptoearn system that is worthy of consideration.
UPDATE #2 - I have opened these posts back up to comments. There appears to be ample interest in the system still. However, be advised that I will be declining comments from existing members that clearly serves as propoganda for the system.
UPDATE #1 - Legal Threats:
Unfortunately, my original post from several weeks ago, which had a balanced, yet critical review of the business process, had to be taken down due to the threatening emails sent to me by the legal counsel of Shop To Earn. Until I investigate my rights/risks further, I have removed the post as of July 14, 2008 to comply with the uncompromising, bullying (in my opinion) behavior of this company. Readers had benefited from the important information displayed, but I really don't have the time or energy for a prolonged legal battle to defend my free speech. Fortunately, I have an LLC firewall between this attorney and my personal assets, but I really don't want to spend the time, nor would I like to lose the blog, over this issue unless I have further assurances from my legal inputs, so for now, the original post has some of my impressions, opinions, but I have removed any content that STE could even attempt to claim is defamatory or false.
Here's some food for thought though: One of the primary tenants of the system is to utilize online shopping to maximize discounts. Whether or not you join, you should optimize your cash back from the credit cards you're utilizing.
I'm just directing readers to the full galaxy of ALL Cash-Back Cards so you can compare for yourselves - this index has several: CreditCards.com- Cash Back Credit Cards
THE CONVERSATION HAS MOVED TO DARWIN'S FINANCE FOR the 2009 UPDATE on STE. Please use that post for the latest on STE and Comments. They're closed here and accepted there; much easier to manage on the other blog.
70 COMMENTS HERE
You are mistaken about your "Evil" analysis.
You are encouraged to keep the "automatic placement" preference. This will always place people to your weaker performing legs. Not everyone will be making astronomical commissions, but can easily make residual income of some kind, whether that is 1 Score per month or several. You are responsible for one line to build yourself. The other leg has some built in momentum.
Regarding the broken up payouts, you are charged the $5 processing fee for the entire month regardless of your commissions, whether it be $50 or $550 (Score!) or more. You are NOT charged $5 for each level of commission bonus. Please get your facts straight. I find it interesting that you can make this definitive statement without actually owning a shop to earn website.
You are 100% correct that you will not earn substantial income if you only recruit 2 people and those lines do nothing down the line.
However, you do not need to qualify for Score bonuses to qualify for cash back on your purchases. For example, take just one shop to earn site, Drugstore.com (10% cash back). If you have kids and order diapers, medicine, plus your normal sundry toiletries, you can easily spend $5,000 annually. I live in PA and do not pay the normal 6% sales tax at DS.com (compared to the corner pharmacy or supermarket) because they are not required to file since they do not have a physical facility in PA. Add to that, my minimum order of $25 or $50 for FREE shipping.
Simple math: $5,000 x 16% = $800 cash back. Tax effect at a high 30% and that leaves a net value of $560. This doesn't consider running this through a home business which you can write off expenditures. And that is just ONE store example.
Here is what you must consider: Do you shop on line or would you consider changing shopping patterns to shop on line? If they answer is no, then I would caution you against signing up as a Broker. Another point: Are you interested in recruiting others to join your business and encourage them to foster their own business? If the answer is no to both of these questions, then I would strongly advise against STE.
I have found that those who are successful either shop online a lot or recruit people. If you do both, you can have realistic success. If you do neither, then it's not for you. What would scare me is unrealistic goals of signing up two people and expect to make $25k/year for doing nothing. If you do not work this like a business, you will not be successful but can still benefit from your own shopping (which still comes out ahead at the end of the year).
P.S. = Glad you enjoy running errands at $4+/gallon of gas. Hope you can fit a lot on your motorcycle.
Thanks for clarifying the $5 fee issue. While an obvious overcharge, $5 once per month is much more pallatable.
The reason it's tough to nail every fact perfectly is that their is very little transparency with Shoptoearn.net. Don't you find it odd that when you do the sign up clicks, you're served with a multitude of legal documentation indemnifying them, this that and the other thing, yet there's not a single mention of points or payments in the legal documentation?
This thinkg's a work in progress (note they're promising to add better vendors to shoptoearth; should this have been established prior to launch??) and there's nowhere to get the real facts until you sign up. I happened to have a guy I could ask a few questions of who knew someone who knew someone else, etc., but these verbal questions and answers are anything but legally binding.
The overview presentation's been changed in the past 2 weeks I've noticed. It did have some inaccuracies which have been corrected; so that's good to see.
While you highlight some points you can attain from shopping online, etc., the point imbalance issue wasn't addressed. Not only was this evident in my viewing of one of the profiles during the telecon, but I also got this info from someone a few levels above me that I knew, as well as one of the commentors on the last post. So, there's definitely something going on there.
I guess in the end, it's probably likely that you'll make your money back, still early. The tax thing, the discount thing if you use those stores; it's mathematically sound. For me, this transcended money. There were too many open issues and the amount of work I'd need to do to maintain the 1/3 balance was anything but predictable.
I'll continue to keep a fair and balanced forum here and publish any other inaccuracies from members, experiences from anyone who went inactive (I know there are plenty of you) or questions from prospective members.
What they mention in the documentation is that this system could convert to Score Flush if the model becomes unstable. This provides long term stability. (ie. people do nothing to populate their inside leg and want to benefit from just their outside leg).
I appreciate you bringing these items to light, but feel it shouldn't be labeled as "Evil". Yes, this is a work in process and they are refining the sales duplication process as it expands.
Point imbalance issue actually goes both ways. It supports your argument but also provides long term stability. Again, if you do nothing, or your lines do nothing, then you will not receive the exponential benefit. Should you be rewarded in any business venture if you do not invest the time/effort necessary for success? The points imbalance issue sustains the model as stated above.
The first person signed up to my left has already made their money back by signing up 3 people. Yes they are imbalanced. But they have received a direct deposit payment on 6/19 and have been made whole on their investment. What they are not benefiting from is the exponential growth aspect. Money back and incredible commission generation are two separate concepts.
STE shows the 2x2x2 etc. growth as a prospective model. What should they show? It's hard to explain this to someone with 10 different growth scenarios, but you can figure this out on your own. Any prospective business model does not show 10 different variations, but includes simple assumptions.
The balance issue is key. If you can maintain complete balance you can make substantial commission income. If you maintain 1/3 balance you can still garner a nice return on your $450 investment. If you do nothing, don't expect to receive substantial income, but you can still benefit from shopping online and cash back on your own purchases as a worst case scenario.
I am glad you are maintaining a balanced approach, highlighting both success stories and inactive issues. Remember, in any business, not every turtle makes it to the ocean. But with a little effort, you are almost guaranteed substantial or moderate success. Also, each individual needs to define success. Is it getting my investment back? Is it generating cash back on your purchases above your initial investment without traveling to each store's brick and mortar location? Is it making $25k per year in residual commission income? Only each individual person can answer those questions. Again, if you don't feel comfortable about any of those points, then STE is not for you. But labeling it as an "Beautifully Evil" enterprise is factually unwarranted. Please present the facts without making editorialized assumptions.
Bravo to STE Broker in PA!
I agree and Well, said!
To Everyday Finance....I was the "he" that posted my current imbalance (although I am a SHE!) :)
I didn't post that as a negative example but to merely to point out that I am benefiting BIG TIME from the large growth on my left side. I look at the Glass half full approach... Now I don't have to work on growing that side! I have been very honest and upfront with sharing this business to my friends. This is not a "get rich quick scheme" and NO if you just sign up two people you will most likely NOT make piles of money! However, if you can get a few motivated people that recognize the opportunity with STE then you will see growth and FAST! Plus you are investing in a business that will eventually help us improve how we treat the planet we live on!
Here is an update on how I am doing with points and $$$...
I have been in this business since April 23. I have 312 people under my left side and 55 people under my right! Uneven yes, however, my left is now starting to move much more quickly. Since June 1 I have only referred one person. I have 9 days to go and have already made $1800 just from the "SCORE" bonuses and in addition I have earned $150 in gas cards. That brings me to a total of $6900 since I started! I put great effort and excitement into the first 45 days and got the word out to my friends, family, nail lady, etc etc. My total referrals is 13. I have treated this as a business and have been helping those friends that signed up get their referrals (mostly by talking to them on the phone but sometimes sitting in person with them). Why would I do that? Because ultimately it helps me and most of the people that signed up under me!
YOU MAKE YOUR MONEY BACK IF YOU CAN REFER 3 PEOPLE! What happens from there depends on those 3, you (and in some cases the people above you).
One last thing. There is the option to physically place people on the inside rather than the outside if you chose. I have done this mistakenly when I first got started. The only issue with that is that this person placed inside vs, on the outside leg will not benefit from the people above him/her so they would have to worry about building BOTH sides rather than 1. It is more of a business building strategy than EVIL!
Unfortunately, I am not as eloquent a writer as my friend STE Broker in PA so I hope that I haven't created more confusion! All I can say is simply this.. What other opportunity is there today that has the prospect of residual income (how much is up to you) by just purchasing things online that you already purchase and that pays you to spread the word, all while saving money on GAS and possibly helping you spend less (I never leave a store with JUST what I went there for! How about you?). Add to that the potential to make some changes and use healthier products for yourself, your family and the planet I think this is a GREAT DEAL! ALL for $448!
Mr Everyday Finance, have you ever wasted $450 on a night out? A weekend trip? clothes that you haven't worn in 5 years? Why not see is as an early opportunity and investment and see what happens! You WILL get out of it what you put into it!
Easy money? NO! Opportunity of a lifetime? For some yes! A chance to make some extra money every month! DEFINITELY!
BTW- I am a well respected corporate Girl that has been successful working my way up the corporate chain. It has taken 12 years to get where I am and gets harder every year! That sucess came with a price. NOT $450 but years of seeing my kids 2 hours a day and dealing with typical corporate BS, Mergers, Executives making bad choices that cost me my annual raise (which wouldn't have even covered the rise in the cost of living). Then they make it harder to make what you did the year before... Never mind what has happened to my stock options, 401K and Benefits! What is more Beautifully Evil than that!
I recently joined STE and while MLMs have notoriously been shunned and screamed about by the masses, perception is reality. Here's the reality. Online shopping is here to stay and will only grow exponentially as knowledge and trust are gained. With regards to the the kinks and the lack of written communication at the site, those are actually "pros". Here's why. It speaks to how new this concept is. There is no reason to not launch a model just because there are a few shortcomings. Even the best companies "tweak" their model and continue to tweak for years and years. This is the ground level. The potential is unlimited and the risk is $448, period. If you have something negative to say about this you are overanalyzing. My only question is to STE in Fla, who said at the beginning she was trying to place people on the inside legs. I also thought about doing that but have not done so. Can you elaborate as to why that would not be a good idea. It seems if I don't, the triangle will be completely hollow. Thanks for any response, and to the naysayers out there, let me know when you find another idea that costs so little and has the potential to provide unlimited cash flow.
It isn't going to hurt you if you place someone on an inside leg. You still get the cash and the 200 points. The reason that it isn't recommended is that the person that you put on the inside doesn't benefit from "the downline". You get the 200 points but NO one else does (or few do). Then as the people on the outside leg add their referrals The first one ALWAYS goes on the outside which falls under the last person in that line. That way every person above them gets the 200 points. The person on the inside doesn't see any of those points making it more difficult for them! I find that my referrals get more motivated and excited when they see people falling under them that they haven't referred. It's like a bonus! Then as the line grows each person really only needs to concentrate on one side rather than both! It is up to your referrals to build the inside! If they all get their two, and so on then the inside fills up on its own anyway!
In some circumstances I have put people on the inside when I know they are going to be strong and are confident that they can get their group going without the added help! That being said someone always has to fall on the inside anyway so however you decide to build it is your decision. If you start having to worry about someone you put on the inside then not only do you have to worry about the growth in your business but then you have to worry about theirs too!
Sounds more complicated than it is but my advice is to follow the business model to grow your business faster and more effectively! Hope that helps and I wish you all the success that I have had so far! I am about to score for the 4th time this month and am very excited! I stand to make about $2300 this month with little effort! The person that signed me up has made over $17,000. They signed up about 3 weeks before me! They also have been lopsided but are still making the cash! Most of the bug money makers are somewhat uneven but they are still making tons of cash! I feel like i am doing well but these people are making over $550 a day right now!
To STE in FL - Thanks for the response? I had a couple of follow up questions if you don't mind. Regarding the placement of referrals, how would you even go about placing someone on an inside leg; if you choose right or left instead of automatic, wouldn't the left or right placement be on the respective outside leg? Also, am I correct that every 4800 points is a score ($550) and that it is culminated by the aggregate of 200 points per every sign-up below you and the points amassed through purchases which basically are equivalent to one dollar per point of the total discounts saved, and that those discounts travel upward to everyone upline? Also, there are a lot of people who wonder how safe it is to provide social security numbers and bank account information; is there any corporate information online that attests to the safety in providing such information so freely? Lastly, I had an opportunity to view a few of the participants checks who have been doing this for a bit. Can you explain how someone higher up in the same line would be getting a check for less than someone lower than them. I guess I am not understanding everything. I believe that Shop To Earn is a great concept, that the products offered really differentiate this from the typical MLM nonsense. As such, the more answers I have, the easier it will be to overcome objections by those who have been turned off or worse yet, burned by MLMs in the past. Thanks for any response.
If you go into your back office and click on graphic entry you will see your "organization". When you see some of those inside spots that are not taken yet it will either say available or not available. If you click on one of those available spots it will bring you right to the Join Now page and you can get your referral set up. This will place your referral in that spot that you clicked on. TO do this you will need to have your referral's personal info (SS# address etc) I DON'T recommend that you do this with anyone that you aren't close family or friends with as YOU will need to handle their personal info! The site itself was set up with security as tight as your online banking sites (this info should be in the FAQ's in your back office) but if you are handling someones personal info it leaves the door open for trust issues later if that info was ever to fall into the wrong hands! Catch my drift? I am in no way suggesting that you would do this I am just making sure it is CLEARLY stated that you shouldn't ever put yourself in the position where you are handling someones personal info if you can (My disclaimer, so to speak).
So, now that person is placed in the spot tat you chose!( This would not work if this is our first sign up. Your first sign up will always fall to the outside) Remember that as the people on the outside legs add referrals and accumulate points for their shopping this person on the inside will NOT see any of those points from these people so it is a little more challenging for this person! If have learned that IF you are going to do this you should only put someone in that inside spot if they are a strong self motivated person that can get their organization going without the support of the rest of your group! Does this make sense? I hope so! If not let me know! Hopefully this explains why the system was set up to put people on the outside legs, so that everyone benefits from each other! I look at it as a TEAM effort!
Regarding your question on the points.. You are correct on how the points accumulate. From the referral points AND the cash back points from shopping (1 point per $1).
The reason that someone higher up can me making less than someone below them is mostly due to placement ( or balance of placement)! I have a friend that is below me but she is more evenly balanced (she has about 220 people on the left and 100 people on the right). Because she is more evenly balanced she is scoring (hitting the 4800 points) more often then I am). Lucky for me every time she scores I get $50 (if I referred her). Also, she hit ALL of the bonuses in her first 30 days so her accumulative total is higher! Remember that if you can get your business "jump started" in the first 30 days you stand to earn and extra $2500 in bonuses! I hit all but one of them making my first month earnings over $4800 (including the 3 gas cards that i got!) NOT BAD!
Let me add an update since my last post.. I am now at 401 people in my organization and have Scored again! I have I have a referral about to score again which will give me another $50. 342 on the left and 59 on the right. So, since I posted 2 days ago I have added another $350 to my total and another gas card. I am pacing to end June at earnings of about $2500. I haven't signed another person up! I am just assisting the people in my group! That being said.. The person that signed you up should also be able to answer most of these questions for you. If they can't they can go to their "team leader"! Thats the great thing about working with a team! Everyone can help each other out! :) I enjoy helping people out! If they are successful I am successful, RIGHT? :) Good Luck!
STE is for real - if you work at it.
I just finished up a seminar in NJ and got to meet and greet the powers that be. There's no smoke and mirrors, it's a simple concept once you understand it.
I made over $8,000 in less than 4 weeks by scoring fast bonus 2 times with 2 websites. Now a base is built for a serious future. If you work hard and stay focused, you will succeed - just like anything else in life. Only 3% of people in the country are financially successful and secure. This is because most people are lazy and skeptical - which is convenient because it makes it easier for us positive thinking winners.
I think that you will find that the people who are most interested and successful at STE are already succesful in something else more "legit" already. They just see an opportunity that makes too much sense to ignore.
I've noticed that there are 2 types of naysayers; #1) Professional people with Law degrees and Master's degrees who either don't like to see people with maybe less credentials make more money with less work (which is their problem not ours) or they may be legitimately worried about their "reputations" of being involved with something that scares many people and clients(which I can understand).
#2) The way more numerous typical lazy person who can't ever follow through on anything anyway. Many of whom who seem to have the time for over analyzing and bashing then just getting to work.
Personally, I like to hang out with positive thinking winners that want to give back to society through saving the planet and donating some proceeds. Thats what STE is all about!
Joe from NJ
you should get your facts straight before you talk negatively about ste,,it is an unbelieveable opportunity to make money and have your friends reap the benefits as well....SHOP ON!!!
Well, I think the STE members have presented the system in a more favorable light than I portrayed; it seems to be a pretty good deal for those that are in it now. There hasn't really been any input from folks who quit or opted not to join.
My friend who initially approached me seems happy; he's signed up a few people so he's made his money back. Like I said, there are pros, there are cons and a lack of transparency in my opinion, but overall, this seems to be a better deal than ACN or some of the other ones I've seen friends get invovled in.
To be frank, when I initially thought you could set up the discount store site (Earn, not Earth) and earn points that way, I thought it was ideal that I already had thousands of visitors per week, and those discounts were a decent value to offer, so I'd have tons of business. It was the Shop To Earth-specific selling piece that turned me off. I also probably could have signed up several people a month through this site if I were routinely posting about it. Working through the left/right imbalance piece also concerned me. In the end, it just wasn't for me for various reasons. Foremost was the prospect of trying to sell something to people that I didn't really believe in. Might sound corny, but it really came down to that.
As this has pretty much turned into a posting board for existing members at this point, I'm going close the article to new comments. There are plenty of forums for STE and I think I've provided ample opportunity now for both sides of the story to be heard.
I'd like to express my gratitude for the respectful dialogue from members whos organization I criticized on the site. All comments were able to be posted due to your professionalism.
If there are any stories, tidbits, corrections that you feel need to be added/highlighted, feel free to send me an email via contact tab above and I could always do a follow-up post.
Well, back open to comments.
Fire Away!
To Everyday Finance,
I don't agree that you should have had to change your original post. I am sorry to hear that! Although I didn't agree with it and there were some inacurracies I feel that our Posts did the company and the system the justice that was needed! Oh Well. Business is business I guess.
None the less, I just want to update you on our progress. I am STE in Florida. I was at about $6,900 as of last. I am now at over $12,000. I have over 3000 people in my organization. I am still very unbalanced due to some very strong people on that one side however I am not deterred or discouraged. A good friend of mine (that falls on my heavy side) had yet to sign up his 2nd person. He had a strong side with hundreds of people and then Zero on the other. Rather than give up or get upset he just kept up his day job and was patient and persistent. He got his second person after 3 months and in 6 weeks went from $0 to over $30,000.
Up until recently this was a couple hours a week type of effort for me however over the last month I have been stepping it up to help the people in my downline (mostly on the side that needs the growth). I am starting to see the movement and beleive that in a few months my slower side will be moving as quickly! If this side were to catch up I stand to make over $300,000. Can it happen? YES! The person I joined under has made over $140,000 since April. His wife $50,000 (and she falls under me). I find this truly amazing!
The bottom line is maybe the system isn't perfect but it isn't meant to be easy money!What is in this world? It is a business and requires a little effort. Doesn't any legitimate business have requirements and investments? That being said where could you go that you have this kind of potential in earnings for an investment of $450? Even with the downturn in the economy this thing keeps on growing and is making sense to many! There are plenty of people that haven't made as much and plenty that have made more! Anyone that I know that hasn't made anything hasn't DONE ANYTHING! That's the bottom line.
Check out the Green site too! There are thousands of "green" products to chose from now. It is still growing!
Hope this helps you with a realistic update!
Shop To Earn – Is It an Illegal Pyramid?
Opinion from an Insider and FTC Rulings
Mia culpa for joining ShopTo Earn/ShopToEarth (STE) prior to doing my homework. It is so easy to get swept up in the fever of earning quick money during a home presentation where an early investor shows his paycheck. Sounds like inducement which has been deemed illegal by the FTC. However, now that I joined as a broker for $448, I would like to share some details of my direct experience which in my opinion classifies STE as a pyramid. In addition, I have included some rulings by the FTC on similar “mall” shopping companies which were forced to shut down and two FTC articles on warning signs of an illegal pyramid scheme.
First of all here is some background on the STE’s design and structure. You may join STE as a Business Builder ($99) and you are only paid for recruiting others. However, to receive your commission, you or your friends "must generate at least $100 in monthly business volume through his/her website's link to ShopToEarth to become qualified to SCORE!" (taken directly from the company’s commission rules; link to this document is shown below under Related Documents). The commission rules also state that a Business Builder must refer (recruit) three new Website Owners or Brokers within the first 30 days. These recruits must pay their renewal fees at the end of one year or the Business Builder must refer (recruit) another Website Owner/Broker to continue to be eligible for commission.
Or, you may join as a Web site Owner ($349) which allows you to shop with 500 retailers and earn cash back with a $69 annual renewal fee. You also earn points for anyone who shops at your Web site. However, to receive your commission through STE you or your friends "must generate at least $100 in monthly business volume through his/her website's link to ShopToEarth to become qualified to SCORE!"
Doesn’t it sound great to earn cash back for shopping online? Slow down. Did you know that you can do the very same thing through many sites on the internet, earn cash back with MORE retailers and get paid to refer friends all for FREE? Some of these sites are cashbaq.com, ebates.com, mrrebates.com. For example, cashbaq.com has over 1700 retailers and they show any available online coupons per store which may be used for additional discounts. This is known as affiliate marketing where retailers pay for affiliates to promote their goods to a consumer with a direct link to the retailer’s online site. The affiliate receives a rebate from the retailer and is sharing a portion of the rebate with the consumer. So, why would you, your loved ones or friends spend the $349 when you can do the same thing for free? In addition to collecting your $349, STE is receiving the rebate from the retailer as an affiliate and only sharing a portion with the member.
Then there is the Business Builder and Website Owner rolled into one position known as a Broker. The cost to become a Broker is $448 with an annual renewal fee of $119. From STE Commission Rules - "A Broker functions under the same Commission Rules as a Website Owner and a Business Builder; however, a Broker (Website Owner + Business Builder) only has to refer 2 Website Owners and place at least one on the Left Side and at least one on the Right Side to become qualified to SCORE! A Broker has an annual renewal fee of $119 and 50 points are paid to that Broker (Website Owner + Business Builder) and up-line to all Business Builders." Again, to receive your commission through STE, you or your friends "must generate at least $100 in monthly business volume through his/her website's link to ShopToEarth to become qualified to SCORE!"
As for the requirement to purchase $100 in ShopToEarth products monthly, I have looked through the green products available and I cannot come up with $100 that I need every month. I also feel that most of the prices on these green products are inflated and this requirement only serves to put more “green” into the pockets of the top levels. Yes, STE is truly a “green” company.
So if you found $100 from the ShopToEarth site to purchase and now you are ready to receive your commission. But wait, there’s more. Your are not eligible to receive your commission unless your right and left side are balance. Now the complexity comes into the genealogy of the tree you are creating on your right and left side. Remember, as a Broker, you must recruit one person on your right and one on your left which begins your tree. To earn your commission, at least 1/3 of your total points must come from one side. Why is this put into place? It forces you to continually recruit new members on your weaker side. New recruits mean more money. Think about it though. Everyone is trying to balance their sides. So if I have a strong right side but someone below me on that side is weak, they will continually try to recruit more on my strong side. I don’t want this. It will make my strong side even stronger! Yikes. Why was this put in place? The company ensures solvency through your continual balancing act of recruiting new members and not paying commission to existing members who are out of balance.
Here are some other issues that I have with STE:
1. STE readily promotes checks on the STE Tour call, at home presentations, seminars and on individual Web sites. You can go to any member’s Web site, click on their picture in the lower left corner and then click on $ My Check to see the member’s check. In my opinion, this is inducement and is illegal according to the FTC.
2. In order to not classify as a pyramid, FTC states that 50% of the business must come from customers not being paid commissions. STE owns the ShopToEarth products so this means that 50% of the business in ShopTo Earth must come from those purchasing products yet not receiving any commissions. Good luck with that one STE especially since as of September 2008 you now require all members to purchase $100 in products from ShopToEarth to receive commission.
3. STE is promoting business as if they have teamed up with Home Depot, Target, Staples, etc… This is misleading. STE is merely an affiliate and they offer a link to major retailers. In my opinion, this is deceptive and an attempt to legitimize the company.
4. To be a legitimate company, refunds must be made to consumers. STE promises to refund your money if you put in a ticket within the first 14 days. There are several blogs about people not being able to get their refund as promised, which leads to the next issue.
5. No STE telephone number available anywhere on the Web site.
6. Bullying tactics of STE attorney (Nehra) with cease and desist communication to bloggers on the internet who are questioning the legality of STE. Why this tactic? Does STE have something to hide and what about our right to freedom of speech?
What does the company say about itself? Under About Us on the STE Web site, Patrick Welsh, founder, the verbiage reads - "Pat has spent the last 10 years creating and developing this ShopToEarn platform that couples networking and e-commerce. By forming partnerships with the biggest names in retail while seeking out positive partnerships with the finest green companies, our mission of helping people become healthier and wealthier is being realized by many.
Our ability to interface and partner with companies that produce products that are good for us and good for the planet will define our uniqueness as our mission of creating a wave of health and wealth and making a difference is ultimately our contribution that future generations will be proud of."
In my opinion, STE is merely a recruiting scheme hiding under the guise of teaming up with the larger retailers (aka affiliate marketing) and promoting a “Green” company which is good for the planet. Pat’s message fails to tell you that the monthly $100 purchase of the overly inflated (opinion) green products are mandatory to receive your commission or your points are wiped out. However, even though your points are wiped out, these points are still generated up-line. Who benefits the most? STE since they own the ShopToEarth products and of course, those at the top of the pyramid. The $100 monthly requirement is passed off as being in line with the company’s philosophy when in actuality it is keeping the company solvent at the expense of the members.
With all of this information and knowledge of the FTC rulings on similar companies, I cannot in good conscious recruit members (even strangers) to sign up when they can shop online for free and get cash back and money for referring friends who also don’t have to fork over $448 plus $100 per month in products. And I failed to mention that you may not get the best price for your purchase as well. The STE site does not have a search engine for the product offered at the lowest price like Amazon.com or NexTag.com. You could use these sites to first see which retailer is offering the lowest price then come to STE and see if the retailer is on the list. If it’s not on the list, you could purchase it from a retailer on STE and your cash back may equal the cost offered by the lowest retailer. So, have you saved anything by spending $448 to join STE? No. You make money by recruiting and the FTC has ruled this as illegal.
FTC Rulings on Similar Online Mall Companies and FTC Related Articles on Pyramids
How does the FTC weigh in on this type of business? Below are some recent FTC rulings on online malls and an FTC related consumer article on how to spot a pyramid.
1. FTC shut down two previous shopping internet malls with links to retailers. Key passages from the article are detailed below along with the link to the to the entire FTC article:
For Release: May 12, 2005
FTC Cracks down on Internet Mall Pyramid Promoters
Operators of online malls that disguised themselves as legitimate business opportunities have settled Federal Trade Commission charges that they were actually illegal pyramid schemes, in violation of federal law. Seven individuals and four businesses will be barred from making false or misleading statements about earnings or income and engaging in illegal pyramid operations. Four also will be barred from participating in any multilevel marketing businesses. The defendants are subject to suspended judgments totaling $12 million.
The Internet mall businesses operated independently, but they shared attributes: both operations promised substantial incomes; both touted products, but investors didn’t really earn money by selling them, but by bringing in other investors; and most investors lost money.
In July 2003, the FTC filed a complaint charging that Tucson, Arizona-based NexGen3000.com and its principals marketed Internet “shopping malls” that they claimed would enable investors to earn substantial income and commissions on products bought over the Internet. The malls contained a collection of links to retail Web sites maintained by merchants. The defendants allegedly advertised their business opportunity through the NexGen Web site, live presentations, and telemarketing calls, and maintained a network of affiliates to help promote and sell the malls. Consumers paid a registration fee to join the NexGen program, and most also purchased a “WebSuite” including the Internet mall and related goods and services. A “Basic WebSuite”cost $185, including the registration fee, and a “Power Pack WebSuite” cost $555. NexGen allegedly claimed that “each activated business center has the potential to earn up to $60,000 per week.”
Link to the entire FTC article on the internet malls:
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2005/05/nexgen.shtm
2. FTC has ruled in previous cases (law established in prior cases 1999 2Xtreme/Jewelway shutdown and final judgment)
a. Compensation plan monthly minimum purchase requirements were evidence of inventory loading and a Pyramid Scheme so clearly since this was prominent in the company’s compensation plan that -- it was a pyramid scheme.
b.Over 50% were customers that were NON-Participants in the pay plan. (This means that 50 % of customers must merely participate in shopping on the portal and not be rewarded by the pay plan. MLMs are to have a product that consumers want to buy independent of the pay plan. Since all of the retailers (Target, Home Depot, etc. have direct links to the store, these are excluded. Only ShopToEarth would be included and 50 % of customers must shop here and not get commissions.)
3.FTC action against BurnLounge
The BurnLounge compensation program primarily provided payments to participants for recruiting of new participants, not on the retail sale of products or services, which the FTC alleges would result in a substantial percentage of participants losing money.
Link to the entire FTC article against BurnLounge
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2007/06/burnlounge.shtm
4.More from the FTC
In addition to the FTC actions, state agencies have taken law enforcement actions against 70 pyramid targets. State enforcers include the Attorneys General of Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Nevada, New York; the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; North Carolina and Oregon Departments of Justice; and the Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection. (See attached listing)
The FTC has published a free brochure, "Profits in Pyramid Schemes? Don't Bank On It," that warns that consumers should:
a.Avoid any plan that offers commissions for recruiting additional distributors; (STE)
b.Beware of plans that ask new distributors to spend money on high-price inventory; ($100 in Shop To Earth)
c.Be cautious of plans that claim you'll make money through continued growth of your 'downline' recruits, instead of sales; (STE)
d.Beware of plans that promise enormous earnings or claim to sell miracle products;
e.Beware of shills - decoy references used to promote the plans.
Copies of the "Profits in Pyramid Schemes? Don't Bank On It," are available from the FTC's web site at http://www.ftc.gov and also from the FTC's Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580; toll free 1-877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357); TDD for the hearing impaired
5.Facts for Consumers on Multi-Level-Marketing Plans
The Federal Trade Commission cannot tell you whether a particular multilevel marketing plan is legal. Nor can it give you advice about whether to join such a plan. You must make that decision yourself. However, the FTC suggests that you use common sense, and consider these seven tips when you make your decision:
a.Avoid any plan that includes commissions for recruiting additional distributors. It may be an illegal pyramid.
b.Beware of plans that ask new distributors to purchase expensive inventory. These plans can collapse quickly -- and also may be thinly-disguised pyramids.
c.Be cautious of plans that claim you will make money through continued growth of your "downline" -- the commissions on sales made by new distributors you recruit -- rather than through sales of products you make yourself. (STE)
d.Beware of plans that claim to sell miracle products or promise enormous earnings. Just because a promoter of a plan makes a claim doesn't mean it's true! Ask the promoter of the plan to substantiate claims with hard evidence.
e.Beware of shills -- "decoy" references paid by a plan's promoter to describe their fictional success in earning money through the plan.
f.Don't pay or sign any contracts in an "opportunity meeting" or any other high-pressure situation. Insist on taking your time to think over a decision to join. Talk it over with your spouse, a knowledgeable friend, an accountant or lawyer.
g.Do your homework! Check with your local Better Business Bureau and state Attorney General about any plan you're considering -- especially when the claims about the product or your potential earnings seem too good to be true.
Link to the entire FTC article on Consumer Facts
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/invest/inv12.shtm
STE Related documents:
STE Terms and Policies for Business Builders: http://www.shoptoearn.net/downloads/BB_agreement.pdf
STE Terms and Policies Website for Owners:
http://www.shoptoearn.net/downloads/WO_agreement.pdf
STE Terms and Policies for Brokers:
http://www.shoptoearn.net/downloads/BB_agreement.pdf
STE Commission Rules:
http://www.shoptoearn.net/cgi-bin/genesis.exe/Comm_Rules.html?sid=3stGwB1@RJpf7oM-57108590546.97
WAKE UP STE investors and potential investors!!!
As most of you know, ShopToEarn/Earth requires that you spend $100 per month from their “green” retailers in order to receive your commission. In addition to forcing you to buy these products, you are spending far more than if you purchased these same products from other online retailers. For some of the vitamins I researched, you are spending almost double the cost AFTER YOUR CASH BACK. Below is a brief comparison of the prices I found on a quick search. To ensure proof of my claims that I am comparing “apples to apples”, I have screen shots of all products and prices.
1. Alacer Emergen C MuliVitamins Kids Strawberry 36 packets
Vitacost.com Price = $7.37
ShopToEarth Price = $17.45 - $2.62 (cash back) =14.83 ($7.46 MORE)
Way to go STE. Not only do your investors have to wait 1 month for their cash back (minus $5.00 for direct deposit fee), they are spending $7.46 MORE. Where is that extra profit going????
2. Alacer Emergen-C 1000 mg Vitamin C Tropical 36 packets
Amazon.com Price =$6.89
ShopToEarth Price = $14.95 – $2.24 (cash back) = $12.71 ($5.82 MORE)
These outrageous mark-ups are not limited to vitamins. Below are some other examples of STE’s overly inflated products they are forcing on their members.
3. Chocolite Protein Bars Cookies N Cream (16 bars)
Netrition.com Price = $16.99
ShopToEarth Price = $23.49-$3.52 (cash back) = $19.97 ($2.98 MORE)
4. Ark Naturals Sea Mobility Chicken Jerky Strips 3/ 9 ounce strips
Vitacost.com Price = 3 X $7.87 each = $23.61
ShopToEarth Price = $37.47 - $5.62 (cash back) = $31.85 ($8.24 MORE)
I found these in less than 20 minutes of comparison shopping. I have a good hunch that this price inflation is rampant through the green store which makes the founders and those at the top very green. WAKE UP STE investors and potential investors!!!
For the misguided who think they are making money by shopping hence the name, Shop To Earn, here are some more of the [b]outrageous mark-ups in the Shop To Earth site[/b] which you are forced to spend $100 per month to receive commission. You are NOT making money on sales, you are making money by suckering others into signing up which is a classic pyramid. It is only a matter of time before the FTC catches on. Frankly I don't want my name associated with such a fraudulent business but others seem to have no scruples and have no problem taking $448 from friends, family and loved ones. I have not found one product on the Shop To Earth site which is equal to or less than the price offered by other online retailers. And, of course these other retailers are making a profit off of their products which means [b]Shop To Earth is gauging its own members!!!![/b]
Myvitanet.com Aloha Bay Mistletoe Bouquet Candle 21. oz $12.35
ShopToEarth Aloha bAy Mistletoe Bouquet Candle 21. oz $21.99 - $3.30 cash back = $18.69
[b]$6.34 (MORE)[/b]
Myvitanet.com Aloha Bay Ocean Mist Candle 21. oz
$12.35
ShopToEarth Aloha Bay Ocean Mist Candle 21. oz
$21.99 - $3.30 cash back = $18.69
[b]$6.34 (MORE)[/b]
Vitapal.com George’s Aloe Vera Shampoo 8 oz.
$3.75
ShopToEarth George’s Aloe Vera Shampoo 8 oz.
$5.95 - $.89 cash back = $5.06
[b]$1.31 (MORE)[/b]
Vitapal.com George’s Aloe Vera Conditioner 8 oz.
$4.49
ShopToEarth George’s Aloe Vera Conditioner 8 oz.
$6.89 - $1.03 cash back = $5.86
[b]$1.37 (MORE)[/b]
Vitaminthrift.com Genisoy Ultra-XT Soy Protein Shake Chocolate 22 oz. $12.91
ShopToEarth Genisoy Ultra-XT Soy Protein Shake Chocolate 22 oz. $20.19 - $3.03 cash back = $17.16
[b]$4.25 (MORE)[/b]
Imedmart.com Genisoy Protein Bars Chocolate Chip 12-1.58 oz bars $12.92
ShopToEarth Genisoy Protein Bars Chocolate Chip 12-1.58 oz bars $19.99 - $3.00 cash back = $17.99
[b]$5.07 (MORE)[/b]
I think it's comical that some people are critical of STE because of the $100 per month selling/buying requirement. I don't know ANYONE who does not spend at least $100 per month on items needed to run their household or business; and they get NOTHING back for those purchases. STE offers a way to profit from the spending you are already doing. Going at it alone on an affiliate site isn't a business, it's coupon cutting. You can't save yourself rich. The only way you can make money is to earn it. Earning money isn't easy, and takes lots of work. Most of the people on here couldn't cut it as a STE broker, and have sour grapes. Their best just wasn't good enough, so they quit and want to sour the opportunity for hard working Americans who want a better life for their families. If you tried and failed, lick your wounds and go back to your life and find joy and happiness doing something. Writing negative comments on blogs will not stop STE from it's phenominal growth b/c like my dad always told me, "If you work hard and never quit. No one can ever stop you." Well said Dad. Good advice.
I have found products cheaper on STE than elsewhere.
Also you get money back from 700 other stores like Wal-mat, Old navy, expedia, macey's, hotels.com, target, nike, sears, HSN, bass pro shops, staples, tec
Oh you prob don't know this too.....the $100 you spend is only money you make from STE. The money you spend on Green products to help the Earth, you and STE never comes from your pocket.
are you brain dead? the prices are so highly inflated so the upline makes money from the sales, even after your 'cash back' you're paying more than if you buy directly from the store (plus your paying shipping on everything).
as for ScamToEarn's growth, that's true, the peole who started it make a fortune off suckers they recruit and purchases the suckers make.
Add up what you've spent on ScamToEarn, the products you bought through it, the taxes you HAVE to pay on what you make from the program.. then see if you're really making any money.
Go to some stores and rpice what you buy, then compare to ScamToEarn, and the store's own websites.. see how much more your paying for every item yourself.
Then think about it all as you sit all alone because your friends and family want no part of you after you tried so hard to sucker them into this program.
ScamToEarn = hard work? it's no work at all, it's nthing but phoney sales pitches and hopes that no one see's through it or does real research into it. Hard work is building your own business, not making someone else rich. ScamToEarn and other schemes like it are 'get rich quick' schemes that never work, in fact, they all get shut down after awhile. Normally, the 'owners' close it when they are near geting caught, then open a new site, with new name, and new product line with the same scheme and start all over again.
Ever ask yourself why the 'owners' aren't with Amway anymore? it's because Amway got caught! There were huge lawsuits towards Amway, massive investigations, end result, they were declared an illegal pyramid. They didn't ahve over 50% customer who weren't a part of the program itself.
also think about who exactly is going to go to your little portal to go shopping? people want something from walmart, they go to walmart.com or drive to the store. You think your going to force-change people's shopping habits so you make money off inflated prices they are paying? People know what they pay for things, see the prices through ScamToEarn, and walk away from it, only the people suckered into the program make claims of how the prices are lower to try to sign people up.
Admit it, not everyone is as stupid as those who fall for these scams, and you're jsut worried that those speaking up about it being a scam will hurt your attempts to take advantage of others. That's why ScamToEarn's lawyer tries to bully those who speak negatively about the program, ignoring our constitutional right to free speech (in other words, he has no case!) You're so affraid potential suckers may go online and read what the program really is, and not sign up under you, so you defend it with more nonsense that isn't accurate.
you really aught to get your facts straight before you start bashing something
1. The website is for you to shop, you do not try to get others to shop on it.
2. When you go to a website like Wal-Mart through your Shop to Earn website, it takes you directly to the Wal-Mart website and you shop as you normally do using any cuopons you might have...except i will get an extra 4% cash back because I am a memeber of STE......so I can buy the same thing at Wal-mart.com for 4% cheaper than you can....oh and there are 700 other affiliates.
this is the Shop to Earn side.
3. here's a product that is cheaper on the Shop to Earth side than the internet
from STE
Part #: MFCP3000
24 Hour Super Fat Burner Complete (5) Weight Program
Price: $214.75US
$42.95 Cash Back
comes to ~$172
here the same product from the cheapest place you can find on the web
24 Hour Super Fat Burner
Complete Weight Program
5 Advanced Formulas
This package contains one bottle each:
* Life Transfusion Liquid Mineral Complex Advanced Formula
* Liver X - Gall Bladder Advanced Formula
* Night Time Fat Burner Advanced Formula
* Protein Plus W/Chromium Chelavite Advanced Formula
* RapidBurn Metabolic Carb Control Advanced Formula
A World-First in Body Science & Understanding! Lose Weight All Day Long, All Night Long, Even While you are Sleeping! Burn Fat Fast and Safely!
To really lose weight FAST and FURIOUSLY, you have to burn fat and lean the body every SPLIT-SECOND OF THE DAY, 24 HOURS, DAY AND NIGHT. That way the BODY HAS NO EXCUSE!!! IT HAS TO LOSE POUNDS!!!
This is the complete package of the Weight Loss Master Formula products to naturally combat obesity.
Select our 24 Hour Super Fat Burner 2-PACKS or 3-PACKS from our Volume Discount box below and SAVE even more!
Volume Discounts:
Sale Price: $193.28
Again, you don't have to by any products on the Shop to
Earth side (green product side)(yes there are two side to STE but you don't know that because you don't know how it works) unless you made money that month, so in other words you only use their money to by the green products.
Also do you think these high profile companies like nike, walmart, target, expedia would involve themselves in a company that is fraudulent, don't you think their lawyers went over the business model up and down before they decided to join
Lastly we don't try to change people if they already shop online STE saves you money and gives you a chance to make money by spreading the word
So no I am not brain dead, but you certainly don't have all the facts.
So is there anything else I can clear up for you so your not talking out your ass
you jsut said it yourself, the portal is for YOU to shop, not others... making it more of an illegal pyramid scheme.
you're the one without the facts, compeletly ignorant to laws, regulations, and when someone is scamming the crap out of you.
Maybe if you weren't so lazy and uneducated, you could actually get a real job instead of trying to make it rich over night by doing nothing.
btw.. anyone can sign up fr an affiliate at all the store's ScamTOEarn uses.. it's what ScamToEarn did, you sign up for an affiliate account, which is FREE, and markup the prices to what you want, which ScamToEarn does considerably to cover the upline. But you wouldn't know about that becuse you're a mroon who jsut hands over cash to strangers without researchig it totally first
First of all JO I'm Civil Engineering grad with a great job, I go to work everyday and manage million dollar construction projects. So stop blabbing your mouth about s**t you don't know, again.
And your wrong again, the products that are marked up are the green products, the ones we use their money to buy, there about 1400 to choose from.
The over 700 affiliates mark up nothing, you get direct to their website so if you chose Expedia you go to Expedia's website and shop as you normally would with extra savings you can't get, go ahead sign an affiliate deal with 700 companies, then, let me know when your done, I'll shop on your site.
For anyone that's dying to shop through an affiliate link, I have an Amazon affiliate link on the left sidebar. (Disclosure: I get 4% of everything you order) Feel free to shop away :>
So, Affiliate links are really quite easy to come by: via cj.com, linkshare and others, I could have hundreds of affiliate links up in no time, so it's really not an "accomplishment" nor should it take ten years to link to get a bunch of affiliates on a site. Just my 2 cents...
This is great; I'll let you guys get back to business...
dannyb,
It took me 20 seconds to find your product for a cheaper price than STE. You may be a Civil Engineer but you don't know how to efficiently use the Internet.
from behealthyclub.com you can purchase the 5 pack for $164 and I hope you did not by this snake oil. If you did, your blogging days may come quickly to an end. not only is it a shady product, you spent $8.00 more than you could have even after the cash back. Here's the info
Order Your 24-Hour Diet 5 Formula
Complete Program Today!!!
Now you can save 20% on these 5 Formulas. Purchased separately they cost $205.75! Get the 24-Hour Diet Complete Program Package for only $164.60!!!
Select our MFCP3000 - 2PACKS or MFCP3000 - 3PACKS in our store for volume discounts and SAVE even more!
Buy 24 Hour Diet Package Complete Package Now!
5 Formulas in this Complete Package
Includes the Basic Package PLUS:
Life Transfusion Liquid Mineral Complex Advanced Formula
Liver X - Gall Bladder
Advanced Formula
Item #MFCP3000
I like your words--you use THEIR MONEY to buy THEIR green products--which gives them more money because of THEIR outrageous markup. What don't you get? Also, as a previous blog stated, STE is not doing business with Walmart,Nike,etc...it is merely an affiliate link. Boy have you drunk the KoolAid!
I really don't give damn about spending a mere $100/month on Shop to Earth (with 20% cash back) , who cares if its marked up a little when I just made $11,550 in September? (Maybe more than $12k if I score again in the next few days). Shopping on the Earth side will keep the company financially healthy and yes, maybe I am just giving them back their money, so I really made only $11,470 this month and have $100 of overpriced granola bars lying around the house. . . whatever! Are you frigging kidding me?
You have to be a complete jerkoff not do this. This is the greatest MLM since Primerica ( the old A.L. Williams ). Did you know that the Primerica "scam" grew so large that they actually bought Traveller's Insurance Company? Then they bought CitiBank and Smith Barney. And what started as a questionable MLM that had people wondering whether it was legal or not, is now one of the largest companies on the planet. Some people criticized and hoped for their collapse while 10's of thousands retired early.
Just Google "Primerica" and see the history. They kept the Citigroup and Travellers names since it was more famous worldwide, but be sure to know that the MLM BOUGHT these companies.
Get with it! this is 2008 - and the internet is a powerful household tool. Why do you think (and hope) the FTC even gives a damn about STE while the rest of the world economy is collapsing?
Getting wealthy by working from home is the future. Wake up and smell the cash naysayers
KEEP FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT AGAINST THESE MLM SCUMBAG LYING CON ARTISTS.
Tracy Coenen’s response:
Gerry – Thanks for your note. As free speech is protected under the Constitution of the United States, I will continue to analyze and critique Shop To Earn. I’m sure you’re aware that the law clearly allows me to voice my opinion about the program, even if that opinion differs from yours or is negative about the company. If I’ve cited any incorrect facts about the program and company, I’d be happy to issue a correction if you can point out those errors and provide documentation of the correct facts. I will not amend my opinions about the program, as I still believe the program should be avoided by consumers.
I understand this is not the first time you’ve tried to intimidate a blogger who had a negative opinion about the Stop To Earn program. Your reaction to these negative critiques suggests the company may have something to hide, and I won’t hesitate to have Fraud Discovery Institute start an investigation into the company to confirm what I’ve found about the program.
FACT: One of the biggest and largest companies on the planet was grown and purchased by an MLM company. A company that created 10’s of thousands of millionaires along the way just with income, this does not include the millions in IPO’s. AND this exponential growth was way before the internet! Shop to Earn has everything working in its favor right now: People looking for job security, people looking to save gas, time and money, people concerned about planet earth, people wanting to stay home and make money - who likes traffic jams?
What company is this? No not Amway - Amway is undeniably a huge success story too, but is still a privately held company. I’m talking about Primerica Financial Services, which started as an MLM company called A.L. Williams in 1977. Some people thought it was a scam and it would be closed down! It was obviously all a big recruitment, pyramid scam! you recruit and recruit and make money off of others selling Life Insurance! people said the real money was in the “sign up fees and overpriced seminars and licensing courses” all this COMBINED with Life Insurance sales, as if that didn’t already have enough of a sleezy reputation..
But guess what? they kept growing and growing and they went public in 1982, grew so big that they actually bought Shearson Lehman AND Traveler’s Insurance in the same year 1993 – yes the red umbrella company . They kept the Travelers name and traded on the NYSE under TRV.
Then in 1997, they had so much cash, they figured maybe we should buy Salomon Brothers Inc.. THEN in APRIL, 1998, this MLM company was in the largest merger Wall St. has ever seen. Yes, they merged with Citibank and became Citigroup, which has 2 TRILLION dollars in assets. That’s Trillion with a capital “T” (although after the last few weeks, it may only be $1.2 Trillion!).
All this growth BEFORE the internet was even invented!!! Shop to Earn is off to an amazing start, a unique combination of having a friendly product (a harmless on-line web-shopping portal) and this enormous e-commerce/earth friendly movement.
Aren’t you glad you have this opportunity right in front of you? Don’t waste it my friends!
For the love of God, stop talking about Primerica (A.L. Williams) which began recruiting people to sell their life insurance. This was an actual product. STE is NOT selling anything except a spot on their pyramid and they only give you a log-on and password. They own everything including the web site so don't think you are purchasing a web site or own an internet business. That is part of the scam.
Please someone, anyone, explain how 50 % of the sales of STE will come from customers NOT on the commission structure? To date, no one on any blog can answer this.
Who is this Tracy person?
Is she actually quoting the constitution on a blog? too funny.
Probably another egomaniac expert with credentials that can't stomach an MLM making money for everyone that works it. She probably has some books to sell or some reason to draw attention to herself.
Is she speaking to the STE attorney? Gerry something? He's that nerdy guy on the STE website. I think she is. Heck if someone was bashing my 8 Dry Cleaning stores in public, exaggerating, making up stuff and trying to get people to boycott me, the first thing I would do is call my attorney and make her stop! Whether he can or not, its his job to try no? I'd tell him to write a real threatening letter and shut her up.
And if I ask him to do this I must have something to hide? Very funny stuff.
Lot's of hate out there...sad.
STE is a nice opportunity. I've been in for 3 weeks and love it so far! My friends have also done very well. Save the Planet, make peace not war Tracy!
Here's your answer Mr. Love of God. You're like a dinosaur!
Either you're so backwards or you just won't come to grips with people being happy and making money with Shop to Earn.
You state that a STE Website OWNER doesn't actually own anything, therefore there is no product or commodity being sold from one person to the next everytime someone buys a website? That its all just recruiting. I say that every time a person buys a web-site, a product has been bought/purchased and therefore a product is being sold every time
(in fact 40,000 in 6 months).
HMMM, then why are people who bought multiple web-sites 4-5 months ago for $448 selling them for thousands now? You're talking semantics my friend.
Just because we aren't peddling life insurance doesn't mean we don't have a commodity to sell. This is 2008 for god's sake!
When you buy an STE website, its like buying a "seat" or Shares in a Co-Op building.
Did you know that people own seats on the NY Stock Exchange too? But they don't physically own anything, just the rights on the greater platform. If the Stock Exchange goes under, they own nothing. Same concept.
Another example . . .Ever hear of Personal Seat Licenses (PSL)? Newer Stadiums have been doing it for years now. People have been buying their Football season seats this way for over a decade. It is legally recognized as A COMMODITY. With a certifcate of ownership. Do they actually own the plastic seat with the uncomfortable cushion? NO! They technically don't own anything but a piece of paper and the right to sit there. If the football team disbands, they own NOTHING. Doesn't mean it isn't a product with value.
FYI: Seats at the 50 yard line are more expensive than the bleachers. Just like an STE website with 15,000 people built under it is worth millions right now. Mostly because it is generating over
$100k a month already.
These web-sites have their place in the company and generate revenue, they have value - more than YOU will ever know it seems.
So, once again, for the love of god, this is not recruiting, this is all about selling your own personalized web-portals to others on the larger platform. I wish someone sold my grandparents a NY stock exchange seat back in 1930. We wouldn't be arguing right now!
You can disagree, but you are wrong my friend. Sorry! If there even is such a "MLM" test, it will easily pass.
4 months ago today, I didn't even know what STE was, but I'm a quick study, this IS the next Primerica. STE will keep growing exponentially, go public and be the darling of all the business magazines. Just watch.
Worst of all, you can NOT say you didn't have your chance to get in.
Absolutely hilarious...comparing a seat on the NYSE to a portal on STE. This may go down as the best comment of all time related to STE.
Keep it up guys, this is sheer entertainment!
Wow.. good job, bringing up smith-barney and other corp's the government wants us to spend seven hundred billion to bail out... that makes these scams allt he more worth wild (cough cough).
and Amway was such a success, they lsot billions in the end over lawsuits and fines for being an illegal pyramid, they tried to convert over to a legit product company, now where are they? exacty.. Amway is dead, like all the other MLM scams.
If these scams were so successful, they wouldn't die out.
try a better excuse for joining these scams, so far, they've all been rather poor. Maybe read a newspaper now and then so you know what your sayig before you say it (and I don't mean jsut the sports page and comics).
as for the comments about how you go directly to the store website from STE.. STE has an affliate account with each store, and assigns you an affiliate number as well, which is coded in the link to the store for tracking. STE controls the price markups. Anyone can set this up in under 5 minutes with any store that sells online.
even easier, as mentioned already, services like cj.com you sign up for, it's free, you pick the advertisers, and earn commission from refferals, sales, leads, etc.. and no upline/downline required, no money out of your pocket, it's completely free, and they have thousands of advertisers and stores to schoose from. No mininum on anything either.
How can I have a blog discussion with someone who thinks Amway is dead? I'm clueless? Buddy. U r!! Amway is a multi billion dollar, global company today! They have tv commercials and ads in the NY Times everyday!!! Quickstar - an Amway corporation. What an ignoramous u are!!!
And what does the woes of smith barney today have to do with an MLM purchasing them and Citi and Travelers 15 years ago?
My stock exchange seat reference still stands true. Its an analogy that ur ste website is a commodity
Fortunately I have lots of spare time making my residual ste income so I can blog when I like, u others filled with hate, prob have "real" jobs so be careful your boss doesn't catch you blogging and fire ur ass!
What a loser!
Beware of MLMs stealing your money right from your checking account!!!
Do you have any money at Wachovia Bank? God I hope not, because that MLM company from the 1970s, (AL Wiliams/Primerica now hiding behind the Citigroup name) just bought Wachovia Bank today!!!!!
Why doesn't the FTC just close down all MLMs?
Let's keep blogging until they realize the scam!!! Call your congressman and tell him to stop whatever he's doing this week and focus on this sleeping giant scan called Shop to Earn. It will ruin he society!!!!!
After doing some investigation on this company I would guess that this is a scam. Shoptoearn.net who is supposedly based in NV is not registered with the state to do business. Their website is registered to a company called the Nox Foundation located in West, FL. They do not have a phone number and also are not listed with the state of Florida to do business. The only contact information is for another company based in TN. PEOPLE BEWARE!!! Reputable companies would have valid contact information and would be registered to do business!
After reading this, another blogger went to investigate in Florida and this is what he/she found--
itsme says:
September 30th, 2008 at 1:22 am
I live in West Palm Beach, FL, there is no NOX Foundation, I've checked. I even went to the Post Office and checked the PO box, which is one of those little $25 per 6 month boxes, with a red tag hanging on it because no one goes to collect the mail from it.
When someone pitched ScamToEarn to a non-profit I work with, chartered by the city itself, as a ‘fund-raiser’, a ton of questions came up by the city about it. The attorney advised against a non-profit organization geting involved with ScamToEarn, especailly as a fundraiser due to it’s setup (a pyramid), others profitting off a non-profit ‘fund-raiser’, and various tax descrepencies involved with these type of scams. The people pitching ScamToEarn to the non-profit sat there and lied outright saying ‘no one makes any money, only the non-profit will’.. the non-profit directors only had to go to ScamToEarn’s own website to read how everyone makes commission off it. Half the stores ScamToEarn lists are already sponsor’s of the non-profit as well, and when they were contacted, had no clue what ShopToEarn was, all saying they have so many affliates who sign up, they don’t investigate them unless a problem is brought to their attention.
As for price gauging.. ScamToEarn has the highest markups I’ve ever seen in an MLM scam. I’ve checked the prices at many STE ‘portals’ compared to what I pay directly from the store, couldn’t find anything through STE that wouldn’t cost me at least $5 more per item, and if there’s a problem with the item, good luck returning it and waiting 2 more weeks for it.
Comparing STE to major corps that the government wants to bail at at seven hundred million dollars of OUR money isn’t exactly a good selling point either. Read a newspaper (aside fromt he sports and comics), you may learn something,
Seat on the NYSE. Too hilarious to comment. When STE goes under you will have a job as a stand-up comedian or writing for Letterman. Keep up the good work.
Shares in a Co-op allow you to live/rent there-it's real. PSL to a stadium allow you to sit there and watch your team in person. Living in an apt or watching your team in person isn't something others can do for free and it's limited to the number of apts or seats in the stadium. Yes, the closer you are to the action or the larger your apt, the more it costs since there is value associated with the product. STE allows you a spot on the pyramid so you can sell others a spot on the pyramid. You get a login and password to do something you can already do for free. Along with that you get to spend $100 per month in the ShopToEarth where it costs you $20 for a candle that you can purchase for $12 elsewhere. What a bargain. The FTC is very clear on this and there are many precedents already mentioned which have been closed down. STE is illegal because
1. You primarily make your money recruiting others in the scheme
2. 50% of the sales must come from consumers NOT on the pyramid
3. Monthly requirement to purchase overly marked-up goods available elsewhere or lose commission
MarsToEarth-STE is a scam you morons!
just keep it up....
STE adds almost 1,000 people a day
it passed 46,000 this morning. But its a scam, they don't have a legal address that you can find in the yellow pages! its all about recruiting, everything is $5 more on direct website sites. 50% or more must come from product (when people keep explaining that the web-portal IS THE PRODUCT and therefore 100% is coming from moving a commodity)
All wrong information plain and simple, and the 1,000 people a day that join on are proof of that. These neg blogs are surely helping the momentum!! When an uninformed idiot rambles on and on it adds great conviction to people mulling it over.
No better proof than people voting with their dollars. No company has EVER grown this fast, maybe, just maybe, this MLM has all its I's dotted and its T's crossed? is that even remotely possible?
I guess we never had men walk on the moon huh? that was all Hollywood staging? I think Procter and Gamble was started by Satan himself!
Wake up, it seems your so afraid that this may actually work and that this may actually have 1million people satisfied people in 2 years. With so many happy campers, how is this wrong? how and why would the governement care if its working so well? Oh, but people will complain later when they feel scammed... I dont think so!
Call your Congressman, report STE. Save the world!
Lord have mercy. You state that the web portal is the product. That's exactly right and everyone who purchases a login BECOMES part of the commission structure (pyramid). They are not independent and separate consumers. The FTC states that 50% of the sales must come from consumers which do not benefit from commission structure.
What don't you get?
The ftc's and other fed agency definition of a "product" is whether it has any use. U need to use a product like juice or skin cream etc, paying for a "kit" to help u sign up others is not a product, because its only use is to sign on others. A "business tool to recruit" won't fly on its own, so then the mlm better show that majority of the revenue must come from a product that gets used! Make sense?
The fact that these 40,000+ ste members use their webportal to get cash rebates (and if u did fork over the $448 u will surely shop and try to earn it back). This satisfies the definition of a product. -its $348 for the shopping portal cash back product being sold and only $99 for the business builder kit!
This has all been thought thru. Sorry but ste isn't going away. Its just isn't.
You still don't get it. The only folks who will qualify as independent consumers not on the commission plan are those that shop on a friend's Web site and do not benefit from the points. This is rare since they can often find the product cheaper by using Amazon, NexTag, etc... This will never equal 50%. Maybe you can answer the question below which was posted on another blog and no STE cult member has had a reply.
You seem to be very well informed and realistic. Maybe you can explain the upline points flow which seem to go on ad infinitum with STE and I don’t see how this can be as the levels grow deeper and deeper. Specifically, most MLMs limit the upline points to a definitive number of legs (e.g. five). For early investors, they are very high on the tree and for every new recruit, they get 200 points (approximately $20).
Herein lies my question. Let’s say I joined in March, my right leg is 25 deep and a new recruit is added to the bottom at $448. $100 goes to the person who actually recruited teh newbie. That leaves $348. Now 200 points ($20) goes to 25 people upline which equals $500 but STE only has $348. How is this possible? Obviously the problem only gets worse as the legs become deeper and deeper. Someone in my town did join in March and he currently has 9200 recruits on the left and 3000 recruits on the right. So, his legs are getting very deep already.
I understand that the points flowing upline also apply to the cash back program. Each affiliate only rebates a finite amount of money. Let’s say on $100 it is $20 of which 10 % goes to the purchaser. That leaves STE with $10. Each upline person receives 10 pts or $1 from the shopping. Again, if the legs are 25 deep, STE would need to pay out $25 yet only has $10 from the affiliate rebate.
If I understand the model, the company will be unable to fund its investors which is a classic example of a Ponzi scheme where the new recruit's money is used to pay previous investors. The whole thing explodes when there are too many investors and not enough newbies.
I must be missing something and thanks for your help.
My friend, 200 points does not equal $20. You have a lot of misinformation. do a tour call on the web and take 25 mins to get an overview as to why this is such a wonderful thing. I did all my homework trust me. It all works, it will not close down ever.
Every day 1pm and 8pm
www.shoptoearn.net/apt. 212 990 2300 pin 1988. It explains it all. Good luck!!
So you think you make your money by shopping on the portal? Well check this out....
I stumbled upon something interesting. I found the STE website of someone who looks like he got in early since his shopping records date back to 10/06. He has referred 29 people in two years (4 are still pending meaning they haven't paid) and he has 37,992 people on his right and only 89 on his left. It proves how easy it is to get out of balance and how difficult it is to recover. In two years, his check state $9266.92 and $100.36 came from cash back or approximately 1 %. It proves that you make your money in recruiting IF you can stay balanced. This is all open for anyone to view. The web site is
shoptoearn.net/oc
Click on the picture in the lower left corner. Inside you can click on My Check, My Shopping, My Referrals and How Many. The link below takes you to How Many to prove I am not making this up.
http://www.shoptoearn.net/cgi-bin/genesis.exe/How_Many_RSP.html?sid=3stGwB1@a58eCAM-54108580355.aa
Play with people's names and you can get to so many Web sites. Another person's check shows $1161.35 of which $16.35 came from the mandatory purchase of ShopToEarth products beginning in Sept 08. Prior to that, this person has not used the portal for online shopping but to make money of recruits. It is so obvious. Here is that link and again click on the picture in the lower left corner.
shoptoearn.net/mary
Then there's Joe whose check shows $456.64 and he has made $16.64 in shopping.
shoptoearn.net/joe
Now Tom has been in business since March 08 and he his check shows $27,647.60 yet only $268.10 came from his shopping on the portal. Again about 1 %. He is quickly getting out of balance though. Check his How Many.
shoptoearn.net/tom
Is anyone seeing a pattern here? It's all about recruiting until the money to pay upline blows up or the FTC steps in. Play with names and see what you find.
By the way, if your friends shop on your Web site and do not log in as preferred customers, STE will not be able to prove that this shopping was done by an independent (not a part of the pyramid scheme)consumer. Even though you get all the cash back regardless. However since most sites prove that only 1 to 2 % of the money is coming from actual shopping, it's highly unlikely that your friends will contribute the remaining 48 % to meet FTC requirements. In Tom's example above, 50 % would equal about $13,500 in cash back. Even at 10 %, his friends would have to buy $135,000 worth of products online. That's a lot of protein bars my friend.
Why don't you tell me what 200 points translates to in $ then Mr Smarty Pants. I have been on the tour calls, watched the videos and read the FAQs. It isn't addressed. It was a previous blogger who stated approximately $20 for 200 pts. This company isn't transparent and that is a huge red flag. Even if it is $10 for every 200 pts, there is a flaw in the system and the money runs out as the legs get deeper and deeper. The points can't flow upline forever. What mathematician thought of this plan?
Omg. I'm sorry, I don't know what to say to you. Points are not cash. Its not complicated, watch the video. Its so very clear. This is silly! I can't be coaching all these people. Please just don't join shop to earn. We only need like .05 pct of the country to be a world class success. U will jusy have to read about it all next year. Cheers!
More deception! Of course points turn into cash. STE is not depositing granola bars into your bank account after you accumulate enough points. If the points don't translate to cash, why track them? What do they mean then? You are so evasive.
Points accumulate then you SCORE. This means cash plus $50 for gas. STE used to mail out gas cards but that was too costly so now they give you that in cash as well.
Very important to remember- the company reserves the right to FLUSH all points in order to stay viable. There WILL come a time when too many points flow upline and there won't be enough cash to cover. STE realizes this as well. That's when STE will FLUSH all points away to stay viable.
From STE's own literature:
Q. What is the difference between SCORE! Flush versus SCORE! Deduction?
A. The ShopToEarn SCORE! commissions program was originally designed as a SCORE! Flush program in order to maintain the long-term viability of The Company.
The SCORE! Flush
Upon hitting a minimum point total of at least 4800 points with at least 1/3 of the points (1600) coming from the weaker side, the SCORE! Flush will flush all the points on both sides to 0, and then the left and right sides will start accumulating points all over again.
The SCORE! Deduction
Upon hitting a minimum point total of at least 4800 points with at least 1/3 of the points (1600) coming from the weaker side, the SCORE! Deduction will deduct the combination of points that trigger the SCORE! (ie. 3109 pts on left and 1691 points on right) from the point totals on each side.
In short, Flush makes all the points disappear; Deduction subtracts the combination of 4800 points and leaves the remaining points as the new balance. If the long-term viability of The Company is ever compromised, The Company will move to the original design of the SCORE! Flush.
Looks like a classic Ponzi scheme to me. Once the company doesn't have enough money from new investors to pay the investors upline, they will wipe out all of your points to stay afloat as long as they stay one step ahead of the FTC!
Evasive? I'm just getting bored with all the mis information. Points, if ur balanced do become cash. But points are not directly equal to cash was my point. The flush system doesn't concern me at all, if ur balanced u basically flush everytime u score anyway. But u can still score 10x a day once u get big enough.
This is not easy money, this takes time and attention. I have people under me with 400 in one leg and 80,000 points. Due to my efforts. Everytime they get 1600 in the other leg they make 600 bux. If they don't build the other leg and sell web portals these 80,000 points are useless to them anyway.
Hi! Just wanted to say your commentary was interesting and fair except for one point. You said the problem is the fact that 1/3 of your points, to score with 4800 points, must come from your left side AND your right side. This is where you are WRONG and it does matter if you have an even number on your left or right. The correct statement is 1/3 of your points, to score with 4800 points, must come from your left side OR your right side collectively. With this simple difference in one word it negates your total argument why you feel the system is "flawed". This correction just gives me more confidence that the system works. It does and the income possibilties are tremeendous. Thank you.
SHOPTOEARN.NET IS A SCAM!!!!!
This company is a mirror image of 1999's Km.net that was shut down by Michigan's attorney general Jennifer Grandholm.
Why pay for a mall of links you can get for free from CJ.com, Linkshare.com and performics.com.
This is where ShopToEarn.net gets their links.
I don't have an ax to grind, just hope to spare the pain I experienced.
Here is on of many articles
http://www.mlmwatchdog.com/Report_KMNET.html
ShopToEarn even has the gas cards for each cycle(score).
If you have any questions, email me at NoScams2Day@Gmail.com
People should Email you . . . at "NOSCAMS . . .something . . or another ??????
Hmm that's kind of a unique email address isn't it . "No Scams" Seems like that's your life mission huh? To save stupid people from themselves?? OR. do you also sell books like Ms. Tracy C. or have some seminar I must attend, or worse, you are an attorney that likes to file suit against any company making money . . .. trying to get them to settle and write a check to get rid of you.
And YOU actually state that YOU don't have an axe to grind?? I guess you are just an internet angel that protects the innocent?
I think you are either a drunken guy having fun, or a charlatan.
I personally know about 50+ people involved with Shop to Earn and everyone is either mildly excited or super excited. Why? because they are getting cash back on things they buy anyway or they have made a few grand in a few weeks to a month.
FYI:
Very bright Wall St. analysts with IVY LEAGUE MBA's and Computer Science degrees back in the mid 1980's didn't think that companies could sell "software". They spewed that Microsoft and their BS "Windows" concept would NEVER make it.
It takes some vision . . .
give me a break
the money you get back still doesn't equal the money you wouldn't be paying in the first place by not going through this scam.. plus, you have to pay taxes on the money you get back! it's considered income! but you rocket scientists who fall for these scams don't seem to understand these things.
The way this scam is set up, all the 'cash back' is the same as everything else and taxable. It's not a refund or a discount, it falls under taxable income. You're really not getting anything back in the end result (unless you don't declare it and hope the IRS never finds out about it)
How do you think so many in these scams (remember the huge Amway lawsuits?) got screwed out of more money than they puyt into the program? it was all in audits. They lost whatever was in the programs when the programs had to shut down or redesign themselves, plus had to pay back taxes and penalties on everything they didn't think they had to declare (or were told by those such honest legal people within the program that they didn't have to.. who said all lawyers were honest? think about that for a second,, lawyers make a fortune, why would one need to be in a scam like this? it's ambulance chasing without the injury)
so to sum it up.. you pay higher prices for everything (plus shipping cause your too lazy to get off your ass and go a block to the store), plus sales tax, to get a small portion back, that you have to pay taxes on.. and people think this is a great deal! CALL JERRY SPRINGER! WE FOUND HIM NEW GUESTS!
Jerry Springer wouldn't even put these losers on the air! His guests are much brighter.
If it's true that they have to pay taxes on the cash back, then the business model gets even more ludicrous. Paying more for items than you should because you didn't use a search engine, paying taxes and shipping. Oh yea, this is the wave of the future.
Show me the facts you said. Here is just one example if you are purchasing the Nikon Coolpix 10 MP camera in black. You go to Best Buy on your STE portal. Wow, it’s free shipping and I get up to 3 % cash back. But you should have gone to Buy.com because—
Best Buy - $179.99 plus tax (6 %) = $190.78 minus your 3 % cash back (it’s up to 3% and I will give you the best deal even though most products at Best Buy are not 3% cash back) of $5.40 plus your 30% taxes on $5.40 or $1.62 = $187.00
Buy.com = $158.70 plus tax (6%) = 168.22 plus $9 in shipping = $177.22
Yes you paid $9.78 more! Even if you don’t pay taxes on your cash back you still are paying $8.16 more.
LOL. Thanks for the laugh.
BTW. the cash back you receive is not taxable income. you have already been taxed on the purchase. you'll receive the money just as if you used a coupon. so, who is the rocket scientist now?
they include it in your check with everyone else.. that total is taxable.. end of story.. you don't get a seperate refund check, you don't get anything back from a manufacturer or store, it comes from shop to earn, in one large sum as EARNINGS. It makes no differance how you want to think of it, facts are facts, good luck with your taxes!
Yes Mr. Rocket Scientist the previous post is correct. You are not receiving cash back or a rebate on your purchase. STE is receiving earnings as an affiliate and they are passing some of these earnings on to you. Yes, good luck with your taxes.
Joe O. Says
I find this funny, almost scary funny, there are people NOT EVEN involved with STE but yet complain AND pontificate. People just hoping and praying that STE fails -why? Meanwhile we are laughing all the way to the bank with the 60,000members which will be over 1 million by 2010.
We STE webs-ite owners get one direct deposit on the 21st of the month for all cash back and commissions combined, but in January we get a break down of this total. A portion is 1099 income (the commissions) and a portion is the cash-back WHICH IS NOT TAXED. This is not even a topic worth debating.
Actually your "check" online ( used for show only) shows the total that you have earned including your cash back but at the end of the year you get a 1099 with ONLY your earnings in it. Not the cash back. Pretty easy to figure out unless you are just trying to make this look as negative as you can. I wonder... What did you try in the past that made you so bitter about a such a REAL, positive opportunity? Did you join something that sounded great and then did nothing with it? Is that why you are so Blind and negative?
Wal-Mart is OUT! It's starting as predicted. STE is not partnered with major retailers as they lead you to believe. Wal-Mart, Target, Staples and others have not done their due diligence on STE and agreed to anything. STE merely has an affiliate link to these stores that anyone can create. However, it was predicted that once these major retailers catch on to STE's "business model" they would cancel the affiliate link and Wal-Mart has done so. Prediction-more to follow. Here's the STE email notification sent to investors yesterday
"Hi Everyone,
Please be advised that our affiliate agreement with Wal-Mart has expired. We will be working diligently toward renewing the program as well as obtaining a higher payout for our Members. We will be removing Wal-Mart from the Website and Tours during this process."
hmmm. Wonder what excuse you will have when Wal-Mart signs on again next month at an even higher payout?
You're such a loser!
anyone who knows anything about affiliate programs with online stores knows, affiliate accounts do not expire and do not get renewed. Once you sign up and are accepted, that's it unless you stop using it, or, they cancel your account because your either doing something illegal, or violating the affiliate's terms of service.
STE has nos pecial affiliation with WALMART or any other store, anyone can sign up for the affiliate account with each of them, completely free.
If the affiliate does cancel your affiliate account, the chances of getting it back are slim to none.
Either STE was cancellede because walkmart (and others) do randomly check the sites of who joins their affiliate program, or, STE is making up more nonsense to make suckers think their doing something special, which they aren't.
Joe o says. Fyi. Ste made a few announcements tonite. They just wired over 5 Million in commissions yesterday to their producers and they loosened up the commission rules making it easier to score the $550 multiple times per day. These guys are smart and generous.
60,000 people getting healthier and wealthier!
www.shoptoearn.net/aptitle.
Joe O - so you are making a ton of cash? Well since June, you have made only $79.87 from shopping online of which $55.62 came from the mandatory purchase from the overly inflated ShopToEarth products. Of yeah, you have a great product you're selling to your friends and family which they can do for free elsewhere. Your ton of cash is coming from recruiting which is an illegal pyramid scheme. When did you have your lobotomy? By the way, you have 32 people on the Left and 312 on the Right. Humm, looks like you are out of balance. Better sign up some more suckers on your left pal.
Joe o says;
Dude, I'm up 50k plus in just over 4 months.And u know its true.I'm on this new site helping my buddy jump start his biz. Check this site around January when there is 500 on left and right. Then check it Jan 2010. This is an amazing biz. Cheers!!!
I've been reading comments about this biz for two days know on other sites and who doesn't want to make some extra income. I've never seen so much negativity. Everyone always sees the negative in something rather than the positive. I'm about to join this weekend with someone local who is willing to help me. There's seminar this month in Miami and there's a whole page of people from FL going. I've never seen so many people interested in this business. I see some potential in this with a few referrels.
thanks
T, FL
I think this debate can go on and on, but I also did search the Florida business registry for Nox Foundation and turned empty. Which means that they are not doing business legally in Florida. Unless the owner of this website can come out and show everyone legal proof as a viable entity I would remain very skeptical about this MLM.
Problem History:
12/15/2008 10:33:00 AM / CUS
I want to know if I can received a complete refund or part of it from canceled my account, I tried several times to find somebody to join my business and I find none. Let me know how you can help me. Thanks.
This is the respond of ShoptoEarn customer service:
12/15/2008 10:38:58 AM / JCJ
Raphael- Per the Terms & Policies agreed to upon enrollment in ShopToEarn, there is a 14-day cancellation/refund policy. “I am entitled to cancel this Agreement at any time and for any reason with written notice to the Company. The Company agrees to refund in full from a resigning or terminating Business Builder(Independent Contractor) the Business Builder website purchased by the Business Builder(Independent Contractor) from the Company within 14 days, which is also known as the 14 day Right to Cancel.” You enrolled and agreed to these terms on 10/19/08 thus creating an opt-out deadline of 11/2/08. Since you are past the 14-day deadline, and we have posted the $100 Training/Referral bonus and 200 points up-line, we are unable to refund your account at this time. Please inform us if you still wish to have your website turned off.
This kind of business is good for some people, but for me was a waste of money, be very careful or you can lose your money in the same way I did. From this point I don't recommend this business to anyone. By the way I'm a real affiliate, my ID is REMACH and I have have 3 months in the company. I'm going to copy this info in all the blog I find about this company.
Thanks, STE Support.
Raphael:
This business is not for every one. Different people have different skill sets. I have signed up 20+ people and now have over 1,200 in my biz and have averaged $10k a month for the first 6 months, and this Holiday shopping month will be well over $20k. And probably never less than that ever again. I find it pretty easy and fun. Perhaps you didn't take the time to train?
You had 14 days to get your money back. I think their response was rather polite and straightforward.
People join fitness centers and weight watchers programs and 90-95% of them never get the results they were looking for and then they just give up - are they also entitled to get a refund at any time?
Your piece of coal can become another man's Diamond. Shop to Earn is a blessing for me and the 100's of people that have made 10-20x their money back AND these people are becoming more eco-friendly.
If I failed at something I wouldn't go out of my way to tell others not to get involved, I would re-examine the reasons I joined in the first place and take a look in the mirror as to why I failed. DON'T UNDERESTIMATE OTHERS.
Funny its January Joe,
it seems your link is no longer active.
Folks, it's been fun, but the comment thread has moved to the 2009 STE Update Article and Comment Forum
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