One of my closest friends since college — we have been friends for 8 years — joined one of those wellness MLMs about a year ago. I will not name the company but you have probably seen the shakes and supplements advertised by people on Instagram with emojis in their bios.
The first time she pitched me, we were at brunch in Addison. She casually brought it up. "I have been taking these supplements and I feel amazing. You should try them. Also, there is a business opportunity if you are interested." I politely declined.
The second time was at her birthday dinner. She invited 12 people. When we arrived, there were product samples at every seat and a 15-minute presentation before we ate. Several friends were visibly uncomfortable. I sat through it. Declined again.
The third time was last week. She texted me a 4-minute voice memo about how the company is "changing lives" and how she wants me to "join her team." She said I was "exactly the kind of person who would crush it in this business."
I snapped. I told her the truth.
I said: "I have looked into this company. The FTC requires them to disclose income data. 87% of participants earn less than $1,200/year before expenses. The average participant LOSES money. The business model relies on recruiting, not selling products. It is functionally a pyramid scheme and I am worried about you."
She did not take it well.
She said I was "jealous of her ambition." She said I was "closed-minded." She said the people who fail "just do not work hard enough." She sent me a screenshot of someone's $10,000 monthly commission check as proof it works.
I told her that the person showing the big check is the exception designed to recruit people like her. That one screenshot does not change the aggregate income data that the company itself publishes.
She has not spoken to me in 10 days. Mutual friends say she is hurt.
Am I wrong for telling her the truth instead of politely declining a 4th time?
Not wrong. The FTC income disclosure data does not lie. If 87% of participants earn less than $1,200/year BEFORE expenses (products they are required to buy, conference fees, samples), the average participant is literally paying to work. That is not a business. It is a money transfer system.