I stumbled upon this thread, and very surprised and disappointed on how people are very so quick to judge without really having true facts but yet they voice those opinions VERY LOUDLY… But I guess when you form an opinion on something, nothing will really convince you otherwise… so here are my two cents…
There is a huge misconception on the direct selling industry as many people are very quick to form a negative opinion about any company that operates as such and automatically categorized them as a “Pyramid Scheme” (myself included previously) and I must admit, this misconception developed because I didn’t have the knowledge about the industry and formed an opinion based on other people’s opinions and quickly dismissed any company that operates in that business mode as less than legitimate. But was it because I was just unfamiliar with that idea and turned my opinions and into facts? I have to admit, I was wrong in generalizing the entire industry and the people that work within this model as scammers due to SOME companies that worked that way. Crime is out there for every industry and business, including religious entities, but are we to make that generalization about everyone due to ONE bad apple?
Viridian is a new company and the idea of energy deregulation is still very unknown to majority of people… and as trends show its the new idea that scares people as the old and familiar is what is comfortable. And as much as people do not want to believe, but by seeing advertisements on TV somehow provides credibility for certain companies/products and dismiss the ones that either do not have funds or choose not to advertise, and that is why companies still spend millions upon millions on advertisements because it works. Some people will still buy an item that they “heard” about or from a business that is marketed in all media outlets. If energy was sold in Walmart, I bet people would not hesitate to purchase “Viridian” especially since they offer discounted rate for a higher grade product and would not hesitate and ‘try’ it out. But it’s because Viridian chose not to spend money on traditional advertisement, it is deemed “fishy” or “a scam”. Is hiring sales people that knock on doors more legit? Or is it wrong that a sales person makes a commission for selling a TV from a retail store? Why is THAT not scrutinized? Why shouldn’t Viridian pay its associates money for helping to spread the company’s mission and gain customers? Viridian does NOT make money by recruiting associates, but rather on the customers these associates bring in… and more associates means more customers. And why not give associates incentives to build teams as long as no money is paid to the associate directly and they are all selling a legit product.
And why is a fee required? My opinion on that is… in ANY business or employment whether its a self start up, or a franchise, or corporation, it all requires an initial starter “investment”. For a franchise or small business, most of the time it requires a huge sum of money just to get it going… A franchise company creates a brand and business model then allows people to purchase to create their own business; and the initial investment is usually quite large AND you have to give franchisors a ‘cut’ of your profits on a monthly basis. However as a trade-off, franchisors provides tons of trainings materials, marketing strategies, etc to help you become a successful business owner. In the corporate world, your investment is your time and schedule and rules the company sets upon you. Although you may not “pay” a fee to be hired as an employee, you are under contract to adhere by their rules and get paid the amount you agreed upon for the work you do, and you can’t come and go as you please, and that’s the trade-off for not owning your own business. Direct Selling companies offer people a chance to start their own business for a minimal amount of investment cost, and yes, there are fees you must pay, as there are admin and overhead costs that these companies must obsorb, but they also provide trainings and support just like any other companies for their employees … . This is just a matter of preference for an individual how they would like to make a living and to what degree you are willing to sacrifice.
One fact is: Viridian has been accepted to Direct Selling Organization last month, and has gone through an extensive review over a period of one year AND they adhere to the Code of Ethics established by the organizations to prevent scams such as “Pyramid Scheme”. DSA’s purpose is to protect distributors and consumers from unfair and deceptive business practices, and to be accepted in the DSA is no easy task.
Exact Quote from DSA Error 404 “DSA’s process for reviewing companies prior to becoming association members is a rigorous one. It takes at least one year for applicants to become members. During that year, DSA looks at company marketing materials, contracts, manuals, video and other items to ensure compliance with the DSA Code. Law enforcement agencies and others are contacted to determine what kind of consumer complaints and legal and regulatory actions have been lodged that might raise questions about the applicant. Periodically Unannounced visits to company meetings are conducted to help ensure printed materials and real world practices of the applicants are consistent. If there are any questions about the company or its marketing plan, or any complaints of which DSA has been made aware, the company must explain them. If they can’t explain, or won’t, their application will be deferred it will be recommended to the DSA Board of Directors that the company not be admitted to membership.”
Pyramid scheme is also addressed in their code of conduct. Error 404
I think this fact should answer many questions as to whether Viridian is a legitimate business, but it’s up to you whether you choose to purchase their products or agree with their compensation plan … That’s what’s amazing about being in this country… We have choices to choose what we buy and from where, but let’s not slander a business because you don’t agree with their business model or their product AND voice your opinion as facts…
I urge everyone to visit DSA’s website: http://www.dsa.org/ and check out the legitimate businesses that about 15 million Americans are part of and making lucrative income. In addition, to address a previous claim that there are no other energy company that operates in direct selling model, well, there is Ambit Energy, which is an extremely successful energy company in TX and have been part of the DSA for years.
