Fhtm? Know Anything About Them?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses experiences and concerns related to a representative from FHTM who approached a participant about potential business collaboration. Participants share their feelings about the encounter, express skepticism about FHTM, and reflect on similar experiences with direct sales and MLM businesses.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a representative from FHTM wanting to meet without providing details about her business, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the approach.
  • Another participant shares a similar experience with a high entry cost for a home-based business, leading to a decision not to pursue it.
  • Several users express discomfort with the secretive nature of the sales pitch, questioning why details cannot be shared upfront.
  • One participant mentions feeling pressured by high-pressure tactics associated with FHTM and similar companies.
  • Another participant notes that they prefer to support other businesses without expecting something in return, criticizing the transactional nature of the approach.
  • Some participants mention researching FHTM and finding negative information, contributing to their hesitance.
  • One participant reflects on their own experiences with unsolicited business proposals from other direct sales representatives, expressing frustration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants, with some expressing strong skepticism about FHTM and similar business models, while others share personal experiences that reinforce their concerns. No clear consensus emerges regarding the legitimacy of FHTM.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal anecdotes and feelings about direct sales and MLM approaches, emphasizing their experiences rather than providing definitive assessments of FHTM.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who have encountered similar situations with direct sales or MLM representatives may find the shared experiences and viewpoints relevant.

flemings99
Gold Member
Messages
1,025
A rep. with FHTM picked up my card at an event I did over the weekend and wants to meet to talk about our businesses.

She wasn't a vendor and wouldn't tell me anything about her biz over the phone - just that she'd like to meet and see how we could help each other with network marketing. She had a video she'd have me watch that explained it better.

She mentioned possibly hosting a show. Don't want to not get business from her, but am leery b/c she didn't want to give any details about her biz over the phone. When I said I'd have to get back with her on a date/time, she then said her friend might be interested in doing a show as well. Is this a desperate attempt to get me to meet with her?

Plus, I googled FHTM and there was lots of neg. out there.:confused:

Hopeful someone has words of wisdom..............
 
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go with your gut feeling.. I had a woman see my name on my car and called me.. She mentioned she was in a homebased business too, and asked if we could meet. Her's was a lot like FHTM.. She asked me to join her team. I told her I couldn't.
It was almost $900 to get into her business, and they meet once a week.. both were too much for me.
 
I agree. How great is your business model if you can't proudly say exactly what you do without having the person sitting in front of you, when it's harder to say no?
 
I know nothing about them, but you may want to read: FHTM Complaints - Scam

Sounds expensive. I also don't like her dangling shows in order for you to watch the video. If you have the time, I would watch the video....then tell her it's too expensive for you and how about we find a date for that show you were wanting? :D
 
A couple of shows wouldn't be worth it to me to have to sit through a speil like that, especially if your gut is saying "run". I get really tired of people who do this sort of thing. I ran a local newspaper ad, and 2 of the 4 calls I got from the ad were other Direct-Sales or MLM business owners trying to sell me on their business. WTH?? I wouldn't ever dream of calling up another business-owner to ask if they want to join MY business.....a show maybe, but a new business? She's trying to sucker you in. Most likely, after you meet with her, and assuming you tell her 'no thanks', you'll never hear from her (or her friend) again.
 
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  • #6
Jolie_Paradoxe said:
I know nothing about them, but you may want to read: FHTM Complaints - Scam

Thanks for the site. I actually had pulled up the same one. No way I'm going to sign with her no matter how good the pitch. Think I'm going to have to pass, just don't have a great feeling about it. Esp since she wouldn't tell me about it over the phone. I'm not that desperate for shows.

In the end if she's interested in PC shouldn't matter if I'm not interested in her company.
 
Yeah, I got into that too. I hung a flyer up at a local pharmacy, got all pumped up when I saw some of the tags torn off. Turns out one of them were when one of them were from someone like this person. Leave me alone! I don't care if you do like our pizza cutters, and they've held up for nine years I'm not joining your business!!
 
Laura4 said:
Leave me alone! I don't care if you do like our pizza cutters, and they've held up for nine years I'm not joining your business!!

Amen, Sister! LOL
 
esavvymom said:
A couple of shows wouldn't be worth it to me to have to sit through a speil like that, especially if your gut is saying "run". I get really tired of people who do this sort of thing. I ran a local newspaper ad, and 2 of the 4 calls I got from the ad were other Direct-Sales or MLM business owners trying to sell me on their business. WTH?? I wouldn't ever dream of calling up another business-owner to ask if they want to join MY business.....a show maybe, but a new business?

I also don't get this kind of prospecting: hitting people up for your business when you find them through ads, fairs etc. I'm spending money to expand my business, and you think I'm going to drop it all to jump on your opportunity? How does that even make sense?
 
I have MANY business aquaintances involved with this company. I feel thay are HIGH pressure. From what I understand They are a "purchasing portal" type company. If you shop online thru their links the reps get "kickbacks" per-say.

I have stayed as far away as possible!
 
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  • #11
I had a teammate with me at this event and told her about this lady. She wants her contact and is going to try to get a show out of her. So have passed her number on.

She's going to tell her she can't meet but when she does her show she can talk then.

Personally, think I'm staying away from this one but hopeful my consultant gets something good from it. Will see.

I just don't care for people who want something in return for doing a show. Either you are interested or you aren't. I know tons of vendors and like them, but could never do a show for all of them and honestly don't care to do a show with some of them (b/c I don't care to have any of their products). However, I'm always happy to send business their way (referrals). But I've never said do business with me and I'll give you business. Tacky!
 
I am not familiar with the company mention in the OP, but in general I am always leery of the "I'm not going to tell you anything now, just sit down with me later" sales pitch. Right away it is a "No, thank you" from me. Its like I am waiting for them to hit me over the head with a club and then wake up in an interrogation room.

I always want to ask: If the company is that great why do they have be secretive and all Cloak and Dagger? Great thing about PC is that you don't have to do that. You can explain a great deal about our company in just a few sentences and you can be proud of your affiiliation with PC. When someone tries that approach, it makes me feel that they are not confident about their company, like they are being sneaky. I mean, if someone had the slightest interest in PC and had the time, I would do the interview right on the spot!
 
I agree with Anne, if they can't give you a synopsis on the spot it's probably a waste of your time and probably your money too.I'd just tell her that you LOVE selling Pampered Chef and would be happy to help her if she's interested in purchasing product or learning more about the Pampered Chef business opportunity, but that you are very happy with your current career choice and are not looking to divide you time with another company. (Basically ... thanks but buzz off.) If she persists, just tell her "Again, I'm happy with Pampered Chef and I'm not looking for any additional business opportunities ... but thanks for thinking of me." That way, you don't burn your bridge with a potential customer, but you don't have to worry about getting her all excited that she might be reeling you in & then burst her bubble. ;)On an added note, I was shocked to see Southern Living Home, Stampin Up, Take Shape for Life and Tupperware on the MLM list! That's crazy!!! I would have never thought any of those 4 would be on the list. PC by the way was NOT on the list. ;)
 
Sheila said:
I agree with Anne, if they can't give you a synopsis on the spot it's probably a waste of your time and probably your money too.

I'd just tell her that you LOVE selling Pampered Chef and would be happy to help her if she's interested in purchasing product or learning more about the Pampered Chef business opportunity, but that you are very happy with your current career choice and are not looking to divide you time with another company. (Basically ... thanks but buzz off.) If she persists, just tell her "Again, I'm happy with Pampered Chef and I'm not looking for any additional business opportunities ... but thanks for thinking of me." That way, you don't burn your bridge with a potential customer, but you don't have to worry about getting her all excited that she might be reeling you in & then burst her bubble. ;)

On an added note, I was shocked to see Southern Living Home, Stampin Up, Take Shape for Life and Tupperware on the MLM list! That's crazy!!! I would have never thought any of those 4 would be on the list. PC by the way was NOT on the list. ;)


What MLM list?
 
ChefBeckyD said:
What MLM list?

I don't know the specific list Sheila's referring to, but generally, a biz is considered a MLM if it meets specific criteria relating to earnings in relation to recruiting. Specifically, if overrides/bonuses are paid through 4 or more levels and if those overrides make up a majority of one's income with very little personal sales required. PC doesn't usually end up on these lists because of our higher personal sales requirements in order to qualify for overrides, as well as the Elite Seller qualification for Director/bonuses. The lists are meant to indicate those companies who have structures based heavily on recruiting.
 
chefann said:
I don't know the specific list Sheila's referring to, but generally, a biz is considered a MLM if it meets specific criteria relating to earnings in relation to recruiting. Specifically, if overrides/bonuses are paid through 4 or more levels and if those overrides make up a majority of one's income with very little personal sales required. PC doesn't usually end up on these lists because of our higher personal sales requirements in order to qualify for overrides, as well as the Elite Seller qualification for Director/bonuses. The lists are meant to indicate those companies who have structures based heavily on recruiting.

Yeah, she just sounded like she was referring to a specific list.....
 
Thanks, Ann. That's good to know. Some people call PC a MLM and I correct them. Now I can tell them how we are different from those companies.
 
My first recruit and I did a "Healthy Heart Fair" at a local Church. The organizer was very enthusiastic about having a PC show ASAP...then when I called her, she told me she would have a show for me if I did a BeautiControl Show for her. I told her that I had a lot of allergy issues with cosmetics and was currently using Arbonne and was very happy with it. She then decided she didn't want to do a show after all. My recruit got a lady who was a State Farm Insurance rep. She too wanted to have a show but tried to get my recruit to sign up for life insurance on herself, her spouse, and her kids each time she tried to host coach her. She took 6 weeks to close her show...at $400. She then proceeded to return every piece she got with one excuse after another (total of 12 products). My recruit didn't listen to me and returned each item (6 pieces were stoneware) at her own expense. The last piece, her husband went to pick up and told the lady that if she had any other issues to call the HO. This lady realized that my recruit didn't know a lot of things...life in general as well as 401Ks, insurance, etc. and tried to take advantage of her. I told her after the lady told her that she needed to set up a 401K for her 10 year old son that has a lot of health issues that she was telling her the wrong info. Children unless they have income do not have 401Ks. She said the lady told her that and she knew what she was saying. I finally showed her in my Financial Peace book what it said and she realized the lady was only after a sale! It's people like that that really turn off new consultants! My recruit has decided to get out of the business because she can't really do shows and she is in college to be an LPN and they told her she could get that in 1 year then it would only take another year to get an RN/BS! She has no previous college. Again the advisor at her college (who is supposed to know what she is doing) is telling her something and she believes it. She even told her she would make $35,000 a year when she became an RN. I tried to explain to her that I used to do medical staffing and "top/experienced RNs" may command that type salary after 5 years but does not "walk in" to that kind of job! Why can't people be honest?? Do they really think "exaggerating the truth" (in my book, downright lying) makes it better??
 
pcchefjane said:
My first recruit and I did a "Healthy Heart Fair" at a local Church. The organizer was very enthusiastic about having a PC show ASAP...then when I called her, she told me she would have a show for me if I did a BeautiControl Show for her. I told her that I had a lot of allergy issues with cosmetics and was currently using Arbonne and was very happy with it. She then decided she didn't want to do a show after all. My recruit got a lady who was a State Farm Insurance rep. She too wanted to have a show but tried to get my recruit to sign up for life insurance on herself, her spouse, and her kids each time she tried to host coach her. She took 6 weeks to close her show...at $400. She then proceeded to return every piece she got with one excuse after another (total of 12 products). My recruit didn't listen to me and returned each item (6 pieces were stoneware) at her own expense. The last piece, her husband went to pick up and told the lady that if she had any other issues to call the HO. This lady realized that my recruit didn't know a lot of things...life in general as well as 401Ks, insurance, etc. and tried to take advantage of her. I told her after the lady told her that she needed to set up a 401K for her 10 year old son that has a lot of health issues that she was telling her the wrong info. Children unless they have income do not have 401Ks. She said the lady told her that and she knew what she was saying. I finally showed her in my Financial Peace book what it said and she realized the lady was only after a sale! It's people like that that really turn off new consultants! My recruit has decided to get out of the business because she can't really do shows and she is in college to be an LPN and they told her she could get that in 1 year then it would only take another year to get an RN/BS! She has no previous college. Again the advisor at her college (who is supposed to know what she is doing) is telling her something and she believes it. She even told her she would make $35,000 a year when she became an RN. I tried to explain to her that I used to do medical staffing and "top/experienced RNs" may command that type salary after 5 years but does not "walk in" to that kind of job! Why can't people be honest?? Do they really think "exaggerating the truth" (in my book, downright lying) makes it better??

Actually, in this area, that would be starting pay for an RN/BS - I know some that make double that!
 
But not for this area in TN and that is what this lady was quoting!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FHTM?

FHTM, or Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing, was a multi-level marketing company that offered a variety of products and services, including telecommunications and health-related items. However, it faced significant legal challenges and was ultimately shut down by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for operating as a pyramid scheme.

Is FHTM still in business?

No, FHTM is no longer in business. The company was officially closed in 2013 after the FTC's intervention, which highlighted its illegal business practices and the financial losses incurred by many of its participants.

What happened to the people who invested in FHTM?

Many individuals who invested in FHTM lost significant amounts of money. The FTC's actions aimed to provide restitution to affected consumers, but the process was complex and not all individuals received compensation for their losses.

How does FHTM compare to other direct sales companies like Pampered Chef?

Unlike FHTM, which was primarily criticized for its pyramid scheme structure, Pampered Chef operates as a legitimate direct sales company that focuses on kitchen tools and cooking products. Pampered Chef emphasizes product sales and customer satisfaction, providing a more sustainable business model for its consultants.

What should I consider before joining a direct sales company?

Before joining any direct sales company, including Pampered Chef, it's important to research the company's reputation, product quality, compensation plan, and the experiences of current and former consultants. Understanding the business model and potential earnings, as well as the commitment required, will help you make an informed decision.

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