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pyramid selling

1 of 1noun
/ˈpɪrəmɪd ˈsɛlɪŋ/
Forms:pyramid sellings
1

a form of multi-level marketing where profit is derived primarily from recruiting others into the scheme, rather than from legitimate product sales

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Pyramid selling is a business model where participants earn money primarily by recruiting others into the scheme rather than selling products or services. New recruits often pay a fee to join, and a portion of this fee goes to the person who recruited them, forming a structure resembling a pyramid. This model is usually unsustainable because it relies on constantly adding more participants, and those at the bottom often lose their investment.

  • Pyramid selling schemes recruit participants with the promise of earning money by enrolling others into the scheme, rather than selling actual products or services.
  • Authorities warn consumers to be cautious of pyramid selling programs, as they are often illegal and unsustainable.
  • Unlike legitimate multi-level marketing businesses, pyramid selling primarily relies on continuous recruitment to generate income for its members.
  • Participants in pyramid selling schemes often lose money because the structure collapses when recruitment slows down, leaving those at the bottom with no returns.
  • Pyramid selling scams can be identified by their focus on recruitment incentives and the lack of a genuine product or service being offered.