Report: TOD
Category: On-Line Business
TOD - Team Of Destiny ripoff Las Vegas Nevada
*Consumer Comment ..Ummm... Last time I checked....
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TOD
Fax:
Las Vegas, Nevada, 89128
U.S.A.
Submitted: 4/10/2003 9:00:57 AM
Modified: 6/23/2008 3:20:05 PM
Alisha
Las Vegas, NevadaFirst of all, I would like to say that I have not joined this group of people. In the past I may have, but today I live by the philosophy that if it sounds too good, it probably is.
Every time you go to a meeting it is $25 (6-7 meeting possible in one month), when you sign up it is $250.35, every month you pay for a book and every week you pay $12.00 for two cassette tapes.
They stressed over and over that they don't get rich off of your money, that is just for your business license or something like that, but last I knew, cassette tapes didn't cost $6 a piece with no profits attached onto it.
I didn't sign up and I have a meeting with a woman tomorrow and I am going to tell her what I think of the 'business'. Just so you know, they are calling themselves 'Team of Destiny now'.
Anon
Las Vegas, Nevada
U.S.A.
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Updates & Rebuttals:
- Team of Destiny is a way of life not a rip off Jennifer [5/13/2003 7:12:33 PM]
- Team of Destiny is GREAT! Kelli [5/15/2003 7:00:00 AM]
- TOD... No rip off here! Steve [5/20/2003 10:45:39 AM]
- TOD is AWESOME Dawn [6/4/2003 4:36:54 PM]
- The team of destiny is great! ..like reading the writing on a wall of a gas station bathroom. Sheila [6/15/2003 9:56:30 AM]
- TOD is great Cyndi [6/19/2003 9:38:01 PM]
- What are the Credible Money Journals or Papers (WSJ) Saying about TOD Jamie [6/21/2003 4:44:57 AM]
- TOD is GREAT! Keith [6/24/2003 3:31:29 AM]
- TOD Way to Free Dreams Kasey [6/25/2003 6:49:52 AM]
- TOD Borders On Being A Pyramid Scheme John [6/26/2003 11:08:57 AM]
- TOD is not for everyone Mark [6/26/2003 1:46:18 PM]
- This is just a store, folks... Jon [6/27/2003 5:21:11 PM]
- Nothing really new here R. Dan [6/29/2003 2:32:42 PM]
- I don't know about this one! John [7/7/2003 8:14:49 AM]
- Web Site - Hidding Something? Suzy [7/8/2003 4:42:52 AM]
- TOD is Amway reincarnate Steve [7/10/2003 2:44:44 PM]
- The Problem with TOD is that it is just another MLM David [7/14/2003 6:31:44 AM]
- If the TOD isn't a legit business then why has it not been shut down Bryan [7/14/2003 7:51:20 AM]
- I think TOD is a crock !! Jennifer [7/19/2003 8:20:20 PM]
- TOD is AWESOME!! Joy [8/19/2003 4:14:33 PM]
- 'Team of Destiny' nothing but Quixtar/Amway with a twist Lynn [9/18/2003 4:33:45 PM]
- TOD has changed my life!! Joy [9/22/2003 5:21:26 AM]
- Yes TOD is Quixtar Lynn [9/23/2003 12:09:39 PM]
- it is not a scam, and it is not a pyramid Scott [10/1/2003 10:12:27 AM]
- One more thing Joy [10/6/2003 2:47:09 PM]
- Amway guys screw it up for everyone that is truly making it in this form of marketing. Matt [10/10/2003 7:45:19 AM]
- Integrity + Passion = Team of Destiny ..they will show you how we do not qualify as an Illegal pyramid John [11/19/2003 5:27:04 PM]
- Which MLM do you belong to? Sean [12/10/2003 8:44:29 PM]
- TOD only wants people who want it ! Jon [4/1/2004 8:12:15 PM]
- TOD/Quixtar/Amway-They are all one and the same. Kathy [4/2/2004 7:23:06 AM]
- Bottom Line for any MLM Dave [4/2/2004 10:14:10 AM]
- TOD 'IS' taking the world by storm! this business isn't for everyone. Joy [4/3/2004 9:54:34 PM]
- Something for nothing Dave [4/4/2004 6:47:52 AM]
- Small Minds... no one is offering a pipe dream to you Jonathan [4/4/2004 10:12:53 PM]
- Cult mentality right there in your response. Dave [4/6/2004 10:11:33 AM]
- Religious Foundation? Joy [4/6/2004 5:16:43 PM]
- those who jump to the conclusion that it is a 'rip-off' are just succumbing to the herd mentality Jonathan [4/7/2004 7:45:45 PM]
- TOD now recognized by BBB Lana [4/17/2004 1:03:14 PM]
- TOD is Garbage ..deeper and deeper into debt buying books and tapes and going to seminars Joseph [5/8/2004 3:52:55 PM]
- READ THIS! THIS IS THE TRUTH MIKE [5/11/2004 4:50:26 AM]
- Brainwashing... Jonathan [5/12/2004 6:25:29 AM]
- It doesn't work like they say Jacolbi [5/14/2004 7:52:33 AM]
- My Experience with MLMs and their Inherent Destructiveness James [5/15/2004 4:12:41 AM]
- YES... BRAINWASHED ..small and mid-sized businesses around this nation MIKE [5/20/2004 11:04:08 AM]
- Stupid to give people Hope Sean [5/21/2004 12:28:11 AM]
- Dear Sean, You are so brainwashed that you wouldn't no when to quit if Orin hisself told you so. Jacolbi [5/22/2004 10:32:06 PM]
- Peanut butter is not $19 a jar! you're dealing with people who just don't know the facts Brian [6/5/2004 2:14:43 AM]
- Gentlemen..... Again this bussiness is not for everyone. Leonard [6/7/2004 8:44:55 PM]
- Good Luck Leonard! .. how much did you have to spend to make the pay out you received Jeff [6/8/2004 6:45:01 AM]
- Leonard you are a engineer Jacolbi [6/10/2004 8:17:51 AM]
- Conformity is a means to control the Masses Garrett [6/13/2004 3:00:47 PM]
- Disheartened... My 'dreams' focused more on health, family, and contentment David [6/18/2004 10:04:27 PM]
- Continue to have hope.... Leonard [6/21/2004 5:06:41 PM]
- Team of Destiny sounds like the real deal. Jaxson [6/22/2004 6:42:58 PM]
- They are feeding on your need for greed - FTC considers a business illegal if its main purpose is to buy and sell within it's own ranks Kris [6/24/2004 1:53:19 PM]
- individuals who support this scheme are so happy whyt not give the facts? Clark [7/3/2004 8:35:31 AM]
- Just show what TOD is at it's basics... RIch [7/9/2004 9:50:26 PM]
- Team of Destiny is a Scam Mark [7/16/2004 9:32:58 AM]
- Statistics ? 'Show me the money' Confused [7/21/2004 12:33:01 AM]
- Noticing a trend? Brandon [7/21/2004 8:41:01 AM]
- Dont judge something that you have no information about. Megan [8/21/2004 12:12:54 AM]
- Seems like Bad Grammar and Bad Choices Go Hand in Hand James [8/22/2004 1:35:05 AM]
- TOD's 'Financial Freedom' is a Fantasy...DO THE MATH!!!! Lorrainne [8/25/2004 10:44:59 AM]
- I'm Truly Amazed... BBB registration really means nothing Larry [9/2/2004 9:43:22 AM]
- Not Orrin's Line of Sponsership Brian [9/4/2004 11:57:59 AM]
- Thank you for Very Important Answers Tamara [10/15/2004 1:14:51 PM]
- TOD Untold Truths William [11/29/2004 3:03:16 PM]
- MUST READ TESTIMONIAL - I AM SUCCESFUL Big [12/3/2004 12:43:19 AM]
- Not Happy With TOD try this! Heidi [12/19/2004 7:36:13 PM]
- Why change the Name. Jacolbi [12/28/2004 8:26:25 PM]
- TOD-Michigan Style William [1/3/2005 1:43:45 PM]
- Buying Materials? Rob [1/3/2005 2:16:23 PM]
- Reaction Orrin [1/6/2005 7:40:52 PM]
- Have had some experience Jonatha [1/7/2005 10:31:05 AM]
- I respect you greatly for placing your coments on this site. John [1/7/2005 10:51:59 PM]
- This is TOTALLY NOT a rip off Amy [1/11/2005 9:25:23 PM]
- TOD is a scam, a ripoff, a lie. Tony [1/12/2005 7:59:48 PM]
- Team of Destiny - excellent customer service John [1/13/2005 9:14:41 AM]
- WHAT A JOKE!!! Mike [1/17/2005 3:04:19 PM]
- Excellent customer service by Team of Destiny Rick [1/18/2005 6:43:47 AM]
- Rebuttal for Mary Kay Keith [1/26/2005 10:21:56 AM]
- My Comments on Mary Kay Mary [3/20/2005 2:39:51 AM]
- TOD is a group of Quixtar I have found proof that TOD is part of Quixtar,and Amway, because Orrin Woodward, Who was elected to the IBOAI Board at AMWAY for 2005, is the President and acting CEO of TOD Colin [3/22/2005 10:15:08 AM]
- The telltale signs of a scam Timothy [3/23/2005 12:12:43 PM]
- MLMs: Failure Starts at the Bottom! Al [3/24/2005 11:05:59 AM]
- Get Spell Check! Ace [5/30/2005 6:52:00 PM]
- Speelling? Timothy [5/31/2005 4:56:19 AM]
- No thanx! formally known as 'The Team of Destiny' Ace [6/14/2005 8:40:31 AM]
- Good to see that you've come to your senses Timothy [6/15/2005 5:17:43 PM]
- TOD is Pyramind and part of amway Tami [7/7/2005 5:19:01 PM]
- TOD is fueled by innocence Anthony [8/10/2005 10:56:33 AM]
- Painful Watching Ace [8/29/2005 8:20:37 AM]
- If you made it through all that Joel [10/7/2005 2:27:11 PM]
- Nothing but empty rhetoric. Timothy [10/8/2005 6:11:48 AM]
- could someone really expain? Linh [10/11/2005 3:52:01 AM]
- Team Of Destiny is as big as your dream! Christina [10/18/2005 10:49:32 PM]
- It's just too easy Timothy [10/21/2005 7:02:28 AM]
- Is QUIXTAR a scam? Cody [10/21/2005 6:19:22 PM]
- Really Not Sure Robert [10/28/2005 3:10:27 PM]
- I can't believe it! Laszlo [11/6/2005 11:00:52 AM]
- The type of people that fall victim to pyramid schemes: - these folks never recognize the laws of probability and the impossibility of the scheme James [12/7/2005 11:10:28 PM]
- Listen to yourself.... Tarrah [3/1/2006 10:24:48 AM]
- Don't have all the information Brian [3/14/2006 3:06:53 AM]
- 'Team of Destiny'? Even the name would make me run! Chris [3/14/2006 10:20:45 AM]
- 6000 Lawyers checked out the Team? I don't think so! Victor [3/15/2006 1:48:54 PM]
- Responses to some of the 'informed ignorant' Teresa [4/8/2006 10:31:41 AM]
- Affiliated??? Yeah, Right Robert [4/8/2006 10:44:22 AM]
- Wow, more ignorance! Teresa [4/15/2006 7:23:47 AM]
- Some Team formerly TOD FAQs - answered Teresa [4/15/2006 8:06:39 AM]
- It's all about the selling of motivation! Victor [4/1/2007 4:56:35 PM]
- A world without Quixtar!! Spartan [2/6/2008 10:26:09 AM]
- Ummm... Last time I checked.... Smitty7532 [6/23/2008 9:46:02 AM]
Team of Destiny is a way of life not a rip off
I would like to make some corrections about Team of Destiny. It only cost $277.77 to become an Idependent Business Owner, yes there are 5-6 meetings a month(which are all optional. Four of the meetings are held every Tuesday night at various locations and are only $5 and that goes to pay for the room. The fifth meeting in a seminar that yes cost $25.00. The books and tapes that you speak are all also optional to purchase. This is very clearly stated in all paperwork you fill out when you become and IBO.
If Team Of Destiny is such a rip-off some one may want to inform the people at Disney they might have lawyers that might want to look into this sine they are one of the partner stores involved with Team of Desiny.
Team of Destiny is GREAT!
The information posted in the original comment is inaccurate. The follow up post correctly identified the costs of OPTIONAL TRAINING. Weekly Tuesday meetings cost $5 each to cover the cost of renting the room. However, anyone can attend one meeting for FREE- so it is a great way for anyone to check out the business at no cost. There are monthly seminars which cost $25. Again the cost is primarily to cover the cost of the space. Finally, Books and Tapes are recommended. The books are sold at the list price and tapes are $6 each.
ALL of the training material is optional, unlike some business franchises where training is required to start. Have you checked out the cost of opening a McDonald's or Subway?
Every Successful Business has start up costs. I'm very thankful that the leadership of the Team of Destiny has provided such a low cost training system. It's working for me!!!
TOD... No rip off here!
The gentlemen who initiated this 'rip-off' report stated in his own comments that he did not join the Team of Destiny. Having seen a single presentation he makes critical judgements of the Team of Destiny and feels compelled to bash this opportunity.
When I first saw this business, I was a bit skeptical too. After having been involved for 2 1/2 years, my family has experienced the financial success completely in line with what the Team of Destiny promised.
This financial success is Great, however in my opinion its only part of the story. The mentoring and training program has helped me improve my attitude, my people skills, my leadership skills as well as my relationships at home and at work. It has led to the best friendships I have ever had. It has given me access to tremendous leaders and positive people. I thank God everyday for the blessings received through my association with this Team. It truly is a 'Team of Destiny'
TOD is AWESOME
There are a lot of people that are now financially free from being in the business. And the numbers continue to grow. Yes, the tapes cost $6.00 a piece. But it's not the tape you're paying for, it's the information on that tape. It all involves education given to you, by people that ARE making it in this business. It's great positive information. You can't tell me going out and buying a music CD or tape provides positive information that will make you financially free. The same goes for the meetings and seminars. It's all great information! Just listen to what the woman has to say. It may change your life. The worst that could happen, is that you discover it's not for you.
The team of destiny is great! ..like reading the writing on a wall of a gas station bathroom.
The writer's opinion of the Team Of Destiny is just that, his opinion. It is almost like reading the writing on a wall of a gas station bathroom. The information is written, it is up to the indivdiual reader to choose to believe what they read. I know for a fact attending meetings, which are on a Tuesday night costs an IBO five dollars is not required. The seminars, which are monthly costs $25.00 dollars are optional as well. The books and tapes are training materials are again optional for purchase. It is the information that is obtained that is valuable.
Outside of the TOD, I work in the Gaming industry in management. Any training or seminars I have attended relating to the Gaming industry costed a whole lot more than $25.00. Global Gaming Expo costs about $700.00 to attend and that does not include travel costs. The last book I bought related to the gaming industry was $150.00.
And what about the costs of college, I paid $4850.95 for eigth semester hours, which is only 2 hours over being classed as a part-time student. Books for two courses at Millsaps college costed $250.00, purchased used. So again this my opinion and it left to reader to decide what to believe. As for me and my family, we believe in the TOD!
Respectfully submitted,
TOD is great
I am an IBO of the Team of Destiny, The education they give you is great, If this is such a rip off, i don't think the pastor at my church would drag his members into this, or my best childhood friend, Also one of my uplines happens to has his own law firm why would he be doing the Team of Destiny if that was the case? The TOD has helped my husband and i in so many ways. TOD is great, and they've reduced their prices again, Every business has costs, so what these costs happen to be tax deductable so how can you loose? If you aren't affliated with this to see, then why even downgrade it? You gotta give it a chance to see the big picture.
What are the Credible Money Journals or Papers (WSJ) Saying about TOD
I too believe that things that sound too good, probably aren't true. That is not to say that TOD is not legit. I am not a member, I am still in the fact finding stage. My question for the members is, what are the leading money magazines/journals saying about joining TOD? If the power to make money is as great as the recruiting IBO says, why don't we hear more about TOD in the investment trades? I am sure you will agree that the Wall Street Journal loves to build up and break down opportunities. And if this is a fail safe program that offers little risk and high returns in just 3-5 short years, why don't we see more reporting on TOD?
When something is truly good, you can't hold back the information. People will find out, repeated tests will be performed and the same conclusion will be had each time.
So, if this comment makes it to the Rip-Off Report, respond back with both cheers and jeers. Because no program is flawless.
Submitted: 6/24/2003 3:31:29 AM
Modified: 6/24/2003 9:34:35 PM
Keith
Macomb Township, MichiganU.S.A.
TOD is GREAT!
For the person who suggests we see what the Wall Street Journal may have to say about Team of Destiny, I say careful what you ask for, the Editor there may be a Team of Destiny member as well.
People involved with The Team of Destiny are SO very positive that I choose no other to hang around with. I do wish everyone could understand what this group stands for. If someone is willing to meet me half way my plan would be to help hime/her understand what TOD stands for
The WSJ is not involved with reporting what a group of people may be encouraging others to do. I have been a TOD member for 10 weeks now. The rewards here are better than my stock tips from WSJ in the past 3 years I have ever seen. Regardless, the WSJ only reports on yesterday, TOD is helping you to build a future for tomorrow.
Good luck with your fact findings.
TOD Way to Free Dreams
TOD is not a scam. I have just begun with TOD and I believe it is the best thing that has happened to me. First of all, does this man who is downing the busines, have financial freedom?Everyone listen!! Take advice from someone with fruit on the tree. All our lives we listen to people on how to make money and how to achieve our dreams. But how many of those people are truley living debt free and enjoying life.
TOD is like no other business I have ever seen. Anybody who reads this should at the least, go to an open meeting (with an open mind) and find out for themselves.
TOD Borders On Being A Pyramid Scheme
I unfortunately sat through an initial TOD presentation that a relative dragged me into. At the end of the day this borders on being a pyramid scheme and at best it is an on-line version of Amway. For all you people who have been brained washed into thinking this is a wonderful MLM (multi-layered marketing) company, you should check out an article prepared by the Michigan Attorney General's Office on pyramid schemes (go to www.michigan.gov)and look under consumer alerts. The TOD guy I met with made plenty of comments that the article points out are major red flags, including stating that the Attorney General's office had approved their business plan. The article points out that this is a major red flag and that they should be called immediately. Since I did not invest and was not hurt I didn't bother alerting them.
At the end of the day you have to ask your self what value are you adding with this program. What products to you sell? You do not sell anything but membership to a buying group. Income is predicated on growing your network and not selling product and providing anything value added. At least with Amway, you sell products for which you actually take posession and your income is not predicated on just signing up other individuals, although they do receive a cut if they do.
Speaking of Amway, did you know that most if not all of the product distribution is handled by an Amway affiliated distribution company.
TOD is not for everyone
Anon, I truly understand your scepticism concerning the Team of Destiny. There are many things similar to TOD out there, and most of them are illegal, pyramids, or both. This is unfortunate, but unavoidable. All the TOD can do is prove itself with time and continuing results.
As for the legality of TOD, the Federal Trade Commission uses our business model as its standard when verifying the validity of new companies. In addition, as mentioned previously, Disney is one of our affiliate companies. I believe that point speaks for itself. Also, an individual by the name of Larry VanBuskirk, a former consultant, analyzed the business models of companies for twenty years. He joined the TOD because he said he had seen nothing even close to better in those years of pouring over business systems. By the way, he is now retired from consulting, having more (way more) than replaced that income with his earnings from TOD.
It literally cannot be questioned as to whether or not TOD works. We are beyond the point of being on trial. The only logical question a person can raise is, 'Will it work for me?' And if a person comes to at least four of the weekly meetings, they will begin to understand that it can work for anyone. Period.
Anon, I hope you got enough from the meeting you mentioned to make an informed decision. If you decide not to join, that is fine. We want everyone, but we certainly don't need everyone. Unlike a pyramid, our teams do not falter when individuals quit. That is a large part of why we grow so quickly. But if you take this route, I sincerely hope that you do not end up in the 98% of employees and self-employed individuals who are dead, disabled, or broke by the time they reach retirement.
However, if you do decide to join the TOD, to achieve they lifestyle you may have been dreaming of, we will see you on the beaches of the world.
This is just a store, folks...
I get a kick out of people who say things like, 'If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.' And yet it's a simple law of human psychology.
The Law of Social Proof states, basically, that most people have a 'herd mentality.' That is to say, many people think that something is right--only by virtue of whether most people THINK or FEEL it's right. Thinking for themselves is a bit too much effort for them. And that's fine, we can't all spend all of our days examining every conceivable item brought to our attention, can we?
But it's hoped that, upon taking the time to consider something like the Team of Destiny, a rational person will be able to make up his own mind--instead of being influenced by the uninformed herd.
Like I said, this is basically a store. Like any other store anyone has ever started. You just buy stuff online. Yes, Disney stuff, Levi's stuff, Haggar stuff... Look it's endless. Instead of all the expenses of a traditional brick and mortar establishment, this store uses network marketing. This store allows all of those involved in 'networking' an opportunity to receive some of the profits. If the term 'network marketing' scares you, please understand this is just that 'herd mentality' kicking in.
The only problems with the former 'network marketing' organizations is the products and the selling policies. For instance, although the products may have been pretty good, you had to sort of talk people into believing in them as a sort of 'nutritional religion.' Well, TOD has removed that, haven't they? The brands they sell are the brands we already buy, for Pete's sake! Furthermore, the former hardselling tactics have been rejected. This thing is taking off so powerfully, you don't need to do much convincing to demonstrate how viable it is.
It's just a store, folks.
Nothing really new here
I just heard a little about this TOD from an old friend of mine who has joined. I've read all the previous comments. I neither condemn nor commend anyone for their position on this company.
I have followed (and often been a part of) several MLM companies since 1961 (yes, it was Amway back then!) so I figure I've learned a few things in 42 years!
There is nothing new that I need to learn about this or any other MLM company. The money to be made in any opportunity is NOT made on sponsoring (unless the company is illegally structured). The money to be made is based upon the sale of products, by whatever means that is done. That means that I will avoid any cost-containing event associated with this (or any ) company (beyond a reasonable 'room fee'... hey, I try to be a nice guy).
Just give me the business plan and avoid all the hype... because DOING THE BUSINESS is the only path to success!
I don't know about this one!
I do believe that one can be successful in TOD. I also believe that many parts are very skewed in TOD's process to 'financial freedom.' I have attended many of the meetings and I have also attended their big conference every month.
In TOD there is a position that is called,' Power Player.' In this program you have to buy the book and tape of the week and some other added costs.
This part of the program insures that you will quickly move up the ladder faster then the regular IBO. I attended these meetings and such with another individual that was thinking about starting with me.
I questioned an a 'mentor' already in the program and asked him if my friend and I could just split the costs and share the books and tapes so it would be cheaper. With no hesistation he rebuttled a rejection and said it is a must. This really bothered me because here you were sharing information and the whole point of being a 'Power Player,' is obtaining more information than the others. The whole thing about it is your pumping more and more money into the system and the more you pump in the more more you get out.
I also asked him, 'What if you joined up and you didn't do anything.' He asid you would get no money and it would be a waste. The thing he kept pressing was the idea of a chain and stressing depth, not a pyramid scheme.
The thing i didn't understand is when you get to be 'financially free,' and you stop recruiting and stop buying, do you not recieve a check anymore? I dunno it all sounded kinda hokey to me but if it works for some people and your making lots of money out of it, more power to ya!
Web Site - Hidding Something?
A friend asked me 'Do you want to make money?' Well, of course, but, my first thought was what type of scheme did they get themselves into.
And, when I began questioning them about this company, the answers were very vague. Naturally I thought, 'What are you afraid to tell me; or, is it because you are not allowed to talk about it unless I pay for it?'
So, my friend happened to mention the company name and, for simple curiousity sake, I searched the internet for the name. I did get a link to the company (www.teamofdestiny.com). However, when I click on the 'guest' link the only thing that comes up is a password log-in screen. My question is why do I need a password as a 'guest?' If the company did not have anything to HIDE, then information, should be freely available. After viewing the information I may make a decision to join or not, but, now, I certainly will not even go to a meeting because I do feel like there is something to hide.
Could it be that the only person making money is the company?
TOD is Amway reincarnate
Team of Destiny is a line of sponsorship for Quixtar which is the 'new' name for Amway. The TODers probably don't mention that you're simply signing up with the old Amway plan that the world came to know and despise. that's why they changed the name of Amway -- it sent people running. There are plenty of statistics on how much people really make at this 'business' and almost all of the real money is made by those peddling the 'tools' TOD is very, very close to a cult. Listen to the tapes and you'll see what I'm talking about. This group targets those with minimal education and a narrow view of the world. In fact, some of their biggest supporters are Amish folks. People who are easily manipulated and swayed. It's pathetic really.
You won't read anything about TOD in the Wall Street Journal and you certainly won't find a TOD member as their editor. Why? Because those people know the difference between a legitimate business and a pyramid scheme.
Submitted: 7/14/2003 6:31:44 AM
Modified: 7/14/2003 9:42:43 PM
David
San Francisco, CaliforniaU.S.A.
The Problem with TOD is that it is just another MLM
I recently got invited to a TOD meeting. I did not know that it was just another MLM scam. I will probably get a rebuttal that TOD is not an MLM - they have been brainwashed into thinking that TOD is somehow different.
I am negative toward multi-level marketing (network marketing, pyramid schemes, and other various and a sundry names). It smacks of high-pressure sales by encouraging people to sign up their friends, family, and anyone they come in contact with in hopes of making them rich. They appeal to one of man's basic drive - greed and materialism - to get them to be consumers of their product. (Their introductory brochure has pictures of a Ferrari and a big sail boat on it - this should tell you something)
Those at the top make the millions while new subscribers are coming in by the hour through the lure of making money off this pyramid scheme. They off course are encouraged to purchase/use the product themselves so they can be better informed and better prepared to 'sell' the product. This creates revenue for the head schemers. Most of the people who purchase the product will never get rich off of the pyramid scheme, but they would have contributed to the increasing revenue of those at the top of the pyramid. MLM stats show that most of the product purchases are made from fellow members NOT to the outside public. The whole system (TOD included) is based on getting members to buy all of their products through their marketing scheme. Their decision to purchase the products is being influenced by the promise/lure of making money off of this system/program (playing on their greed). This is deceptive to me.
Just look at the rebuttals - feeble attempts to defend their MLM - their religion - their hope for their future. For instance, more than one mentions Disney's endorsement as to lend credibility to TOD. This is very sad - Disney like any other vendor is just a portal seeking avenues to sell its wares.
Anyway, this is my 2 cents worth...
Caveat Emptor (Let the Buyer Beware)
If the TOD isn't a legit business then why has it not been shut down
I do not uderstand how people can call this a pyramid scheme.....If the TOD isn't a legit business then why has it not been shut down and why have the founders of the TOD not been encrypted in the newspapers as 'scam artists?'
That's becasue they aren't!
What many of the skeptics don't realize is that many people who join TOD are already established business owners and established people in the work force. They join TOD because they know and have come to understand that it is not a rip-off.
Pizza franchise owners, Ford engineers, doctors, lawyers etc. have all joined up in the business. The TOD works with the top businesses in America and top business people as well. I have attended several meetings and am often one of the least educated people in the room, though I have a masters degree and graduated with honors from my college. I also have one of the smallest pocket books as well, due to my job as a state employee. People who realize TOD as a great oppurtunity are the same people who realize great business oppurtunities - which, and let's face it, not all can do. Thus, TOD isn't for everyone, and if one wants to make a job of bashing TOD, go ahead - TOD's success will speak for itself. I just recommend that you find somthing else to do with your time, you'll be way more productive.
Also, the TOD website is not set up for nonmembers. It contains information on seminars, Tuesday open meetings, an other material that only pertains to business members. I don't know what you expected to find on the site, but I am sure if you presonnaly asked a member of TOD they would have no problem giving you their password to access the site. Oh yeah, the website is prouced and helpped maintained by IBM, another legit company.
I think TOD is a crock !!
I originally thought this TOD thing was great, but know that my husband and I have been doing it for about 6 months and have not made a dime but spent a ton of money I have truly changed my whole out look on things. The so called 'team' we belong are a bunch of LAZY people who have no goals in life. When we joined we were told that we would be making an extra 3-5oo dollars month by now, guess what our last check was for $3.00.
Something just isn't right.
I personally think this is almost cult like. I am very embarrassed to say that in April I posted another one of these defending this crap. Maybe if the other people in the so called 'team' I am in worked as hard as my husband did when we first joined things would be different.
My husband still thinks that we are going to become wealthy doing this but I don't believe that we will.
To anyone else thinking of doing this DO NOT, save yourself a couple hundred dollars.
TOD is AWESOME!!
Listen people, I have been involved with TOD for 2 months now. Yes I am doing pretty well. I will admit my 1st check was 30 bucks, but that's more than a dime quoted by other reports. My check just yesterday was 60 bucks. Notice the increase?
The point you people are not logically getting is that YES it does cost money for materials, meetings etc, but so does college, and the nice gov. likes to take your taxes and put it towards school anyways. Why not take youre own expenses and actually put them towards what you want to learn, and actually will know the end result.
No teacher makes it a point to tell you how their lifestyle is if your in the field of Education. So you are naive as to whether it's a lifestyle you'll want to live, and you're only seeing a part of that teachers life and not the whole.
Besides if you want to learn how to be a docotor you're not going to ask a lawyer how to do surgery? So why are you going to school to learn how to be something that isn't going to get you the results in life that you want? I want to be an artist when I'm done with college, but you know I'm not going to make a lot of money that way, so yes this business works.
As stated before ALL purchases of business materials are OPTIONAL. Correct information means nothing unless you can apply what your learning. And yeah with that computer your typing on. DO YOU REALLY THINK it costs 1,000+ dollars to build!!!! NO!!! You're paying for Information NOT Industry!
Point made. If you want all the details you can easily obtain them with an open mind. We have nothing to hide, and I personal am working with a Power Player and a double Power Player, who are doing very well!
Well, I'd type more good things but I actually am off to attend a meeting right now!
-IBO Joy Jensen
Go IWIAATS!
I Hope that all of you team members obtain all of your dreams and goals that you set out and were meant to find!
P.S. the cost to join is actually $227. and some odd cents so yeah it's like WAY cheaper now. but you know those who wants to spends thousands on college tuition and books for classes obataining a degree they won't use anyway, may continue to do so! You'll get that one later!
'Team of Destiny' nothing but Quixtar/Amway with a twist
All Team of Destiny is is a branch of Quixtar that has decided to call themselves 'TOD' to create the impression they can make your dreams come true. I am still an IBO of TOD, but only until my membership runs out at the end of this year. After sinking more money and time than I like to admit into this and getting no where, I finally gave up. When I first joined I was told that you don't have to sell anything, just buy what you need for yourself and recruit others that you want to give the chance to become successful (and they put ALOT of emphasis on how sucessful you can be within 3 years). Well about 2 months of being a member I was then told that no, you have to sell a certain amount of products now. Why? Because they had been investigate and had to sell the products or else be deemed a pyramid scheme. So the requirement of outside sales had been initiated to avoid fines and a bad reputation. Hmmmm....
As for buying stuff for yourself, their products are costly and not much better than what you can buy cheaper at the local store. As a college student I couldn't afford to buy all of my stuff from them and make little to no profit back.
As for the tapes and all of that - yes that is voluntary, HOWEVER I was told flat out over and over that if I did not buy them I would fail - plain and simple. They are the only way to your success.
Can you make money with TOD? Yes, I know of several people personally who have. HOWEVER, with the price of their products being so costly and 98% of their focus being on recruiting other members (2% on selling just so that they can stay legal - and many times it is still them buying for themselves and just claiming it is going to someone else - I was told by my upline to do this when I couldn't find anyone else to buy!) I can not stay with this company and still feel ethical. You have to use sly tactics to get people involved - the script they give you to recruit says straight out that you are not suppose to supply any details to the person when you are trying to get them to a meeting. Maybe that is why I failed? I'm too honest?
TOD has changed my life!!
TOD is not Amway/Quixtar with a twist! I just got back from one of the most awesome major functions and I cannot believe how much I have learned and have already applied to certain areas of my life.
YES they will say if u do NOT get on system that u will fail. BUT it doesn't mean that u will fail completely! It just means u will never reach Diamond and such. They are telling u what they know works. Even Diamonds and Emeralds are still on system. One of the Diamonds reads 15 books a month!
You are a college student right? So am I! If you didn't buy the books that you were told to buy even though they are optional AND VERY expensive ($113 for my Japanese book) THEN you would FAIL the CLASS!
It logically makes sense that they are not trying to tip people off. We have a Pastor on the team as well. I'm sorry if you gave up on yourself and your team. I highly think the Diamonds would feel EXTREMELY bad for building up so much confidence in people and then letting us ALL down.
Team of Destiny is not Quixtar/Amway with a twist we are the BUYERS from the site. We do NOT have to sell any products if we do NOT choose to do so. It is ONLY a SUGGESTION.
ALL of you people that have said something negative about TOD haven't said ONE BETTER thing or gave anyone else hope or encouragement as to where we can go in life or what can give you better results than TOD in that amount of time frame and work.
So I challenge you anti-TOD people to find something that can give you the results that are PROVEN within the amount of time they say something can be done (2-5 yrs) And see if you can inspire people to go that way as well?
-Team xx IBO
Joy
Yes TOD is Quixtar
Unfortunately you have not researched other Quixtar groups? They run similar to TOD. TOD is just quixtar. Now as to not having to sell stuff - well your upline has misinformed you or your upline has decided to completely ignore the new rules. Yes, you have to sell either a certain amount of stuff that comes to a certain $$ value or point value. If you do not your check goes to your upline. Its up to your upline whether or not it gets passed on to you - which they really are not suppose to do. My upline decided that it would not because of the 'pyramid scheme' investigation that had happened and the fact that it did not take much effort to buy things for yourself and say you sold them. That really got to me and made me realize how unethical this is.
No, I am no longer in college - graduated. And you know what? Real business does not expect you to pay for tapes and books. Have you gotten high enough to know who makes $$ on these tapes and why you can't be successful without these? You upline makes money for every person on the system below them. In fact a LARGE chunk of your diamond's income is due to the money that comes in off of the system. They have purposely created the system so that you can not move up without it. In fact, it doesn't matter if you listen to the tapes or not - as long as you are part of the system and get your downlines on the system, then you will do well.
Suggestions of other things that allow you to suceed? there are many out there, and a lot of them don't require the amount of investment TOD does. This was not a place to provide suggestions of that sort so that is why no one provided them. It is just to report if a company is a bad business or not.
it is not a scam, and it is not a pyramid
Folks, this is not rocket science. I am a member of TOD, and did so after about 3 months of research, and discussing it with my wife. I was an economics major in college, and digging through the numbers and seeing exactly how it works, i.e. how I make money was very important to me. The small fee to join was clearly explained to me, and in fact, a majority of the fee goes towards products. Basically, kind of showing you how it works, and ensuring that you will get a nominal check that first month.
Now, it is not a scam, and it is not a pyramid. It is a buying group that gets 'kickbacks' from the businesses that participate. For example, Office Max is a partner, and saves approximately 60% when someone purchases online versus in one of their stores...get it, no bricks and mortar, no sales associates, etc. So, Office Max says that I would love to give a discount to people that are committed to buying from me online, and shoots Quixtar (the shopping portal of TOD) 20% or some such figure. Now, the choice is either to make this a discount buying club, or offer the people compensation for performance. They take this 20% and dole it out to the people in the group that build teams of people that also consistently purchase from the online partners. You can get over a million products from the partners, and from Quixtar, and the products are the same/better/worse/different than what you find in stores. (something like 93% of the fortune 500 companies participate) Do we buy all our stuff through them? No. But, if I can make money buying my household cleaners, etc. from there, then why not do it? If I can make money buying my office supplies from Office Max online, then why not? And, if I can do my Christmas shopping online and avoid the mall, why not?? You are just buying the stuff you already buy, except from a different place. Are the prices competitive? Yes. It varies, some of the stuff is more expensive, some of it is cheaper. Do your own homework, and don't buy a 40 lb. bag of dog food with $40 of shipping costs. Studies have been done, and from my own studies, overall, there is a small percentage difference either way between the products online (including shipping) and going to your local store. Just depends on how smart you are.
Yes, I am completely aware that the tapes we purchase provide income for somebody. As a matter of fact this is in the open. Money that is made from the tapes, books, and meetings is distributed to the best performers in the group. So what?? If they help me succeed, then I don't care. We are not making a bunch of money at this early stage, but the person who got me involved was clear about this. They told us to expect the typical $6 check for the first 6 months to a year, depending on how you do. They are making $3,000 to $5,000 per month after doing it for 16 months. BUT, they work very hard.
I think the bigger problem is that people get irritated when it doesn't work for them. Not everyone will succeed at this, but you should understand what you are getting into, before you get into it. You will succeed if you work hard, and if you can explain it to people very clearly, without trying to trick them into joining. If you give up on it, you will fail, and then you will tell someone else that it is a fraud, thus fueling the bad PR. Did it fail, or did you??
As I mentioned, I am a member, and I still struggle with the image of the company, and the way people look at me when I describe it to them. BUT, I have yet to hear anything negative after I sit down with someone and explain the nuts and bolts. I have very skeptical, and educated friends that have said, 'What the heck have you got yourself into?' I tell them give me an hour, and try to punch holes in the system. Ask anything you want, and if I can't answer it, you are right. But, I had already asked these questions in my research. After this discussion, I have heard, 'It's not for me.', but I haven't heard 'This is a scam.' The money makes sense, and is easy to explain, as I have done above. But, are you the type that can promote it successfully, and work with it, for what it really is.
This is a buying group that rewards loyal consumers for buying from their partners, along with a system to keep you motivated. They don't hide this. The seminars are a big pep talk, along with some solid information for people that are new. The books are a big pep talk with some solid information for people that are new. The tapes are a big pep talk with some solid information for people that are new. Get the trend?? I was in sales in a very difficult industry (Manufacturers Representative, in the automotive industry) for 6 years. When I would make my calls on a Tuesday morning, if the first call was very negative, I wanted to hit the golf course. If it was positive, I would make many more, and have a successful day. I would have died for a tape that told me to get going, that I could do it, and anything else that would motivate me.
One last note, TOD is affiliated with Quixtar. Quixtar is the shopping portal. TOD is simply a different business system than Quixtar. The idea is that you build teams. You bring someone new into your team, and then you work closely with them to bring others in. The more depth you create, the more success you have. The members you bring in simply purchase items from the online partners. They purchase items that they already purchase. They just change the way they buy them. The more people you personally add to the community, the larger portion of the pie you receive. Not rocket science people. And, you can make more money than the person that brought you in. In a pyramid, the money flows to the top, and by the way, most of the money is made from the fees to join. This is not the case in TOD. In TOD, people you bring in can make way more money than you are, if they work harder. The friends that brought us in brought another friend in, and he worked his tail off. He is making more money than they are, and in less time. The money doesn't necessarily flow upward...it flows to the strongest performers.
So, understand it, do your own research, and get in it for the right reasons, or decide not to join, again, for the right reasons. Not everyone can do this, but if you fail, take a good look at why, and don't bash the system for your failures.
Thanks, and I hope this helps people understand TOD better.
One more thing
I did not ask for suggestions on how to succeed in life. I do have an education thank you.
However I asked specifically for those anti-TOD etc. people to give suggestions for what CAN give you success BETTER than TOD and either just as FAST, FASTER, or maybe even a smidge slower, and produce the same if not better results, with income that is passive?
-IBO
Amway guys screw it up for everyone that is truly making it in this form of marketing.
I have made my living solely from MLM for the last 7 years. These Team of Destiny/ Quixtar/ Amway guys screw it up for everyone that is truly making it in this form of marketing.
One of their first approaches is; Do you look at other ways of making money? Being that they have all subscribed to the same way of dressing and condesending attitudes, I spot them a mile a way. So, for fun I do the same to them. By no means do they want to hear it.
Being that they all tell you how much money they are making (at least implying it), I always ask to compair 1099s, I tell them mine has to be 10 times larger then theirs for them to consider mine, visa-versa, 10 times! They then back peddal and tell me that granted they have been involved with Team of Destiny/ Quixtar/ Amway for x number of years, they only recently got going, making some excuse, at that point you catch them in a blatent lie.
I don't even need to get into the books and tapes. If their business was that good, their upline would buy them a a good book or tape, instead of their upline making profit off them. I have over 1,000 reps in my downline in another MLM, I buy allthat kin of stuff for them.
Bottom line is they cannot even tell you the real name of their company (Amway/ Quixtar), do you see a problem with that?
Integrity + Passion = Team of Destiny ..they will show you how we do not qualify as an Illegal pyramid
I don't mean to be harsh but reading some of the negative comments about TOD adds to my understanding why 95% of the United States is living pay check to pay check and will get to the retierment ages either dead , disabled or broke .
I chalenge anyone to go to your local TOD meeting and ask an IBO there to go to the nearest internet cafe' and log onto the Michigan Attorney Generals web site and have them go through that web site item by item and they will show you how we do not qualify as an Illegal pyramid .
people are questioning the importance of the tapes and books . Schools invest in them , Franchises invest in them , corporations invest in them , consumers , on the other hand simply buy them . Consumers buy reading material like National Enquierer , Star Magazine , Vogue , GQ , Maxim . We chose to buy our books from our upline which will teach the information that helped other to succeed in the years past . Yes there is a profit from the tapes and books . Is there someone getting a profit from the latest Country tape/CD . You Bet . Is there a profit from the lates Sci/Fi novel . You Bet . The difference is this , if we do what the informational tapes and books we buy in our business teach us , we will succeed faster . The last point I'll make on this subject is this , If you know how to be financialy independent , Why aren't you . I'm learning how from people who have made the journey already through the Tapes and Books in my business .
To the gentleman who stated ' Nothing really new here ' I'll simply say this . TOD is not Amway . Even though Amway is a tried and true successful business that now ties into the internet through the shopping portal known as Quixtar , they build extremely slow . I give high praise to those IBO's out there who put in the effort and built using their building system that grows annually at about 15%to 20% . TOD Builds quit differently using the true consept of TEAM which produces an annual growth rate of 650% . So to that 42 year old Networker I suggest you take a secon look at TOD ASAP. Think of it this way , TOD will pass every other Networking venture out there exactly like Wal-Mart(largest corporation) passed K-Mart .
The last two comments are to the two different sceptics from Lansing Michigan . 1st) to the wife who's topic was 'I think TOD is a Crock' , I will give you my monitary info . I only do this because I've been in TOD for a month less then you and your husband . This way you may see that this business works . I've been in since March and at the time you wrote your comment my wife and I had been in 5 months and our check was just under $160/month . Right now I'm looking at my check I received today and it is just under $230/month . We could have been at a higher level by now but we had to stop being sceptics in order to open our minds to the new information . 2nd) To the gentleman who is in Networking and who's topic was 'Amway guys screw it up for everyone who is truely making it in this form of marketing' . I can't comment on the people who have contacted you and their exagerations in their income . I know that the business owners in the TOD are strictly forbiden not to exagerate their income because then it would seem that we are a 'get rich quick scheme' and we aren't . I am proud to list my figures above and that is because the average business owner that logs into the Shopping portal Quixtar only makes $115 . Team of Destiny grows fast and we pride ourselves on integrity . We want everyone to ask questions and we'll answer any you have . This business is working for me . If it's not working for you then maybe you need to spend some time in front of your bathroom mirror .
Much Love to all the TOD IBO's who are responding .
Which MLM do you belong to?
I read a response from Matt in Michigan and he stated that he has over 1,00 people in his downline and that he buys all the training material for each of his businesses involved. I would like to ask him for the name of his company. I truly doubt that he is telling the truth.
TOD only wants people who want it !
'It' being freedom from the 95% of the populations thinking. Its obvious here to me that the 95% people that are stuck there are really trying to pressure us new 5% thinking people into remaining with their misery. Remember TODers....'Misery Loves Company'. I'd rather be company with the people I meet in TOD and leave the rest behind to keep each other company. Keep swinging the sword of freedom TOD !!
Submitted: 4/2/2004 7:23:06 AM
Modified: 4/2/2004 10:18:54 PMKathy
Charleston, South CarolinaU.S.A.
TOD/Quixtar/Amway-They are all one and the same.
Scott from Michigan said it best and I quote here;
TOD is simply a different business system than Quixtar. The idea is that you build teams. You bring someone new into your team, and then you work closely with them to bring others in. In a pyramid, the money flows to the top, and by the way, most of the money is made from the fees to join.
The idea is to build teams?? Scott said it's just like a pyramid. A pyramid. That's all they are folks, another pyramid scheme, multi-level marketing plan. I'll admit, I got sucked into Amway a few years ago. TOD/Quixtar/Amway/Mary Kay Cosmetics, all of these and many others are nothing but schemes to get your money while providing zero benefits. That so called 'small' fee to join these so called 'companies', well to some these fees are not so small. In all of these they say it's in your best interest to purchase the books and tapes. In fact, you are very highly pressured to purchase them, every week.
What do they do for you? Well, the tapes brainwash you more and more into the group/cult. Ever really read the stories behind these diamonds and emeralds, funny how all the different plans call them the same names isn't it. Well, read them a bit more closely next time and you'll see that the ones that are actually claiming to make the 'big bucks' are people that were well off to begin with. They had plenty of money so they didn't have to worry about not making it 'in the plan'.
As for Amway, I did my thing, I bought the products, I used them, they suck. The paper towels are thinner than a peice of writing paper, it takes 3 rolls of Amway's paper towels to do the job of one roll of Kleenex or Bounty.
Oh well, enough of my tirade, you get the point. They are all cults and they will do whatever they have to do to sucker anyone in and make them believers. Those of you that are doing these plans, well, I wish you luck, if they do work for you, then that's great, more power to you, just don't push that garbage onto the rest of us.
Bottom Line for any MLM
The absolute bottom line for any MLM, cult or other too good to be true scam is:
If it's SO frickin' wonderful why hasn't it taken the world by storm? Why isn't my neighbor, co-worker or bum on the street trying to sell it to me? Why don't we see everyday headlines telling us 25 millionares have been made from TOD? Why don't we see any news AT ALL, but for the cult happy crap that is spewed on this site?
Think about it!
TOD 'IS' taking the world by storm! this business isn't for everyone.
Lots of my buisness partners including myself have encountered people that have already been shown the business plan by lots of other people.
No one is jumping at you tryin' to sell you stuff, because this business isn't for everyone. It's a choice, and one choice. You don't have to do it. It's a very good way to make money, but that doesn't mean that everyone has the ambition, money, or dedication to do this business.
Most of you that have it in your head that if it sounds to good to be true then it probably is... must own a lot of average things compared to other people.
And I would like a definition of what 'too good to be true' means. since a lot of people here are firm believers in the 'too good to be true' phrase.
Something for nothing
'Too good to be true' defined for me means: Being offered money(or something else material) for nothing.
In respect to TOD your paying boatloads of money and getting nothing! Ha!
Another version: Pay a little bit of money and receive a lot of money in return. This is what TOD claims to offer, yet again I say that the ONLY place anyone hears ANYTHING about this crock of a company is on the RIPOFF REPORT website.
And that's good enough for me...have a nice day.
Small Minds... no one is offering a pipe dream to you
'If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.' Where does this thinking come from? From people who are either too unintelligent or too lazy to find out something for themselves.
A better motto: 'If something sounds too good to be true, you'd better examine it carefully before getting involved.'
Let me make this clear: I had gotten involved with TOD for quite a few months. I had examined it thoroughly and attended about a dozen events, including a major event in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I decided NOT to continue with it. This has to do with personal reasons regarding the religious foundation of the group--and NOT because 'it sounded too good to be true.'
Anyone who says these people claim you'll get a whole lot without doing too much is either uninformed or just plain lying. When you hear their stories, it is very clear: they worked incredibly hard. Can you do what they did? Of course you can. Problem is YOU have to work hard too. And I will suggest that most people who are faced with making a choice...
1) Work incredibly hard.
2) Find some fault with it, and claim it's a rip-off.
...will usually end up going with option number 2. Why? It makes them feel better about not following through with the hard work. In their minds, if they can skewer it, then it means they aren't a failure.
Look, no one is offering a pipe dream to you. Listen to them. They've worked hard and consistently. If you commit yourself to it, without harboring reservations, you can do it too. If you don't want to commit yourself to it, fine. Just be honest with yourself and others. Admit it's because you don't want to work that hard for something.
Cult mentality right there in your response.
Sorry to burst your bubble Jonathan, but I'm in no way (especially by your standards) unintelligent. I won't