I've been playing with ShopWurld. It sounds like a scam, but it may just be legit even though it touts things such as:
The potential for income is limitless.
Unlike Amway and Avon, there are no start up fees, and nothing to sell.
Make money while you sleep.
Um, ok sure. I looked further and they openly admit they are a pyramid set up. A LEGAL pyramid setup that is being used by entrepreneurs and charities. Charities? yep like Special Olympics, Ronald McDonald House, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and many more.
So you can sign up as a dedicated shopper and the money back bonuses go directly to you. You can become a network partner and the bonuses need to equal $1.75 (so if you but a $20 gift certificate you're good for the month. I purchased a $25 gift certificate for $10). If you earn more than $1.75 it rolls over to the next month. I purchased two subscriptions to magazines and I'm good for two months. Then if you get 5 friends to sign up, and they become partners (AHA!) you start to earn commissions on their participation.
So the closest thing I've found is your firends have to sign up as partners and meet their monthly $1.75 commission. But if you have people that shop online on a regular basis…
So there is no start up fee, no kits to buy (Avon), and I don't have to sell anything (Amway), or annoy my firends to have a party (Pampered Chef). They sign up and shop like they normally do at the stores they normally do (picture a really, REALLY big mall with places like Dick's sporting goods, iTunes, Barnes and noble, home depot, macy's best buy, and many, money more) and save with coupons (like 15% of four order at Dicks).
You can also listen to my investigation as it continues at www.shopwurldpodcast.com
The only catch I find is you have to know friends with a computer who buy stuff occasionally online. It doesn't cost anything to join, no kits, and no annoying your friends. Once they sign up, you're done and they shop per usual, and you make money (If you want to).
Check out this video for more Shopwurld info.
I have been poking around ShopWurld myself, as I have been a fan of passive marketing for charities – using good will to obtain revenue. (Hence, I found your blog).
I went to the home office in Saratoga Springs, NY, and talked to them about charities, as well as look around. I was comfortable with the operation and the people I met.
The company is new, but highly funded and has a complete system in place to take on “viral marketing” on the net. There is no question as to its survival and technical ability. A tour of the web site shows you that. No hiccups on the operations side.
The organizers are not professional MLM folks; they are enthusiastic and curious about net marketing ideas. I am used to callous hawkers who just play a numbers game. The charities signed on so far are from personal contacts or the founders.
The problem facing ShopWurld is the reaction that you had: “Yeah, sure. Its a scam.” I guess we are all skeptical, now, except for who we vote for. My mission is to figure out how to neutralize this reaction.
Its just a gateway to an electronic shopping mall with a cut provided for marketing. It has no products, per se, just contracts with the major stores (I got NetFlix and vitamins, so far, by just going to the regular sites through ShopWulrd.)
I am not familiar with your blog and will take a look, so I don’t know your place in the universe. i.e. a reporter, a consultant, a networker, but if you have not joined please try it out.
My crass marketing: my code is TGJJKU
If you study the site, as I am, you may find something to recommend. Personally, I am comfortable going forward. This is a refreshing attitude, as one is usually trepidatius.
Gene Cunningham
Anyone in Phoenix Arizona? with ShopWurld.
TXS
Anyone in Phoenix Arizona? with ShopWurld.
armnd91 [at] yahoo [dot] com
SW is ka=poot with promises of a ‘new’ super duper plan under another business name. It flopped as a business plan.