Amway sales? (Grand Rapids: lawyers, homes, to buy)

[prairiestate]

After a wonderful visit to Grand Rapids, I was curious about one the regions largest companies. I found this indepth article online, and it seems Amway's business model and product quality may be a bit questionable. Do you, or anyone you know, sell Amway products, or routinely stock your household with them? Or does Amway not have much reach into the average Grand Rapidian household?

Dreams Incorporated - The Baffler

[Zenstyle]

I personally don't know anyone who sells Amway, nor do I see the products in friend's homes. We have a Costco here, so there's no reason to buy Amway stuff.

"it seems Amway's business model and product quality may be a bit questionable"

Product quality is standard, from what I've heard. "Questionable business model"? That's the understatement of the week. They have a phalanx of lawyers who keep investigative reporters from sniffing around. And it doesn't help that the founders of Amway are revered in certain business quarters here (but by no means all!)

It's because of Amway and other "multi-level marketing" schemes that the phrase "business opportunity" has acquired a bit of a stench. Most Grand Rapidians have learned to avoid acquaintances who approach them with a "terrific business opportunity."

[prairiestate]

Well, I didn't mean that Amway is making defective products or trying cheat people in that regard, but it seems that in consumer reviews the Amway products tend to be toward the bottom of the list in their respective category.

[gr to okc]

I don't know anybody who sells the stuff. But people who work there get aot if free stuff. And most of their business is in Asia and south america. They were kicked out of China at one time.

[magellan]

I don't know anyone who sells it locally. I know more people who do that Body By Vi multi-marketing thing than Amway.

Amway is an interesting employer. I can't think of another local large company that draws more multi-national talent here. And they're constantly sending local managers here over to Asia for 1 to 2 year stints, even with their families. Would be kinda cool to do for a couple of years (Singapore, Malaysia, etc)

[Mvl]

Having just moved here 2.5 yrs from NY I was SHOCKED that Amway was still in business. Hadn't heard a word about that company in YEARS. And the last things I heard about Amway was not good, ie pyramid, etc. but like others have said, their presence is strong in Asia.