Dear Ben: What do you think of the home-based business/real estate-related ads found in the newspaper or on TV? I know they sound like classic examples of "if it’s too good to be true, it is" but I’d still like your opinion. Do you think they can ever work? Also: What do you think about the "inkjet"cartridges that sell for up to 80 percent less than "name brand" replacement cartridges?
Emma, via e-mail
Dear Ben: Could you look into this Internet business opportunity that promises to refund all your money (cost $135 per month) if you’re not making from $2,000 to $7,000 within six months. A six-month investment is required, and they claim to be a legitimate multi-level marketing (MLM) business–selling a legitimate product: Internet business information. I’m wondering if this is a safe investment or a scam. I’m afraid to invest without knowing more about it. There are probably many others who would like to know about this and other MLM investments.
John C., via e-mail
Dear Emma and John: I’m glad you’re checking into these business opportunities first–before putting your hard-earned cash on the line. I always see an increase in the number of "biz op" inquiries this time of year–probably a result of New Year’s resolutions relating to making more money–and my response is always the same: "If it sounds too good to be true..." "I’ll teach you how to buy real estate with no money down" promoters are making their dough by selling high-priced "how to"courses, either through TV infomercials or "free informational seminars."Frankly, most people don’t have the tenacity or discipline to build the types of fortunes promised by the creators of these courses, but the question remains: Is it possible to make a bunch of money through these methods? Sure, anything’s possible. But since the promoters don’t want to spend their profits defending themselves from lawsuits filed by agencies like the Attorney General’s office or the Federal Trade Commission, they’re plausible-enough to get by the authorities.
As far as the "Internet business information" biz op’s concerned: Their website was amateurish at best. Anytime a promoter touts MLM-type "forced-matrix" commission payout structures and "guaranteed earnings or your money back" offers, it’s time to run the other way. These cyber-hucksters are selling subscriptions to their "we’ll make you a millionaire" newsletters for "just" $169 a year; their business model appears to target techno-neophytes (also known as "suckers") with the all-powerful money back guarantee. I’d take a pass on their "deal" if I were you.
And on the cheapo inkjet cartridge front: There’s the reality of using a "non-authorized" replacement cartridge could void the warranty, but it sounds like more of a threat to guarantee their bottom-lines in the consumables-sales category.
Dose of Dover For The Week, Part I: With Valentine’s Day just over two weeks away, it’s worth re-visiting someadvice from a "Master Florist" who wrote to me with some great advice last year. "Make your readers smart when it comes to roses and Valentines Day: Tell them to order their roses early and have them delivered earlier in the week. Why? #1 You’ll get credit with your sweetheart for "thinking ahead" and look good not only in the recipient’s eyes, but make all of the others in the office jealous because you’re organized. #2 The flowers will be fresher! Yes, they come from the same shipment, but yours will be delivered first. #3 Your sweetheart will get to enjoy them longer, and you’ll score mega-points for romance and thoughtfulness!" Another reason to send flowers earlier in week this year? Because Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday, which is great for romantic weekend getaways, but lousy for the workplace "surprise" delivery factor. And if Valentine’s Day is on Saturday, which means that the day before would be Friday, February 13th. (Enough said.)
Dose of Dover For The Week, Part II: I’ve also taken the time to help you help your love-driven but budget-shorted self this Valentine’s Day. All sorts of ideas for all sorts of budgets–from affordable flowers that will last longer than a few days to finding the best deals on jewelry and other out-of-the (candy) box ideas that’ll make you a hero and all just a click away: www.bendover.com/vday2004.asp.
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