Investigate Network Marketing (MLM) Companies First

If you're considering joining a network marketing (MLM) company, you'll want to be sure you take the time to investigate them before you decide to invest your hard-earned cash.

Here's a checklist of items you'll want to go over first:

1. How long have they been in business?
2. Is there a website for the company?
3. 1. If so, is there an address, telephone number and company information listed on the site?
4. Are you familiar with their products?
5. Check out forums online that talk about the company as well as any positive or negative feedback that people have given.
6. How much does it cost to get involved with the company?  What do you get for this price?
7. How much can you earn in commissions for sales of the products? 
8. Most companies offer business cards, flyers, postcards, etc., that will help promote the company.  Are these reasonably priced or are they more to buy than the initial cost of investing in the products?
9. Are there any legitimate complaints against the company?
10. Do they over-hype their product? 
11. Do you feel pressured to get in right now?
12. Are there terms used such as "ground floor opportunity"?  This usually means that the company is just starting out and they need lots of representatives.
13. Is the company at least 5 years old?
14. Be sure you check out the Better Business Bureau as well as the Federal Trade Commission websites as these can oftentimes help you out as well.

These are just a few questions that you'll need to ask yourself before getting involved in a network marketing or MLM company.  Just be sure you protect yourself by doing your investigations first prior to sending anyone any money.