Multi-level Marketing (MLM) Statistics, Trends And Facts 2023

Multi-level marketing (MLM) is a business model that has been around for decades and continues to evolve. MLM involves selling products and services through a network of independent distributors.

In this blog post, we will explore MLM statistics that shed light on the key trends and insights in the industry.

Key Multi-level Marketing (MLM) Statistics 2023 – MY Choice

Participation rate: 2-5% of the population
Average yearly income for participants: $1,000-$5,000
Percentage of participants making a profit: 20-30%
Percentage of participants losing money: 70-80%
Average time to break even: 2-5 years
Dropout rate: 70-90% within the first year
Product return rate: 20-30%
Percentage of revenue generated by top performers: 80-90%
Number of active participants: 5 million – 20 million
Percentage of participants who reach leadership ranks: 5-10%

Statistics: Understanding the MLM Industry

Statistic	Value
Total MLM Companies Worldwide	Over 5,000
Total MLM Participants Worldwide	Over 120 million
Total Revenue Generated by MLM	Over $200 billion
Percentage of MLM Participants who Make a Profit	20-30%
Average Income for MLM Participants	$2,000-$5,000 per year

MLM is a business model that involves selling products or services through a network of distributors.
The MLM industry is estimated to be worth $250 billion globally.
There are approximately 20 million MLM participants in the United States alone.
MLM has been around for over 100 years, with the first MLM company established in 1909.
In 2021, the global MLM market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5%.

Facts: Understanding MLM and its Impact

MLM companies often offer participants the opportunity to earn additional income through commissions and bonuses.
MLM companies frequently offer training and support to their distributors, helping them to succeed in their business.
MLM companies are present in a wide range of industries, including health and wellness, beauty and cosmetics, and household goods.
MLM companies are present in over 100 countries worldwide.
MLM has been a source of controversy and criticism, with some people questioning its legality and ethics.

Benefits: Understanding the Advantages of MLM

MLM provides individuals with the opportunity to own their own business and work from home.
MLM allows individuals to earn additional income through commissions and bonuses.
MLM offers extensive training and support, helping individuals to succeed in their business.
MLM companies often offer flexible schedules, allowing individuals to balance their work and personal lives.
MLM provides individuals with the opportunity to build their own network of distributors and grow their business.

Trends: Understanding the Evolution of MLM

Trend	Description
Increased Adoption of Technology	MLM companies are using technology, such as cloud-based software and social media, to reach new customers and improve their business processes.
Growing Interest in Health and Wellness	The trend towards healthy living and wellness is driving growth in the health and wellness MLM sector.
Expansion into Emerging Markets	MLM companies are taking advantage of the expanding global economy to enter new markets and reach new customers.
Growing Popularity of Network Marketing	The increasing popularity of network marketing presents opportunities for new MLM companies to enter the market.

MLM has shifted towards a more digital and technology-focused model in recent years.
MLM companies are increasingly using social media and other digital marketing techniques to reach new customers.
The trend towards healthy living and wellness has driven growth in the health and wellness MLM sector.
The rise of e-commerce has made it easier for individuals to start and grow their MLM business.
MLM companies are increasingly offering eco-friendly and sustainable products to meet consumer demand.

Adoption: Understanding MLM Participation Rates

MLM adoption has increased significantly in the United States in recent years.
Women are more likely to participate in MLM than men.
Baby boomers and older generations are more likely to participate in MLM than younger generations.
MLM participation is highest in rural areas and lower in urban areas.
MLM adoption is higher in countries with a strong network marketing culture.

Market Analysis: Understanding the MLM Industry Landscape

The MLM industry is highly fragmented, with many small companies competing against each other.
The top 10 MLM companies account for approximately 60% of the industry’s total revenue.
The health and wellness MLM sector is the largest and fastest-growing sector within the MLM industry.
Asia is the largest market for MLM, accounting for over 50% of the industry’s total revenue.
North America is the second-largest market for MLM, accounting for approximately 25% of the industry’s total revenue.

Demographics: Understanding Who Participates in MLM

Demographic	Percentage of MLM Participants
Women	70%
Age 35-54	45%
Well-Educated	60%
Household Income $50,000 or Higher	70%
Professionals (teachers, stay-at-home parents, retirees, etc.)	80%

The average MLM participant is a woman aged 35-54.
MLM participants are typically well-educated and have a household income of $50,000 or higher.
MLM participants are often motivated by the desire to earn additional income and work flexible hours.
MLM participants come from a wide range of professions, including teachers, stay-at-home parents, and retirees.
MLM participants are often attracted to the idea of building their own business and achieving financial independence.

Software: Understanding the Role of Technology in MLM

MLM software is used to manage and track distributor sales and commissions.
MLM software often includes features such as lead tracking, order management, and commission calculations.
The use of MLM software has made it easier for individuals to start and grow their MLM business.
MLM software is typically cloud-based and accessible from any device with an internet connection.
MLM software has improved the efficiency and accuracy of the MLM business model.

Opportunities: Understanding the Potential for Growth in MLM

The growing trend towards healthy living and wellness provides opportunities for growth in the health and wellness MLM sector.
The rise of e-commerce has created opportunities for MLM companies to reach new customers.
The growing interest in eco-friendly and sustainable products presents opportunities for growth in the MLM industry.
The expanding global economy provides opportunities for MLM companies to expand into new markets.
The increasing popularity of network marketing provides opportunities for new MLM companies to enter the market.

Challenges: Understanding the Limitations of MLM

MLM has faced criticism and controversy over the years, with some people questioning its legality and ethics.
MLM companies must compete against each other in a highly fragmented market.
MLM participants must find and retain a large network of customers in order to succeed in their business.
MLM participants may face challenges in marketing their products and services effectively.
MLM participants may struggle to balance their work and personal lives, particularly if they are working from home.

FAQ: Understanding Common Questions about MLM

Q: What is MLM? A: MLM stands for multi-level marketing and refers to a business model where individuals sell products or services through a network of distributors.

Q: How has MLM evolved over the years? A: MLM has shifted towards a more digital and technology-focused model in recent years, with MLM companies increasingly using social media and other digital marketing techniques to reach new customers.

Q: Who participates in MLM? A: MLM participants come from a wide range of professions and demographics, including women, baby boomers, and well-educated individuals with a household income of $50,000 or higher.

Q: What is the potential for growth in MLM? A: The growing trend towards healthy living and wellness, the rise of e-commerce, and the expanding global economy all present opportunities for growth in the MLM industry.

Q: What are the challenges of MLM? A: MLM has faced criticism and controversy over the years, and MLM participants must find and retain a large network of customers in order to succeed in their business.

Overview of Multi-Level Marketing

Multi-level marketing is a direct selling model in which independent distributors sell products and services through a network of other independent distributors.
The global MLM industry is estimated to be worth over $200 billion. (Source: Statista)

Adoption of Multi-Level Marketing

A study by the Direct Selling Association found that over 20 million people in the US participate in MLM.
The same study found that MLM accounts for over $35 billion in annual sales in the US.

Key Benefits of Multi-Level Marketing

MLM provides independent distributors with the opportunity to earn additional income and build a successful business.
MLM also offers low startup costs and flexible work arrangements, making it an attractive option for many individuals.

Risks Associated with Multi-Level Marketing

MLM has been criticized for its pyramid-like structure, which can lead to a focus on recruitment over actual product sales.
MLM has also been associated with high pressure sales tactics, which can make it difficult for distributors to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Success Factors in Multi-Level Marketing

A successful MLM business requires a strong focus on product sales and customer satisfaction.
It is also important to build a strong and supportive network of distributors, as well as to continuously invest in training and education.

Table 1: Overview of Multi-Level Marketing

Metric	Data
Definition of MLM	Direct selling model in which independent distributors sell products and services through a network of other independent distributors
Estimated value of the global MLM industry	Over $200 billion

Table 2: Adoption of Multi-Level Marketing

Metric	Data
Number of people in the US participating in MLM	Over 20 million
Annual sales in the US from MLM	Over $35 billion

Table 3: Key Benefits of Multi-Level Marketing

Benefit	Data
Opportunity to earn additional income	–
Low startup costs	–
Flexible work arrangements	–

Table 4: Risks Associated with Multi-Level Marketing

Risk	Data
Criticism of pyramid-like structure	–
High pressure sales tactics	–

Table 5: Success Factors in Multi-Level Marketing

Factor	Data
Strong focus on product sales	–
Customer satisfaction	–
Strong network of distributors	–
Continuous investment in training and education	–

What Percentage of MLM Make Money?

25% of participants made money from multilevel marketing.

Only one-quarter of people who get involved in multilevel marketing manage to make money, as outlined in MLM business statistics. Of this 25%, 14% make less than $5,000, 6% make between $5,000 and $9,999, 3% make between $10,000 and $24,000, 3% make $25,000 or above, and only 0.05% make $100,000 or above. As you can see, the chances of making decent money from MLM are pretty slim.

0.5% of people admitted they made a salary of $100,000 or more.

What is clear from the current MLM stats is that the proportion of people making decent money from multilevel marketing is low. Even the more realistic salaries seem out of reach for most.

Direct sales have risen 79% in the last decade, but MLM participants continue to lose money.

The reason direct sales have risen so much is that the people who are buying products enjoy the personal service that comes alongside it. The reality for those selling through MLM, however, is that most will continue to lose money through being involved in it. This could be down to selling products that aren’t in demand, which we can often discover by looking at MLM customer acquisition trends.

27% of those taking part in an AARP Foundation Study only broke even with MLM.

52% of people said the company they worked for misrepresented their chance of financial success. This is an accurate representation considering only about one-quarter of participants in the same study said they made no profit from multilevel marketing, despite being swayed by the MLM company profit statistics initially shown. So, it’s no surprise MLM companies struggle to retain their agents long term.

How Many People Lose Money Using MLM?

About 99% of people who join multilevel marketing companies lose money.

This means that only 1% of people make an actual profit, and these people tend to be those at the top of the pyramid. Because around 99% of people lose money with multilevel marketing, it’s difficult to see why people would still want to continue with it.

According to MLM statistics, 997 people out of 1000 surveyed said they lost money.

Only one person in every 545 people made money after taking away expenses. 997 people out of 1000 admitted to losing money, meaning only three people in 1000 made a profit. Just another statistic that shows it is the small minority who benefit.

90 – 99% of distributors in multilevel marketing only receive a couple of hundred dollars commission per year.

John Taylor, a customer advocate, was the man behind these shocking findings. He analyzed over 600 compensation slips linked to multilevel marketing. Before embarking on your next MLM adventure, check out the MLM facts on the company you’re considering. The most popular ones tend to be Herbalife, Advocare, Rodan+Fields, and DoTerra.

Although many MLM companies will advertise fantastic income benefits, the actual results can be disappointing. If you don’t believe us, consider reviewing the current statistics on MLM companies.

The top 1% of agents at Amway lost around $1,000 per year back in the 1980s.

Although this is a historical study dating back to the 1980s and not in any way reflecting new trends in MLM, the results are too insightful to ignore.

The top 1% of Amway distributors in Wisconsin generated around $12,500 in gross profit per year. But with operating expenses removed, the distributors lost nearly $1000 per year. This remains a problem for many agents to this day. So, they eventually quit because they are breaking even or generating a loss, as backed up by the MLM loss rate statistics.

MLM business plans usually have a failure rate of around 95%.

Unfortunately, the percentage of people who do succeed with multilevel marketing is quite small, according to statistics on MLM failure. For some MLM companies, this failure rate can be dismissed, as only the top 2% successes of salespeople tend to be emphasized.

Tons of boxes of unsold stock and an unsustainable business model that leaves people out of pocket and misleads them about MLM business growth. So, before rushing out on your next MLM adventure, make sure to look at the MLM failure statistics to find out what you’re getting yourself in for. MLM statistics per company can be particularly insightful.

50% of Herbalife agents make less than $370 a year.

According to Herbalife themselves, 10% of agents generate only $6,965 a year and only 1% earned over $108,802 a year. Ultimately, the majority of agents aren’t making enough income to maintain a reasonable standard of living, MLM stats reveal.

Out of 33,000 interviewed, 90 people made enough money to cover costs in building their business.

This was discovered after a high-level Amway member named Scheibeler did some research. He found that out of this large number, only around 90 were able to cover costs associated with growing their business. This represents a loss rate to investors of 99.7%.

10% of people managed to make over $100 a week using MLM.

According to an income disclosure statement by Mona Vie back in 2007, less than 1% of people earned commission. Of this number, only ten people earned more than $100 a week.

According to MLM industry statistics, 30% of Fortune reps make no money.
The median income for those involved in direct sales isn’t optimistic either, showing that the annual salary for these people is around £2,400.

42% of people on low incomes consider pyramid schemes as an extra form of income.

As most people are unaware of what a pyramid scheme actually is or how one operates, they often jump in head first, hoping to boost their income. Unfortunately, the number of people who can earn a decent income from such schemes is minuscule.

Conclusion:

Multi-level marketing is a business model that offers a range of benefits for independent distributors. However, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with MLM and to take a strategic and focused approach to building a successful business. The statistics outlined in this blog post provide key insights into the trends and opportunities in the MLM industry, and can help individuals make informed decisions about their involvement in the industry.