ACN (formerly American Communications Network) is a multi-level marketing (MLM) company founded in 1993. It offers essential services such as wireless internet, energy, TV, security systems, and more. Individuals can join as Independent Business Owners (IBOs) to sell these services and recruit others to join their sales team. ACN partners with well-known providers like Sprint, T-Mobile, and Dish Network, which adds legitimacy to its offerings.
How ACN Works
As an IBO, you earn commissions by selling ACN services and recruiting others to do the same. ACN’s compensation model is common among MLMs: it offers customer commissions (1-10%), overriding commissions from sales your team makes, and customer acquisition bonuses. Success in ACN is dependent on building a strong downline and continually bringing in customers, which can make this model difficult for some individuals to succeed in.
The cost to join ACN is $199 with a $25 monthly fee for business support. There's also an annual renewal fee, making the total first-year cost around $648. Though this is lower than starting a traditional business, some reviews point out that additional marketing and event expenses can add up.
Pros of Joining ACN
- Established Company: ACN has been in business for over 30 years, which is a rare feat in the MLM world, where many companies fail to last even a decade. This longevity indicates stability and that the company has adapted over time.
- Essential Services: The products offered by ACN—such as internet, energy, and security—are necessary services that people need and will continue to use. This makes it easier to market them compared to niche products in other MLMs. As one reviewer noted, "People will always need gas and electricity in their homes and business".
- Potential for Residual Income: If you manage to build a large customer base and team, you can earn residual commissions on their recurring bills. This is an attractive aspect for those who succeed, with many citing the potential for long-term income.
- Flexible Work Model: Being an IBO allows for flexibility in working hours and location. You are essentially running your own business, which can appeal to entrepreneurs or those looking for extra income streams.
Cons of Joining ACN
- High Cost to Start: While not as expensive as a traditional business, the initial $199 fee and additional costs for maintaining the business (including training and marketing) can be steep. One review pointed out that the "first-year total cost is $648, which doesn’t include marketing or event costs".
- Recruitment Focus: Much of the income potential in ACN comes from recruiting new IBOs. Building a large downline is crucial to maximizing earnings, which can make it challenging for those uncomfortable with recruitment. Some participants have voiced concerns about the pressure to recruit. A reviewer mentioned, “The more members of your team who sell, the more you earn”.
- Low Earning Potential for Most: According to multiple reviews, only a small percentage of IBOs make significant money. As with most MLMs, success is heavily tied to recruiting a large team and making consistent sales. One analysis found that "99.7% of people who sign up with MLM companies typically lose money".
- Mixed Reviews on Product Pricing: Some users have found ACN’s services to be more expensive compared to competitors. One user shared, "From what we’ve seen in ACN customer reviews, they feel that the services offered are too expensive and very low quality".
Member Feedback
The feedback from ACN members is mixed. Some users praise the opportunity and flexibility, with one saying, “For those with the right work ethic and vision, ACN can be a great opportunity”. However, others have expressed frustration over the difficulty in making consistent income, especially without a strong sales background. Another member stated, “The company is not competitive regarding pay and opportunities. No opportunity for advancement or raises”.
Is ACN Right for You?
ACN offers a legitimate business opportunity for those willing to invest in sales and recruitment. It’s not a scam, but the MLM model may not be suitable for everyone. If you're comfortable with sales and building a network, ACN could provide a flexible way to earn income. However, it’s essential to have realistic expectations about the time and effort needed to succeed.
Before joining, carefully consider the costs, the difficulty in growing a downline, and the potential earnings. MLMs like ACN can be rewarding for some but are challenging for most. If you’re looking for a flexible side business and have strong sales skills, ACN might be a good fit. But if you’re wary of recruitment-heavy models, this might not be the right opportunity.