Farmasi is a Turkish-based company that offers a wide range of beauty, skincare, and personal care products. Founded in the 1950s, Farmasi has transitioned into the multi-level marketing (MLM) model, allowing individuals to join as "Beauty Influencers" and sell its products while recruiting others to do the same. This model is similar to other direct sales businesses like Avon or Mary Kay, offering incentives for both personal sales and team-building efforts.
Overview of Farmasi
Farmasi is known for its affordable entry price—at just $19.99, individuals can sign up and start selling the company’s products. Beauty Influencers are given a replicated website to sell products directly to customers and earn commissions. The product line includes a wide variety of items such as cosmetics, skincare, and even household cleaning products, which allows members to reach diverse customers (MLM Reviewed).
The company also boasts a clean beauty promise, with products free from harmful chemicals such as parabens and formaldehyde. The affordability and variety of products help members target different market segments easily. Many users have praised specific items like the VFX Pro Camera Ready Foundation for its smooth, velvety texture and its photo-ready, semi-matte finish.
Pros of Joining Farmasi
1. Affordable Start-Up Costs Farmasi is one of the more affordable MLMs to join, requiring only a $19.99 sign-up fee. There are no monthly sales quotas, which contrasts with other MLMs that often require high initial investments and regular payments.
2. Product Quality and Variety The company offers a wide range of beauty products, skincare, and personal care items, which many customers have found to be of good quality and at reasonable prices. Farmasi has over 2,000 products, which provides Beauty Influencers with plenty of options to cater to different audiences, making the selling process more versatile.
3. High Commission Rate Members can earn up to 50% commissions on personal sales, which is higher compared to many other MLM companies. This makes the company attractive to those focused on direct product sales rather than recruitment.
4. Long-Standing Reputation Farmasi has been in business for decades, which gives it some credibility. It's a well-known name in Europe and has been expanding in the United States, suggesting stability in the long term.
5. Free Website for Members Each Beauty Influencer gets a free, replicated website to market products online, which can be an excellent tool for those who want to leverage online sales without needing to create their own e-commerce store(MLM Reviewed).
Cons of Joining Farmasi
1. Complex Compensation Plan Farmasi's compensation structure is multi-layered and involves various levels of bonuses and ranks, which can be confusing for beginners. It includes different percentages for leadership bonuses and rank achievements, making it difficult for new members to understand how they can earn money effectively. As is the case with many MLM companies, the complexity of the plan can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the industry.
2. Monthly Minimum Purchases To qualify for commissions, Farmasi requires members to make a monthly purchase of $250 worth of products. This condition can be burdensome, especially for those who are not selling enough products each month to offset the costs. This requirement is viewed by some as a "pay-to-play" model, which is a common criticism of MLMs. Many feel that it turns the business into more of a forced consumption scheme rather than a real opportunity to profit from sales.
3. The MLM Model Drawbacks The MLM model itself often comes under criticism due to the heavy emphasis on recruiting new members rather than focusing solely on product sales. Farmasi is no exception; many members report that the pressure to recruit others is high. This type of structure makes it difficult for most members to earn substantial incomes, and MLMs in general have a high dropout rate. Studies show that around 74-99% of MLM participants end up not making significant money, which means there is a considerable risk involved.
4. Low Average Income The income potential for most Farmasi members is relatively low. According to available data, most Beauty Influencers do not make a substantial income. The compensation depends heavily on the number of recruits and their performance, which can be challenging to maintain.
5. Negative Feedback on Recruitment Pressure Some former members have voiced concerns about the pressure to recruit. As one individual stated in a YouTube video, the emphasis on constantly adding new members became overwhelming and was a significant factor in their decision to leave the company
Feedback from Current and Former Members
Farmasi members' experiences vary widely. Positive testimonials highlight the affordable products, quality, and supportive community. One member mentioned that the products "practically sell themselves" because of their quality and variety. However, negative feedback often revolves around the business model itself. A former member who shared their story on YouTube cited the financial strain of the monthly minimum purchases as a key reason for quitting.
Another anti-MLM discussion emphasized that many members feel misled about the real income potential, especially given the high failure rate in MLMs. This skepticism is often fueled by stories of people losing money and relationships because of the aggressive nature of MLM recruiting strategies
Is Farmasi Right for You?
Joining Farmasi can be a good fit if you are passionate about beauty products, comfortable with sales, and willing to invest in building a customer base. The company's affordable start-up fee and variety of products provide an accessible entry point for those interested in the beauty industry.
However, the monthly purchasing requirement and focus on recruitment are significant drawbacks. Potential members should weigh these factors carefully, especially considering the historically low success rates in MLM businesses. If you prefer a straightforward sales role without complex commission structures or recruitment pressure, this model may not be the ideal choice.
Conclusion
Farmasi offers some attractive features for those interested in starting their own business in the beauty sector, such as affordable start-up costs, high-quality products, and potential high commissions. However, the complexities of the MLM compensation plan, the monthly sales requirements, and the pressure to recruit others are important factors to consider before joining. As with any MLM, success often depends more on recruitment and persistence than on personal product sales alone.
Ultimately, it's essential to do thorough research and honestly assess whether this type of business fits your skills and lifestyle.