Joining Vector Marketing seemed like a great chance to make money on my own terms after being introduced by a friend or family member. However, I soon realized it was actually a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme. Despite the initial excitement, the reality was disappointing.
Vector Marketing, the company behind CutCo knives, pretended to offer a legitimate business opportunity but functioned like a typical MLM. I had to pay upfront to sell overpriced, low-quality knives. The plan was to sell these to friends and family, convince them to join, and supposedly, I’d have a profitable business with “monthly recurring revenue.” However, the actual experience was quite different.
Trying to recruit friends and family strained relationships, and I felt like I was in a cult, selling questionable products to anyone nearby. As I struggled to find recruits, the dream of financial freedom turned into a nightmare. It’s important to know that companies like Vector Marketing rely on manipulation and recruitment.
To those considering Vector Marketing, my advice is simple: look for a better opportunity before it’s too late. There are legitimate options that won’t risk your relationships and integrity for the fleeting dream of an MLM.
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What is Vector Marketing?
Vector Marketing is a company that sells Cutco Cutlery. They hire representatives, often fresh out of high school or in college, who earn commissions on product sales.
As a Vector rep, you’re an independent contractor. The job involves in-home demonstrations of knives and other products, with a base pay for these showings.
You’re encouraged to share the products with friends and family. Sales result in commissions for reps. Vector provides training on products and communication skills, aiming to boost confidence and equip you with transferable skills for your career.
What Is Cutco?
Cutco Cutlery, established in 1949, manufactures kitchen cutlery and various kitchen tools. They’re renowned for knives, but also produce utensils, shears, flatware, cookware, and sporting knives, employing over 600 people at their factory and headquarters.
Vector Marketing serves as the marketing and sales department for Cutco. Initially, there were numerous independent sellers, but Vector Marketing became the primary one after its founding in 1981. In 1995, Cutco Cutlery Corporation acquired Vector Marketing due to its significant sales success.
Cutco products are exclusively available through in-home sales demos, local events, Cutco retail locations, and their website. They often advertise for sales positions, including sales managers, seeking individuals to sell Cutco products. These positions, appealing to high school and college students, are commonly promoted in job ads.
Who’s Behind Vector Marketing?
Albert DiLeonardo serves as the President and CEO of Vector East, and Bruce Goodman holds the same positions for Vector West. They divide the USA market between them.
DiLeonardo received training from Vector’s founder, Don Freda, while Goodman was trained by a former Vector President of Marketing. Both began as ground-level salesmen and proudly support the company’s business model.
What’s Inside Of Vector Marketing?
Inside Vector Marketing, the standout products are their popular knife block sets, like the Ultimate Set with 32 pieces and an oak block, available in honey or cherry finish. All products come with a “Forever Guarantee” and free sharpening.
Reps at Vector Marketing receive a base pay, ranging from $15 to $18 weekly, by showcasing Cutco knives to qualified prospects. These product demos, lasting 45 minutes to an hour or more, can be done in-person or virtually.
The real earnings come from selling products and recruiting friends and family. Vector Marketing actively recruits undergraduate students, sending out job offers that are essentially MLM invitations. No work experience is needed, making anyone eligible to become a “distributor.”
While some view this as a smart recruiting strategy, others see it as predatory, contributing to Vector Marketing’s reputation as a shady company.
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Is Vector Marketing Sued?
Despite Vector Marketing holding an A+ BBB rating, consumer reviews are low at 1.81/5, revealing concerns.
Several lawsuits have targeted Vector over the years:
In 1990, the Arizona Attorney General sued them for deceptive recruiting techniques.
In 1994, Wisconsin ordered Vector to cease deceptive recruiting practices.
A 2008 class-action lawsuit claimed Vector scammed reps, settling for $13 million in 2011.
In 2014, Vector faced another class-action suit for unpaid minimum wage in multiple states.
The same year, a distributor sued for inadequate training after a tragic incident.
In 2017, Vector settled a $6.75 million class-action lawsuit for unpaid training compensation. Another lawsuit that year was filed by division managers seeking employee compensation.
Is Vector Marketing a Pyramid Scheme?
Most people respect Cutco’s quality, but Vector’s payment lawsuits deter many from risking unpaid work.
Even if paid, it’s tough to earn substantial money without constant showings and sales, more than part-time work.
With a base pay of $15-$18 per showing, sustaining income is challenging. How many demos for $100 a week?
Vector’s style resembles disliked door-to-door sales, unlike business solutions in demand post-pandemic.
Accused of a pyramid scheme, Vector avoids claims due to product offerings, yet reps struggle to earn.
Recruitment tactics, especially on campuses, lure students into their “first job,” often disappointing them with mere sales work.
While not as harsh as Wall Street, it’s not a genuine income opportunity. For real online earnings, seek elsewhere.
How Much Does Vector Marketing Cost?
Vector’s Cutco knife sets, priced over $4000, offer good profits for salespeople if they can make high-ticket sales.
The challenge for salespeople is that they must buy a set before making sales calls.
Refund Policy
Based on my experience, decent refunds are available for consumer knife purchases, albeit with a lengthy processing time.
The Vector website lacks explicit refund information, but it’s understood that the sales team can receive a refund by returning their test kit at the end of their Vector career.
Is Vector Marketing a Scam?
I won’t flat-out call Vector a scam legally, but making money here isn’t as easy as advertised.
There’s a load of upfront work, no guaranteed success, and the commissions are small. Working hard for months for a $50 commission isn’t worth it.
A former friend roped me into this, and it felt like a pyramid scheme. Getting paid by appointment and pushing sales to friends and family screams MLM. It might be one of the less shady MLMs, but it’s still MLM.
I spent around 2 months there, barely breaking even. After quitting, others from my office had similar realizations – we were caught in a marketing scheme sold by family and friends.
Is There A Better Way To Make Money From Home?
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With affiliate marketing, you recommend products or services and earn commissions for each sale through your affiliate links. Wealthy Affiliate offers a free starter membership, including a website and SEO training to kickstart your online income without any upfront costs.
Many have achieved significant success and income through affiliate marketing, and Wealthy Affiliate provides the resources to help you do the same.
Try it out with the free starter membership, explore the platform, and discover if affiliate marketing is the right fit for you. It’s an excellent way to establish a passive income stream online.
