http://observer.com/2012/08/do-the-hustle-can-worldventures-use-pyramid-power-to-become-the-new-amway/2/WorldVentures has a virtually inscrutable payout schedule comprising seven ranks and two pyramid-shaped hierarchies. The first pyramid is called the “lineage.” You sit at the top and everyone you’ve personally recruited is added directly below you, and everyone they’ve recruited is below them, and so on. Lineage is factored into rank, which is factored into compensation. The second pyramid is the “binary organization.” Here the pyramid spreads out by twos—the top spot sits directly above a left and a right spot, each of which sits above its own pairs, and so on. You can then earn bonuses based on sales made by the binary organization, which is comprised of the reps you recruit, and the reps they recruit.
In order to start earning monthly commissions, a rep must be “30/30,” which means having 30 actively-involved customers and/or reps on each side of his or her binary organization. Reps who achieve this can earn up to $500 a month. The next level is 90/90, which can earn up to $2,000 a month. The top level, International Marketing Director, must have at least 3,000 people in his or her lineage, and must continue to average $56,250 in income in the three preceding months in order to maintain that rank. The list of requirements for each rank goes on for pages, with various exceptions and stipulations.
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“The reality is, it’s impossible for someone to realize the dreams that they’re pitching,” said one former high-level WorldVentures employee who asked not to be named. “The only people actually making money are the people the founders are manipulating the compensation plan for.”