This is a list of companies which use multi-level marketing (also known as network marketing,[1][2][3][4][5] direct selling,[3][6] referral marketing,[7] and pyramid selling)[8]
List of multi-level marketing companies
WorldBrand briefing
AI supplementOriginal synthesis to sit alongside the encyclopedia article below. Not part of Wikipedia; verify facts on Wikipedia when precision matters.
The List of multi-level marketing companies is an English Wikipedia article that compiles notable multi-level marketing (MLM) businesses, alongside explanatory context about the MLM business model, which generates revenue through a network of independent distributors who earn commissions from their own retail sales and the sales of distributors they recruit into a hierarchical sales structure.
Key moments
- 1940s–1950sFounding of early modern MLM companies including Nutrilite and Amway's precursor Ja-Ru Products
- 1979U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issues ruling in FTC v. Amway, establishing legal guidelines for MLM operations in the United States
- 2016FTC files formal charges against Herbalife, a prominent listed MLM, resulting in court-mandated restructuring of its business model
- 2020sIncreased global regulatory scrutiny of MLM practices, with multiple jurisdictions updating consumer protection rules for the industry
Curatorial Guidelines and Notability Standards
The article’s editorial framework requires included MLM companies to have established notability via reliable third-party sources, such as significant market reach, official regulatory filings, or widespread mainstream media coverage. Entries may be removed if evidence shows they operate primarily as pyramid schemes that prioritize recruitment over legitimate retail sales, in line with Wikipedia’s content policies against misleading or fraudulent business representations.
Industry Context and Public Controversy
Multi-level marketing remains a highly debated business model. Critics argue that the vast majority of independent distributors do not turn a profit, with earnings concentrated at the top of the hierarchical structure. The list contextualizes these debates by including notes on regulatory actions, consumer complaints, and academic studies related to each listed company where available.
Global Reach and Sector Diversity
The compiled list features MLM firms across a wide range of industry sectors, including wellness and dietary supplements, cosmetics and personal care, household goods, and weight management products. Entries are based in over 30 countries globally, with many major brands operating across multiple continents to reach international distributor networks.