Direct sales can be a good thing. Like Gary said, network marketing is NOT the same as a pyramid. I have been a Mary Kay gal for nearly 8 years and while I don't bother with the recruiting part of the business, it has helped pay for vacations and car insurance and contact lenses. Plus I have met a lot of nice people and my skin looks great! ;-) (trust me, it didn't used to)

I have used Amway products, and their products are good. But for some reason, the distributors act all squirrely about things, and I don't like that.

There are people in direct sales who make good money, but you do have to work to make the money. It's not sit back in your chair and wait for people to call you. I mean, you can do that, but if you want to make the big money, you have to work for it.

If your parents want to work a direct sales business, there are lots of good, reputable companies to choose from. They might check with the Direct Selling Association - at least I think that's it, I know the letters are DSA - to see what might be right for them.

Cheers---- Kim