Saturday, June 28, 2008

50% of GDP

One of my MBA classmates is an agent of direct selling, also know as multi-level marketing (MLM). In the class, she told us that direct selling has a very bright future, and the sales from it will amount to 50% of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of this country.

I am not sure if I can trust her. As far as I know, shopping is the national pastime of Malaysians. In Klang Valley, we shop at KLCC, Starhill, MidValley, Sunway Pyramid and 1 Utama, among others. Penangites shop at Queensbury Mall. Johoreans may even cross the strait to spend their weekend at Singapore’s Orchard Road.

Just imagine: if we opt for direct selling, we will get our goods from our uplines or directly from warehouse. How boring could it be?

Disclaimer:
I am not against direct selling. I am just thinking that the projected sales figure (50% of GDP) is too optimistic.

12 comments:

  1. Different ppl different habit gua....Direct sell more suitable for those lazy shopping ppl??
    Anyway, I prefer shop at shopping mall.
    That is not only a shopping activity. I like to see more products, more prices, more people...Important is, I HATE people 'push' me buying something..hahaha

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  2. I always got phobia towards direct sales / insurance ppl.

    Prefer shop my own.

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  3. Have nothing against direct selling.

    What matters at the end of the day is that the goods must be of good quality and fair value compared to retail outlets.

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  4. Shop on our own is like a past time. Hate those direct sellers who love to bug and bug and bug u. That's their business tactic, I guess. On-line shopping is a cool thing too, though I haven't tried b4.

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  5. sinji
    I don't doubt that some people like direct selling. What I am sceptical is the "50% of GDP" prediction.

    noel
    Even if you are wary of insurance agents, you must have insurance protection too.

    shingo
    This is not about pro or against direct selling. Again I am merely sceptical of the "50% of GDP" prediction. Note the title of this post.

    kyh
    Online shopping is probably cheaper, as the service providers do not need a shop front.

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  6. Not a fan of direct selling. Of course there are some who earn a lot from direct selling, but certainly not me. May be I am not suitable for that bowl of rice.

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  7. Ya, the 50% of GDP sounds incredible.

    Just making a side comment about my view on Network Marketing. ^_^

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  8. jam
    Neither am I suitable to do direct selling.

    shingo
    The goods from direct selling are often of good quality, but they are also more expensive.

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  9. erm... that means...
    no more shopping ?
    are u kidding ?
    no more shopping ?
    argh.... no way !!

    that is the nasional pass time leh ~ >.<"

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  10. 迷迭香
    Try catalog shopping :P
    But make sure your direct selling company sells LV.

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  11. Direct selling is not really MLM. But I'm quite skeptical of MLM too. Those who benefit from it are the ones at the top already.

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  12. 宝茹
    MLM people deny they do direct selling, but to outsiders, the terms are interchangeable.

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