Transformation Station: Logo Preview

Monday, January 14, 2008  by Steve Lieberman
Category: Announcements, First Circle, New IBOs, Quixtar Strategy, Innovation

I want everyone to know that I couldn’t have joined Quixtar at a better time. This is a business that's only going to improve as we go forward. And because we're in the middle of an exciting transformation, there's never a dull moment – new products, new support, new money, and more. Our plan for this transformation calls for strong brand support, an aggressive reputation campaign, and the transition to a new brand for the business opportunity.

But, it’s going to take some time and a lot of hard work to get from where we are to where we want to be. The transition to a new name started in September with references in the Quixtar Business Opportunity Brochure. In March 2008, we’ll begin a three-phase rollout of the new brand name and logo. 

Phase 1: March 2008

All internal and external communications, including advertising and public relations, will carry this logo.

Phase 2: September 2008

Amway Global will be elevated to the lead brand in our communications, and Amway’s 50th anniversary will be acknowledged.

Phase 3: May 2009

The transition to our new business opportunity brand will be completed.

As I mentioned above, March 2008 also marks the start of media advertising and public relations for the new Amway Global brand. We’ll be filling you in on the details of the multimedia, multimillion-dollar campaign during the coming weeks and months. But I can share that our vision is to once again be the business opportunity of choice in North America.

We’ll also be separating Sales and Marketing into two distinct, collaborative teams. To lead our Sales efforts, we’re happy to announce Sandy Spielmaker as our new Vice President of Sales. Sandy joins us with nearly 25 years’ experience in Sales, Marketing, and General Management, with a track record of innovative sales approaches. We will look to Sandy to accelerate our initiatives and achieve our goal of improving profitability for all IBOs.  We are actively recruiting qualified candidates for the Vice President of Marketing position and plan to have it filled soon as well. 

We all know that talk is cheap. It's easy to throw around words like transformation,  change, enhancements, and partnership. It's actions that really count. And at the end of the day, we’re putting our money where our mouth is and investing in new products, expanded training, enhanced compensation, and integrated reputation initiatives. Ultimately, we’re building a compelling and dynamic business that will become the business opportunity of choice in North America.

Comments

Heather Beaudette said:
January 14, 2008 1:18 PM | #

I'm excited - it's a beautiful change!

Utah said:
January 14, 2008 3:23 PM | #

Thanks for posting this. Nice to see it official.

Where will the logo show up?

Will it appear on the delivery boxes - hopefully not.

I was glad when you stopped having big Amway signs on the boxes of products left on the doorstep. Even when the just said Amway in script without the big box. Please do not put the logo on boxes that will be seen from the street. It is just as bad when the feminine products used to come with a big label on the delivery box. You really want the whole neighborhood wanting to know...

Will it appear on the checks - doesn't matter.

Will it appear on letterhead - doesn't matter.

Will it appear on ads - doesn't matter.

Will it appear on the products - doesn't matter.

Should Amway show up on anything in North America? - no, but you don't appear to care what the IBOAI said or most of the IBOs thought, even though Amway would never have been started without the board.

rdknyvr said:
January 14, 2008 5:59 PM | #

Steve, great announcements!!! You know you're doing something right whenever you get some criticism.

Great to see another woman on the senior management team at Quixtar/Amway Global!!! With women making up 80+% of direct sales people in North America, and certainly close to that or more in terms of purchasing power and buying decisions, I'm sure that Sandy will bring valuable perspective and fresh thinking to the team. And what an appropriate last name for a sales leader! :)

Keep up the great work -- we're loving it!!!

With appreciation,

Ros said:
January 14, 2008 6:05 PM | #

Great job on the name transition!

Regarding printing Amway on the boxes. I respectfully disagree with Utah. Especially in attempting to associate it to feminine products, which by the way is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed by, unless of course you’re a teenage boy buying them for your mother, admittedly a little embarrassing at the time but I got over it. :)

I never want to hide the fact that I have an Amway business or that I offer what I consider to be the best products in the universe. I am proud of my association with both Amway and Quixtar. I beam with pride when I see the Amway and Quixtar names on the products as well as the business opportunity I have to offer.

Having the Amway name proudly displayed on the boxes AND products I use and sell to others is one of the best forms of advertising, certainly nothing to shy away from. In addition, this free advertising provides additional brand recognition and trust.

The problem is not in having the Amway name displayed and being concerned or fearing what others might say, but it may be your level of confidence or commitment.

Either you are committed and believe in your business and will stand up for it or you won’t, regardless of what others may say. It matters not what others think, what really makes the difference is what you and I think.

I fully support the changes the company is making, especially uniting the North America market with Amway Global. Best decision. Thanks.

Ros said:
January 14, 2008 6:09 PM | #

Opps! I forgot to comment on the logo.

It's great! I love the transition, fantastic job!

Ben said:
January 14, 2008 6:55 PM | #

Steve,

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the changes you are making at the corp with new products like Simply Nutrilite. It's a great line of products with good pv/bv as well as good retail profit.

I believe you and the whole corporation are doing your best to make this Transformation the best experience possible for everyone!

TWS said:
January 14, 2008 7:52 PM | #

Very excited about the new changes!

One thought on the logo placement. I haven't heard any details, but are the boxes/packaging/products going to have the new logo on them? Doesn't seem like it would be that beneficial.

I would like to see the packaging stay as is, w/ ABG info, and take the $$$ that it would take to rebrand everything and put it into some more IBO bonuses!

;-)

Jeremy said:
January 14, 2008 9:36 PM | #

Pretty old school looking. I don't know...

Doesn't scream "new" Amway at me. I guess my mom needs some SA8. I mean, really? You're going to make this the hot thing again with that logo? Why not make it "user generated"? Have all the IBO's draw up what they might like to see represent the transformation and then pick the best one? I'm a pretty positive fired up IBO, but this just dosn't seem like future so much as past. I trust the business products and advertisements will keep getting better but I think WE can have a newer cooler logo...right? Let's dissassociate from door to door, product pickup, cutting checks and having some dork not pay their downline etc. You know?

Call it Amway, but please make it look like the new Amway that's being created.

A Kline said:
January 14, 2008 10:25 PM | #

I'm hearing "great job on the transformation" ... what transformation? The logo looks completely old school.

rocket said:
January 14, 2008 10:35 PM | #

That's a logo all right.

Bridgett said:
January 14, 2008 11:05 PM | #

Sadly, we North Americans don’t have much voice with AMWAY GLOBAL since we make up less than 20% of the market.

That’s why certain decisions like with product development, pricing, and BRANDING make no sense to us North Americans.

The Corp continues to make decisions GLOBALLY, when clearly, things that work in other countries simply do not work with those born in America and Canada. They may work with those who’ve moved to the “Land of the Free”, but not those born here. Why do you think that most of the growth here in N.A. is in “ethnic” groups?

Having the “Amway” name on anything and everything (particularly the products, emblazoned across the front)? Please don’t.

Why?

Because here in America, big corporations are NOT looked at favorably by the general public. So when I’m trying to sell a product, with the Amway connection right in their face, I get people saying that they want to support the small mom & pop shop rather than some big conglomerate.

Or I gotta deal with the political ties of the DeVos and VanAndel families and people saying that they won’t buy the products I offer because they don’t want to support them (their political party).

Putting the Amway name all over the place upstages ME, and what *I* can offer people, and what *I* am about.

People see the Corp and not me and my business.

Branding each line separately like Artistry, Nutrilite, XS, etc is THE thing to do. Let each line stand on its own. They have the proven track record without the Amway name being the FIRST thing people see.

But once you start calling everything an “Amway product” you’re going to get the backlash that Beatrice did in the 80s. They wanted people to know how BIG and POWERFUL they were and so they ran those TV ads. It would be a product for say, Tropicana orange juice. Then at the end, the voice over lady would say, “We’re Beatrice” as a red ribbon with the word “Beatrice” would unroll across the screen.

It was fine for the first two or three products you saw, but then to realize that most of the stuff you bought was from one company. Completely turned people off. Today, the climate towards “Corporate America” is even more unpalatable.

I just Googled “We’re Beatrice” as I write this, and check this out: http://www.ecsocman.edu.ru/images/pubs/2007/10/25/0000314522/baker_-_beatrice_history_case.pdf

Look at the bottom of page 1099 (20) and the top of 1100 (21). It’s exactly what I’m talking about and what I fear will happen with transitioning to the Amway name, if not handled properly.

"’Particularly perplexing to analysts was the ['We're Beatrice'] corporate advertising campaign. Analysts suggested that the company was getting little benefit from the costly advertising program, which they said seemed more to glorify Dutt and the company’ (Potts (1985)).

Such a conclusion is consistent with Horsky's and Swyngedouw's 1987 analysis. They find that marketing expenditures which affect corporate image are wasteful in consumer goods companies, where individual brand identity matters more than corporate identity.”

We can be proud of the Amway name without shooting ourselves in the foot by being TOO proud.

If Amway is serious about the First Circle Initiative, then we first must see ourselves as a consumer goods company, and as the best business opportunity second.

If we see ourselves as the best business opportunity first, then the question is: What business? What’s our business? Is our business building businesses? Okay, well then, again, what IS the business that we are building, that we are duplicating?

It always goes back to the products, doesn’t it? Put the effort and INTEGRITY in to making first-class products that NON-IBOS would like to buy, at prices that NON-IBOS would pay, and the merits of the business opportunity will shine brightly.

Utah said:
January 15, 2008 12:34 PM | #

My point, is if you have some boxes sitting on your sidewalk for a couple of hours, since the delivery van driver never knocks or rings the door bell, you don't need everyone knowing what is in them. They are apt to be stolen.

I like the current shipping boxes. I didn't like the "Amway" shipping boxes when I was in Amway. Quixtar never did that. Since we are going backwards, I just don't want "Amway" splashed on the shipping boxes.

Bridgett's post above is worth reading twice.

I still have "Amway" splashed on the outside of products in use. Some don't get used that fast. I am less concerned with that, but Bridgett makes a good point.

The logo's look fine. I always like white background and not blue, but I am just glad the Corporation is having the gumption to even post this. I hope it is also obvious on the Quixtar website and the new magazine as well. I haven't seen it there.

Tom in Atlanta said:
January 15, 2008 1:31 PM | #

DITTO Bridgett!  I agree.

ibofightback said:
January 15, 2008 2:41 PM | #

I have to say I'm kind of underwhelmed by the logo "change". Of course a lot of that has got to do with the fact that for us outside North America, there is no logo change, it's what we've had for some years. It's not new or exciting, and it certainly doesn't scream "transformation", and isn't this transformation essentially global? Still, it's a nice enough logo! Things like the new Event sales rule in the US, the business centers opening around the world, and cars for platinums being offered in Germany (and elsewhere?) - now that's an interesting transformation.

I'm looking forward to seeing what multimedia has been created to help re-brand the opportunity in the US. It'll need to have more memorable than the Land of Will and a little more punch than the Simply Nutrilite ads.

Jeffrey said:
January 15, 2008 3:13 PM | #

I also think that advertising is a waste of money. People are immune to advertising and just tune it out or glaze over it. Also, the usual rate of return on advertising is 1 to 2%, if even that. You cannot mass market a business like this unless you want to circumvent the IBOs.

If the company would put most of its money into R&D and continue to improve on our already (mostly) fantastic products and make them competitively priced, they wouldn't need to do ANY advertising. So, let's dump the advertising.

I don't mind the Amway name on the home care and laundry care line--it is reassurance for those customers. But I think the only place it needs to be on the rest of the products is at the bottom of the label on the back: "Manufactured by" or "Distributed by..."

Tex said:
January 15, 2008 5:15 PM | #

I don't think the corp is planning on putting the Amway name on the products, they are keeping Access Business Group and will continue to use that name. In my opinion, the biggest effect changing to back to Amway will have for the U.S., is they will also have to address the tool scam in a meaningful manner, as having both of these occur simultaneously will destroy the business in the U.S./Canada.

CJ said:
January 15, 2008 7:07 PM | #

Excellent Discourse Bridgett!

rational said:
January 16, 2008 12:57 PM | #

We should not forget that we are a consumable product company.  

If we can consistently show VALUE to NON IBOs at RETAIL prices and the company can keep directing its R&D, PR and advertising efforts to that end; the sponsoring and growth will take care of itself.  

Other wise it is an uphill task no matter how fancy or cute we get and how much money the company spends on the consultants.  

Jes2G said:
January 16, 2008 1:11 PM | #

whoa.....so Quixtar is going away??

Josh said:
January 16, 2008 1:17 PM | #

I have to say I agree with comments about the logo.

The Transition is a great idea, and I think will work for most. However, the Amway part of the logo needs to be freshened up a bit.  

It needs to look exciting, much like the Quixtar logo.  That is a nice contemporary look.  Please think about it.

TWS said:
January 16, 2008 6:49 PM | #

At Acheivers this year, they had all of the qualifiers vote for their logo preference from four different looks. Unfortunately, "other" wasn't an option.

I was hoping for something a little more modern, a logo that represents what this transformation is about. In all due respect, slapping the word "Global" on the bottom of the current Amway logo (Amway.com) doesn't cut it.

I personally think the Quixtar logo has a better/modern look. Couldn't the "New" Amway Global logo have a similar look. Especially in light of the advertising and image campaign that is in the works. If we really want to make a statement that this is the New Amway, the logo should reflect that.

Granted, small issue in the bigger "transformation" picture but, since it was posted....

e.rod. said:
January 16, 2008 8:55 PM | #

There are alot of opinions on this blog about where the logo should go, etc., but my concern is the actual "Amway Global" logo. I understand from Bridgett's posting that N. America only makes up 20% of the company's earnings, but you know what - this is where Amway started and is located, and it's also where the most negativity is-so it's an important 20% that could possibly influence the other 80%. My understanding is that perception is reality. If people from the past perceive Amway in a negative light, and your goal is to once again change people's knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards this business to see it an a positive light, it would be wise to show that committment by truly "transforming" - and the most visible way of doing that is by changing the logo.  In other countries outside of N. America, it is not so much of a transformation since we've been told that we have a positive image outside of US. So your true audience for the transformation is really N. America. If that's the case, the logo shouldn't go back to what it was before because it just says exactly that - you're going back to the way it was before. Just adding the word "global" does not scream transformation. Why not do a simple thing like change the font or add a graphic? To N. Americans, a new look would mean just that - new, refreshed, transformed, etc. To other countries, they would just see it as a plus. But is sounds like there's a lot of work to do here in our own country. During the day I work at a nonprofit organization that turned around a rebranding initiative in one year - what started as a change in our tagline ended up as a whole 'transformation' - we changed our logo, the name of the our fundraising event, our signature colors, the look of our website, etc. - all this to reach a new and expanded target audience (and to increae fundraising efforts). All this launched yesterday/today and you'll probably figure it out if you read or see the news. In any case, the transformation this company is going through is based on recommendations made by a marketing consulting company, just like how Quixtar/Amway's decision was made - the difference was that they pulled all its employees together to share the findings from the marketing research so that it was transparent why changes were going to happen, before they happened, whether or not we liked it. There was some resistance at first, but we knew it was going to happen anyway and we appreciated that the decision was based on sound research results. It leaves me wondering though -if a national nonprofit can do it in a limited amount of time and on a limited budget, why can't a $6B corporation do it too or even better since it has access to more resources? Granted, it may be too late to change the Amway Global logo by March 2008 as it's already the month after next, but perhaps there's still a chance to change it by the time the logo is full-blown "Amway Global". It really needs to speak to a North American audience since that's where your transformation is making the biggest impact - everywhere else in the world it's just a continuance of an already credible name. But if you're goal is to once again be the primary biz opp of choice in the US and North America, perhaps improving the logo to resonate with a North American audience will show that the corporation has gone the extra mile to to truly "transform". Think about the # of generations that Nutrilite and Artistry have gone through - why not take lessons learned there and apply it to the corporate transformation. So Jeremy and A Kline - I agree with you. Just my 2 cents.

Jeffrey said:
January 17, 2008 7:04 PM | #

I liked the logo we had right before we switched to Quixtar--It was bold Serifa type with the world logo above it. The lettering with the line under it in the new logo looks rather wimpy. Go to Word Perfect and check out the different fonts--Futura Bold is nice looking, Zurich is too. How about Stacatto? That has some action in it.

I know people won't make a decision based on a logo alone, but I do know this: I have seen great artists put out great albums, only to have them flop because of the horrible album cover graphics (check out "E.C. Was Here" by Eric Clapton--possibly the world's worst or at least tasteless album cover ever.) So, I definitely think that a re-think and a re-design on the logo would be a very good idea. You definitely want something that is going to get someone's attention and this logo does not.

Josh said:
January 18, 2008 2:43 PM | #

Remember the saying, you only get one chance to make a first impression.

I really hope you consider the posts stated here.

YankeeIBO said:
January 19, 2008 9:10 AM | #

Agreed! See my post on Robin's blog: http://www.realquixtarblog.com/2008/01/15/Punk-Marketing.aspx#19293

Eugene said:
January 20, 2008 3:52 AM | #

Not sure if this was mentioned before, but what about Amway.com, with a heavy font and color emphasis on the ".com".  Amway is a powerful brand, but it's not the Amway most people think of.  The ".com" conveys the amazing differences the best I think.  And as IBO's, we are selling web based shopping and opportunity, so our name should include .com.

Dave said:
January 21, 2008 1:40 PM | #

First logo says" I don't feel good", second says. "I'm sorry, it's terminal", third says "rest in peace".

Geary said:
January 21, 2008 8:44 PM | #

The "transformation" had better be fully in place, negatives removed and differentiation clearly obvious to the uninitiated or mass media will simply raise current opinions in awareness.

Experience has shown if a less-than-desirable brand is promoted in mass media, all we do is make folks aware (or remind them of) deficiencies all the quicker.

Clara Peller (rest her soul) is pleading "where's the BEEF?"

ben said:
January 23, 2008 4:38 PM | #

“…oh yeah! – I saw something about that new Amway Global company; it was different - it looked interesting.”

That should be our prospects first thought when we mention our affiliation with Amway Global.   Geary makes a good point - if the corporation is going to spend money on traditional marketing it needs to do what successful marketing does – support IBOs in their sales and recruiting efforts.

That means effectively communicating just how cool this ‘new’ Amway Global business and its products are.  How it gives any aspiring entrepreneur with a dream and a willingness to work hard the chance to not only succeed in their own global e-Commerce business but make a huge, positive impact in other people’s lives in the process.  That’s cool.  And where else can you really do that?

We have a goldmine of advantages and unique attributes that differentiate us in the marketplace - perfect to build a transformation campaign with.  Key to that will be a new logo that in fact conveys ‘new’.  I don’t think what has been developed does.

Emet said:
January 24, 2008 1:51 AM | #

A few comments.

Personally, I liked the old globe logo that we had, but I don't see logo as being all that important.

I disagree that this is primarily a product business.

Ray Kroc said that MacDonald is not a hamburger company, it's a real estate company.  Walmart is not a product company, it is a discount supplier to households and small businesses.

And Amway is not a product company; it is a service company.  We help clients to find superior products and services that meet their needs. Read "Guerrilla Marketing."

When we started the business, we worked with an Emerald sponsored by the Yagers. Stan had left the Air Force to go full-time in the business.  To support his family, during the day he sold commercial chemicals to businesses.  In the evening, he drew circles. And so we did the same. I picked several chemicals that would be useful to gas stations, and several others that would be useful to bars, and then after learning everything I could about our products and competing products, including applications, demonstrations, and cost per use, and I called on every one of those businesses within a mile of my home. If they had a need, I helped them find a solution. If they had no need, I moved on.  I made money and had fun.

And in the evening, I drew circles.

When we shifted to households, we'd help them solve problems.  First product I sold to a consumer was Zoom. Sprayed some on the light switch plate in the kids' room and wiped off the fingerprints, dirt and jelly.

One customer was a volunteer fireman who wanted to remove the soot from his car seat. We tried several products and found that Industroclean worked the best.  Try that in a supermarket, or online.

Our first bar -- we tried out various products to help them solve problems. LOC go the lipstick off the glasses. Buff-up brought out the dark wood color of the bar.  See Spray did wonders on the mirrors, the juke box, and the various licenses. When we were done "experimenting" they were impressed enough to buy the lot and give us referrals to their friends and fellow bar owners.

This is a teaching business. So is MacDonalds. So is Walmart.

We teach people how to own and operate their own business.  We can help them set goals.  We can help them to determine the price that they are willing to pay to achieve their goals. We can help them set up an action plan to achieve their goals.  We can help them work on their attitudes, their human relations skills, and their presentation skills.

I didn't get into this business to sell soap or cosmetics.

I got into the business to make some money, help some other people to make money, and buy the products at wholesale.

We had many successes.  I'll mention just a few: One fellow applied the presentation skills he developed from showing the plan to his law practice and went on to become a very successful trial lawyer.  Another applied his learned skills to change careers and to obtain a well-paying position in sales after a career in law enforcement. And I was promoted into senior management in a large public agency.

Amway was the vehicle. The products were the fuel.

David Webb said:
January 26, 2008 2:19 PM | #

I like the new Logo design. I first got into the business as AMWAY before I got married and moved to the states from the United Kingdom. In the U.K. AMWAY provided their own business cards with an embossed AMWAY logo on them. It would be nice if Quixtar N.A./Amway Global were to do the same and provide us IBO's our own business cards in the same way.

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This comment has been edited in order to adhere to our comments policy.

rocket said:
January 26, 2008 2:43 PM | #

"Ray Kroc said that MacDonald is not a hamburger company, it's a real estate company."

Ray Kroc would roll over in his grave if he knew you typed that.  Ray Kroc vehemently opposed running McDonald's with real estate in mind.  The person who actually tried to expand McDonald's and control the real estate aspect of it was Harry Sonneborn.  He and Ray Kroc parted ways BECAUSE Sonneborn was so fixated on real estate instead of hamburgers.

Wal-Mart is a retail chain that steadfastedly refuses to do anything but give the very best value to it's customers by keeping it's operating expenses to the bare minimum.

Both Wal-Mart and McDonald's are successful because they pioneered EFFICIENCY which in turn gave the best value to the customers.

Amway is an inefficient way to distribute goods and services.  Better ways exist for less hassle, and less money.  There's also no perceived or actual deception which is or has been hidden by either of those companies as well.

I think it's great you are out selling products, and you deserve kudos for that.

However, doing what you're doing does not and will not ever generate the lifestyle portrayed in the "Profiles of Success" which despite being banned as a recruitment tool, is still used.  The upline "leaders" make profit of this, and the corporation doesn't know how to enforce it's own rules.  

Make no mistake about it, Amway is in the products business, so much in fact that they manufacture their own.  Distributors are in the service business.  

I don't think Amway would be wise to allow it's distributors to say otherwise.

It's funny how the reason for Amway's success (leaders pulling what could be considered untruthful shenanigans) is also the reason for Amway's current struggles.

Emet said:
February 1, 2008 5:12 AM | #

Thank you, Rocket, for your comments.

I, too, have seen the statement about real estate and MacDonalds attributed to Sonnenborn as well as Ray Kroc.  Not really important as to who said it -- I refer the interested reader to the chapter on MacDonalds in "Forbes Greatest Business Stories of All Times" at this link: http://www.wiley.com/legacy/products/sub

ject/business/forbes/kroc.html

Amway was founded as a distribution business. It sought and found products to sell through its distribution organization.  It experimented with different products, focusing on those that sold and abandoning those that did not.  

Sorry, I'm not willing to take more time to cite sources -- I'm no longer paid to teach economics. But if you'll do the research, I'm sure you too can find discussions about how Rich and Jay found LOC and SA8, and why they stopped selling bomb shelters.

RW1 said:
February 1, 2008 5:52 AM | #

Maybe you IBO's/ABO's in the North American market should just face facts no matter how you dress it up it is and always will be AMWAY - no matter what label you want to hide behind with internet research the link will be there. And don't give the old rubbish  - but you don't understand what the Amway mane means over here - get on with it and build a bigger and better Amway - I wish we could over here in the UK/ROI

KSC said:
February 1, 2008 3:34 PM | #

Changing the name/logo is just not a good idea for us IBO's here in North America.

Stacey said:
February 1, 2008 8:01 PM | #

I have had a lot of success with the Quixtar opportunity. I think the name and the logo are fresh, exciting, and modern. I am kind of disappointed with the Amway logo. It looks plain, boring, and outdated. There is too much negativity associated with the Amway name; I agree spending millions of dollars on trying to drag the name out of the gutter is a waste of time. Then again, the De Vos and Van Andel are the wealthy and successful men. While I am well on my way there, I have not run a business for the last 60 years, and neither has anyone in this forum.

Rocket and Utah-if I had both of your attitudes, I would find it difficult to be successful in any business; Get over it, it's a business OPPORTUNITY. If you don't like it, agree with it, or work at it, don't be in the business.

rocket said:
February 4, 2008 12:22 PM | #

Emet, if you were paid to teach economics, I find it easy to see why you may not be doing that anymore based on your comments and poor defense of them.

Stacey, is someone negative for seeing concrete and serious problems with something?  My opinion is it's not much of an opportunity, and I have a great deal of reasons for feeling that way.

I don't like it and what it has done to people, I don't like the deceptions that have been allowed to fester, I disagree that the products are competitive, I don't work it, and I'm not in the business.

Quite frankly, I am pretty successful in my chosen field, and my attitude and cynicism has served me well.

As long as you are in this business, you will have people you speak to that have read my or many other critic's opinions that won't get into the business because of what we say.  Many things we say you will not be able to counter.

The corporation needs to make the opportunity more competitive and viable to counter many of the arguments you will get.

I hope for your sake they do.

Having a good attitude is important, but it doesn't mean you disregard facts for the sake of looking happy.  Don't do that.  It's bad for you, and bad for your business.

Likely good for your upline diamond's back pocket though...

Dion said:
February 4, 2008 9:06 PM | #

C'mon, you guys! Who's business is it? It doesn't matter WHICH name is on the products or boxes .... does it matter if it said SHOP.COM or OFFICE DEPOT or OFFICE MAX? The issue is - we own our own businesses - let's make it work. If AT&T can become Pacific Bell and then become SBC and then BACK to AT&T, then make record profits by innovation (iPhone/Uverse, etc) what's the issue? Jack 'n' the Box did a lot better once they brought back the clown. Seems they're doing better now than before....what's the diff? Besides, Any excuse will do for failure ....

April Mitchell said:
March 4, 2008 5:12 PM | #

I'm quite disappointed with the name change from Quixtar to Amway Global.  To me it shows the corporation is moving back to the past and not forward to the future.  If the corporation wants to change name branding, why not change to a clever corporate name that reflects the future of modern living and consumer spending?

The brand name Quixtar was innovative, fresh, exciting and in pace with being on the edge of the ever-changing world of technology.  It also reflected the hope of our youthful population for a better future.  If it ain't broke why try to fix it??  May Quixtar rest in peace.

I understand the corporation's desire to unify N.A. with its global branding in other countries.  The choice to change to the new branding name of Amway Global, in my opinion, could have been thought out a little bit more thoroughly.

However, there is always some pain involved with change and you cannot please all the people all the time.

My final and bottom line thought... does it really matter what name you call it?  It's still the best business opportunity with the best products and the best compensation plan in the world.

As long as it remains legal, moral and honorable, and can help me to help others get where they want to be financially, the corporation can call it whatever it wants despite my disappointment in their choice of name branding.

I appreciate this forum for allowing people like me to express opinions and thoughts on this and other issues regarding Quixtar/Amway Global.  Thank you for your time and attention.

Joe Cool said:
March 9, 2008 6:18 PM | #

I CANNOT believe those fools at Alticor want to rename the Quixtar (a solid business model) with the Amway (a HUGE stigma that left a BAD taste in people's mouth back in 70s/80s). It will definitely hurt IBOs' business. Why do they (Alticor) have to mess with it (Quixtar)? Have they heard of this quote before, "If it ain't broke, then DON'T fix it."? *sigh* :-/

StarDust said:
March 19, 2008 1:10 AM | #

I agree with Joe Cool.  Amway so old school.  Why go backwards?  I'm so incredibly bummed that Alticor would take such a HUGE step back into the past.

I demand that Alticor make Quixtar the global name and can the name Amway altogether.  It's not too late and Alticor has the billions to do it.

The Big Apple said:
March 30, 2008 1:12 AM | #

The ONLY reason why the Amway name carries a negative impression is because of the actions of a number of IBOs.  What do people complain about?  The recruiting practices, and/or the inability to make money due to the cost of training materials and meetings.

There are few complaints about the products, which is what Amway creates.  In order to have a business opportunity in which people make money, products must be sold to customers.  AND, IBOs must be recruited to sell products to customers, and so on.

As far as branding goes, if you are going to have a selling business as opposed to a personal consumption business, it is imperative that the corporate name be on the products.  Having stand-alone brands works for brands that are available in stores.  But there is only one place to get our product, and that will be through Amway via an IBO.  

Given the current labels on products, how does a person who loses touch with their IBO reorder the product?  How does someone who tries someone else’s product and likes it get some for themselves?  Is Quixtar on the label?  

Their only option is to Google “Access Business Group.”

In a direct selling business, the company name must be on the label.  

However, for security reason, it doesn’t have to be on the shipping box.  If you think about it, if putting “Amway” on the box makes it more vulnerable to theft, that must mean the products are desireable.

Hmm.  Does that mean people might want to buy the product?  : )

Be proud of the Amway name.  It’s US the makes or breaks the reputation.

Bridgett said:
March 30, 2008 5:56 PM | #

The Big Apple said, "Having stand-alone brands works for brands that are available in stores.  But there is only one place to get our product, and that will be through Amway via an IBO."

Can Amway Global carry products which they do not physically manufacture, yet have exclusive rights?

We did it with the high-end Rubbermaid products a while back.

We are doing it currently with XS Energy Drink.

And we are about to do it with Perfect Water.

One of the benefits of having third-party products WITH exclusivity rights, is that it allows Amway Global to be able to *quickly* offer "niche" "trendy" "attention-grabbing" products, that can be "gateway" products to all the fantastic, wonderful, tried-and-true "Amway" products, WITHOUT carrying all the time and money of  R&D and manufacturing burdens.

AND, with these "trendy" products, if Amway Global doesn't see the marke to carry them after a certain length of time, can let their contract run out with these outside companies, and not carry the burden of having to “cut their losses” if they had originally manufactured the product.

It’s allowing Amway to be nimble in the marketplace.

Yes Amway Global is a manufacturer. But they are also an INCREDIBILE marketing machine.

Distributors/IBOs have been in to “viral marketing” DECADES before this term even existed.

PJ said:
April 7, 2008 1:52 AM | #

As a small business owner outside of my IBO ship, I finding it difficult to understand why there needs to be the new amway/global created.

I also don't feel, as someone who commented earlier, that the name on the box should  out shine my independent business name, to the client.

If in fact, we are the only sales force that the corporation  has, I would hope that a corporation as respected as quixtar/amway is, that it would be content serving us with quality, timely, & relevant products to meet and exceed our clients  needs, period.

AL AND THERESA MUNDELL said:
August 8, 2009 9:35 AM | #

SINCE I BECAME AN I.B.O. WITH AMWAY I HAVE A SENCE OF DIRECTION IN MY LIFE. A GOD BUILT BUSINESS. ONE COULD NOT ASK FOR MORE. IT GIVE YOU SOMETHING TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR LIFE. THEY SAY YOU CAN DO IT, AND GUESS WHAT, YOU CAN!!!!

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