Sunshine Empire - Newsflash

Guys..

Remember what I warned about Sunshine Empire?

It was announced on The Straits Times, 24/10/07, that it has been listed on the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) 'Warning' list for operating a potentially illegal pyramid.

I have been to the presentations.

I am in fact very impressed by their concept.

However a few things bug me, mainly:

* Essentially 'guaranteed' profits (you can give it many names.)

* Nothing wrong with an investment company, but paying out profits when the 'investments' are still incuring costs and have not even generated revenue?

* An over-priced callback service

* An understated emphasis on stocking up on 'callback service credits' to produce more profits.

* It's almost as if the callback service is just an excuse for people to put their money in. "We do have a product!"

Update, 29/01/08: - It seems like they have had quite a few products over the years. I've heard of them selling health products, and even shampoo. Fancy buying $10,000 worth of shampoo! Anyway, here's my point - it seems like their ultimate focus is to simply make money, evident in their changing of products. Nothing wrong with that, though it makes you a little uneasy isn't it?

* They recently increased their entry pricing and reduced their payouts. They say that this is to ensure longevity of the company. Which is hypocritical because:-
1. It goes against one of the basic principals of MLM, which is that everyone is given an 'equal chance' to reach the top. This act has essentially made it more difficult for newer distributors to join and grow.
2. It just proves the point that payout is made from continued recruitment of people.

* It looks and feels uncannily like a Ponzi Scheme

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That being said, I also know of a quote, which basically says that truth comes in 3 stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as self evident.

So I concede: despite the MAS warning listing, it is still possible that it is in fact a revolutionary concept in doing business. It is also possible that it's similarities with previous pyramids have cast a light of doubt over it.

Then comes another sticking problem: if it is too good to be true, it probably is.

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update : 25/10/07

check the comments section for Sunshine Empire's point of view