Global Resorts Network (GRN) – Is it legit? Another pyramid? Great opportunity? Good deal?
- By Anne Moss Rogers
- Published 01/20/2008
- Marketing
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Rating:
Anne Moss Rogers
I've been writing targeted copy for over 2 decades across all media. For the last 15 years, I've been a freelance copywriter. Articles I write are usually based on something scientific like my latest whim. Sports Med Website , AnneMoss.com and Webprepro Blog and Webprepro eTutorial
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With all the hype surrounding RFS, the Reverse Funnel system, Global Resorts Network, GRN, has been swept up in all the fury. In some cases it is profiting. But in terms of reputation, it’s taken a beating. Unjust? Well deserved? Let’s take a look.
RFS is just a marketing system used by some in GRN. Global Resorts Network is apparently not affiliated with the company at all. But what is GRN all about? It is listed in the BBB in the category of, "Timeshare Campground/Resort Companies". Which is how the Disney Vacation Club would be listed, also a timeshare that allows you travel deals at places other than where you have your timeshare deed. Spokesmen from the company, affiliates mostly, vehemently deny they are a timeshare company and that they are MLM. At the very least they are MLM. The question is are they a legitimate MLM opportunity.
First, we need to look at the difference between a pyramid scheme and MLM, multi level marketing.
Not every MLM opportunity is a legitimate business opportunity. A number of pyramid schemes which are designed to get the hungry-for-easy-riches to part from their money with an up front “investment”, are presented as profitable MLM opportunities.
The biggest difference between MLM and a pyramid is the business operations. The sole purpose of a pyramid is to get your money and then use you to recruit others. I hesitate to use the word suckers here because many have been taken in this regard and are not suckers but victims. With a pyramid, there is rarely any mention of a product. In fact, you usually have a hard time finding out what the product is.
A MLM focuses on product more than the recruiting. Ideally it does. Though you’ll notice that affiliates don’t always adhere to that direction and will promote the recruiting. MLM commissions are typically smaller than those commissions paid out by other travel home travel business opportunities. But by comparison, GRN is said to offer larger commissions than other MLM programs.
The difference between MLM and pyramid would take up an entire article. But we’re here to discuss GRN and whether they are a legit opportunity or not, so I’ll cut to the chase here. But suffice to say, you should do your homework before investing and don’t get caught up in the hype. Nothing is easy money. And a red flag should go up if it claims easy money despite your hot, burning desire to be filthy rich. Don’t let that blind hunger cloud your judgment.
You don’t have to be in the Reverse Funnel System in order to be a Global Resorts Network affiliate.
And joining GRN directly instead of through RFS is less expensive in the long run. You can join GRN outright as an affiliate and make money with referrals. You’re the sales person with a website. You can also join as a member who simply wants to enjoy the travel benefits. And people who do want to join are asked to log in a member id (referral id from an affiliate) before they do.
David, the owner of printnpost.com, is a member of the travel industry and he says, “GRN is a waste....if you do not bother searching for travel deals...ok go ahead..but they are not giving anyone any real deal. I work in the Travel industry and we do what they do everyday...the difference is they are pitching it with a membership...instead of marking up the hotels you are paying [a membership fee] upfront. There is no secret to this and really you can save more if you do the legwork.”
This is probably true. But it’s also true that I have absolutely no clue how to do this “legwork”. I have no connections in the industry and I’m not a travel specialist. And what GRN offers may very well be of great value to someone who just wants to pick a package or have one made for them. It’s kind of like deciding if you want to put up your own wallpaper or do it yourself. You could probably learn the skills to do it. But some would rather not. But then you can get this done elsewhere, too and avoid some huge upfront fee. In other words, travel agents add a legitimate mark up for their services. And GRN instead charges a membership fee. So I guess you’d need to determine how often you travel. And you need to judge your wariness on GRN.
At first, I thought GRN was simply another MLM. But with an MLM, the chief focus is supposed to be product—in this case travel packages. And a legitimate MLM shouldn’t ask for a lot up front, more like $500 or less. There is a free affiliate opportunity but most default to that only after the recruit shies away from the Gold or Platinum membership fee (listed below). So it’s outside of my comfort zone in clearly categorizing it as a legitimate MLM opportunity.
A number of the affiliates simply talk about how much you will make and look more like recruiting sites than sites offering great packages. Some do focus on the travel packages. Some only focus on the packages at the top half of the ad/website, then recruiting at the lower half. But I ran across far more that said something to the effect that you’ll rake in tons, oodles, piles and truckloads of money. Some are so hard sell, you are sure a bank vault will drop in your email inbox once you join. It's these hardcore recruiting sites that make the whole thing look questionable.
GRN Membership Fees
To join as a member, you enter the id of the person who referred you to the website.
According to the website, the top plan, Platinum is $2995. And that is a fee for 100 years. In other words, once you’ve had it 100 years, you need to pay up again.
The Gold is $1,495 for 3 years. Upgrade to platinum $2,000.
There is something about becoming a free affiliate, too. That is for those who don’t want to pay the up front fee to become an affiliate member. Basically, you sign up on a rep’s website and join as a free affiliate. When the person who signed up as a free affiliate refers someone the rep’s way, that person gets $100 for that referral.
There are advantages and savings for the Platinum plan, so you pay more along the way with the Gold.
The $100 fee for the GRN website is yearly for affiliates. Instead of the $200-$300 per month with RFS.
More details are at the official site:
http://www.globalresortsnetwork.com/
Where the waters get murky
I have to wonder about a company that would allow RFS to sell them like they do. Their reps/affiliates will quickly separate their business from the likes of that unruly and oily RFS. Does GRN no say in who and how someone markets them? Or are they just a vulnerable rag doll business who is at the mercy of less-than-reputable pyramid marketing schemes that choose to use them as the “product”?
GRN has a clear record with the Better Business Bureau. However, there is a company, Perpetual Leverage in the Work-at-home category that is somehow connected with GRN. It does have complaints and a bad rating. It is the direct sales pay plan connected with GRN. Not real savory.
GRN has been asked to reply to BBB, but there’s been no response from the company in this regard. According to the BBB on 1/20/08, “The BBB processed a total of 0 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. The BBB has requested basic information from this company but has not received a response. As a result, the BBB may not have current information about the company. ” 1 GRN is listed as “Timeshare Campground/Resort Companies”.
According to an article at webwire.com, “The Global Resorts Network strategy of members trying to recruit new members to sell products and earn commissions for them for ever and ever is not a viable option for the average seeker of a new home based business. While company conference calls for Global Resorts Network urge prospective members to get out there to smile and dial, because they are so new, few sales tools exist that would assist new Global Resorts Network members.” 2
The above quote does come from a person in the travel industry with his own company, but is nevertheless a credible point even in light of the fact that the author is not entirely neutral on the subject. I think the amount of help you’d get would depend on who you signed on with. Some will be more helpful, others out to chase the next pot at the end of the rainbow.
In summary, GRN has satisfied member customers who like to travel. The website itself talks about the travel packages. Most of the affiliate sites focus on “you are going to make 10k per week” which is hardly product-focused. As an affiliate, you can make some money but there are probably more profitable opportunities with other travel companies which pay out better commissions and focus more on product than recruitment.
You could learn to make these travel deals yourself or utilize another travel package. Affiliates I’ve exchanged e-mails seem to be happy with the referral business. But it does take work and it’s not overnight cash in your lap. I don’t really know if these affiliates are truly happy and if it’s the business opportunity that it’s sold to be.
So I would suggest looking at the Direct Selling Association (DSA) website. (http://dsa.org)
This would be beneficial in evaluating any direct sale marketing opportunity. From the DSA About Us page it says, “The Association's mission is to protect, serve and promote the effectiveness of member companies and the independent business people they represent. To ensure that the marketing by member companies of products and/or the direct sales opportunity is conducted with the highest level of business ethics and service to consumers." So there's a watchdog and I would utilize the tools they offer.
They have a list of all their members on the site which, at present, is about 214 companies. GRN is not on the list, but there are no complaints either.
GRN may work for you. It may be great. But quite frankly, if I were looking into a direct sales opportunity, I would choose one with a track record good enough to make this DSA list.
Resources:
-------------------------------
1- Better Business Bureau Website, January 20, 2008
2- http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=30491, Author- Dean Marino
RFS is just a marketing system used by some in GRN. Global Resorts Network is apparently not affiliated with the company at all. But what is GRN all about? It is listed in the BBB in the category of, "Timeshare Campground/Resort Companies". Which is how the Disney Vacation Club would be listed, also a timeshare that allows you travel deals at places other than where you have your timeshare deed. Spokesmen from the company, affiliates mostly, vehemently deny they are a timeshare company and that they are MLM. At the very least they are MLM. The question is are they a legitimate MLM opportunity.
First, we need to look at the difference between a pyramid scheme and MLM, multi level marketing.
Not every MLM opportunity is a legitimate business opportunity. A number of pyramid schemes which are designed to get the hungry-for-easy-riches to part from their money with an up front “investment”, are presented as profitable MLM opportunities.
The biggest difference between MLM and a pyramid is the business operations. The sole purpose of a pyramid is to get your money and then use you to recruit others. I hesitate to use the word suckers here because many have been taken in this regard and are not suckers but victims. With a pyramid, there is rarely any mention of a product. In fact, you usually have a hard time finding out what the product is.
A MLM focuses on product more than the recruiting. Ideally it does. Though you’ll notice that affiliates don’t always adhere to that direction and will promote the recruiting. MLM commissions are typically smaller than those commissions paid out by other travel home travel business opportunities. But by comparison, GRN is said to offer larger commissions than other MLM programs.
The difference between MLM and pyramid would take up an entire article. But we’re here to discuss GRN and whether they are a legit opportunity or not, so I’ll cut to the chase here. But suffice to say, you should do your homework before investing and don’t get caught up in the hype. Nothing is easy money. And a red flag should go up if it claims easy money despite your hot, burning desire to be filthy rich. Don’t let that blind hunger cloud your judgment.
You don’t have to be in the Reverse Funnel System in order to be a Global Resorts Network affiliate.
And joining GRN directly instead of through RFS is less expensive in the long run. You can join GRN outright as an affiliate and make money with referrals. You’re the sales person with a website. You can also join as a member who simply wants to enjoy the travel benefits. And people who do want to join are asked to log in a member id (referral id from an affiliate) before they do.
David, the owner of printnpost.com, is a member of the travel industry and he says, “GRN is a waste....if you do not bother searching for travel deals...ok go ahead..but they are not giving anyone any real deal. I work in the Travel industry and we do what they do everyday...the difference is they are pitching it with a membership...instead of marking up the hotels you are paying [a membership fee] upfront. There is no secret to this and really you can save more if you do the legwork.”
This is probably true. But it’s also true that I have absolutely no clue how to do this “legwork”. I have no connections in the industry and I’m not a travel specialist. And what GRN offers may very well be of great value to someone who just wants to pick a package or have one made for them. It’s kind of like deciding if you want to put up your own wallpaper or do it yourself. You could probably learn the skills to do it. But some would rather not. But then you can get this done elsewhere, too and avoid some huge upfront fee. In other words, travel agents add a legitimate mark up for their services. And GRN instead charges a membership fee. So I guess you’d need to determine how often you travel. And you need to judge your wariness on GRN.
At first, I thought GRN was simply another MLM. But with an MLM, the chief focus is supposed to be product—in this case travel packages. And a legitimate MLM shouldn’t ask for a lot up front, more like $500 or less. There is a free affiliate opportunity but most default to that only after the recruit shies away from the Gold or Platinum membership fee (listed below). So it’s outside of my comfort zone in clearly categorizing it as a legitimate MLM opportunity.
A number of the affiliates simply talk about how much you will make and look more like recruiting sites than sites offering great packages. Some do focus on the travel packages. Some only focus on the packages at the top half of the ad/website, then recruiting at the lower half. But I ran across far more that said something to the effect that you’ll rake in tons, oodles, piles and truckloads of money. Some are so hard sell, you are sure a bank vault will drop in your email inbox once you join. It's these hardcore recruiting sites that make the whole thing look questionable.
GRN Membership Fees
To join as a member, you enter the id of the person who referred you to the website.
According to the website, the top plan, Platinum is $2995. And that is a fee for 100 years. In other words, once you’ve had it 100 years, you need to pay up again.
The Gold is $1,495 for 3 years. Upgrade to platinum $2,000.
There is something about becoming a free affiliate, too. That is for those who don’t want to pay the up front fee to become an affiliate member. Basically, you sign up on a rep’s website and join as a free affiliate. When the person who signed up as a free affiliate refers someone the rep’s way, that person gets $100 for that referral.
There are advantages and savings for the Platinum plan, so you pay more along the way with the Gold.
The $100 fee for the GRN website is yearly for affiliates. Instead of the $200-$300 per month with RFS.
More details are at the official site:
http://www.globalresortsnetwork.com/
Where the waters get murky
I have to wonder about a company that would allow RFS to sell them like they do. Their reps/affiliates will quickly separate their business from the likes of that unruly and oily RFS. Does GRN no say in who and how someone markets them? Or are they just a vulnerable rag doll business who is at the mercy of less-than-reputable pyramid marketing schemes that choose to use them as the “product”?
GRN has a clear record with the Better Business Bureau. However, there is a company, Perpetual Leverage in the Work-at-home category that is somehow connected with GRN. It does have complaints and a bad rating. It is the direct sales pay plan connected with GRN. Not real savory.
GRN has been asked to reply to BBB, but there’s been no response from the company in this regard. According to the BBB on 1/20/08, “The BBB processed a total of 0 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. The BBB has requested basic information from this company but has not received a response. As a result, the BBB may not have current information about the company. ” 1 GRN is listed as “Timeshare Campground/Resort Companies”.
According to an article at webwire.com, “The Global Resorts Network strategy of members trying to recruit new members to sell products and earn commissions for them for ever and ever is not a viable option for the average seeker of a new home based business. While company conference calls for Global Resorts Network urge prospective members to get out there to smile and dial, because they are so new, few sales tools exist that would assist new Global Resorts Network members.” 2
The above quote does come from a person in the travel industry with his own company, but is nevertheless a credible point even in light of the fact that the author is not entirely neutral on the subject. I think the amount of help you’d get would depend on who you signed on with. Some will be more helpful, others out to chase the next pot at the end of the rainbow.
In summary, GRN has satisfied member customers who like to travel. The website itself talks about the travel packages. Most of the affiliate sites focus on “you are going to make 10k per week” which is hardly product-focused. As an affiliate, you can make some money but there are probably more profitable opportunities with other travel companies which pay out better commissions and focus more on product than recruitment.
You could learn to make these travel deals yourself or utilize another travel package. Affiliates I’ve exchanged e-mails seem to be happy with the referral business. But it does take work and it’s not overnight cash in your lap. I don’t really know if these affiliates are truly happy and if it’s the business opportunity that it’s sold to be.
So I would suggest looking at the Direct Selling Association (DSA) website. (http://dsa.org)
This would be beneficial in evaluating any direct sale marketing opportunity. From the DSA About Us page it says, “The Association's mission is to protect, serve and promote the effectiveness of member companies and the independent business people they represent. To ensure that the marketing by member companies of products and/or the direct sales opportunity is conducted with the highest level of business ethics and service to consumers." So there's a watchdog and I would utilize the tools they offer.
They have a list of all their members on the site which, at present, is about 214 companies. GRN is not on the list, but there are no complaints either.
GRN may work for you. It may be great. But quite frankly, if I were looking into a direct sales opportunity, I would choose one with a track record good enough to make this DSA list.
Resources:
-------------------------------
1- Better Business Bureau Website, January 20, 2008
2- http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=30491, Author- Dean Marino
Related article:
The Reverse Funnel System. Hype?-Scam?Big internet money maker?
Spread The Word
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8 Responses to "Global Resorts Network (GRN) – Is it legit? Another pyramid? Great opportunity? Good deal?"
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said this on 21 Jan 2008 9:58:32 PM EST
Great homework. This company smells fishy to me. For companies like this, I have this to say: If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and talks like a duck ......it's actually just a slippery little snake.
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said this on 03 Apr 2008 4:16:40 PM EST
Thanks for the info. The thing seemed "too go to be true" and the "salesman" quite pushy and persistant, which made me wonder; what's the big rush? and right away before telling me anything asked me if I had money!!
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said this on 01 May 2008 6:23:09 PM EST
GRN is a great opportunity! Some do it with hype others do it with good old fashioned common sense. Check out www.GlobalResortAlliance.com and see what I mean.
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said this on 21 Jun 2008 4:47:18 PM EST
I am a new member of GRN and this article was very helpful. Thanks for the details about RFS.
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said this on 07 Jul 2008 7:00:18 PM EST
GRN works on both levels, its both a great vacation package and a great home based business. I personally maintain 2 websites, one that promotes the vacation package itself and one that promotes the business opportunity. The unfortunate side effect of any network marketing business is that it sometimes winds up bringing people into the business that have no clue what they are doing. A pushy salesman most likely means a desperate salesman because his business isnt going the way he was hoping. I treat opportunity seekers as business partners, the last thing I want is a business partner who I "pushed" into the business. If a person chooses to join it should be based solely on their own conscience decision. In the meantime I do sell the vacation packages as stand alone as well in local venues. Now I am sure industry insiders may be able to get similar deals on vacations, however the majority of us do not know how to get those deals. The last vacation my family took we spent $500 a night for our resort stay. If I had been a GRN member then I would not have paid more than $699 for the week. One final note on the reverse funnel system, that is simply a marketing tool. Some choose to use it, some choose not. I personally do not use the RFS and do not need to, but others do. As with anything you must do your homework before buying into anything.
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said this on 28 Aug 2008 11:22:01 PM EST
I love travel businesses cause they are always indemand.
I passed on GRN two years ago, and finally just joined in May, and immediately made money. The secret is not in the marketing, but in the branding and the systems behind the branding. There are many GRN systems. Call center, funnels, and retail sales sites. All of them are great and all of them work. But what you need to decide before you join is... do you want to join from a newbie or an expert who has made money? It's harsh for the newbies to see that, but the reality is... people want to immediately align with successful sponsors who have tools and resources and honestly help. So, do your homework before you join. If you might know anyone looking for a great travel product and a mentor, to help them earn money from home, let them contact me. Jeff |
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said this on 16 Sep 2008 2:15:49 PM EST
While I appreciate your insights, you've only focused on RFS (one of many systems that promote Global Resorts), 1 issue from the BBB that is still open, and speculating that GRN is a timeshare company. (For the record, it offers timeshare units to rent, but without the hefty $10,000 and up price tag, and no limit to where or how many weeks you can travel with your platinum membership.) I have been involved in several online marketing opportunities, and Global Resorts Network is the real deal. There is a stand alone product to purchase, which has brought value to thousands who use it over and over again to go on vacation. The paychecks are real, and, like most other sales opportunities, is called "a commission". Nothing wrong with that, is there? Have you ever bought a car? Some salesmen are creepy and pushy, others are very nice and helpful. Who do you buy your car from? You buy from those you form a relationship with. Those you connect with. When researching a business opportunity, of course you should do your homework, but remember, even a top notch company will not help someone who does not put in the work. The bottom line is, if you want to succeed, you will, whether you are selling cars, paper clips, or (gasp!) vacation memberships. Find someone who will mentor you one on one, and get ready to roll up your sleeves, get to work, and earn some money!
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said this on 26 Oct 2008 2:39:03 AM EST
Hi Guys
Ok htere is a lot of information online about GRN and today I came across M.O.R.E (new travel company) and they compare GRN and MORE. Ok. I wanted to give facts. M.O.R.E sites still say that GRN does not offer financing. They do. They started it back in august 2008. secondly they used to take out 250 per sale out of 1000 commission for merchant account fees. they changed it awhile back to 150 for merchant account fees. I still think GRN has a decent travel package. I recommend people to go to www.vrbo.com site and see the resort prices. Today I compared one resort hot week special in Alabama Golf Shores plantations resort and it is 298 for the week nov 14-nov 22 and it was around 598 with www.vrbo.com website. Still better deal with GRN. In the summer that resort will be online for about 1100 a aweek or min 900 a week. With GRN during summer season I saw it for 599 a week. Las vegas condos are also half price and they do have 298 week in november. My husband and I wanted to go to stay at the hotel in Vegas in November and 4 nights would cost me 520 for one room at a travel agent rate and I can stay at condo with kitchen for 298 a week. I just want to show differences. My whole point is GRN offers a decent package and if an average family uses the package they can save money. It is not a free lunch anymore. It is a business and it pays well. As with any busines you have to have a good solid marketing system that includes three main components: a converting sales page, good mentoring (team or sponsor), resources. But the most important is that person should believe in themselves and a business system. There are dozens of travel companies online. They all have good and bad about them. Nothing is perfect. I agree some people are pushy and will lie to you that you might stay in five diamond resort with GRN. You may or you may not. But I like to give facts and use systems that work for me and teach people how to duplicate results. Not everyone is going to use the GRN package because their main intention is MONEY. But I saw I can use my package for my family and save few hundred dollars a year. If even I use it twice a year for the next 5 years. I can save 3-4K dollars and also make money. I look at overall benefits. I have been with GRN over a year and GRN has always paid on time and if there were issues they always tried to solve them. Every company will have their own issues and nobody is protected. When people talk about that they make people to get their merchant account it is not true. It is advised if you donot want to have 150 dollars taken out of your commission for merchant account fees. People pay with money orders, echecks, wires. The company pays with fed ex and charges 19 dollars I believe for 2 day shipping. There is nothing wrong with that and the fact they say transfer to bank account is better than a check. Again it is an opinion and it is very small issue. Nothing biggie. I have done great with GRN and I love my system I use. Thank you for letting me share. I just wanted to compare and not put MORE down. It is just when I saw that information on the websites they have after my friend told me about it and I saw t his post I wanted to let people know. I am sure MORE company was not aware of changes and I hope t hey can change it with purpose of comparisions of two companies. Hope you have a great day! Tatyana Gann |