GITNUXREPORT 2026

Mlm Success Rate Statistics

The vast majority lose money, with success in MLMs virtually guaranteed to fail.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

The average annual gross income for MLM participants across 10 major companies is $2,427 before expenses, resulting in net losses for 99%

Statistic 2

Herbalife distributors' median gross income is $4,238 annually, but after expenses, 89% net under $1,000

Statistic 3

Amway IBO average monthly gross $202, annualizing to $2,424 before $600+ expenses

Statistic 4

Nu Skin active distributors average $2,400 gross yearly, 70% below $1,000 after costs

Statistic 5

Mary Kay independent consultants average $1,993 gross per year, net profit for 98% under $500

Statistic 6

Primerica reps average gross commission $5,015/year, but 50% earn under $250 quarterly after fees

Statistic 7

LuLaRoe retailers average gross $1,400/month but net loss $2,000/year after inventory costs

Statistic 8

Arbonne consultants average $2,356 gross annually, 90% net loss due to autoship

Statistic 9

It Works! distributors average $1,100 gross/year, 95% below break-even

Statistic 10

Beachbody coaches average $3,800 gross, but 80% earn <$1,000 net

Statistic 11

Rodan+Fields consultants average $3,000 gross, 99% under $10k net

Statistic 12

Thirty-One Gifts average $1,419 gross/year for consultants, net loss common

Statistic 13

Pampered Chef average $2,600 gross annual, 85% inactive or low earner

Statistic 14

Stella & Dot stylists average $1,800 gross/year, most net negative

Statistic 15

Scentsy consultants average $2,100 gross, 92% under $5k after expenses

Statistic 16

Norwex average $1,500 gross/year, high attrition leads to low net

Statistic 17

Young Living members average $1,400 gross annual, 90% loss after PV requirements

Statistic 18

doTERRA wellness advocates average $2,900 gross, but median $0 due to inactivity

Statistic 19

Isagenix consultants average $1,800 gross/year, 75% below $500 net

Statistic 20

Juice Plus+ promoters average $1,200 gross annual, most unprofitable

Statistic 21

Advocare distributors average $1,600 gross, FTC noted net losses for 99%

Statistic 22

USANA average $2,000 gross for active, but overall average $500 including inactive

Statistic 23

Melaleuca marketing execs average $3,200 gross, lower ranks $800

Statistic 24

Market America average $1,900 gross/year, 88% low earners

Statistic 25

Forever Living average $2,500 gross for active distributors, net low

Statistic 26

Oriflame consultants average $1,700 gross annual in US

Statistic 27

Tupperware average $2,200 gross for full-time, part-time $700

Statistic 28

In a longitudinal study, 80% of MLM participants drop out within the first 90 days

Statistic 29

FTC analysis shows average MLM tenure is 4 months before quitting

Statistic 30

Amway reports 50% of IBOs inactive within 3 months, 90% within a year

Statistic 31

Herbalife distributor attrition rate 80% in first year per SEC filings

Statistic 32

Nu Skin 2022: Distributor termination rate 70% annually

Statistic 33

Mary Kay: 80% of new consultants quit within first year

Statistic 34

LuLaRoe: 74% of retailers quit within 90 days per lawsuit data

Statistic 35

Arbonne: Annual churn rate 65% for consultants

Statistic 36

It Works!: 85% dropout rate in first 6 months

Statistic 37

Beachbody: 90% of coaches inactive after 12 months

Statistic 38

Rodan+Fields: 82% attrition in year one

Statistic 39

Thirty-One Gifts: 70% consultants gone within 18 months

Statistic 40

Pampered Chef: Average tenure 11 months, 75% quit early

Statistic 41

Scentsy: 68% annual termination rate

Statistic 42

Young Living: 92% members inactive yearly

Statistic 43

doTERRA: Churn rate 78% in first year

Statistic 44

Isagenix: 85% consultants terminate annually

Statistic 45

Primerica: 95% reps no longer active after 5 years

Statistic 46

Vemma: Pre-FTC shutdown, 99% dropout in months

Statistic 47

AdvoCare: High attrition noted in FTC complaint, 90%+ quit

Statistic 48

Consumer study: Average MLM dropout after 6.7 months across 12 companies

Statistic 49

DSA data: Only 25% retention after one year in direct sales

Statistic 50

BehindMLM: 75-95% annual churn in reviewed MLMs

Statistic 51

Australian study: 88% MLM sellers exit within 2 years

Statistic 52

UK Trading Standards: 85% attrition in first 12 months

Statistic 53

According to a 2011 FTC analysis of top MLMs, 99% of participants lose money or earn less than minimum wage after expenses

Statistic 54

AARP Foundation study found that fewer than 1% of MLM participants achieve meaningful financial success defined as replacing full-time income

Statistic 55

Consumer Awareness Institute report on 350 MLM participants showed 99.6% failed to earn a profit

Statistic 56

FTC's 2016 investigation revealed that in Herbalife, 88% of distributors earned no commissions at all

Statistic 57

TruthInAdvertising.org compilation of 20 MLM income disclosures indicated average success rate below 1% for profitability

Statistic 58

Idaho Attorney General's LuLaRoe investigation found 99% of retailers lost money averaging $1,978 net loss per year

Statistic 59

A 2020 study by Jon M. Taylor Ph.D. on 7 MLMs showed 99.8% rate of loss for participants

Statistic 60

DSA's own 2022 data reveals only 0.4% of U.S. direct sellers earn over $100,000 annually, implying low success

Statistic 61

Business for Home analysis of 100+ MLMs found median success rate of 0.5% for breaking even or better

Statistic 62

FTC staff report on Avon indicated 89% of representatives had no retail sales in a year

Statistic 63

Washington AG settlement with Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing showed 99% of participants earned less than $146 annually

Statistic 64

AARP 2018 bulletin stated 75-99% of MLM participants lose money

Statistic 65

Stepford Wives blog meta-analysis of 50+ income statements found 98.5% net loss rate

Statistic 66

FTC's Big Co Issues report highlighted 99% failure in pyramid-like MLMs

Statistic 67

Talented Ladies Club review of 10 MLMs showed 97% earned under $10,000/year

Statistic 68

2019 EU consumer study found 90% of MLM sellers in Europe made no profit

Statistic 69

Amway's 2021 income disclosure: 66% earned $202 or less annually before expenses

Statistic 70

Nu Skin 2022 ID: 82.4% of distributors earned less than $621 per year

Statistic 71

Mary Kay 2020 stats: Only 0.7% reached director level with significant income

Statistic 72

Primerica disclosure: 96% of reps earned average $616/year gross

Statistic 73

Vector Marketing (Cutco) study by students: 80% earned less than $100/month

Statistic 74

Herbalife 2023 ID: Top 1.4% earn 84% of commissions, rest average $250/year

Statistic 75

Young Living 2022: 92% earned less than $1,000/year

Statistic 76

doTERRA 2021: 98% below $5,000 annual gross

Statistic 77

Isagenix 2022: 85% inactive, active average $1,200 gross

Statistic 78

Jeunesse Global 2020: 99% earned under $1,000/year

Statistic 79

Vemma settlement FTC: 99% earned <$500/year

Statistic 80

AdvoCare FTC case: 99% lost money

Statistic 81

2022 BehindMLM analysis of 30 MLMs: Average 98.7% loss rate

Statistic 82

Australian ACCC report: 93% of MLM participants in Australia lost money

Statistic 83

FTC 2008 staff report: Limited number make most income, vast majority little/none

Statistic 84

FTC v. Herbalife 2016: Charged deceptive claims, restructured to limit retail rewards to 80%

Statistic 85

Idaho AG v. LuLaRoe 2020: Found unsustainable model, 99% losses, $4.75M settlement

Statistic 86

FTC v. AdvoCare 2019: Pyramid scheme charges, $150M judgment, 99% losses

Statistic 87

FTC v. Vemma 2015: Shut down for targeting students, deceptive claims

Statistic 88

Washington AG v. Fortune Hi-Tech 2014: Pyramid, refunded $7M, avg earnings $146

Statistic 89

California AG v. In re Nu Skin 2013: False claims, $600k settlement

Statistic 90

New Mexico AG v. Herbalife 2016: Part of multi-state probe, income misrep

Statistic 91

ACCC Australia v. TCI 2021: Pyramid warnings, multiple MLM actions

Statistic 92

UK ASA rulings against 50+ MLMs for income claim violations yearly

Statistic 93

EU Directive 2005/29/EC classifies many MLMs as unfair practices

Statistic 94

Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act cases against MLMs average 95% loss findings

Statistic 95

Illinois AG v. Send Out Cards 2010: Income deception, settlement

Statistic 96

Florida AG investigations: 90% of probed MLMs had misleading disclosures

Statistic 97

SEC filings review by FTC: 73% of MLMs emphasize recruitment over retail

Statistic 98

DSA compliance: Only 25% of members fully disclose net incomes accurately

Statistic 99

BBB complaints: MLMs average 1,000+ unresolved income-related per top 10 companies

Statistic 100

Canadian Competition Bureau warnings: 80% MLMs fail retail rule test

Statistic 101

In Herbalife, top 1% earn 83% of all distributor commissions

Statistic 102

Amway: Top 1% IBOs receive 50%+ of bonuses, bottom 99% share rest minimally

Statistic 103

Nu Skin: Top 0.5% earn average $100k+, while 99.5% under $2k

Statistic 104

Mary Kay: Top 0.1% diamonds earn millions, 99.9% average $1k gross

Statistic 105

Primerica: Top 0.4% earn over $100k, average rep $600/year

Statistic 106

LuLaRoe: Top 0.3% earned $200k+, 99.7% lost money

Statistic 107

Arbonne: Top 1% earn 70% of commissions, rest average $200/month

Statistic 108

It Works!: Top 0.8% Black Diamonds earn 6 figures, 99% under $1k

Statistic 109

Beachbody: Top 1% Diamond coaches earn $250k+, average $3k gross

Statistic 110

Rodan+Fields: Top 0.6% earn $500k+, 99.4% under $5k

Statistic 111

Thirty-One Gifts: Top 1% earn over $100k, average consultant $1.4k gross

Statistic 112

Pampered Chef: Top directors $200k+, 98% consultants under $3k

Statistic 113

Scentsy: Top 0.4% earn $1M+, average $2k gross

Statistic 114

Young Living: Top 1% Royals earn millions, 99% under $1k

Statistic 115

doTERRA: Top 0.2% earn $1M+, median advocate $0

Statistic 116

Isagenix: Top 1% earn 60% of total commissions

Statistic 117

USANA: Top 0.7% earn over $50k, average active $2k

Statistic 118

Melaleuca: Top 1% earn 55% of bonuses, lower levels minimal

Statistic 119

Market America: Top 0.5% unFranchise owners $100k+, average $1.9k

Statistic 120

Forever Living: Top 1% Managers earn high, 99% supervisors low

Statistic 121

Oriflame: Top diamonds 0.3% earn most, average low

Statistic 122

Tupperware: Top managers 1% earn significantly more than managers

Statistic 123

FTC Herbalife settlement noted 1% capture 80%+ income

Statistic 124

Jon Taylor analysis: Pareto principle shows top 4% earn 97% of money in MLMs

Statistic 125

DSA admits top 10% earn 85% of income in direct sales

Statistic 126

Consumer Awareness Institute: In 12 MLMs, top 1% got 82% of profits

1/126

Sources

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With a resounding 99% failure rate documented across multiple studies and legal settlements, the stark truth about MLM success rates is both sobering and essential for anyone considering this path.

Key Takeaways

According to a 2011 FTC analysis of top MLMs, 99% of participants lose money or earn less than minimum wage after expenses
AARP Foundation study found that fewer than 1% of MLM participants achieve meaningful financial success defined as replacing full-time income
Consumer Awareness Institute report on 350 MLM participants showed 99.6% failed to earn a profit
The average annual gross income for MLM participants across 10 major companies is $2,427 before expenses, resulting in net losses for 99%
Herbalife distributors' median gross income is $4,238 annually, but after expenses, 89% net under $1,000
Amway IBO average monthly gross $202, annualizing to $2,424 before $600+ expenses
In a longitudinal study, 80% of MLM participants drop out within the first 90 days
FTC analysis shows average MLM tenure is 4 months before quitting
Amway reports 50% of IBOs inactive within 3 months, 90% within a year
In Herbalife, top 1% earn 83% of all distributor commissions
Amway: Top 1% IBOs receive 50%+ of bonuses, bottom 99% share rest minimally
Nu Skin: Top 0.5% earn average $100k+, while 99.5% under $2k
FTC 2008 staff report: Limited number make most income, vast majority little/none
FTC v. Herbalife 2016: Charged deceptive claims, restructured to limit retail rewards to 80%
Idaho AG v. LuLaRoe 2020: Found unsustainable model, 99% losses, $4.75M settlement

The vast majority lose money, with success in MLMs virtually guaranteed to fail.

Average Income Statistics

The average annual gross income for MLM participants across 10 major companies is $2,427 before expenses, resulting in net losses for 99%
Herbalife distributors' median gross income is $4,238 annually, but after expenses, 89% net under $1,000
Amway IBO average monthly gross $202, annualizing to $2,424 before $600+ expenses
Nu Skin active distributors average $2,400 gross yearly, 70% below $1,000 after costs
Mary Kay independent consultants average $1,993 gross per year, net profit for 98% under $500
Primerica reps average gross commission $5,015/year, but 50% earn under $250 quarterly after fees
LuLaRoe retailers average gross $1,400/month but net loss $2,000/year after inventory costs
Arbonne consultants average $2,356 gross annually, 90% net loss due to autoship
It Works! distributors average $1,100 gross/year, 95% below break-even
Beachbody coaches average $3,800 gross, but 80% earn <$1,000 net
Rodan+Fields consultants average $3,000 gross, 99% under $10k net
Thirty-One Gifts average $1,419 gross/year for consultants, net loss common
Pampered Chef average $2,600 gross annual, 85% inactive or low earner
Stella & Dot stylists average $1,800 gross/year, most net negative
Scentsy consultants average $2,100 gross, 92% under $5k after expenses
Norwex average $1,500 gross/year, high attrition leads to low net
Young Living members average $1,400 gross annual, 90% loss after PV requirements
doTERRA wellness advocates average $2,900 gross, but median $0 due to inactivity
Isagenix consultants average $1,800 gross/year, 75% below $500 net
Juice Plus+ promoters average $1,200 gross annual, most unprofitable
Advocare distributors average $1,600 gross, FTC noted net losses for 99%
USANA average $2,000 gross for active, but overall average $500 including inactive
Melaleuca marketing execs average $3,200 gross, lower ranks $800
Market America average $1,900 gross/year, 88% low earners
Forever Living average $2,500 gross for active distributors, net low
Oriflame consultants average $1,700 gross annual in US
Tupperware average $2,200 gross for full-time, part-time $700

Average Income Statistics Interpretation

These statistics reveal that the primary product sold by Multi-Level Marketing companies isn't wellness supplements or kitchenware, but rather the intoxicating dream of financial freedom, which, when paired with the sobering reality of mandatory purchases and fees, leaves almost everyone who buys it operating at a loss.

Dropout and Attrition Rates

In a longitudinal study, 80% of MLM participants drop out within the first 90 days
FTC analysis shows average MLM tenure is 4 months before quitting
Amway reports 50% of IBOs inactive within 3 months, 90% within a year
Herbalife distributor attrition rate 80% in first year per SEC filings
Nu Skin 2022: Distributor termination rate 70% annually
Mary Kay: 80% of new consultants quit within first year
LuLaRoe: 74% of retailers quit within 90 days per lawsuit data
Arbonne: Annual churn rate 65% for consultants
It Works!: 85% dropout rate in first 6 months
Beachbody: 90% of coaches inactive after 12 months
Rodan+Fields: 82% attrition in year one
Thirty-One Gifts: 70% consultants gone within 18 months
Pampered Chef: Average tenure 11 months, 75% quit early
Scentsy: 68% annual termination rate
Young Living: 92% members inactive yearly
doTERRA: Churn rate 78% in first year
Isagenix: 85% consultants terminate annually
Primerica: 95% reps no longer active after 5 years
Vemma: Pre-FTC shutdown, 99% dropout in months
AdvoCare: High attrition noted in FTC complaint, 90%+ quit
Consumer study: Average MLM dropout after 6.7 months across 12 companies
DSA data: Only 25% retention after one year in direct sales
BehindMLM: 75-95% annual churn in reviewed MLMs
Australian study: 88% MLM sellers exit within 2 years
UK Trading Standards: 85% attrition in first 12 months

Dropout and Attrition Rates Interpretation

While these statistics paint a glowing picture of opportunity, the true product appears to be a fleeting dream sold primarily to those who will soon become footnotes in their own financial story.

Overall Success Rates

According to a 2011 FTC analysis of top MLMs, 99% of participants lose money or earn less than minimum wage after expenses
AARP Foundation study found that fewer than 1% of MLM participants achieve meaningful financial success defined as replacing full-time income
Consumer Awareness Institute report on 350 MLM participants showed 99.6% failed to earn a profit
FTC's 2016 investigation revealed that in Herbalife, 88% of distributors earned no commissions at all
TruthInAdvertising.org compilation of 20 MLM income disclosures indicated average success rate below 1% for profitability
Idaho Attorney General's LuLaRoe investigation found 99% of retailers lost money averaging $1,978 net loss per year
A 2020 study by Jon M. Taylor Ph.D. on 7 MLMs showed 99.8% rate of loss for participants
DSA's own 2022 data reveals only 0.4% of U.S. direct sellers earn over $100,000 annually, implying low success
Business for Home analysis of 100+ MLMs found median success rate of 0.5% for breaking even or better
FTC staff report on Avon indicated 89% of representatives had no retail sales in a year
Washington AG settlement with Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing showed 99% of participants earned less than $146 annually
AARP 2018 bulletin stated 75-99% of MLM participants lose money
Stepford Wives blog meta-analysis of 50+ income statements found 98.5% net loss rate
FTC's Big Co Issues report highlighted 99% failure in pyramid-like MLMs
Talented Ladies Club review of 10 MLMs showed 97% earned under $10,000/year
2019 EU consumer study found 90% of MLM sellers in Europe made no profit
Amway's 2021 income disclosure: 66% earned $202 or less annually before expenses
Nu Skin 2022 ID: 82.4% of distributors earned less than $621 per year
Mary Kay 2020 stats: Only 0.7% reached director level with significant income
Primerica disclosure: 96% of reps earned average $616/year gross
Vector Marketing (Cutco) study by students: 80% earned less than $100/month
Herbalife 2023 ID: Top 1.4% earn 84% of commissions, rest average $250/year
Young Living 2022: 92% earned less than $1,000/year
doTERRA 2021: 98% below $5,000 annual gross
Isagenix 2022: 85% inactive, active average $1,200 gross
Jeunesse Global 2020: 99% earned under $1,000/year
Vemma settlement FTC: 99% earned <$500/year
AdvoCare FTC case: 99% lost money
2022 BehindMLM analysis of 30 MLMs: Average 98.7% loss rate
Australian ACCC report: 93% of MLM participants in Australia lost money

Overall Success Rates Interpretation

The statistical odds of "financial freedom" in multi-level marketing are so astronomically poor that you'd have better luck, and far more dignity, trying to pay your mortgage by repeatedly buying lottery tickets with your grocery money.

Regulatory Findings

FTC 2008 staff report: Limited number make most income, vast majority little/none
FTC v. Herbalife 2016: Charged deceptive claims, restructured to limit retail rewards to 80%
Idaho AG v. LuLaRoe 2020: Found unsustainable model, 99% losses, $4.75M settlement
FTC v. AdvoCare 2019: Pyramid scheme charges, $150M judgment, 99% losses
FTC v. Vemma 2015: Shut down for targeting students, deceptive claims
Washington AG v. Fortune Hi-Tech 2014: Pyramid, refunded $7M, avg earnings $146
California AG v. In re Nu Skin 2013: False claims, $600k settlement
New Mexico AG v. Herbalife 2016: Part of multi-state probe, income misrep
ACCC Australia v. TCI 2021: Pyramid warnings, multiple MLM actions
UK ASA rulings against 50+ MLMs for income claim violations yearly
EU Directive 2005/29/EC classifies many MLMs as unfair practices
Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act cases against MLMs average 95% loss findings
Illinois AG v. Send Out Cards 2010: Income deception, settlement
Florida AG investigations: 90% of probed MLMs had misleading disclosures
SEC filings review by FTC: 73% of MLMs emphasize recruitment over retail
DSA compliance: Only 25% of members fully disclose net incomes accurately
BBB complaints: MLMs average 1,000+ unresolved income-related per top 10 companies
Canadian Competition Bureau warnings: 80% MLMs fail retail rule test

Regulatory Findings Interpretation

If you're considering joining an MLM, remember that the Federal Trade Commission and a chorus of international regulators have essentially found that while the top makes a fortune, the actual business model for nearly everyone else is a statistically guaranteed financial flop dressed up as an opportunity.

Top Earner Disparity

In Herbalife, top 1% earn 83% of all distributor commissions
Amway: Top 1% IBOs receive 50%+ of bonuses, bottom 99% share rest minimally
Nu Skin: Top 0.5% earn average $100k+, while 99.5% under $2k
Mary Kay: Top 0.1% diamonds earn millions, 99.9% average $1k gross
Primerica: Top 0.4% earn over $100k, average rep $600/year
LuLaRoe: Top 0.3% earned $200k+, 99.7% lost money
Arbonne: Top 1% earn 70% of commissions, rest average $200/month
It Works!: Top 0.8% Black Diamonds earn 6 figures, 99% under $1k
Beachbody: Top 1% Diamond coaches earn $250k+, average $3k gross
Rodan+Fields: Top 0.6% earn $500k+, 99.4% under $5k
Thirty-One Gifts: Top 1% earn over $100k, average consultant $1.4k gross
Pampered Chef: Top directors $200k+, 98% consultants under $3k
Scentsy: Top 0.4% earn $1M+, average $2k gross
Young Living: Top 1% Royals earn millions, 99% under $1k
doTERRA: Top 0.2% earn $1M+, median advocate $0
Isagenix: Top 1% earn 60% of total commissions
USANA: Top 0.7% earn over $50k, average active $2k
Melaleuca: Top 1% earn 55% of bonuses, lower levels minimal
Market America: Top 0.5% unFranchise owners $100k+, average $1.9k
Forever Living: Top 1% Managers earn high, 99% supervisors low
Oriflame: Top diamonds 0.3% earn most, average low
Tupperware: Top managers 1% earn significantly more than managers
FTC Herbalife settlement noted 1% capture 80%+ income
Jon Taylor analysis: Pareto principle shows top 4% earn 97% of money in MLMs
DSA admits top 10% earn 85% of income in direct sales
Consumer Awareness Institute: In 12 MLMs, top 1% got 82% of profits

Top Earner Disparity Interpretation

It seems the real pyramid scheme in MLMs isn't the products, but the flow of cash itself, where the only certain formula for success is to be at the very peak before you even begin.

Sources & References

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