| Author | Message | ||
     Anonymous (66.46.129.174) |
Greeting from Canada! I would like to know if any of you have experience with an MLM called Treasure Traders. My supervisor has gotten the majority of my coworkers involved (bad boundaries,eh?). He railroaded them into one of those hokey intro-meetings which involved the proverbial video/ charismatic speaker telling each prespective recruit to come up with the $1200 start-up fee even if it means asking for a loan. The whole thing is very convoluted but involves "gem cash" or "emeralds" as currency. Supposedly, members are to recieve $7000 in two weeks. Once enrolled, a member must sign a contract and has 4 weeks to recruit two people. My coworkers are some of the most assertive, streetwise people I know. I can't believe they are falling for this horse$**t. | ||
| Bruce Audley (142.59.183.12) |
Back at yeh from western Canada! Even streetwise people could benefit from reading just a small fraction of the postings on this forum. Do them a favor and introduce them to factnet.org. There are a lot of MLM stories and they feature very well known organizations written by very real folks. If some of these wrenching stories from regular people like you and me do not do the trick, you may need to drop "wise" from your description! | ||
| Anonymous (66.46.129.174) |
Hi Bruce!! Thanks for your reply and for your wry humor!! I certainly agree with your view!! Hopefully my co-workers will pay attention to the many dissenting voices on this site. I have learned so much from reading the stories myself................. | ||
| Dunmow Dan (66.185.84.75) |
Hi Anonymous and Hi to Bruce, I am also trying to find out the validity of this hyped up huge-money get-rich-quick scheme. As far as I can find out it is based up the distribution of Somali Emeralds and that, in my experience, is such a stupid idea. Yes there is an amazing amount of emeralds in that part of East Africa BUT the controls and the values are far from being in place to an acceptable levle of any quality in order to be able to conduct any form of a due diligence. A Somali guy in Ottawa who is involved (?)is not wanting to have his name known. Hiding the truth or hiding from someone. A friend of mine has buckets of these emeralds and was for many years importing them for a mining show (You buy a bucket of seeded-ore and see what you can find by panning that bucket). The driving force behind this plan, IMHO, is "greed" not quality nor legitimacy and this is certainly not a qualified MLM. ? | ||
| Anonymous (66.185.84.203) |
The Better Business Bureau Of Mid Western Ontario has Treasure Traders International listed as a pyramid scheme. | ||
| sds (24.235.163.40) |
Please give us the link to this BBB decision on TTI. From what Ipersonally have found, they are seen as a clean operation. Thanks in advance sds | ||
| Bruce Audley (142.59.192.178) |
Just a thought from my thirty-three years in the jewellery (Canadian spelling) industry. Any investment regardless of its nature, requires access to a viable market in which the initial investment can be liquidated. That is true regardless of whether or not there is a profit. Without the market availablilty, how does an invester realize his profit or his lose? Diamonds, natural corundum (ruby, sapphire), natural beryl (emerald) and of course diamonds, have long been used as a pitch for "high financial reward" opportities. It is only after owning any of the above that you start to realize there is absolutley no way to sell the product. There is no wholesale or retail stream, that the small time investor can acess. A company involved in this type of trade business in our jewellery sector, usually has ten of millions of his hard earned dollars, invested in a commodity that he will work very hard to maintain. That would be things like having an active and agressive sales force, maintaining a large inventory, have the ability to send stones on approval prior to a sale, carry the correct insurance (in-house as well as transporting the product) and, let's not forget the all important, HE MUST BE PREPARED TO EXTEND TERMS OF PAYMENT! Where would a little investor with a couple of stones even begin to go in order to liquidate his investment. Of course, any of the above would look great in a pendent or ring, given to a loved one. Typically, schemes such as this are pitched as "insider" opportunities. The sales pitch would only be complete if during some part of it, the potential investor is told something like, "This is an incredible, almost unbelivable ground floor opportunity for the poeple getting in on the bottom floor! It will be these folks taking home the true profits in addition to making the investor some serious money". Two problems now arise: 1. The shrewd investor will be told they need to build a "down stream" .In order for everything to work, buiding a team under neath yourself, will truly result in large profits to the new investor. 2. Their pitch may also include something regarding reselling through your team however, you are advised to keep this opportuniy quiet other then within the company. The problem is, if you cannot do your research into the liquidity of your investment, how very shaky the deal must be, wouldn't you all agree? Invest if you will however; please, please do the same homework you would do for any potential investment and above all, talk to some professionals. They are not going to steal your place in line but, they may tell you some outcomes that you may not even yet be aware. Good-luck! Bruce | ||
| Hardan (207.112.90.176) |
Hello, Dunmow Dan TTI emerald is from Columbia and not from Somalia. And according to the record Columbian emerald is high grade. Have you heard of TTI's side yet? If not, better attend one of their presentation and after that approach any of them and ask questions. In this way, you'll satisfy your curiosity and you don't need to join if you don't want to. By the way, I'm not a TTI member. Hardan | ||
| TT (66.185.84.203) |
From what I learned, TTI is a legit business and it's federally registered in Canada. According to the TTI Pres/Ceo, the structure of the business is pyramidal BUT it's a legal one. Tons of money to be made. It's really not that easy to make money but once you learned how it works, it really works!! It's not a get rich quick scheme. You have to work at it just like any other business but the pay off is much much bigger! Dont judge this business until you attend the presentation. I find that the people who critize this business are usually people driven by negative thoughts, they're so negative and usually these are the same people who do nothing with their lives but complain and procastinate. What a shame | ||
| Bruce Audley (142.59.192.178) |
Let me see if I understand this correctly! The folks that embrace this incredible "work hard make lots of money scheme before the next guy" are the sharp ones and those that don't buy into "TTI" are the (to use your words) "...people driven by negative thoughts, they're so negative and usually these are the same people who do nothing with their lives but complain and procrastinate." Maybe I can shorten this up a bit. Those that embrace this legit business are the good guys and those that aren't are the bad guys that are going to buy what the good guys are trying to sell. Sounds like the kind of business opportunity that must have them lined up in the aisles twenty deep. If I wasn't so busy in my lack lustre career, I would beat a path to their door immediately. I have always thought the only thing my life was truly missing was a really solid, legit, get rich quick scheme that was careful to weed out all the dummies for me. After all, I wouldn't want to meet up with any negative people now would I? Where possibly would I go to sign up for this once in a lifetime opportunity? I want to climb on board before all my neighbors! | ||
| Mark (129.37.153.165) |
Forget about the gems. This scheme is legal. It has no issues with the BBB and it makes money. Period. The gems provide an aire of legitimacy. You do not need to EVER sell a gem to make money. You buy in for 1200 which only gives you the OPTION to purchase a gem(s) worth a certified appraisal value of 5000. If you bring in two recruits underneath you and you get to the top of the pyramid, you collect 9600 and give 2600 of that to the company and walk away with 7000. Many have become Captain many times over. Without EVER even attempting to liquidate the gem. So, you pay your 1200 for the 'option'. You still haven't bought the gem. Even if you become captain 10 times and make 70,000 you have still made 70,000 less the 12,000 you paid to get in 10 times. That's 58,000 in profit. AND you still have options to purchase 10 gems for another $755 each (including taxes) that's 7,550 for, supposedly, 50,000 in gems. I spoke with two buyers in downtown Toronto who have come across many of these 'gemcash' bundles with Emeralds appraised at $5000. They say, appraisal means nothing. The quality is crap and the most they would consider is %10 of appraised value. So you're paying $1955 for a 500 gem. So, now you are aware. Nobody is saying you can't make money at this. Forget about the gem. This is a thinly disguised cash pyramid scheme that is legal. Yes you can make a lot of money at it and yes there is a risk. But forget about the gem. It's BS and the sooner you realize it the better off you'll be. Make your money and run. | ||
| cam (24.226.10.98) |
Hi all, I am currently involved in the TTI business. Once you join with your initial $1200 all you have to do after that is get people to go to the meetings. That is it. It is the meeting that will make the people decide if they want to join or not. That is what you must express! There is no commitment after a meeting. It's free and legal. Please feel free to write me with questions or comments. Cam | ||
| TPFKASOF (66.26.203.193) |
"Once you join with your initial $1200..." ~but~ "It's free and legal." - Erm...as you see, I'm having a bit of trouble wrapping my mind around the concept that something which costs $1200 is free. Then I get to the part where all I have to do is get people into meetings where there is no commitment made and apparently no exchange of goods or services, but everyone involved will turn a profit. And all this is legal? Where - in ancient Byzantium? So, Cam, you're obviously still at large, but are you rich yet? | ||
| Bruce Audley (142.59.192.178) |
Okay, okay! Now I've got the picture. Forget about the gem, it has nothing to do with the opportunity. I think I can grab that concept. And let me get this straight (best if I use a quote here). "This is a thinly disguised cash pyramid scheme that is legal." I have known wonderful teachers that would have loved this great example of a current day OXYMORON! Cash pyramids, hell any pyramids, are very, very illegal and legal is well, you know, LEGAL! Now add to that thought, the even better one that describes this opportunity of a lifetime as a "thinly disguised" pyramid scheme and what do you have? An illegal pyramid scheme as old as time itself. The gem angle is new but please don't forget we are all supposed to loose sight of the fact a gem is involved! It is there but it really isn't! Ancient Byzantium perhaps... | ||
| Morry (69.197.150.33) |
Short and sweet... http://www.bbbmwo.ca/report.html?compid=25998 (The Better Business Bureau of Mid-Western Ontario) --> Pay particular attention to the "Business Classification(s):" and "Customer Experience" sections. (its a short read;) | ||
| Vinny (66.185.85.75) |
I was just talking to a friend who has started this whole thing. I will impart my knowledge to the rest of you as I did with my friend. Please remember in Canada, any income is taxable( with the exception of lottery, insurance beneficiaries and proceeds from the sale of property). If you try and hide it, the government is not stupid. People do Cash deals for a reason, but too many cash deals will kick you in the ass. I'm not saying this isn't a good opportunity...just realize the consequences. That's all my input. If anyone wants to learn more about your hard earned money visit www.worldfinancialgroup.com and let them know 200vvc sent you. I'll be happy to explain this and how it relates to this and any other financially related questions that you may have. I'm not doing this to solicit you to join World Financial Group, but I am quite willing to bring you up to date as to what you can expect from your financial wealth and future. | ||
| TPFKASOF (66.26.203.193) |
Bruce, I did a bit of research and traced this scheme back to its real origins. While the appearance is Byzantine, the substance is definitely Ferengi! | ||
| Bruce Audley (142.59.192.178) |
Ah, yes!!! Please correct me if I am wrong here "TPFKASOF" but, within the "Ferengi" structure, are there not heavy caste class systems what only allow the richest people to receive unsolicitated and substantial cash gifts that are non-taxable??? And is it not also true that these bountiful gifts of plenty involve nothing more then beating the other "Ferengii" (plural of Ferengi) to the punch by applying their signatures to a piece of paper first? Just thought I would ask... Bruce | ||
| TPFKASOF (66.26.203.193) |
Even so, Bruce. How perceptive of you! BTW, have you ever taken a good look at "Dubya's" ears? | ||
| Brad Peterson (142.179.181.126) |
I wouldn't even call this "thinly disguised". It's a blatant Ponzi scheme, and totally illegal. The only reason it's running is because the government investigations department probably hasn't caught wind of it yet. Any concept that pays people higher up in the hierarchy through the recruitment of new members who pay to join the scheme (thinly disguished with some sort of product purchase comittment without requiring a legitimate reselling of product) is a "Pyramid Scheme", or Ponzi scheme to more specific. This one is doomed to failure once the authorities catch on. | ||
| steve littlehawk (199.243.9.156) |
The creator of this concept comes from a background of many (questionable schemes) like Alpha Club for example. TTIC is currently legal despite the efforts of some to expose it. But legal is not the question you should ask yourself. The money collected and paid out comes from ppl convinced that it is legal and they will get rich. But to make any MLM moral, if it is going to use your money to pay others, you should end up with something of value in your hand. Despite the appraised value of these emeralds....try getting anything at all for them ...even $20. Its companies like this that created the bad name for all the other good and legitimate ideas out there. It is not creating a new way to market a product...but simply using a old way of getting rich off other peoples dreams... By the time this is "doomed" the owners will be stinking rich and many people will have lost their money as it take constant new money to keep it moving.. but they r solving that by moving on to other countries like the UK. | ||
| Anonymous (198.96.80.16) |
i can't seem to find TTI's web site. it was there a few days ago. they have move to a new worldheadquaters at Matheson Blvd. E. Mississauga, but today their web site is nowhere to be found. does anyone know what has happened?? | ||
| Anonymous (24.157.168.198) |
hello there.. we have also been looking for the site have they gone underground? seems they've bought an island and disappeared aha aha.. | ||
| Anonymous (66.185.84.75) |
Here's the website: http://www.treasuretradersinternational.com Rule 1. of the Business "Say Nothing, Say Nothing, Say Nothing What part of say nothing u don't understand!" "Just invite others to the meeting, we'll explain everything" 16 locations, 2 meetings every day, 7 days a week, 30 days a month, 50-100 ppl attending, $5 for entry to the intro meeting.. hmm, over quarter million in cash revenue(no receipt issued) every month just from intro meeting entry fees  $25 for the application kit, which contains the rules if you choose to read before becoming a member Scam is a small word | ||
| Anonymous (24.157.168.198) |
So the website does exist! So why can't GOOGLE.COM pick it up? And why are crucial details like: testimonials or products unavailable since this great thing began??? The "products/testimonials" page is unavailable at this time. | ||
| Bruce Audley (142.59.192.178) |
If the second posting above (Anonymous 66.185.84.75) doesn't cause the average reader to sit back and say, "Yikes, I couldn't run fast enough to get away from this so called business opportunity", then I do not know what would! Short of adding secret, blood sharing brother-love-brother rituals, this is a repackaged, make your money before the next guy, nothing invested nothing gained, PYRAMID SCHEME. As a previous poster noted, the only thing missing here with this enterprising group is that they are still flying under the radar of the authorities. Perhaps the first millionaires they create will draw a bit of attention. Secondary thought, if they did consider adding the "blood sharing brother-love-brother rituals", they could at least claim they are a religion and under "Rev-Can" and "I.R.S." rules, would not only be able to make millions for the masses but more importantly, they would be able to do it tax free! Now what could be sweeter then that? Better run out and purchase some of those great herding fences they use at you local bank to control the crowds. The lines are sure to be long and deep! Bruce | ||
| Anonymous (216.16.236.133) |
Has anyone actually profited from jumping onto a TTI Board? How long did it take? Is it worth to re-invest? | ||
| Anonymous (65.92.57.229) |
made a bit... its really hard though...some profit more than others depending on how quickly you learn it...what happens if everyone quits? thats where i stand now...i will keep my boards for a year and post back to let you know where this stands. | ||
| Anonymous (216.16.236.133) |
hard in what sense? obtaining 2 keys? how do you pitch these to your collegues & friends? i mean, yes it appears to be a pyramid but really, it's a recycled one that could work. maybe i should jump on your board. | ||
| Anonymous (66.185.84.75) |
"obtaining 2 keys?" I asked about the refund policy... "What! You don't knw 2 people, u can't get 2 ppl!" "HEY, this person doesn't knw 2 ppl!!" "Such Negative thinking!" "You can easily get 2 people" "You saw so many of these people became captain so many times within few weeks" Okay but whats the refund policy? "There is a refund policy, the details are in this kit, u can 'buy' it for $25" to get that 7K bonus u need 2 + 2x2 + 2x4 on ur board 14 ppl putting $1200 right captains?? another iceberg captain: "or u could exchange this gem-cash at gotrading.net and get points worth its value to buy anything frm gotrading.net" "yes gotrading.net, ebay finally has some competition!" anyone ever heard abt gotrading.net before?? not to mention you have to register & pay $100 first anyone tried selling any gem-cash for profit ?? | ||
| Anonymous (66.185.84.75) |
http://ottawa.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=ot_emeralds20040512 | ||
| Anonymous (69.159.16.59) |
FINALLY DONE! DO THIS SAME PLAN, BUT WE DO IT WITH DIAMONDS! HIGH RESELL VALUE WITH OVERNIGHT LIQUIDATION OF YOUR DIAMONDS FOR PROFIT! $9500 PROFIT PER CYCLE $1200 ONE TIME FEE FOR LIFE! YOU FINISH A CYCLE, AND WE PAY YOUR WAY BACK IN! PURE PROFIT ON ALL RE-ENTRIES INTO THIS PLAN. INTERESTED? CALL 705-690-1431 | ||
| DWTSAFLA (207.61.175.124) |
I'm glad I found this site (after scrolling through pages and pages at google.com). I finally had to restrict it to Cdn sites only. My best friend has come across this and is really gungho. I'm a newbie to the MLM business (SeneGence.com), but this traders thing sounds like pure pyramiding. If I understand correctly, a pyramid is defined by the sponser getting paid for bringing someone into the business vs. legit MLM that pays out on the efforts of the person brought in. Please, correct me if I am wrong, like I mentioned, this is new to me. I don't think she should go into it. I don't think she realized it go 3? deep before the payout, with everyone bringing in someone. | ||
| Bruce Audley (142.59.192.178) |
DWTSAFLA - Please check out the link provided by "Anonymous (69.159.16.59)" two postings above yours (Friday July 23, 2004 - 08:34 pm). This "Anonymous" person doesn't say much but the article is heavy with self-explanation! I always have trouble remembering this quote accurately but, I recall it goes something like, "If it sounds too good -- -- ----, ---- --probably is!" Bruce | ||
| Sharon (66.185.84.203) |
Thanks to Bruce Audley and Anonymous (66.185.84.75) for pointing out and providing the link. To tell you the truth, I was very very very skeptical in joining until I read the following from that CBC report. And I quote: "Treasure Traders' CEO and founder Allan Kippax insists his company is no scheme. The self-described marketing genius says it is a pyramid, but it's not an illegal pyramid. "Network marketing is legitimate," said Kippax. "And people have taken a negative stance." The FACT that founder/CEO Allan Kippax publicly admitting thru CBC that it's a LEGAL MLM (some call it pyramid, ponzie, whatever) -> is enough for me to decide FOR MYSELF to join. I just called my girlfriend and let her know Im ready to join. Excited! take care people | ||
| I Cleopatra (198.96.80.16) |
so what's the schedule for TTI in August? doesn't the quy (Kippax) take any vacations or does he work like 24 hrs a day non stop? they had straight trainning for the last 3 wks in July! | ||
| I Cleopatra (198.96.80.16) |
so what's the schedule for TTI in August, doesn't the guy (Kippax) take any vacations or does he work like 24 hrs a day non stop? they just had the last 3 wks staight trainning in July! | ||
| Sandy (209.121.229.215) |
There was a pyramid marketing system about 5 years ago. This was cleverly thought over and redone with a "commodity". This makes it legal. The concept is right and as long as whoever joins knows that they have to bring in 2 members and $1200, it will work. I have seen many people go over the top (the captain) in the previous pyramid. But the stakes were higher at that time, but the payout was also higher. If you know what you have to do and can, then do it. But if you can't , then don't join. We went as a group yesterday and went back today and joined. There were 11 of us, the board split, and we expect the board to split again tomorrow and hopefully I will get my $7000. by the weekend. I have a goal and need the money. That in itself is a great motivator. The people who were captains were school teachers, alot of accountants, hospital workers, students with student loans, bank tellers etc. Pyramid or not, this is legal!!! And alot of fun with a lot of excitement and enthusium. | ||
| Anonymous (24.103.202.240) |
Has anyone been told about the $5000 certificate that can be exchanged for a card to buy product through a website called GoTrading.net. Can anyone inform me if this can really be traded for goods, and has anyone traded? | ||
| TPFKASOF (66.26.203.193) |
"...hopefully I will get my $7000. by the weekend." - You'll let us know, won't you? "Only the first pigs to the trough will get sated..." | ||
| Sandy (209.121.229.215) |
I joined on Wednesday, and on Friday Aug 6 (2days later) we split the board again. I am now on second level (one from the captain's spot) Our group is very excited and we have about 10 people coming on Tuesday to the meeting. So far, everybody we have brought has joined, or are trying to. But DO NOT JOIN if you cannot bring in 2 members. It's the momentum and the enthusium that's making this work. But I will let you know. (By the way, I have also split another spot with someone else.) So I have 2 spots that will be on top soon. | ||
| Sandy (209.121.229.215) |
We had a glich. We could not move up because you have to give 24 hours notice to the people above you to give them a chance to get their keys(people). If they can't get their keys, they could be skipped over or buy keys. So we are just waiting. | ||
| Anonymous (216.75.179.115) |
I am a full time Network Marketing professional with a legitimate product driven network marketing company. This TTI is just about the worst thing I have ever seen. It is border line illegal pyramid schemes like this that give our wonderful industry of Network Marketing a bad name. People are attracted to it out of hype, greed and a get rich quick mentality. Some will make a lot of money, but they will do it by using people. And when this thing crashes, as it surely will, if it's not shut down first, a lot of people are going to be hurt. And then they'll say, " Yeah I tried Network Marketing, and it's a scam." Know the difference folks between a legitimate company and a scam. All the professional successful Network Marketers I know are united on this: "Stay away from this one!!!" If you think TTI is legitimate Network Marketing, you don't know Network Marketing. | ||
| Anonymous (66.185.84.75) |
goTrading.net ebay FINALLY has some competition.. there's hardly anything worth 5K on gotrading.net and u can get your money after a few weeks not immediately, not to mention u have to pay an amount to get registered on gotrading.net too.. SCAM! SCAM! SCAM! | ||
| Anonymous (65.95.130.236) |
Anonymous - I joined TTI about 10 weeks ago . I've brought many people to the meetings but haven't had anyone sign up yet. Can anyone tell me what I can do now? I'm getting frustrated especially as I watch many other people become Captain! Please advise. | ||
| Anonymous (69.197.86.231) |
the only legitamate thing TTI is holding onto is its ties to a company call Gotrading.net. They have a global market for these gems because of how many connections there are with business people from around the world. If gotrading did not create a way for tti members to make their gems liquid, they wouldnt be successful as they are. they would probably have fallen of the map by now. | ||
| TPFKASOF (66.26.203.193) |
"I joined TTI about 10 weeks ago . I've brought many people to the meetings but haven't had anyone sign up yet. Can anyone tell me what I can do now? I'm getting frustrated especially as I watch many other people become Captain! Please advise." - Here's what you can do: Get yourself a gun. The next time you bring a person to the meeting, put the gun to his/her head and say, "Join TTI NOW, or it will be the last thing you don't do!" Alternatively, you can kiss your $1200 goodbye. | ||
| Bruce Audley (198.53.237.250) |
Regarding the above posting by TPFKASOF. I have always preferred a much gentler way of delictately explaining to people that the scam they are now embarking upon only gets worse because it is totally reliant on selling out your friends and loved ones in order that you may personally receive your just and rich financial rewards. I think I like your explantion better!!!! Bruce | ||
| Lucy (206.116.177.90) |
A Message to all the skeptical people. Who cares if it's a pyramid or not. As long as it works!!! The Goverment is one big pyramid,Isn't it? And we are all on the bottem. I'm going to check it out.If I am going to loose $1200.00 at least I gave it away and the goverment didn't take it.And if I make captain. Well YAHOO!!!! | ||
| TPFKASOF (66.26.203.193) |
Good onya, Lucy! Forge ahead! Ignore what we say! What do we know anyways, eh? And hey, I've got an even better opportunity, special just for you: Send me your name, address, bloodtype and $1200 (PayPal accepted) and I'll rush your Captain's Papers (suitable for framing) to you post haste immmediately. NO waiting! NO meetings to attend! You'll be at the very pinnacle of my pyramid, in on the ground floor, so to speak, and not only that, but I'll be with you every step of the way! - GUARANTEED! But wait, there's MORE! (Yahoos, that is.) In fact, there's one born every minute...  | ||
| Bruce Audley (198.53.237.250) |
"Who cares if it's a pyramid or not. As long as it works!!!" Well let me see. Probably the feds and the local and regional police force oh, and let's not forget, the numerous friends and family that absolutley, positvely must sign up and loose their own $1,200.00 in order for you to reap your windfall! Yeah, I think that sounds like a super deal to me. Now where did I put that list of loved ones.... Bruce | ||
| donna smith (67.71.41.164) |
There are so many crab like people out there that will try to stop other people from doing something to help themselves.Whether they succeed or not it's there business, but nothing beats a trial but a failure and that's what life is all about. Some people are just jealous and some are followers not leaders. I am not a member of this TTI company yet, but i think it is a wonderful business design to help average and poor people mainly.People who want to try to help themselve should not listen to negative people who have not done anything for themselves, but to sit and bad mouth other people and their business. I will join TTI!!! | ||
| TPFKASOF (66.26.203.193) |
Bruce, why so crabby! You don't want to deny these fine folks their opportunity to learn a valuable life-lesson, do ya? Please, get past your jealousy and be positive, for Ponzi's sake! BTW, Tellya what I'm gonna do! Because my sole design is to help average and poor people | ||
| Lucy (206.116.177.90) |
Thanks TPFKASOF For the advise. My blood type is A,And I dont do PAY PAL. It gave my computer a virus just like you. And to you Bruce,If you did your homework it is LEGAL. There are some police,Feds, goverment workers & ect. in TTI. I went to a meeting today. I think I am going to WINFALL AWAY!!!I think you guys are right one size doesn't fit all but it can fit many. Thanks for the advise anyways. | ||
| Anonymous (216.75.184.241) |
Here's another one for all who can't discern legitimate Network Marketing from a Scam. Please note the similarity with TTI. JET99 ANOTHER AIRPLANE GAME! 11 Aug 2004 – Another one up for a pyramid headhunters award! First you “head hunt” up 25 Activated members to fill up coach and get $100! Put 10 more heads into business class and get $2500. Then put 10 more heads into First Class and get $25,000! HMMM 25+10+10 =45 heads. The entry “Fig Leaf” disguise is a companion airline ticket. This one is moving hard and fast! Scamsters right and left are jumping onboard to sucker in the unsuspecting! The unsuspecting get to become suckers! Click on http://www.jet99.com --from MLMWatchDog.com | ||
| Bruce Audley (198.53.237.250) |
I got it Lucy. This thing is legal because it has attracted police, Feds, government workers (ain't these considered Feds) & etc.? All those years in law school wasted because all you need to do is follow the parade to make something legal! Probably something to do with "Everyone loves a parade" or another old favorite, "Last one in the Pool". Sorry, it is not hard to write cynical thoughts because anything else is simply going to pale with these new postings. If it works for you, you don't need anyone's permission. Come on, you already knew that. Donna may be right. TPFKASOF and myself are just not sharp enough sticks to grasp this newest "everyone gets rich scheme". Easy TPFKASOF, I'm not trying to antagonize you, I like you better on the side of the bright light. I ask only one thing of Donna, Lucy and all the other brand new almost millionaires. Remember to be nice to the people you are walking over now in order to get to the top. You're gonna be meeting them again on the way down! Bruce | ||
| Bruce Audley (198.53.237.250) |
Sorry Guys! I just checked out the site suggested by Anonymous (216.75.184.241) and I need to redirect all of my computer's power toward signing me up for this other "beat the other guy to the punch" opportunity. My wife is going to be so surprised when she comes back from her second job and I get to tell her the exciting news that I didn't just fritter her money away this time. I actually get almost free airline companion tickets and she can join me in the islands. She is going to be so excited oh, oh. I hear her in the driveway. I know you will all be able to hear her screams of delight when I tell her the great news. Listen up and follow, don't lead... Bruce | ||
| lucy (206.116.177.90) |
Well Bruce you must had got burned of the big pyramid 5 yrs ago,and lost your family and friends. If you go to a meeting it's up to the individual to decide,nobody is holding a gun to there head. I dont expect to step on anybody on my way up, but to help them. I do not want to be a millionaire,Just to be able to pay some bills so I can breath again. Have you even been to a meeting? PS: I joined tonight and the board already SPLIT!!!!!!!!!! | ||
| Anonymous (216.16.236.133) |
lucy, one of the people on my board is next to be captain, however has not obtained 2 keys. can't we just replace that person in order for the board to move? why don't you jump onto our board hehe. | ||
| Anonymous (65.93.117.114) |
Seems to me that a lot of people have a lot of misinformation about TTI. First the emeralds were from Somalia when they are from Columbia. If people are willing to gamble $1200. to gain $7,000 rather quickly, what is the problem with that? It might be just what they need at the time to tide then over a rough financial time in life. If you went into a gambling Casino with $1200 and lost that, you can't go crying to management that you want your money back. Life is a series of choices and if you choose TTI or don't chose it the consequenses are yours either way. If you snooze you lose. I think it is too good to miss out on. Governments are shaped like pyramids as are Church organizations. There is always the one big guy at the top except in TTI, the ones at the bottom get a try at the top position too. I wonder if maybe the governments have enough cleaning up to do themselves without spoiling things for us. They should leave this one alone. | ||
| samson (65.95.216.217) |
bruce get a life | ||
| Lady Luck (69.156.106.149) |
I have read all your comments and think I will attend a meeting for myself. Despite everything I believe it is gamble and if you can afford to take it why wouldn't you. If you can't afford to take the gamble don't try to discourage those that can. If you feel it is a rip off don't bother joining. If you bring in two friends and they make captain and pay day comes.. see if they say you sold them out on the way up. | ||
| samson (65.95.216.217) |
bruce I have been in for 3 months and have been captain 4 times that is $4800.00 with the gems, got to go count my money, bruce dude get a life | ||
| Bruce Audley (198.53.237.250) |
People, people!!! I am sorry I was out of town all day (working the old fashioned way) and I see the "P.B.'s" (Posting Beavers) were very active. I must admit, "get a life" rates right up there with some of the best repartee I've come across in the last several years however; I will except it for how it was intended. I can only surmise that Samson must be far too busy counting his riches for meaningful dialogue so when one runs short of time, a couple of quick shots should do the trick. When everyone is finished raking in the easy money, there is a little town just a tad south of here (Las Vegas) that was built on just this kind of avarice. And for the record, they tell us that everyone that plays the odds in Las Vegas, comes away a winner! Mind you, all they get is money but while you are down there, tell them you unbelievable "keys for emeralds for captains" story and I can guarantee there will be a couple of future captains ready to hand over the cash without even leaving the casino floor. Yes, life IS a series of choices (thank God) but please do not forget that while the gun may not be loaded with real bullets, the promise of infinite wealth can be more alluring to some people than a herion addict waiting for their next fix. Let's make a deal as everyone is already convinced this is the "yellow brick highway" we all dream about late at night. Meet me back here in two months and we can total up all of the earnings and if everyone can agree that they are four or five times richer then when they started, I'll eat my hat. Just let me know a bit in advance because I will need to buy one. We usually wear toques up here in Canada! Good Luck to one a all... Bruce | ||
| lucy (206.116.177.90) |
Hi Anonymous 216.16.236.133 as I understand it when you join you are prewarned to bring in 2 keys.If you know you cant I wouldn't join(they should have did their homework first).they will get 24 hours notice that the board is going to split.They get skipped over 3 times. If they do not get there keys the fourth time,then they are out. I think this is very fair.PS: Samson I hope to be counting my riches with you soon!!!!!!!! | ||
| Sharon (24.43.156.226) |
All my roommates joined TTI as well. I finished my 1st captaincy in 2weeks. Im Captain again for the second time and I've already collected three $1200.00 from 3 crews on my second board. Hopefully I'll collect the other 1200 from the other five crews by mid-week next week. Thanks TTI. | ||
| lucy (206.116.177.90) |
Hey Sharon Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!! | ||
| SAMSON (65.95.218.184) |
hey brucey,people dont seem to have a problem with sharon, or my selfs success,and lucy will be joining us shortly, and yes I do like taking pot shots at little minded people like your self who cant take a chance in life, have you ever gone to a casino in your life and lost your money, because I have and took it like a man but I got lucky the next time,TTI is a gamble if you dont know 2 people, but if you do know 2 people then it is easy money, for all involved, and I do work 3 jobs,6-7 days a week, and the tax man has no problem with taking half my pay\wages, so this is just my way of a little extra cash,as I will be retiring at 45 years of age not like you bruce you keep working giving the tax man all your hard earned cash,and CONGRATULATIONS to you sharon and all your team players, are any of your peole that you brought in pissed at your success sharon, ???? not likely EH yours truly samson the GREEDY ONE | ||
| lucy (206.116.177.90) |
Samson you are so right, I go to the nooksack casino down in the united states. And when I loose I take it like a man, but last week I went down and I wasn't even there 20 minutes and I won $500.00 USD. And It felt so good when I cashed in and they said Congratulations. And soon with TTI I will have that feeling again.Nothing wrong with being the "GREEDY ONE" you go Boy!!!!!!!!! | ||
| Anonymous (209.217.123.36) |
Hey guys I have ben there, and been captain 2 times got my 14,000 and still keep going. Remember to please pay your taxes on this else you will pay dearly when the tax man finds out. This may sound like a scam but it does work if you work on it like any other business. You can not sit and expect the 7000 to come like some people expected it to come. There is work involved and time spent to achieve this goal. | ||
| Anonymous (65.48.225.214) |
Most people that post negative thoughts about this company state things that are simply not fact. I have posted below a link to a website that states the ACT created by the federal government showing what makes an mlm company ligit. I was in London last week and a Judge that just came on board described the difference between and illegal pyramid and TTI's policies and proceedures. http://www.cbsc.org/english/search/display.cfm?code=1982&Coll=FE_FEDSBIS_E | ||
| Anonymous (65.93.117.50) |
Persaonally, I would think that anyone who is critical of the TTI business, could possibly be an MLM worker who is afraid that his/her personal downline might leave and join TTI. Otherwise, why the big interest??? One sure thing in favour of the TTI business is the sale of emeralds which have intrinsic value that makes them worth holding on to in the event of economic depression in the future. We all know emeralds do not have a shelf life so you don't get caught with outdated product. I personally do not see that trading your hours for dollars for someone else is as noble a passtime as some may think. A little selfishness could be a good thing. As in being good to yourself - and at the same time, helping others? Is this possible?? | ||
| Nathan Livingston (24.69.255.203) |
I went to a meeting today and could definitely see the potential for fast money. I am a successful network marketter already and the most common objection that I come across is that a serious income takes a minimum of 6 mos. to build up. The average attention span, of course, is not that long, creating high turnover. Any effort not producing immediate results are seen as failure and new distributors turn the TV back on. TTI has certainly come up with a system which appears to avoid this trapping. That assumes, of course, that the term 'network marketting' applies. I would say that it would be difficult to argue against the fact that you are indeed building a 'network.' But just exactly what is it that this company has it's 'distributors' marketting? I happen to work with a company which focusses the vast majority of it's comensation towards recruiting bonusses, a very borderline practice by the letter of the law. However, from a standpoint of distribution, this obviously makes sense. We actually SELL a service from which the company draws profit. More focus on recruiting equals more distributers equals more sales. Pretty basic. From my understanding, no "distributor" in TTI ever need even see, let alone actually "distribute," any product at all. The beaty of network marketting, real network marketting, is not fast turnover on your investment, the beauty is in sustainable, realistic, residual income with an established company. As networkers, we are a marketting arm for an otherwise normal corporation. We advertise, through word of mouth, a product or service. TTI does not have anything that even closely resembles a corporate side, only money changing hands. Anyone interested in seeing the difference may visit www.startlivinglarge.com In short, MLM is good. TTI is a scam. Call if you have a problem with me 778 888 8147 | ||
| Anonymous (65.93.118.164) |
There are no legal loop holes in TTI. I am a member and have checked this out completely. The product that gets moved about is gemstones, one of the must valuable products in the world. I am also in a cosmetics business and the product although a very good one is very slow to turn over and only those who order a certain amount every month receive recognition. I now have a huge charge card debt because of this. This is demoralizing when at a conference and all the hotties are up on stage while I sit and applaud. In order to do well one has to work their buns off, build a team and benefit from their efforts. This is not the case in TTI. You realize success quickly which is what keeps you interested. Who wants to wait for 15 years to earn a leased automobile with company insignia all over it??? Keep your traditional MLM. It only works for a very few at the top of the pyramid. The others are the ones that make them look good so they recruit every one they can. How many of us will get stuck with tons of product they ordered just to look good? It does have a shelf life too not like the emeralds which will outlast me. I am so happy I found TTI because now I can pay off my credit card and become debt free. | ||
| Nathan Livingston (154.20.114.245) |
perhaps i misunderstood the information i received. i'm a little slow. just out of curiousity, what percentage of your income is, directly or indirectly, drawn from the sale emeralds? | ||
| Anonymous (65.93.122.74) |
If you don't sell and emerald, you don't have an income. That must make it 100%. | ||
| Bruce Audley (198.53.237.250) |
Separating ourselves for a moment from the slick name-calling if you are part of the group that does not immediately embrace this newest "old world" method of getting rich, please refer back to my original posting above, on Sunday June 20, 2004 (01:14am). I appreciate that some of the folks above feel they have already reaped the benefit of the money that magically flows their way with nothing more then simply beating their friends and family to the front of the line. Who of us would not welcome this unbelievable opportunity to receive our just deserved financial reward after years of struggling to make money for others? Why shouldn't we get our due? There is simply no argument with this logic. I know there are those above that as part of their embracing the "TTI" model, can only throw scorn and derision at anyone showing the slightest bit of trepidation to this scheme. For those still seeking to find answers, please ask yourself a couple of questions. 1. If we assume that no one on this site is afraid of hard work, where is the hard work as it applies to this model? Is it from late nights studying the market? Does it come from being able to provide something that society has always needed and will now beat a path to your door to purchase? Or maybe, just maybe the hard work is nothing more then signing up people to fall in line behind you! Does your money come from hard work or the fact that you will benefit from building a large down line? 2. As noted in my June posting, there is a very, very limited marketing opportuntity for selling emeralds (any precious or semi-precious stones for that matter) that are purchased in this fashion. Any business that involves reselling merchandise in order to receive a net loss or net gain, would not be complete without an appreciation of future market liquidity. So we are back to the same quesion! Do the riches from "TTI" come from the fabulous emeralds practically selling themselves OR, from you bringing in family and friends so that you can receive your payment? If you are completely comfortable with your answers, then invest away. That is what makes the open market so exciting. One man's loss is another man's gain! But for what it is worth, don't read some of the horror stories that have been posted on other sites in this forum by other honest, hard-working folks like yourself! You just might scare yourself right out of the "TTI" opportunity of a lifetime! Bruce | ||
| Nathan Livingston (24.69.255.203) |
i must have seen a poor presentation. my understanding was that the initial investment gave you a certificate of ownership of emeralds, with an additional investment required to see or selll or trade. when i asked how much i could reasonably expect to get for them, the presenter told me it wasn't really worth it, the real money was in getting to captain, selling emeralds just took time away from moving up. i was under the impression that he had never sold an emerald. | ||
| Bruce Audley (198.53.237.250) |
You were not at the wrong presentation Nathan. The point I make is that for those people investing in "TTI", they are entering into a pyrmid scheme as old as the hills of Southern Alberta. Disguise their methodology with emeralds, keys, captaincy; whatever it is that you feel comfortable with. The bottom line, with all of the colourful selling jargon stripped away, the way you make money in this scheme is one way and one way only - YOU MUST SIGN ON MORE MEMBERS BELOW YOU IN ORDER TO REALIZE YOUR PROFIT! It does not matter if con artists, lawyers, accountants, judges, Europeans' are any one else in the world says that this is a legal non-pyramid scheme. If the only way you can realize your own financial benefit is by convincing others below you to pay in their own money, it is a pyramid plain and simple though, I must admit this one is somewhat original in its premise. If it sounds great to you Nathan, then you must in all good conscience, sign up and push full steam ahead. My only point here is to provide the other side of the argument from those above that have stated they are already rich from signing on with "TTI"! They did not make it from shrewd and sound financial accumen, nor from long tedious hours of hard toil. No, they have and will continue to make their wealth by convincing others to sign on (although below where they signed on) and they will continue to benefit until eventually, everything finally grinds to a halt because there are no more people interested in investing in this "investment opportunity of a lifetime". Don't fret however Nathan because by then, there will be another scheme starting that will be even better and will make you richer AND, it will be just around the corner and if you can just manage to sign up before your friends and family..... Bruce | ||
| Anonymous (65.93.119.41) |
The lady doth protest too much, methinks." -"Hamlet, Act III, Scene 2" "Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt." -William Shakespeare Could either of these quotes describe the thoughts and actions of Bruce and Nathan??? | ||
| Anonymous (65.93.119.41) |
Exactly what happens in network marketing??? Does not a person try to enlist others to do exactly as he is doing?? Duplicate duplicate duplicate??? Does your income not depend on the poor suckers under you (your downline) pushing you yet higher and higher into a better income bracket??If you had to depend on the amount of product you moved yourself, would not your income be sort of meagre?? If someone in your downline becomes discouraged because he can't duplicate duplicate duplicate, then does the company give him back full value for the product that it was necessary for him to buy? For instance the 15 water treatment devices he has in his basement. Most products bought in an MLM system is grossly over priced and not of such high quality as we are lead to think. For instance, what could make a garlic press worth upwards of $25.??? This is just a for instance. | ||
| TPFKASOF (66.26.203.193) |
"...when i asked how much i could reasonably expect to get for them, the presenter told me it wasn't really worth it, the real money was in getting to captain, selling emeralds just took time away from moving up. i was under the impression that he had never sold an emerald." - IOW, no product + no sales + just the "opportunity" (to perpetuate the same scam which pulled you in) = Ponzi Pyramid. A ship on which everybody's a Captain - One's very own "certified" emerald mine. El Dorado! Oh gosh, there I go - getting all negative again...  Face it, Bruce. You could dump a bucket of icewater on some of these dreamers, and they still wouldn't open their eyes. | ||
| TPFKASOF (66.26.203.193) |
"Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt." -William Shakespeare - "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." - Alexander Pope | ||
| Nathan Livingston (154.20.114.245) |
yes, anonymous, some people do lose in network marketting. in fact, nearly everyone loses in network marketting. you probably know as wel as me that this fact says more about people, however, than it does about network marketting. if you work in a product based company, where a lot of people make a lot of money selling the product, and you can't sell any, then who has the problem, the company, the product, or you? you, right? so why should a company be forced to bail out failed reps? who bails out failed owners of traditional businesses? my real point was simple, TTI will not last. yes you can make fast money, and i hope you do. however, TTI will not last, and neither will you. (your income, that is) there are better, more sustainable plans out there. like i said, visit www.startlivinglarge.com you will understand, and perhaps so might some of the total MLM naysayers, that what we do is simply generate a large income through moving goods and services via word of mouth advertising, it is no less sustainable than business itself. | ||
| Nathan Livingston (154.20.114.245) |
Better Business Bureau of Mid-Western Ontario THIS REPORT IS NOT TO BE USED FOR SALES OR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES. The following report is provided in response to your request. Copyright 2004 BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU of Mid-Western Ontario. All Rights Reserved. This BBB service is provided free of charge and is available because of support received solely from the businesses and professional firms which are BBB members. The BBB deals in voluntary self regulation. Services include factual reports on firms and organizations; dispute resolution; monitoring of advertising and selling practices; and consumer education. Treasure Traders International 10 Kingsbridge Garden Circle Suite 704 Mississauga, ON L5R 3K6 General Information Telephone #: (905) 361-3276 Membership Status: Non Member Business Classification(s): Business Opportunity-Pyramid Schemes BBB Membership This company is not a member of this Better Business Bureau. Customer Experience CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE Based on BBB files this company has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau due to one or more unresolved complaint(s). The Bureau has requested basic information from this company. The Bureau has not received a response. Additional Addresses 2645 Matheson Blvd., Mississauga, ON, L4W 4T3 Additional Telephone Numbers (888) 361-8842 Report as of: 10/08/2004 - ANN Copyright 2004 Better Business Bureau of Mid-Western Ontario, Inc® | ||
| Bruce Audley (198.53.237.250) |
"There is only one thing money won't buy, AND THAT IS POVERTY!" - My Economics Pofessor For my fellow poster TPFKASOF, you do sometimes slip into the dark alley of negativism but just when I think you have been lost to the bad guys, you jump back and shout "Surprise". Aren't you afraid that criticizing these new millionaires is like poking a caged bear with a sharp stick? What if they are the new elite and just what if we need to go to them one day for a job. Don't you think they will be able to pick us out of the line-up? You and I know that you will be the one wearing the fake beard and I will be wearing the "Crazy Legs Chicken" outfit. "If it smells, it is probably dead!" - my grandma I would love to see everyone rich from this scheme but no matter how many ways you want to look at it, it still comes out poorly for all but the few on top. Isn't that like making money the old fashioned way, BY STEALING IT!! For both Nathan and Anonymous (65.93.119.41), I am not being critical of the highly successful marketing technique known most commonly by its popular acronym as MLM (Multi Level Marketing). The differences here are big enough to drive a truck through. MLM is based on reselling something up or down the chain. It is filled with all of the pitfalls and advantages of any business chosing to deal in the resale of merchandise for the benefit of profit. TTI lacks any of the above. Its sole premise is based on bringing more people into the down line in order to feed money to the people in the up line. This qualifies it for what it actually is - a ponzi or pyramid scheme! And as I said before, it don't matter how many wonderful, educated and professional people have already signed on or how they read between the lines to see that this is all perfectly legal. In the country I was born and raised (Canada), it's as illegal as hell! So I end with where I started. Invest if you want or can but, as you work diligently to bring more people into this so called "opportunity of a life time", at least appreciate this scheme for what it is. Bruce | ||
| Nathan Livingston (24.69.255.203) |
Bruce, if we agree so adamently, why are we arguing? | ||
| Bruce Audley (142.59.211.60) |
Arguing, who's arguing? I prefer to think of it as creative discussion and effective dialogue! | ||
| Anonymous (65.93.117.26) |
I am long ago retired and am doing TTI for the love of the exitement and the emeralds and the fast cash. If it lasts fine and if it doesn't fine too. I don't think dead poets know all there is to know about a business like this. TTI takes the boredom out of life and creates extra income for my golden years. All I can say to Bruce and Nathan is, if you are not interested in working at TTI, then just don't do it. Lots of others will. Thank goodness. | ||
| Anonymous (65.93.117.26) |
Please explain to us Bruce, exactly what is illegal about this marketing plan. I mean what law book and what act it falls under and how it is stated. Be sure that the act which covers the marketing of TTI describes the letter of the law to a T. Onc can easily say, this is an illegal scam but proving it is quite another thing. I know for a fact that it is impossible to poke holes in the legalities of this plan. Very smart legal people have been hired to put it together and they worked for years to make it conform to the letter of the law. So lets see you prove otherwise. And if you can't, then please stop saying it is illegal or for that matter, you can stop discussing something you know nothing about. | ||
| Bruce Audley (142.59.211.60) |
Wow! Anonymous (65.93.117.26), you sure told me didn't you! Your first posting said it all at the end. It is more or less like the major flaw in this "get rich quick and easily" scheme you are enjoying in your golden, though very grouchy years. You need more people behind you to sign on and as you yourself say, "Lots of others will. Thank goodness." I'll concede your very smart legal people (also anonymous) have probably found a way to convince the world. Maybe, just maybe they can try and schmooze a court of law one day but I dare say, by then thousands will be out their money for no other reason then they came to the game at the end of the line! I just know they will feel better because they supported you and your exciting emeralds, in your "golden years". I will allow that being long ago retired Anonymous (65.93.117.26), you have already proven your wisdom through the years of hard work and coaching the next generation. You have already made it to "leader of the pack" by virtue of hard work and studied longevity. I give you that because you deserve the respect. Still, that does not mean I need to agree with the usary nature of this scheme and all the malicious comments are not going to make your position more reasonable then mine. I must go back to my original point as I have so many times before. This investment opportunity of a lifetime, requires all of the study and thought that any investment should require. If it is worth anything, it will be able to withstand and support its ground. When the opposing side resorts to names and barbs to support their view, should that alone not make us highly suspicous of the nature of this program? Perhaps it isn't that way in the world of the "very smart legal people" but in the every day world of the average, hard working Canadian, that is very much the way it is! Good luck to you with your exciting investment opportunity. I truly hope you become rich beyond your dreams! Bruce | ||
| rice_balls (198.53.179.170) |
if you live in toronto i wouldnt join if i were you. im part of this TTI thing and ive already heard of people cryin over losing money. some people are really getting greedy over this. it hasnt started in winnipeg but someone from Winnipeg went to toronto to join a board and took it back to winnipeg and is setting up their prospects and having meetings already. | ||
| Bruce Audley (142.59.211.60) |
Sorry rice balls (one hell of a sign on name)! I live in Sherwood Park, Alberta and if it sells in Toronto, it will sell here! "TTI" is something that you should sign on for the same way you would with any other high risk stock investment. Only if you can afford to loose the money! If money is something you need to watch carefully, I cannot be convinced this is something for you. Yes there will be a long list of people that will receive their riches but like any scheme that benefits the upline by signing and building a downline, the losers will far outweigh the winners. Bruce | ||
| Sandra Lake (24.80.245.5) |
I've seen some very weak TTI presentations. In fact, I went to three of them, and everything was repeated word for word, even the "jokes." So, you do get a certificate of ownership fpr some emeralds, but in order to get any cash you must sell everyone you know down the river. I've also met a pretty nasty board where some people itching to be top on top are screwing their own family and friends on the way up. I've also seen some strapped-for-cash folks take out loans and clean out their savings to hand over to a TTI "friend." If there's so much money is this TTI gig, why are the same presenters working night after night in these crumby hotels. | ||
| bob (205.188.117.20) |
I have been harassed non stop by a friend who wants to sign me on for this. But he would never tell me more than all the standard retoric, lots of money, every body wants 2 things in life...money and time and tti gives both, life of leasure, disneyland whenever your kids want it... etc etc He said that he CANNOT tell me what is being sold, he also said that they are told that the 3 rules about this are 1 say nothing about details,2 say nothing about details, 3 say nothing about how it works. He just keeps pushing this meeting stuff on me. Quote... only take one hour! free...I'll buy you a coffee after... no pressure.. etc But he takes up piles of my time and sure has learned from somebody how to put pressure on! He also has this way about him that makes everybody who doesn't join look like an idiot. I am getting mad at him and I am glad I found this site. I WILL NOT JOIN! It is immoral, and will soon be illegal. | ||
| Anonymous (216.16.236.133) |
anyone heard of travelbiz? | ||
| Anonymous (66.185.85.75) |
Hi Everyone, I must say that I've really enjoyed reading all the messages about TTI. I came across this site because I'm a lawyer in Ontario who has been in an MLM for about 5 years, and I've been asked to look into TTI by a friend. For what it's worth, here are my disclaimers and my thoughts: Disclaimers 1. I have never seen a TTI presentation. 2. I am not currently active in any MLM opportunity and I have nothing to gain by either encouraging or discouraging people from joining - I'm only adding my thoughts here for those of you who may be interested. 3. I can't stand people who make it their mission in life to bring others down so they can feel better about themselves. Thoughts 4. TTI appears only to be legal because it has yet to be adjudicated. In fact, what most people don't realize is that, everything is legal until a judge determines otherwise. 5. It means nothing that government officials, lawyers, police officers, etc. are involved. There are all kinds of people in all kinds of professions and many well-intentioned people can easily become "blinded" in situations like these. Keep in mind also that there is no individual accountability if one can claim that they were acting in reliance upon claims of legality made by the founders... 6. The reason that it is likely illegal is because people appear to make money primarily based on other people's entry fees (keep in mind that I haven't seen the official business plan). I copied the following from a publication of the Government of Canada regarding the Competition Act (the link is provided by Anonymous 65.48.225.214, posted August 25/04 at 12:04 a.m.): What is a Scheme of Pyramid Selling? A scheme of pyramid selling is a multi-level marketing plan that incorporates any one of a number of specified marketing practices that make it a criminal offence under the Competition Act. It is illegal if: - participants pay money for the right to receive compensation for recruiting new participants; 7. Notwithstanding all of the above, I have serious concerns about the math behind all of the money-making; it appears that, at some point, the only way for someone to make money and "come out ahead" is at the expense of someone who put their money in after them. This is a non-sustainable formula that will inevitably collapse over time. 8. In many "businesses" with this model, the meetings are designed to generate excitement and emotion. No harm here. And I applaud those who are unwilling to resign themselves to a life that they feel is unsatisfactory, and who have the guts to try to do something about it instead of sitting back and complaining. But I caution those who make their decisions based solely on emotion. 9. For those of you who have decided to join TTI after reading this, I wish you all the best and I suggest that you try to make your money fast! | ||
| Anonymous (209.213.251.176) |
The better Buissness bureau...they take complaints only right? So ppl complained... but the RCMP have not investigated because there has not been enough complaints...as far as i can understand. any body could make up a complaint. or they could complain because they dont understand and well thats just too bad... some one said that Treasuretraders international would not come up in a google search... well I searched it and it came up as a sponsered link. I went to a meeting and they said you are not buying a possition that is illegal! you are putting a down payment on the gem cash of $1200 and you recieve a FREE spot on a bord if you would like to take the spot. it is not maditory you may purchase the product only if you wish. now if you do choose to take the free gamespot with ourchase of gemcash then you need to make 2 sales in order to become captain. of corse you need to fill ure board a few times and have it split but you do not have to recruit new members you can make a purchase ure self wich is counted as ure sale. you do not get paid for recruiting new members...the captain profits consists of $7000 of the sales teams sales. $9600 8 sales b4 the board splits. $2600 is paid to the company. All of this so far to my knolage is legal unless it is illegal for the sales to be paid to the captain and the captain to pay the company. i dont know. you make money from the sale of gem cash... the customer does not have to join the company they always do because not too many ppl are able to sell the emeralds after getting them. now gotrading.net looks fishy to me like someone said you cannot see many things that are $5000 on there website and also you have a maximum trading limit of $1000 per month. anything over the $1000 must be paid in cash. to my knoledge so far they have not changed that limit. now i understand that you can wait for a few moths and build up the trading limit. I donot see how anyone can loose there money. if u join then you will become captain providing you play the game properly. if you start the game and do not fill ure board then you can still take ure certificate and trade it in for your $1200 worth of loose emeralds. now ther you mighht have lost if you dont want emeralds and you cannot find a buyer. but you still have $1200 in product. Legal? or not leagal? im not a lawyer but they to the laws that i know they are not breaking any. and that is why they are still in bussiness nobody has proved they are breaking a law. | ||
| CuriousityKillsACat (209.213.251.176) |
"The Bureau has requested basic information from this company. The Bureau has not received a response." http://www.bbbmwo.ca/report.html?compid=25998 now why wouldnt they try to resolve some issues? why wouldnt they ease our minds if they are legal and just get rid of the crap that is out there that would turn us away from joining there company? I mean they want us to join there company right? i mean we are paying them arnt we? $1200. "It is illegal if: - participants pay money for the right to receive compensation for recruiting new participants; " ---Anonymous (66.185.85.75) now treasure traders claims that this is not what is happining. you pay $1200 deposit towards the purchase of a $5000 gem-cash value. wich your total cost is $1800 plus tax or 36%. But first you have to have become a distributer and the kit costs $25. then once you have made ure first purchase you may join the sales bord if you wish. there is an open spot on the bord and you are eligable for that spot if you choose not to take it any member on the sales team may take the spot or any desributor of may take the spot at no cost. therefor no participant pays money for the right to recive compansation for recruiting new participants. now this is what they claim and why they claim it is legal and if you can prove otherwise i would like to know. now i know nothing about different compansation plans but if it means anything they call there compansation plan a forced matrix i belive. and i dont know if that would also make a difference when telling if it is a legal outfit. but again if it is legal like they claim why wouldnt they resolve issues like with the better bussines bureau? | ||
| samson (65.95.217.200) |
they dont need to answer to the BBB because its none of their business,if the BBB has any concerns about the TTI ways of business, then they should call in the feds or the cops, do any of you call in the authorities about the GAS PRICES, OR INSURANCE RATES, WHAT IS THE gouvernment doing about them , NOTHING , WHY ??? who only knows, if you people dont like the TTI way of life then dont join, but if you do , then get in,for a company that is a SCAM OR ILLEGAL they are doing very well and growing every day to 40,000 stupid people like myself, who has been captain 4 times and will be 5 times by this weekend , thats $60,000.00 with the gem cash and I have help many , many people and friends out of no money situations with not one soul saying that I sold them out , just to get ahead they keep thanking me ,and that is alright in my books , so to all the smart ones , keep on paying your taxes and the gas prices,and insurance rate because nobody really care about YOU, and TTI is going out of businees on SEPT 77,2500 | ||
| iwantin (69.193.151.190) |
the first post in this board states that after you sign up you must recruit 2 people in 4 weeks.what happens if you cannot find 2 people do you get your $1200 back or can you remain on the board , could someone explain... thanks thinking hard on this one!!! | ||
| Anonymous (67.70.140.170) |
Bruce, you are causing this forum to be repetitive and antagonistic. I personally think you would like to join TTI and maybe you have joined but you may be an agitator. That is you like to piss people off. I can't read any more of your drivel so it is Adios Amigo. I won't be looking into this site again and am going about my happy way with no negative influence. Just think, no matter what you write in rebuttal, I won't read it. This golden oldie gets a high out of not giving you any more time. I am too busy playing Captain after just two weeks. You seem to think hard work is some kind of virtue. I have been told you can work hard or smart. | ||
| TPFKASOF (66.26.203.193) |
Yeah, Bruce. You some kinda outside agitator, come in hyeah to rile up these good people (and distract 'em away from bein' "smart" an' gettin' rich without hardly workin' at all, 'cept for playin' Captain)? Well, you oughta know we don't cotton to that sorta thing around these parts, so iffen yer heart ain't in TTI, well then, just get yer A$$ out! Boy. PS: Don't bother to say nothin' more about it. TTI said it - I believe it - That settles it! Nyah nyah nyah!  | ||
| Bruce Audley (142.59.211.60) |
Is it only me or is not a pattern forming here with the new millionaires from TTI? Samson refers to a very simple question about why TTI has not answered to the BBB with the remark, "They don't need to answer to the BBB because it is none of their business". Wow, who knew! I suppose the logical conclusion to that rational kind of thinking is that the "Better Business Bureau" exists solely to provide those cool decals for the front doors of anyone that sends in their two cereal box tops, proof of purchase or reasonable facimile. As for Anonymous (67.70.140.170), the name calling alone tips your hand. I could not care less if you are so very upset that you are going to boycott this site. That logic alone tells me that if you are one of the few smart people that does not readily buy into the dribble about "TTI" and if you ask even the most basic of questions (shouldn't anyone that is about to spend this kind of money), then you are vilified and drawn and quartered. It appears to me that this kind of attitude alone suggests that there is something very wrong here. Okay I am sorry I upset you but this site is not called Anonymous (67.70.140.170) and it does not exist for you and you alone. It is a site where common people come to together for dialogue, either anonymously or by name. Try and grab the concept. There are bound to be a couple of opposing views and if you find anyone asking the questions to be negative, repetitive, and antagonistic, I suggest you have run out of arguments for your position and the best way to deal with your "brick wall" is to cut your losses and run. It is for the poeple asking the questions that we have the dialogue, not simply the newest TTI millionaires. There is not a lot of sense for me to wish you good bye as in so many ways, you have already left the room. If my postings have not made my position clear, you are reading them when you are tired from your leisurely days of counting your new found wealth. This latest in a long line of "get rich schemes" is as shaky as a house of cards and I cannot understand why anyone in sober second thought, would be even remotely interested in TTI. Make your money on the backs of the newest recruits, all of which will be culled from your own personal list of co-workers, friends and relatives! Yeah, that sounds like the opportunity of a lifetime. As for my old buddy, TPFKASOF (66.26.203.193), I see the point between your lines though as usual, you make me reread it over and over before I can grasp your picture. If TTI says it is so, then it must ever thusly be (I am ending the sentence with a dangling participle for effect even though I know it is grammatically incorrect)! Who but the very dregs of society would dare to question their motives when all they are trying to do is make everyone rich with nothing more then a small investment. What was I thinking.... Bruce | ||
| TPFKASOF (66.26.203.193) |
Bruce, sorry, I forgot you're a Canadian prairie-dog! If you'd ever spent any time in the "Deep South" of the States, you'd have twigged at once. Or, ever seen the excellent Gene Hackman film, "Mississippi Burning"... Another clue: purple = irony. Just keep the icewater splashing, mate! | ||
| Bruce Audley (142.59.211.60) |
Now it is you that forgot. Canadians call them gophers! Canadian Clue: purple = the results of talking back to your wife! | ||
| who knows (198.53.187.61) |
who cares really... its up to the people to decide what they want to do. if they join good luck if they dont who really cares | ||
| Bruce Audley (142.59.211.60) |
True BUT, it is not just about caring. Of course everyone is free to do as they want and in fact, they are just as free to sell anyone else on whatever idea they chose no matter what the cost! It's called free will and I thought that Anonymous (67.70.140.170) exercised it quite succinctly in his posting of Sept 1, 2004 (9:05pm)! This forum has little to do with caring "who knows" but everything to do with the free flow of information both pro and con, that both sides bring to the table for the benefit of those that are genuinely asking questions before they spend such large sums of money. It is possible that some of the postings may be misconstrued as caring but I can assure you, that is solely by accident! Bruce | ||
| StressFree (24.71.223.140) |
This scam just hit Calgary, Alberta with a frenzy. If you're looking to "get-rich-quick" while this pyramid is still "legal" until proven illegal by the Canadian authorities then make sure you bring in people you do not consider friends or family so that you don't have to worry about what happens after this one runs outta gas...as they all do. By the way, in order to live by "work smart, not hard," you actually have to do the smart things and EDUCATE YOURSELF. Build up some financial literacy and know what you're talking about before you attempt to educate others...otherwise its just another case of the blind leading the blind. For those of you who earn big $$$ with this pyramid - kudos to you for achieving your goals. Quick money in little time. I wish you luck in keeping it because chances are, you'll be right back where you started (or God forbid, worse) just like the greater percentage of millionaire lottery winners simply because you still have the same financial knowledge you had *before* this mirage *ahem* sorry, miracle came into your life. I know that this seems like *the answer* to many of your prayers but unfortunately, the people who fall for such schemes are a dime a dozen and that is what the heads of these outfits bank on. It's mostly the average Joe or Jane who's looking to improve their life somehow, or the newly immigrated, or low-income earners who are tired of their current situation but who don't really know what information they need to create a better future for themselves than their past and present dictate. Most likely, many of these individuals don't even know WHERE to find this information. In front of you, the head TTI guys & gals are cheering you on and behind your back, they're laughing hilariously for all the money they're able to take from you - like candy from a baby. On the other hand, there are honest alternatives out there that actually help you build wealth ~ lucrative wealth ~ without compromising your values and ethics and without putting you in financial risk. As well, these alternative businesses provide an actual benefit to the public in the form of products and services which is what most legitimate businesses strive to do - fill a need in society. Be smart. Look for something that can provide you true residual income and if you are not sure of the TRUE definition of that term - like I said - EDUCATE YOURSELF! Knowledge is power. Try Robert Kiyosaki's book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" as a starter. There are numerous authors out there with great information and an equal number of authors who have poor information. It's up to you to take the good, leave the bad, and in the end - be able to look yourself in the mirror and be at peace with what you've done for yourself, your family, and for others. I apologize for the soapbox drama but I just hate seeing good people being ripped off by the wolf in sheep's clothing. | ||
| Bruce Audley (142.59.211.60) |
All great points "StressFree". If memory serves me correctly, was Calgary, Alberta not the original birthplace of the huge "M.L.M." debacle called "Jewel Way"? It would be extremely difficult for me to attach the terminology 'highly successful' to this scam from 15 years back though; it is just as hard to not recognize that it managed to reel in literally thousands of nubile new jewellery wholesale marketers into an area of the business that afforded them absolutely zero opportunity to liquidate their inventory. I personally dealt with dozens of mostly young investors that having already spent their money, were now prepared to settle for pennies on the dollar in order to receive back a fraction of their original investment. It was painful to see the expressions on their faces as they were informed that not only had they purchased poorly made jewellery at retail prices BUT, the one place that they had always assumed they could recoup even a small part of their original money, the retail jewellery industry, was not even remotely interested in buying the bits and pieces of overly inflated and inferior quality jewellery items that they were offering for sale. One lady in Calgary that I talked to breifly in a well established Macleod Trail jeweller, broke down in tears when she was told by the owner that she was holding on to a bag of over priced junk! It was terrible to witness and even worse for her, the financial damage had already been done. As with other schemes, some of the people at the top reaped hundreds of thousands of dollars while most were left lighter in their bank accounts. Some that had purchased multiple units, were out tens of thousands of dollars. By the time "Jewel Way" collapsed, untold numbers of people had been hurt. I would be fooling myself if I did not appreciate that if "TTI" has a firm foothold in the Calgary area, my home town of Edmonton cannot be far behind. It should take this operation two or three minutes to sweep the 264 kilometers up Highway 2, wouldn't you agree? Here's the problem with your wonderful suggestions about education, "StressFree". These types of "get rich quick and easily" schemes are predicated on the basic belief that you will recieve your riches by beating your family, friends and associates, to signing up before they do. Can you not picture it? A potential new recruit tells the rest of his buddies to wait in the car until he runs in for a minute. He then races to the front of the line, signs his name and goes back to his vehicle to tell everyone it is time to come in. Without them even realizing what happened, he just beat them to the upline, relegating them to his own down line. Okay, okay! I know that is a total fabrication and exaggeration but, reality ain't far from it. The physiological immediacy of the sales pitch for opportunties such as "TTI", almost demand that you NOT arm yourself with education. There are two main reasons for this: 1. Time is of the essence (beat your freinds to the front of the line) 2. There will be no educational material available as this is a BRAND NEW money making concept. Be prepared for the barrage that will follow from other posters that have already signed up and can use only one argument to support their position over ours of education. That will be, "Don't talk about something you know nothing about"! Education is no friend of "once in a lifetime" opportunities like this. The most basic foundation of schemes like "TTI" is, "You snooze you loose"! Let's hope that enough people do their research so that they fully understand what they are getting into. There will be lots of people made a little richer and it is all going to be happening in the time it took us and all the others, to post these messages. Those are not the ones I am personally concerned with. The ones I most worry about are the ones left at the bottom of the ladder with nowhere to go and with a lot less money. For the sake of the investors that brought them on board, I can only hope it is NOT a loved one! Bruce | ||
| Anonymous (69.158.51.151) |
Go to www.icbit.com. This is another TTI website. This company has been investigated by the Fraud Squad and the Whitby Ontario police department. Its members include former police officers, accountants, police officers and members of the fraud squad, plus others whose careers would be on the line should this company be found out as a scam. | ||
| Anonymous (69.158.51.151) |
TTI is a registered Federal Corporation in Canada and it is also registered with Industry Canada and Revenue Canada. | ||
| Bruce Audley (142.59.211.60) |
Well that should be all the information everyone needs that was sitting on the fence. Me thinks I hear the sound of a stampede.... | ||
| Anonymous (69.158.71.170) |
Bruce, my dear: TTI will be opening up in the United States by the end of this year!!! So, who knows?? Maybe those people in Las Vegas may take the time out to go to a TTI meeting (UNLIKE YOURSELF of course) and see what the meeting is all about and who knows, some of them just might join up, become captains and take their money and run to the nearest casino to double it!!! They are opening up in the UK on October 20. Ah yes, you people who like working THE OLD FASHIONED WAY. Well, I have been working for 32 years and I'm still living paycheque to paycheque and tired of it. More power to you, Bruce, if you aren't!!! | ||
| Anonymous (24.71.223.140) |
I've been following the postings here for the past week. I was introduced to TTI through a "bait and switch" appointment (not very "professional" of my host, but what the hey). A few observations: - A business opportunity does not have to be "illegal" to be a scam. It can simply be a poor business model. Anyone remember Bre-X? GMT? HBO Tax Academy? These are all poor business models that did well in Calgary before they folded. - "Federal registration" of a poor business model still makes it a poor business (just because a business has a GST number doesn't make it a "good" business) (Bre-X had a "Federal Registration") - Just because a police officer (etc) joins a poor business model doesn't give it credibility. It probably means they are just as eager to escape the Rat Race as the rest of us. - The "commissions" generated through the TTI business model require a continuous stream of new recruits. In true Network Marketing (in which I own and continue to build a VERY reputable organization), even if my downline of customers and distributors doesn't grow, I can still generate regular commission cheques because everyone is consuming product at regular intervals. This is true "residual" income. BEWARE: TTI is NOT Network or Multilevel marketing. It is a commission sales scheme based on enrolling new recruits. - Rule #1 to be a real business... Even if there were no compensation plan attached to the product or service (in this case, the "gem cash"), would I still purchase it? Can I even purchase "gem cash" without being part of the compensation plan? - Final comment... I do not doubt the sincerity of the people who are joining... and the good intentions of most of the "captains" and local "fleet leaders". I can see that many people in that room last week really want to get out of the Rat Race. I feel sad that many new recruits will have their hearts broken and their dreams shattered when the well of new prospects dries up and, with it, their income. And then I'll have to work extra hard to overcome the cynicism because TTI will have given Network Marketing a bad rap. Just for the record, I love the Network Marketing industry and believe that it is an essential part of a balanced portfolio of streams of income for anyone who wants to get out of the 40-year plan. I'm posting this because I make it a point to study my "competition". I just think, based on experience and intuition, that TTI is a poor choice. If the company is still around in five to seven years, then we'll see. (if it's a real opportunity, joining then will be just as good, or better for me, than joining now) Best wishes to all - a calgary MLM-aficionado | ||
| Anonymous (24.80.245.5) |
How long will this TTI thing last? I'd give it another three months or so myself. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I asked a reputable jeweller about TTI emeralds, he told me he'd seen them and they were crap. | ||
| Anonymous (69.158.54.53) |
If it's opening in the UK in October and the U.S. by the end of the year, I doubt TTI will end in three months. Was that "reputable jeweller" the guy on TV who claims he can buy any type of jewellery??? If he is, then some people have complained about him to TTI and hopefully TTI has dealt with him by now. I think the 'reputable jeweller's name is "Oliver" or something??? | ||
| Anonymous (69.158.54.53) |
I would be surprised if a police officers, doctors, lawyers, etc. entered into this business without checking it out first to see if it's legal or a scam - especially police officers - because you would think that if a police officer checked out TTI before joining and found out it was a scam, don't you think that police officer would have informed his Chief of Police to begin the process of shutting down the business right away so as not to hurt any more people????? TTI is now 44,000 people strong. | ||
| MLMaficionado (24.71.223.140) |
The issue is not about whether TTI is "legal" or if it is a "scam". Read again what I mentioned above - TTI may be totally "legal" but still be a poor business model. The TTI marketing structure is geared to influence people who do not have the experience or knowledge to objectively judge whether or not the business has what it takes to be sustainable: - the background of the principals - the credentials and reputation of that gemologist who is "valuing" the gem cash (hint: talk to a high-end jeweller and ask him/her if they have heard of Steven Knight or the "Jewelry Judge") - the actual quality of the emeralds (this is way out of my league) - the claim that "emeralds are more valuable than diamonds" (this is the first time I've heard this and i haven't been able to verify this independently) - the sustainability of the business plan (I think it is a 2x4 forced matrix - a great article at http://tinyurl.com/6om97 ) There is nothing that a "chief of police" can do if the company is following at least the letter of the law (which TTI is obviously doing). For those of you who are perusing this forum while doing their due diligence about TTI (good for you!) - the bottom line in evaluating the strength and quality of a network marketing business opportunity is the question: -->> Would I purchase this product or service even if there were NO compensation plan attached to it? (my personal answer to this question made it easy for me to make my decision...) It's interesting - I got two calls today from people I know who are catching emerald fever. Should I follow them and the other 44000 lemmings off the cliff? -a Bre-X anyone? http://archives.cbc.ca/IDD-1-73-1211/politics_economy/bre-X/ http://acmi.canoe.ca/MoneyBreXSaga/home.html | ||
| MLMaficionado (24.71.223.140) |
Me again - Doing some more research, I came up with two interesting articles: 1. Money, Value, and Monetary History (these ideas are the basis of the main assumptions on which TTI business model is based) http://www.friesian.com/money.htm Quote: "As Milton Friedman (a noted economist) says, anything can be money: stones, iron, gold, tobacco, silver, shells, cigarettes, copper, paper, nickel, etc. What makes these things money is not what they are, but what they are used for. They may have value in themselves, like gold ("commodity" money), or they may not ("credit" money, which means banknotes, bank deposits, tokens, markers, etc.); BUT THEIR VALUE AS MONEY IS SEPARATE FROM THEIR INTRINSIC VALUE. What gives money value as such is that it is, or can be, used for exchange, replacing the original human system of trade, which was barter. THE VALUE OF MONEY IS THUS THE VALUE PEOPLE ATTRIBUTE TO WHAT THEY WANT TO EXCHANGE, NO MORE, NO LESS." (emphasis mine) And on a different note: 2. Don't Lose Your Cash to Cash Exchange Pyramid Scheme (Dallas BBB) http://www.dallas.bbb.org/pyramidscheme.html What's described here seems to have several parallels to the TTI model (focus on the mechanics, not the amounts) CAVEAT INVESTOR -a | ||
| Anonymous (24.80.245.5) |
What's a Pyramid Scheme anyway? Pyramid schemes come in so many forms that they're difficult to recognize immediately, but they all share an overriding characteristic. They promise "investors" large profits based on recruiting others to join their program, not based on profits from any real investment or real sale of goods to the public. Some schemes purport to sell a product, but they simply use the product to hide their pyramid structure. There are two warning signs that a product is just being used to disguise a pyramid scheme: inventory loading and a lack of retail sales. Inventory loading happens when a company's incentive program forces recruits to buy more products than they could ever sell, often at inflated prices. If this occurs throughout the company's distribution system, the people at the top of the pyramid reap substantial profits, even though little or no product moves to market. The people at the bottom make excessive payments for inventory that simply takes up space in their basements. A lack of retail sales is also a red flag that a pyramid exists. Many pyramid schemes will claim that their product is selling like hot cakes. However, on closer examination, the sales occur only between people inside the pyramid structure or to new recruits joining the structure, not to consumers out in the general public. By the way, who sponsors GoTrading.net? | ||
| Anonymous (24.80.245.5) |
Three Things I know about pyramid schemes 1. They're losers because pyramiding is based on simple mathematics: many losers are needed to pay a few winners. 2. They're fraudulent because participants in a pyramid are, consciously or unconsciously, deceiving those they recruit. Few people would actually pay to join if the diminishing odds were explained to them. 3. There is a very real risk that a pyramid operation can be closed down quickly without warning by a government enforcement agency. Many participants become fraud victims without any recourse. Why would anyone pay $1200 to join a scam operation like TTI? All pyramid promoters are masters of group psychology, and at recruiting meetings they speak with such a frenzied enthusiasm that people with limited investment knowledge fall prey to group pressure and promises of easy money. It's difficult to resist this kind of appeal unless you recognize that the scheme is rigged against you. Recruiters claim they're giving a presentation, but they're actually studying the faces in the audience and thinking, "How many of these fish can I reel in today." Greed for more money or fear of not having enough for retirement play upon the pliable minds in the crowd. Finally, they'll bend under a 'friend's pressure' until they fork over $1200 big ones to help the upline by building the downline. Someday when they could really use that $1200 for a legitimate emergency, do you think their pal who signed them up is going to give back their money. Oh, I think not! Naturally, thoughtful consideration and questioning are strongly discouraged at TTI. | ||
| Cheeks (67.70.92.185) |
Hello Everyone! Doesn't all this going back and forth about this TTI Business just want to make you want to find out more? One of the reasons why TTI tell you not to tell anyone about how the business works when you ask people to come to the meetings is because you tell one person one thing, it gets misconstrued by one person telling the story to the other person telling the story. Familliar with the broken telephone experiment? Someone posted earlier that she went to a few meetings and she heard the exact same thing word for word. It's called duplicity. They tell you that oo when you go to the meeting. Why does this whole thing sound like a scam? Well because they added the part that you can get residual payment as an added incentive. The more people you get doesn't mean the more money it will be for you. YOU ONLY NEED 2 PEOPLE! If you get more than 2 people, you just get yourself closer to the 7K. It doesn't mean you make more money not even residual pay. Now, if you go to the meeting, you will be able to find out how the whole thing exactly works. Read the posts above from the people who are actual members of TTI. Results vary from person to person. If you want to go to a meeting just to take a look see, e-mail me. I'll e-mail you back and set up a day for you to go. I'll even sponsor you for the first visit. | ||
| Anonymous (69.158.70.49) |
I think the non believers out there should go to a TTI meeting, listen to the what the presenters have to say, buy a kit, and take the kit to the local police department and have the police department check out the business to find out whether TTI is a scam or not. And, until the non believers do that, they shouldn't say anything negative about TTI since they really don't know anything about how the business really works. Bruce, go to a meeting, listen, then call your local police department, fraud squad, BBB, etc., and ask them to give you information on TTI. Do research for yourself instead of making your own opinions. Then come back here and tell us what you found out from the Alberta authorities regarding TTI. | ||
| MLMaficionado (24.71.223.140) |
As mentioned earlier, I've been to a TTI meeting, did my due diligence (some of which I've posted here), and had to deal this week with three colleagues who jumped into this deal and are now regretting it - big time (I can't believe that people paid cash for this!!!! - HINT - IF A BUSINESS LIKE THIS DOESN'T ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS, WALK AWAY!) I agree with Anonymous 69.158.70.49 - invite a friendly officer from the Commercial Crimes Unit (Calgary Police Service) to a presentation and show them the kit, as well as the information posted on this message board. (403) 206-8625 or (403) 206-8386 http://www.calgarypolice.ca/inside/commercial_crime.html Also ask the RCMP Commercial Crime Section in Calgary at (403) 292-5581 to check these guys out. Talk to the Better Business Bureau of Calgary, (403) 531-8786 (note the BBB of Mid-Western Ontario entry above, as well as the CBC Ottawa report) The more inquiries these agencies get, the more they'll start probing into this scam. -a | ||
| Melodee Stevenson (69.158.78.209) |
MLMaficionado: Why are your friends regretting joining TTI? Is it because they are now having trouble finding two people OR have they lost their $1200 already because the Calgary TTI business has closed down? | ||
| Cheeks (204.50.134.81) |
Melodee, Why would they loose their 1200 if the office closed down? Can't they call the head office and collect their gems? I didn't see a stipulation on the kit that said you can't deal from one office to the next. They just don't get to play the game for 7k. Anyone from TO want to go to a meeting tomorrow? E-mail me. My board needs 3 more people to split. lol! | ||
| Anonymous (24.71.223.140) |
I checked http://www.osc.gov.on.ca news releases and did not find the report about Alan Kippax. OSC may have found that Kippax is an okay guy and deleated it anyways? | ||
| Anonymous (24.71.223.140) |
It's important to note that an illegal pyramid scheme is different from a multi-level marketing plan. One sign of an illegal pyramid scheme is a focus on making money by continuing to recruit others into the scheme and make money from their initial payments, rather than a focus on sales of a product or service and building a successful team of sales representatives. When TTI fails to recruit enough people as is starting to happen in some cities, the flow of money stops and the whole scheme will topple like a house of cards. These schemes are usually called pyramid schemes because collapse is inevitable but TTI has covered its bases well. So legally it all looks good and many of you will make money just like the people who got in and out of Bre-X early. Except in Bre-X you didn't get your friends to put in money so you could become captain. Bottom line on this one is if you really have to do it then ignore all the advice in here, get in and out quick and hope like hell it doesn't crash and burn before you make your money. | ||
| Melodee (198.103.147.161) |
Cheeks: Of course you can cash in your gems. That $5000 gift certificate is your guarantee that you won't lose your $1200. I was simply asking MLM to give me a reason why his friends have regretted joining TTI. | ||
| Anonymous (24.71.223.140) |
Do you know that if you claim the gem, you will still pay for the balance of $400 (18% of the appraisal value) plus packaging and handling and applicable taxes? I don't mind paying these balance knowing you have $5000 worth of gem-cash in exchange. the difference is your profit from nuying the gem... say $3200 profit. Not so bad, don't you think? I do business for profit | ||
| Anonymous (24.71.223.140) |
MLM plan can be legal method of marketing a product. Many MLM plans are very successful. A pyramid scheme is a type of MLM, but it is illegal and contrary to the competiotion Act of Canada. How to determine? If you're operating or participating in an MLM plan, you should consider six points. One- do you have a real product or service? TTI's product is emerald from Columbia. Does this type of emerald exists? for sure. Two- are you making earnig claims taht are not typical of particpants in your plan? A typical partipant gets $7000 worth of bonuses and $5000 worht of gem cash. Almost all who follows thhe TTI business system. Three-are your particpants expecting to make money by recruiting others to the plan? Participants expect to make money by selling the Gem value pack. Four- does your plan require people to buy your product in order to join your plan? game plan require people to buy the starter kit and sign the contract. Fifth- are you asking or allowing people to buy unreasonable amounts of inventory? distriibutors are not required to inventory product. TTI prohibits the purchase of prooducts in unreasonable amounts solely for the purpose of qualifying for comissions or advancement in the plan. Six-do you have a fair product buy-oack policy or a right to return the rpoduct on reasonable term? TTI offers a 10-day money-back guarantee on the Gem Value pack. It's a subjective test to consider product, time period, and the percentage of money returned. The return will be subjesct to a reappraisal fee, and a restocking fee and if necessary a repacking fee. It is the responsibility of the TI ditributor to refund the entire purcahse price to teh retail cusstomer, less any fees. I think, that's fair, don't you think so? Now, do you think TTI is legally operating? Do you think that TTI passed the Competition Act of Canada? | ||
| Anonymous (199.42.80.225) |
By the looks of it, the skeptics out there really do not understand the concept of the business layout. Although making money may appear to be the prime focus, the actual purpose of TTI is distributing goods. By distribution, this doesn't mean that the people signing up have to buy the product and sell them...the business has developed a much easier way to distribute them (which I won't go into detail...I'll just let you know that it involves trading TTI goods for other business' goods/service...which of course is not illegal either). As per the site "http://www.cbsc.org/english/search/display.cfm?code=1982&Coll=FE_FEDSBIS_E" It is illegal if: 1) participants pay money for the right to receive compensation for recruiting new participants; ....(TTI is not charging people to join, new applicants are paying for the cost of the goods. It specifically states this in the sign up pkg.) 2) a participant is required to buy a specific quantity of products, other than at cost price for the purpose of advertising, before the participant is allowed to join the plan or advance within the plan; ...(With TTI, the cost of goods are paid after becoming a distributor, so you have indeed joined the plan before buying anything.) 3) participants are knowingly sold commercially unreasonable quantities of the product or products (this practice is called inventory loading); ...(TTI does not sell in unreasonable amounts...unless a few small gems are considered unreasonable.) 4) participants are not allowed to return products on reasonable commercial terms. …(TTI does allow products to be returned within a specific timeframe, just like any other place.) Hence, TTI is in no possible way an illegal pyramid. As for the structure, I will have to admit it does appear as a pyramid structure, just like any other business. Take McDonald’s for example, you have a number of crew people who do most of the dirty work (and don’t get paid much at all), the assistant managers who get paid a bit more (but aren’t as many of them compared to the regular crew), the store mangers (even less of them but income is higher)…and it just goes up the chain…less and less people near the top with higher income. Pyramid? Of course! Illegal? No! The only difference with TTI is that you actually get paid for the amount of work you do. The more you can get distributed, the more you get paid. Of course, if you expect to make money, it does involve working…again like any other business. Let’s face it, if you expect to drop $1200 and do nothing at all, you really won’t get much out of it. I’ll have to admit, I have seen other businesses with a similar set up and technique (e.g. Amway, Quixtar, Excel, Primerica, etc), but the intricacy of how TTI networks is much more advanced (you really have to get a full understanding of the business to see how this works). Basically, all the arguments I have seen in this forum against TTI are based on assumptions and lack of research to back it up. I will agree that the assumptions are logical, but the reality is, they are all FALSE. And by somebody submitting a complaint to the Better Business Bureau and them not receiving a response is not relevant in trying to prove that the business is a scam. Heck, I don’t return every phone call I miss…that doesn’t mean I’m up to something illegal. If you’re going to take a stab at a business, try doing it with hard facts. And anyone can submit any complaint to BBB, about any company…legitimate or not…so just because they received a complaint, means absolutely nothing with regards to legality of TTI. One of you had said, that if TTI fails to create distributors, the flow of money stops and the business ends. No sh!t. If McDonald’s fails to sell burgers, it’ll fall apart. If Walmart doesn’t have any customers it will fall apart. In essence, if any company fails to sell its goods/services it will inevitably end…that’s no rocket science. With TTI, the chances of it ever failing is not probable. Again with its network design, even if no new people were to join the business, the people already involved can keep it going. Unlike other businesses of this nature, you don’t just get your spot and try getting people in underneath you…you can still be part of the growth (difficult to explain without seeing the structure for yourself). The main reason TTI offers such a high income is through its product. It has a product that costs little to dig up from the ground, but the retail cost is insanely large compared to what TTI gets it for. And all it takes is one guy to appraise that standard cost really high...and voila large profit. I have only heard about the business 4 days ago, and as you can see, I have researched it thoroughly. The key to making this business work isn’t about how many people you can get into it. It’s about how well you can put together a team of hard-working individuals. For those who are skeptical like I was, I suggest you do the research before making ignorant assumptions. This is an opportunity for the poor to finally rise up financially and if you are going to base you decision on those who have never even seen the full presentation or were unwilling to present there arguments to a person that is qualified to answer them, then there really is not much we can do. Just don’t judge what you don’t fully understand. | ||
| Bruce Audley (142.59.211.60) |
Wow, damn straight! I like someone that can lay it all out. Still, my original posting of Saturday, June 20, 2004 - 01:14am tells the other side. All anyone is really saying is look before you leap. Bruce | ||
| Anonymous (198.103.147.1) |
Bruce, why don't YOU look before you give your opinions on TTI. Go check it out. They have been investigated by the RCMP, the Peterborough Police Dept., the Whitby Police Dept. the Fraud Squad, etc., and the list goes on. They are clean, nothing illegal about them at all. PLUS they have now responded to the Better Business Bureau and have arranged that any complaint about TTI to the BBB will go directly to TTI. They are completely legal, not a scam, not an illegal pyramid. | ||
| Anonymous (24.69.255.203) |
To Bruce Audley......Wow you finally ran of gas buddy (Sept. 16, 2004 - 12:47 am). At any rate a million thanks to you who succesfully started a public debate on TTI and exposed the truth that this company will be known in history to have revolutionized an industry and helped millions in 100 countries get out of poverty and enjoy life much better. | ||
| Anonymous (24.69.255.203) |
correction by anonymous Sept. 16, 2004 - 10:11 am "ran out of gas" | ||
| Anonymous (24.71.223.140) |
This is the end of the story. Finally! | ||
| Bruce Audley (161.184.68.108) |
In this case, truth appears to have two sides. Your assertion that millions will be helped in a 100 countries or, this year's hottest scam. Time as always, will tell Anonymous (24.69.255.203). Besides, I live in Alberta and gas is something we find in our back yards! You could never run out! Heh, I've got a great idea! Lets start a party buying group and convince poeple to pay a ridiculous sum for a litre of gas, tell them as they bring others to the party for their over priced litre that the value is in the gas, not the downline, and then sit back and watch it benefit not only a few million BUT, the world!!! And along the way, we can tell everyone we are only in it for the money because clearly the world doesn't need more overpriced gas. Alright, I know, that is just plain crazy. Besides, isn't it already being done by the magical mystical TTI? You see the world beating a path to your door. I think that most of the world is sitting back watching you buy the hype. Maybe not the whole world, just a million or two! Bruce | ||
| Anonymous (198.103.147.1) |
Bruce, do me a favour, check out TTI with the authorities in Calgary before continuing to make your assumptions that TTI is an illegal pyramid. They are now registered with the Better Business Bureau as a Business Opportunity, not a Pyramid. Plus they have given over their kit to the BBB for the BBB to have checked out and examined. Before TTI found their headquarters in England, they talked to reputable lawyers about setting up business there. They will open in England around October 28th of this year. I think you should read over again the post of Anonymous 199...Sept. 15 at 7:18 p.m. again to see just how TTI complies with everything. | ||
| Anonymous (205.239.196.6) |
to Anonymous (199.42.80.225) At least Mcdonalds does not have the unmittigated gall to ask new employees to risk their hard earned dollars in their "pyramid" scheme. They dont get their employees to lure in people who have little or no idea of what they are investing in. Only sharp tounged thieves are going to do well at this, taking people by building up unrealistic expectations. When the realise they dont have the base of contacts to work with it is too late, they cant back out and there money is gone. When I go to Mcdonalds they sell me something and I pay for it. Then the employee gets paid for providing their skill and time. It might not be a lot but it is guaranteed. I will always assume that any company that tells their workers not to divulge anything about the product until you rope them into a meeting has something to hide. Just by numbers there will always be a few suckers in every barrel. So yes, some of you money changers will make money on the backs of others. I have a concience and morals and I dont think deception in any form has any business in any endeavour that I would be part of. | ||
| Corey OBrien (69.156.52.228) |
Bruce, you are rediculous and deserve to be working your ass off for your money ... you dont even deserve that , you bring such negative vibes to everyone ... you think your helping other people out but your not , let them decide for themselves , if you dont like TTI dont get in it stop bitching about it, you think your a mister know it all , but you don't know shit, | ||
| Anonymous (199.42.80.225) |
Because a pyramid scam seems to be the first thought that comes to everyone’s head when they first hear about TTI, McDonald’s was simply used as an example to show the structure of TTI is similar. Since most people’s main concern was the legality issue, I just wanted to prove that this is a legitimate organization. Since we’ve already concluded that it is a legal organization with a structure similar to that of others businesses, let’s go on to how the business works. The way TTI runs is going to be very different than McDonald’s, when it comes to how the business is run. Each person in TTI doesn’t play the part of just one level as those in McDonald’s. TTI distributors can be considered as playing all roles of an organization…including the customer. Your argument that McDonald’s employee’s don’t have to pay any cash to become part of the McDonald’s team, is definitely correct. But TTI doesn’t have employee’s…it consists of a number of business owners. People in the McDonald’s business that do have to “risk their hard earned dollars in their "pyramid" scheme” are the one’s paying for the franchise…similar to those in TTI. TTI consists of business owners willing to sacrifice money as they hope to succeed in the business. Each TTI member is comparable to the franchise owner, the store manager, the assistant manager, the crew, and the customer. Whether you go up the pyramid, down the pyramid, or across the pyramid, the duties are duplicated…everyone is doing the same thing. Everyone is involve in purchasing their share of the goods (like a customer), distributing goods (like the crew), building a hard working team (like the managers), and taking a risk with their money (like the guy buying a franchise). One great thing about TTI is that, although you may be taking the risk with your cash to take part in this business, $1200 for $5000 worth of goods already inflates the amount you have invested, just by purchasing your share of goods. I’m sure some of you might be asking…”What the hell am I supposed to do with $5000 worth of emeralds…I can’t sell these retarded gems for what it says its worth.” Again, as mentioned previously, this business does not have to buy then sell the goods…it has established a brilliant idea to take the gems off your hands and allow you to purchase $5000 worth of other goods…anything from a plasma TVs to clothes to diamond rings…just a whole lot of different things. The reality is, this business is not just for “Only sharp tounged thieves” who are “taking people by building up unrealistic expectations” …the expectations are as real as it gets, if you are willing to put in some work. Like I said, it’s not a get rich quick business where you can just drop $1200 and expect the work to happen on its own. It takes some real commitment. As explained, it definitely is a good idea to research this fully to get the full understanding, because this business really isn’t for everyone. It can be a profitable business only if you are prepared take on the duties involved. A person interested in buying a franchise isn’t going to succeed if he thinks all he needs to do is cough up the cash…he still needs to look for some hard working people to keep the business running…that’s where the success is…building a good team...and having good leadership skills to help manage that team. As for TTI’s way of keeping information a bit secretive to get people to their presentation is because most people that will be trying to find others to sign up, will be fairly new and really not qualified to explain the business. There is a lot to understand in this business and the only way to understand the business is to either attend the presentation or be approached by some who knows the business well enough to present it in full. It is really to the newcomers benefit to actually go to these presentations and then ask any questions to one of the people who have been with the business. If you’re unwilling to even take a look at one of these presentations, then let’s face it, their isn’t any commitment right from the start. Just try to keep an open mind about it all and if you think you can make it work, why not give it a try. If you know it’s not something for you, as long as you respect our business and not give out false information about TTI, then we will respect your decision not to join. All I can say is that there is real money out there, that doesn’t require 8 hrs a day, 5 days a week, with someone else limiting your opportunity to advance. You set your own limits. The honest truth is, if you are even a bit sceptical going into the business, it likely won’t work. You really have to believe that the business is real and profitable to make it work. If it fails, it is not the business that made it fail, it is the person’s lack of commitment. If you have to go thru 20 “No’s” to get one true, hard working “YES”, you have a good chance of succeeding. If you get 10 “NO’s” and begin to fall into the pressure of those who don’t believe in the business, that lack of faith alone will limit you from moving further. You just have learn not to be discourage by people who don’t have faith in the business because it is more than likely that those who refuse have not done the research. As for Bruce’s retarded gas price analogy. That is nowhere close to how TTI runs. If you’re gonna use another example to support your argument, the least you can do is use an example that is at least close to how TTI is set up. For all of us out there who support TTI, let’s all thank Bruce for coming out. He has allowed us to view TTI from his perspective and allowed us to learn more about TTI to succeed even further. Bruce if you have any more VALID arguments against TTI, we definitely welcome your criticism. Please invite your friends to try to find a flaw in the business as well…who knows, that might have some really good points that we have overlooked. Eddie G: a.k.a Anonymous (199.42.80.225) | ||
| SAMSON (65.95.218.160) |
EDDIE G: WELL SAID,AS FOR THE RETARD,FROM THE WEST NAMED BRUCE,HE REMINDS ME OF THE LIITLE CRYBABY IN GRADE 7, WHO WOULD ALWAYS RUN HOME TO HIS MOM AFTER GYM CLASS,AFTER TAKING A SHOWER, THAT THIS GUY HAS A BIGGER PENIS THEN ME,OR THIS OTHER GUY HAS MORE PUBIC HAIRS THEN ME,WAWAWAWA, BRUCE LETS GO TO ENGLAND ON OCT28,2004 AS TTI IS SETTING UP THE SCAM,THE COST IS ON ME,AND MY FAMILY THAT I HAVE SOLD OUT, NOT,THEY SAID IT WOULD BE WORTH SO MUCH MORE TO JUST LEAVE YOU AND YOUR DUMB ASS IN THE UK, THANKS YOURS TRULY SAMSON,REMEMBER TO KEEP PAYING YOUR VERY HIGH INSURANCE PRICES,AND GAS PRICES,BRUCE,TRY PUTTING SOME OF YOUR NEGATIVE ENERGY IN FIGHTING THOSE TWO ABOVE ISSUES.YOU WILL DO A FINE JOB, THEY MAY COME TO THEIR SENSES WITH ALL YOUR BRAINS AND POSITIVE THOUGHTS. | ||
| Anonymous (24.69.255.203) |
To Bruce Audley......I don't know how much immunity you have exercising your freedom of speech the way you have been treating TTI and its distributors in this website but if I were you I would be very careful now with my words to avoid landing in court defending this indirect self-destructive behavior. I am sure TTI will not waste money on people like you who I think needs psychiatric help more than anything. On the other hand I still think you deserve a package of genuine million dollar thanks from TTI hard working folks. | ||
| Anonymous (64.231.212.193) |
I have a question for Eddie G. Do you know anyone who's sold their gems for more than what the appraisal value is for? Say your investment of 2070 all inclusive that ends up being 5K, Do you know anyone who's ever reported that they got at least 5k for it? I read on the Jewelry Judge Handout that the appraised value is what the stones are worth retail but I can't seem to find one person who's actually sold the gems for cash, specifically 5k other than the people here who said the most they were offered was 3oo bucks. I was also told by someone I took to the meeting that it happend to her pastor and that 3 appraisers after, same story. The gems are worth almost nothing. I asked the captain I gave my money to, the ladies that work at the head office, another lady who is supposedly the biggest money maker as captain at the head office but none of them can tell me if anyone has indeed sold the gems for what they said it was worth. I was even labeled "negative" and I got into a tongue lashing match with one of the ladies at the head office about it. It's a simple question isn't it? Another thing. People feel like they are being scammed and all because you get different answers from different people about questions you ask them. Like for instance, the captain I gave my money to, she said that "why would you want to sell the gems for when you can go trade it on go trading?" -Because I need groceries not material stuff. "The 5K is a gift the real deal is the 7k. Where would you earn 7K in 3 weeks without putting too much work into it. Only a couple of hours a week?" - See what I mean? I was also told by one of the ladies that worked there that they never said we could sell the gems, they said that you can trade for it, nothing about selling." This came from the lady who has been captain 23 times over. I figure she has about 100K worth of gems. What she do with the gems? That's enought for half a house. Don't get me wrong guys. I'm not being negative about the whole process. I'm just wondering how to get rid of the gems for cash. I know for a fact that as distributors, we are supposed to sell the gems. That's the product. It's the first thing they tell you in the presentation. They even offer workshops on how you can do wholesale and retail sales. So people like this are the ones giving TTI a bad rep. BTW did you know the money back guarantee for the GEM VALUE PACK is for RETAIL CUSTOMERS not for DISTRIBUTORS? Whomever you sell the gems to can return it to you the distributors. You in turn have to be the one to refund their money minus fees, then submit a claim/form/letter to TTI and wait to see if they will take it back /exchange it. You don't get your money back at all. If anything, you get charged fees. I was also told that once you take the gems out of the office, TTI washes their hands from the gems. It's your problem. So the question is, what do you intend to get out of this whole thing? Most people I eventually found out is just in it for the 7K which leads to the whole thing being a pyramid not TTI's fault. Or do you actually want to be a distributor and make more than the 7K that you get from getting your contacts to join. I joined TTI cause I wanted the whole deal, not make money out of my contacts. I want everyone I've brought to TTI to earn money like I though I would. I can get money from them in other more economical methods. I know that if I can't sell the gems for what they are appraised for by TTI, I'll be making a huge stink about it. That's the big factor for me joining. Doubling my investment without having to rely on playing the game. | ||
| Username (64.39.181.19) |
OK, I have joined TTI very recently. If you don't want to keep the gems you sign them over to TTI and they give you a card to trade the retail value of the gems at gotrading.net. If you would like to keep the gems for yourself then you can keep them. NOW. the appraised value of the gems are for apprasial purposes only. If you read ANY apprasial certificate it will note that it says it is for insurance purposes. It is by no means a certificate to set a retail price. So when people say that the gems are not worth $5000.00, they really aren't. If you can find a rich person that is interested in a $5000.00 emerald then yes, you can sell it for that amount. HOWEVER, gotrading.net IS offering straight trade for the gems. It is probably a subsidy of TTI by the looks of it, but that is just my opinion. When I went to my first meeting there were some people saying that they broke open their gems and had them appraised from a different jeweler and the apprasial came back being the same or higher. Now I'm sure that there are cases where the appraisal is lower, sure. It is all personnal opinion when it comes down to it. I am bringing family and friends into TTI so that the people that I care about can have the same opportunity that I have. Sure if it will crash, it will be long after anyone that I know is into it. If you go through it once and make money then you come out ahead right? People that attend meetings know that there is more involved in the whole company than just the game board. I am located in Toronto and surrounding areas. If anyone is interested in attending a meeting with no obligation email me or just give me a call, 416 451-5724 (Name's Bill). I will take you, or you can drive and follow me. Any day, any time. I'll even sponsor you into the meeting. | ||
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