Npros articles and industry guides
Practical, independent guidance for researching MLM companies, evaluating business opportunities, finding customers, understanding compensation plans, and running a direct-sales business.
Latest articles
Direct Sales, MLM and Affiliate Compensation Plans Explained
How do direct sales, MLM and affiliate programs calculate commissions? This guide explains the most common compensation plans in clear terms, including retail profit, unilevel, binary, matrix, breakaway, recurring commissions, pay-per-sale and more.
What Can Direct Sellers Deduct on Their Taxes?
Which business expenses can direct sellers deduct? Learn how mileage, product samples, home-office costs, advertising, software, travel, and other expenses may affect your taxable income, and which common "write-offs" could cause problems at tax time.
MLM Taxes: What Direct Sellers Need to Know Before Tax Time
What tax responsibilities come with running a direct-sales business? Learn how income, self-employment taxes, product purchases, mileage, home-office costs, estimated payments, and recordkeeping can affect you at tax time.
How to Find Direct Sales Customers Without Recruiting Friends and Family
How can direct sellers find real customers without turning friends and family into a prospect list? Learn practical ways to attract buyers through useful content, referrals, local marketing, partnerships, events, and better customer targeting.
10 Red Flags When Researching an MLM Company
What warning signs should you look for before joining an MLM? From vague executive histories and missing contact information to weak refund policies, offshore addresses, stock hype, and no tangible product, these ten critical red flags can help identify opportunities that deserve closer scrutiny.