observations after having worked at vector
not actually a scam. they don’t force reps to buy their set of demo knives to use, or even pay to start up. if a branch has you pay, they are way outdated and you should complain to the higher-ups
actual quality merchandise. Cutco is a great company and many people are happy with their knives. and they will often say it’s better than anything they’ve used prior. a very nice product guarantee, too. “Forever Guarantee.” solid customer care
that said, Vector targets young college aged kids and high school seniors who are still a bit naive about the world to be reps
ask you to sell out your friends (90% of your contacts list) for a sweet prize. they can’t force you, but you will get the Disappointed Dad stare if you don’t. this is fully legal. they can’t force you to give out personal information like that, but if you volunteer...well...
advertise as a “make your own hours” job and then pushes you hard to have a full schedule 13 hours a day, 7 days a week (even on holidays). you get another Disappointed Dad stare if you don’t
seems to be run by people who don’t actually know how poor people economics work
they expect everyone to make $6k in sales in one week. unless you know some fancy rich people who are in the market for some knives, you’re out of luck
unpaid training that lasts for a full day of work, several days in a row. this is mandatory. so is the weekly meeting/team-building exercise. you will never get paid for this time. nor will you get paid for working your ass off calling everyone you know to set up demos. again, you’re supposed to be working for 13 hours a day, 7 days a week, no vacations. or you get the Disappointed Dad stare. also, if you do REALLY WELL, you will be forced to come in for an extra hour every day, at way-too-fuckin-early in the morning for a shiny new job title
if you sell out your friends and family and your soul, and push really REALLY hard, and don’t mind working for no pay (you get paid per demo, or commission, whichever’s higher. commission increases as you make sales), you can actually earn a ton of money (which covers the cost of not getting paid for doing work)
you will be constantly harassed via email and snail mail to return to vector. shredded paper makes good nesting material for birds
salespeople have no souls