Damsels in Success - Pyramid Scam?

[Zabki]

Not sure this is the right sub group, couldn't find a sub group for potential [problem]s.

 

I say they are pyramid/ponzi scheme ......, my friend thinks they are not.

 

Their whole business seems to be based on pay a yearly membership of £650 for some emotional mentoring

and some free webinars and creating a feminine network.

 

Then pay some more; £15,000-20,000 to become a group director and make money by starting your own group

and get members for £650 each/per year.

 

There seems to be NO products or services to be sold in lieu of memberships so members seems to be the only way of recouping your investment, which is what a legal MLM would have.

 

This to me really screams pyramid/ponzi scheme and not legit MLM.

 

Also weirdly there are NO reviews about them at all, nothing despite running since 2007/2008ish. The only things written about them are directly on their own websites or paid up members and directors own websites. I suspect they work hard on removing negative stuff about them. And for supposedly being good at network having no comments on their YouTube videos and other sites to me says that if nothing else they are rubbish at their main job of networking. All this makes me suspicious.

 

I would love your advice, input and views on this. My aim is to help a friend avoid a dodgy scheme.

Edited February 19, 2015 by Zabki
Editted for poor formatting and weird grammar and to make my point clearer

[dx100uk]

sounds like you are promoting them to me.

 

 

so what is your issue here

[Zabki]

Absolutely not. Why would I in that case suspect they are a pyramid/ponzi and ask for advice from others? I used the word..... in the titel but this forum seems to auto correct this word to problem

 

I am worried my friend has invested in a pyramid scheme, which is why I would like to get other peoples view.

[Old Cogger]

Sounds like the old pyramid scheme = a friend of mine just came out of lock up after 4 years for such a [problem], and almost lost their home thru it having to pay it all back! if it looks too good to be true then it is, no selling just recruiting? leave well alone.

[dx100uk]

Absolutely not. Why would I in that case suspect they are a pyramid/ponzi and ask for advice from others? I used the word ..... in the titel but this forum seems to auto correct this word to problem

 

I am worried my friend has invested in a pyramid scheme, which is why I would like to get other peoples view.

 

 

that's because you and us could be held libel for using that word in relation to a firm or company

[Zabki]

Sounds like the old pyramid scheme = a friend of mine just came out of lock up after 4 years for such a [problem], and almost lost their home thru it having to pay it all back! if it looks too good to be true then it is, no selling just recruiting? leave well alone.

 

Guess my worries sadly are not unfounded then, will tell her to stay well clear, thanks.

[Natalee Tucker]

Hi Zabki,

 

I can totally confirm as part of Damsels In Success Heart Quarters that Damsels In Success is most definitely NOT a pyramid scheme.

 

There are lots of aspects to our business, which I would be happy to discuss with you should you wish to find our more.

 

You are correct in that the first level you can get involved is via membership which you are also correct in saying is £650 per year.

 

However some information above is incorrect. We are not an MLM or network marketing. We are a personal development community for women. We simply recruit Directors to run monthly meetings in their chosen area, to provide a personal development community for women in buiness or who want to be to grow their businesses and thrive doing so. We would like more women across the Uk and globally to experience more success more easily.

 

I am not sure where you found your info for the Directorship costing £15-£20k comes from as this figure is not correct. There is an intial fee for the licence to pay and then a monthly installment once the group has been launched. We are a licenced based organisation to enable our directors to run a licenced group in their area. We offer a training day to learn the principles of Damsels and an opportunity to find out more about becoming a director which is called Licence to Lead.

 

We definitely do not work hard at removing negative stuff about us, we don't need to. This may sound arrogant but I think you will find, should you or your friend come and experience Damsels that your experience will be a positive one.

 

Of course if you have more questions or want to find out more, please feel free to contact me

 

Nat x

[Old Cogger]

they state licensed to operate ? from who?

[honeybee13]

they state licensed to operate ? from who?

 

Hi Mike. Someone has posted on behalf of DIS and has been asked to contact admin.

 

HB

[silverfox1961]

they state licensed to operate ? from who?

 

I would imagine DIS sell the licences to operate under the name.

 

This information should be on the website but it isn't

 

DAMSELS IN SUCCESS LIMITED

9 ARDENT COURT

HENLEY-IN-ARDEN

WEST MIDLANDS

B95 5GF

Company No. 06867752

 

MS LUCIE EMMA BRADBURY

MR DANIEL BRADBURY

 

(directors)

 

As far as complaints go, I can't seem to find any ATM.

 

What DIS looks like to me is a monthly meeting where the 'leaders' give advice on how to become successful but £650 a year! That seems an awful lot for a meeting to share ideas.

[Old Cogger]

msels in Success is the leading transformational network for the female entrepreneur (or any women who works for herself or who wants to).

 

Damsels in Success was founded in Warwick in 2008, expanded nationally in 2010 and is now in multiple locations throughout the UK.

 

Our Vision – To pioneer a framework / blueprint for living that women & the planet is crying out for! By not doing business like anyone else we will experiment & create a template for feminine leadership that

 

Our Mission - To change the way women live and work – so they experience ‘Success with Ease’ and Success without the Sacrifice’

 

DIS is a community that is developing a culture to help women to think BIG & feel FEMININE.

 

Our Philosophy – By creating a loving & supportive environment (rather than a toxic one) for women to be in – their natural essence blossoms and they transform in an effortless way. When we work alone we are limited – together we can make a real difference to own lives, the lives of our families, our communities and the world.

 

We believe in doing things with EASE – a state that allows us to achieve more without stress or sacrifice.

 

Our Values – LOVE , TOTAL ACCEPTANCE (no judgement), FEMININE / FLOW, EASE, HARMONY, GROWTH/TRANSFORMATION, TOGETHERNESS, PIONEERING, NURTURING

 

Lucie’s Dream for DIS …

 

Every women in it will shine brighter, be bolder, be more visible – noticed for who she really is within her family, amongst her friends (peer group) & in her market place. DIS helps her to be at the top of her game, live a 10/10 in all areas of live & continuously evolve, blossom & grow. Every Damsel has carved out her space in the world – the space she came here to claim. The space where she lives her purpose effortlessly.

 

The DIS Community is helping women to think BIG & feel FEMININE. Every woman can do anything they want without compromise – there is no conflict between work & family – as everything works in harmony by filling ourselves up first.

 

The Damsel in Success is so much happier at home – she’s just better to be around! She receives support and encouragement for her dreams in abundance, not just from her fellow Damsels but – thanks to the magic of DIS – from everyone around her.

 

She is a leading light – an expert in her field and an example that inspires other women and giving so much to the world. And DIS is the place where she comes to fill back up. DIS feels like a place to call home. A place where you finally feel like you belong surrounded by people who are ‘awake’ and get that you want more from life and aren’t willing to settle. There is no judgement – just oodles of love & great ideas and advice to get you moving and accelerate your path.

 

The DIS membership investment pays for itself a hundred times over – as people’s businesses flourish financially – prices go up, clients turn up, and as our self-esteem soars so do our bank balances.

 

Life is so much easier for the Damsels in Success women as they put their feminine first and find their flow. They stop looking for perfection and take the easy (but not lazy!) path instead – where everything, success in all areas happens naturally.

[Old Cogger]

will host monthly meetings for your group, giving them an amazing, empowering, Damsels in Success experience every time. Don’t worry, we will show you how it’s done and you better believe that these meetings are not only a blast to be a part of but profitable for you as well.

 

The wonderful thing about the Damsels in Success business model is that one a member has joined your group they’re likely to stay a member for a long time. This means that as your group grows, your income grows with it without having to always be chasing the next sale. Each time you add a new member you are adding recurring income to your business.

 

Once you decide to become a Damsles in Success Director, you will have your complete business set up and ready to launch within a month. Most importantly, we are here with you every step

[Zabki]

 

I am not sure where you found your info for the Directorship costing £15-£20k comes from as this figure is not correct. There is an intial fee for the licence to pay and then a monthly installment once the group has been launched. We are a licenced based organisation to enable our directors to run a licenced group in their area. We offer a training day to learn the principles of Damsels and an opportunity to find out more about becoming a director which is called Licence to Lead.

 

 

I got this from your own website,

"to work alongside me and the other fabulous Damsels in Success Directors. ... The investment for your own exclusive area, personal training and mentoring from me, websites, systems, marketing materials, etc will be just £15,000-£20,000 per year as an annual license fee. (payment terms may be offered to the right candidate, so you can pay as you earn) " damselsinsuccess.co.uk/director/pricing/

 

Also care to explain in details how else you can recoup the money, what products and services are sold outside of getting members?

Edited February 21, 2015 by Zabki
Correcting my post

[BankFodder]

Their whole business seems to be based on pay a yearly membership of £650 for some emotional mentoring and some free webinars and creating a feminine network. Then pay some more; £15,000-20,000 to become a group director and make money by starting your own group and get members for £650 each/per year. There seems to be NO products or services to be sold in lieu of memberships so members seems to be the only way of recouping your investment. This to me really screams pyramid scheme and not legit MLM.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?p=67759507

 

/"]

[Conniff]

This means that as your group grows, your income grows with it

 

 

Exactly what it says in the subject heading, pyramid selling, see the Definition:

 

 

"

Illegal type of network marketing in which recruits pay an admission fee to join the scheme to earn commissions on persuading other people to join the scheme, but little or no product of any real value is exchanged. Such schemes are banned in most countries. "

[ericsbrother]

Pass the sick bag!

[spalding78]

If your friend thinks this isn't a pyramid scheme, then I have a lovely bridge for sale that I think she might be interested in purchasing

[Natalee Tucker]

Ok so to answer your queries as best I can

 

we are not and I cannot express this anymore a direct marketing company, we are a personal development community for women.

 

Our Directors (leaders of groups) sell membership to their individual groups and coaching, mentoring and training packages to them subject to their individual knowledge skills etc.

 

They use their Damsels groups as a funnel if you like for their target market (women) to come along enjoy a free meeting, and hang out with them to learn and grow in themselves. their lives and their businesses. The directors use the meeting as a way to showcase their skills and if people want to work more closely with the director they can choose to purchase, additional products, programs and services from them.

 

For example if the leaders specialism is sales they may offer their members a mentoring package i.e. 3 months to work with them to improve their sales etc

 

These vary widely between groups.

 

In response to the comment "What DIS looks like to me is a monthly meeting where the 'leaders' give advice on how to become successful but £650 a year! That seems an awful lot for a meeting to share ideas."

 

That's not really what it is we share business advice, tips and mentoring and a group. The results our members get are quite outstanding actually and I personally have had a very successful business growth which I credit a lot to being a Damsels member.

 

If you could be part of a group of like minded individuals who didn't judge you and got who you were and supported you to have an incredible business would you pay £650? I would pay far more than that actually.

 

It's very hard to describe the experience of Damsels without actually visiting a group. I would recommend anyone who is inquisitive or curious about it to check us out. There's absolutely no obligation to join us and the first meeting is free anyway so there is nothing to lose?

 

Many people including myself pay £1,000's of pounds for business and lifestyle mentoring per year and you can find this everywhere. Damsels is a leveraged way to do this on mass for people which is why it works.

 

Of course we will not be for everybody as we are all individuals but for those who do want to become members get huge benefit. Aside from the meeting, they have access to speakers, content, products, meditations and tons and tons more.

 

In regards to price, my apologies this is old copy we need to update, so thank you so much for pointing me in this direction and I will rectify this shortly.

 

I am all for authenticity and transparency which is why I use my real name and am happy to have a conversation with any of you about anything you want to know.

 

I hope this clarifies your questions of course if not let me know and I would be happy to go into further details

[labrat]

so from what ive read a pyrimid company claiming not to be a pyramid company

 

i cant help but think how much money i could have made from this sort of thing if it wasnt illegal *sigh*

[Natalee Tucker]

Hey labrat,

 

I'm sorry I haven't been able to clarify that Damsels is a personal development community for women and not multi level marketing, a pyramid a ponzi (even though I am unclear what that is ) or whatever else we have been incorrectly and unjustifiably labelled.

 

I have offered and continue to offer my support to explain this to you, however your choice to choose to believe what you wish is of course yours.

 

However please know that when / if you are willing or have the inclination to find out more and what a positive thing this is I would be happy to offer further advice.

 

I guess sometimes it's easier for some of us, and not suggesting that's you simply one of the pains I see in the world, to focus on what's wrong with the world and how everyone's out to get everyone else, [causing problems], scheming and plotting against us etc as opposed to the possibility that there are actually some people out there who just want to hold the space for others and support them, to have the confidence and to grow and to live the life they want to live free of judgement or expectation. As opposed to judging, putting them down and competing and comparing and all the other things that exist out there.

 

I was stuck in the trap of competing, complaining, comparing and searching for those out against me. "If it sounds too good to be true it probably is" But I found that what you focus on is what you get.

 

So I choose to focus on living a fulfilled life and getting the support I need to excel to the next level.

 

Sending lots of love to you x

[renegadeimp]

Same crap that you see on Facebook sale groups. Obvious [problem]. And they try to say it isn't simply by renaming it. Even though it has all the hallmarks of one.

[ericsbrother]

If it empowers women so much why is Daniel Bradbury the biggest shereholder and not Lucie. I bet she is too busy funneling the money into one of her other companies whose sole shareholder is- Dan Bradbury. Still dont buy into this being anything other than a pyramid scheme

[Old Cogger]

hey" get to-gether at my place, I advise you to get rich. no selling just fees to sit there, I will supply !T ! Bags, my account number is:-xxx xxx xxx xxx pay me what you pay them, I am not asking for top ups after initial payment - therefore not Pyramid scheme god we've been thru this decades ago.

[ericsbrother]

It only seems like yesterday that someone was jailed for running a similar scheme that took £21 million from women who joined it.

Wait a minute, is was only yesterday!

[caro]

I'm pleased you have found a way to get the support you need to lead a fulfilled life Natalee but sad that you have had to pay to achieve that and find it necessary to sell the product that you seem to have chosen to buy. For most of us the monetary price is too high and for me is not something I would feel comfortable being involved with.

 

I guess you may find it hard to convince caggers of the value of your organisation when we offer mutual support on cag for free. I've been involved with cag from the start and have seen countless people come here feeling hopeless, They find people with similar experiences who can support them and share their knowledge and experience. As they learn and tackle their problems their confidence grows. Many of us stay to help others as we've been helped. It's truly empowering, and nobody has to pay a penny.