So what exactly is Tampogo? Well, its a new Network marketing company that bares a few resemblances to Amway, and was founded by Chuck Stebbins and a few colleagues. The company produces sort of an all around array of products ranging from cosmetics, nutritional supplements, Jewelry, and cleaning products. I think TamPogo's product line is a little boring, but that can be a good thing as long as you have the lowest prices, and that is lacking on a few items in their catalogue. One of the cooler aspects however, is that there is no membership fee, registration fee, or product inventory to maintain, and that can make the experience of running a home business a hell of a lot more fun. All products are moved via an assigned online Tampogo store, that takes orders for the company, while simultaneously crediting you for your commissions, and shipping the product out for you, and that is good thing.

TamPogo's compensation plan is fairly standard, with a downline system that enables you to earn 12% on commissions within 8 levels, and with a direct $10 on purchases. This is called a "fast track payout". The only thing you have to do in order to stay qualified for the entire package, is buy a product from the company once a month. This could be a deal breaker for some, it depends on the price, who you are, and how much of something you use I guess. As far as who these guys are, some people feel that keeping the "Whois" info on a company web site private can be a good thing, I on the other hand do not. The Whois information for "TamPogo" has been made private, and in the time I have actively researched MLM companies, this usually signs that there is something they don't want you to know or see.

Is TamPogo a good idea to embrace? Maybe soon, but not just yet in my opinion, with too little information, and stronger competition, I would wait and see if the company builds a stronger, more straightforward presentation while offering some insight into its roots. I think the name is certainly catchy, the products have no disadvantage and fit in probably too well with the rest of the products out there. If you jump in now, 50/50 chance you'll be a krajillionaire, ore maybe you will end up working extra hours and complaining at an angry customer's web site....who knows?

Update:

Having been involved since start liking the simple marketing strategy, and free to join, it has not met my goals, not even close.  I research and evaluate them all, and run them through my system of promotion to see how it compares with others I work the same way.  Yes, many joined, but not many many made purchases, so overall, it will not make you any money to speak of, but it will give you access to many unique and high quality products, but the savings in minimum at best over those which are sold eleswhere. 

As example, I have used LifeExtension products for years, and the prices direct from company site are higher, unless you are member which reduces prices by 15%, which are the prices though Tampogo through free membership.  Not a big savings, but in these tough economic times, anything saved and goes back in my pocket is a good deal.

The feed starving children campaign was near and dear to my heart as I have worked several non profit fundraisers over the years helping feed the needy, but the bottom line is unless you are making money, you won't waste your time promoting it, and that is the real problem, there is no incentive to promote when you earn so little for your effort, about $1.20 on each order someone makes in your organization.  The starving kids earm more, which is good, but not for the average MLMer. lol

Even with all the bonus profit sharing pools offered, which were where my interest always lies were less than exciting.  The founders pool share was under $40., almost laughable compared to other pools I have shared in over the years.  The other pools and incentives were once again, a big let down, not worth it in my experience.  So in conclusion, they are making changes, and for obvious reasons, the model used does not work in MLM.  Unilevel is OK, but not when so little is paid out on each monthly autoship of $20. to $30. range, so unless you have thousands under you, there is no money here, bottom line, too little too late for changes to make any big difference. 

Between issues I had with back orders, delayed delivery, poor customer service, and the disaster of Tango to try and attract the big heavy hitters, it all failed to generate enough activity to make any real money, so after a year and a half, I have stopped promoting it, but will make my purchase of resveratrol every month since it is the best price I have found on or off the internet.  Under $30. for 500mg 60 tablet is a great price, as well as several other items, so maybe they will make it, maybe not.

Success to all,

Hmmm, thx for the info Mike, do you think the flaw with this company lies anywehere specifically, or do you think its just that its becuase they are relatively new? I checked out the products, and kind of agree with Wallace, they seem like they are somewhere between run of the mill and boring. I noticed a trend lately with stuff like this, and barely evben look at any new mlms that mention a shake, skin cream or home goods.

Good question,

It all comes down to value in my research, and although many items do offer value, many do not, so like with all purchase decisions in a tough economy like this, value and saving money rule supreme in my opinon.  We all know MLM pump up prices to what I consider unreasonable to pay all the levels in MLM, so this in itself is an issue for me.  TamPogo has some unique products and are direct manufacturers, but it has been slow process to have enough products to hold a persons interest.  What I have learned over the years when it comes to nutrition products is this, nutrition attrition, a killer of dreams in MLMland.

So as I see it, the products are good, prices fair, not lowest in all cases, but still good value.  Too many unfulfilled promised are my biggerst gripe, as in hype with no substance, not about incomes, but product releases, just way too slow.  The toothpaste product is several months late, other products have never materialized after announcement, so this was my biggest disappointment when looking at it from a business builders viewpoint.  Of course, they are only a little over a year in business, and enough input from the field has the potential to make changes, but with so little income opportunity, if they don't change this, I fear it will not make it in MLM form.  They had tried mall kiosks, but I have not heard much success given economy, so I doubt that was successful.  Then there was the traditional introduction to salons and spa for setting up retail accounts, didn't hear much success stories about this either, so at least they keep trying different strategies.

Success to all, 

Thanks for the details, I was wondering what the downfalls were from someone who had a bit of experience with them. I personally wouldn't get involved with any company that does the run of the mill products thing, there is way too much competition. I'm a research kind of guy, if I'm going to buy mouth wash, I'm going to get the most natural and most effective there is. Not what is most affordable unless I had to of course. Every company in the world has a string of the most boring products ever, so when a new one pops up with more boring products, I just can't seem to get interested. I think a lot of people feel the same way to, and that's the chunk of people companies like this are missing.

Agreed,

What we have all seen in MLM in last couple decades is the same old same old for the most part.  Like you said, there is just too much competition and this is the main reason most people don't have a chance of carving out a little part time income from any of them.  How many juices are on the market in MLM now?  How many weight loss programs?  How many nutritional deals?   How many skin care companies are there in MLM?

Having researched them all, few will stand out as truly unique, and if they are, they are quickly duplicated by mainstream distribution and found in your Walmart or Targets, never mind small local or chain store nutritional companies, pharmacies, even grocery stores, so unless you have a patented exclusive and super results driven product, forget MLM as I see it.  With most products being over priced in market, why else are they trying to hook everyone with mandatory autoships to collect any residual income, and with the usual 10% on retail selling, it is not worth the time it takes to chase your friends and family.

Again, in my research it all comes down to value and convenience, so price points are more important than ever before given severe recession we are seeing.   With time also being at a premium, more people shop online than ever before as well.  So if an MLM can combine value, as in saving money, plus the convenience of shopping online, then the MLM industry is left for all the hard selling sales types, not the average person, and this is why the phrase nutrition attrition is common in the industry now.  I know tons of former high income earners who are seeing this era of frugality hit the industry hard, so be prepared, I know my income in the MLM industry has been dropping for over three years, and for this reason, I now focus only on value oriented programs.

Success to all,  

Hey guys,

I couldn't agree with you more. I'm sure somewhere in the process of building the company, a portion of them really do think they have something special, but for the most part its on par with trying to build a web site focused on porn or something. Hell maybe that isn't actually the best analogy, but as far as originality, we certainly don't need another porn site in the world. I can tell you personally that I'm way to quality oriented, in fact in another thread I think Rick was saying how he already knows the brand or type of product he uses for just about everything, and I'm the same way. I would never use a site like TamPogo just for discounted products. Its not because I'm a snob or anything, just comfortable with the products I use already. When I build PC's I tend to go for the same, reliable, high performance brands and parts. Of course if something really wild comes out that merits giving it a try, I certainly indulge.

I will say though, that the feed the starving children campaign is pretty commendable. I'm not so naive to think that most companies don't do this for any other reason than good publicity, but I also don't want to be more cynical than I already am and try to think positive that they really are donating a portion of their time, effort and profit for no other reason than to actually help starving kids. If their reason is legit, than I am definitely in support, but of course they probably have bitten off way more than they can chew. Amway already exists. Sure, many people are sick of Amway, but that's a tough area to compete when a monster has long since dominated the realm. They know the ins and outs, they have a wider variety of products, and certainly more stability having been established for god knows how long now, so I don't see TamPogo doing much, but maybe they will go in some better direction, who knows, I don't want to just dub them a fail.