I’ve been in the online marketing industry since 2017, and over the years I’ve tested dozens of platforms, business models, and training programs — from affiliate marketing to digital courses, to eCommerce, and yes… even MLMs.
One of the most frequently asked questions I get is:
“Is Amway a scam or a legit business opportunity?”
Amway is one of the oldest and most talked-about MLM (multi-level marketing) companies in the world. It’s been around since 1959, has millions of distributors, and generates billions in sales every year.
But its reputation online is mixed — some people swear by it, while others call it a pyramid scheme.
In this in-depth 2025 Amway review, I’ll break down:
- how Amway works
- whether it’s a scam
- whether you can realistically make money
- problems with the model
- who it’s really for
- real alternatives if you want to build an online business without recruiting
This review is 100% honest and based on real experience running online businesses (affiliate marketing) and analyzing countless opportunities over the last 8 years.
What Is Amway?
Amway is a U.S.-based multi-level marketing company that sells:
- health supplements (Nutrilite)
- household products
- personal care items
- beauty and skincare
- home appliances
- water and air filters
- essential oils
- and more
Their distributors are called “Independent Business Owners” (IBOs).
As an IBO, you earn money by:
- selling Amway products
- recruiting others to join and earning commissions from their sales
This is the classic MLM structure.
Is Amway a Scam?
No — Amway is NOT a scam.
The company is legal, registered, has been around for over 60 years, and sells real physical products.
It has survived multiple U.S. regulatory investigations and still operates legally worldwide.
BUT…
Just because Amway isn’t a scam doesn’t mean it’s a good business opportunity for most people.
There’s a difference between being legal and being worth joining.
Let me explain why.
How Amway’s Business Model Works
Unlike affiliate marketing, where you earn purely based on performance, Amway uses a layered compensation structure.
You earn money from:
✔ Product sales
✔ Bonuses based on monthly volume
✔ Team commissions
✔ Incentives if your downline performs well
You DO NOT earn money from recruitment alone
That would make it illegal.
However…
Most people in Amway earn their income from:
- building a downline
- recruiting
- team volume
- overriding bonuses
And much less from actually selling products to real customers.
This is one of the biggest criticisms of the MLM model.
Why Amway Has a Bad Reputation
After researching the company and speaking to former distributors over the years, here are the most common issues:
❌ 1. Very low success rate
According to multiple income disclosure documents and FTC studies:
Over 95% of Amway distributors earn less than $1,000 per year.
And the majority lose money after expenses.
❌ 2. Overpriced products
Amway sells quality products — but they are very expensive compared to non-MLM brands.
This makes them difficult to sell unless the buyer wants to “support” you.
❌ 3. Recruiting pressure
Most uplines push you to:
- attend events
- buy products monthly
- recruit aggressively
- “stay motivated”
This creates a cult-like environment for some people.
❌ 4. Monthly autoship
Many distributors buy products every month simply to stay qualified — not because they need them.
This leads to losses.
❌ 5. Your success depends heavily on your upline
If your mentor is inexperienced or overly pushy, you won’t get far.
What I Like About Amway
While I’m not an MLM supporter, to be fair, Amway does have some positives.
✅ 1. High-quality products
Nutrilite supplements and home care products actually have great reviews.
✅ 2. Long history (not a fly-by-night company)
Founded in 1959 — much older than most MLMs.
✅ 3. Legal worldwide
Amway has survived several investigations and continues to operate.
✅ 4. You can earn money if you’re exceptional at recruitment
Some people earn well, but they are a tiny minority.
What I Don’t Like About Amway
From a digital marketer’s perspective, these are the major downsides:
❌ 1. Very low income potential for most people
Even Amway’s own disclosure shows nearly everyone earns very little.
❌ 2. Recruitment-focused model
Selling products is much harder than it sounds. Most rely on recruitment.
❌ 3. Long learning curve
You have to:
- attend meetings
- buy products
- join conferences
- follow uplines
- learn presentation scripts
It’s basically a lifestyle.
❌ 4. Expensive buy-in and monthly costs
Autoship + events + samples = money lost quickly.
❌ 5. Not a business you fully control
Your entire business exists under Amway’s rules.
Any change in pricing or structure instantly affects your income.
Can You Make Money With Amway in 2025?
Yes… but it’s extremely difficult.
Here’s the honest breakdown:
To make real money, you must:
✔ recruit consistently
✔ build a large team
✔ motivate your downline
✔ push volume every month
✔ handle objections
✔ deal with turnover
This takes a LOT more work than earning with affiliate marketing or digital products.
Most people quit within the first 6–12 months.
Is Amway a Pyramid Scheme?
Legally — no, because products are sold.
Practically — it behaves like one in many ways:
- most income comes from team volume
- recruiting is prioritized
- products are overpriced
- success depends on downline size
It’s not legally a pyramid scheme, but it has similarities.
Who Is Amway Good For?
Amway might be a fit if:
- you enjoy sales
- you love networking and live events
- you don’t mind recruiting
- you’re a natural leader
- you have a strong local community
- you believe in the products
If that sounds like you, you may succeed.
Who Should Avoid Amway?
Avoid Amway if you:
❌ don’t enjoy recruiting
❌ don’t want monthly expenses
❌ prefer passive income
❌ want to build an online business you fully own
❌ want modern marketing strategies
❌ want long-term stability
This is why many people move from MLM → online business → affiliate marketing.
Amway vs Affiliate Marketing (Important Comparison)
Amway (MLM)
- must recruit
- monthly costs
- overpriced products
- small income for most
- offline-heavy
- income depends on team
Affiliate Marketing
- no recruiting
- no monthly costs
- promote any product you want
- global audience
- scalable
- passive income potential
- YOU own your business
As someone who has earned over $100,000 online with affiliate marketing, I strongly prefer affiliate over MLM — and so do most long-term marketers.
A Better Beginners Alternative: Wealthy Affiliate
This is not a sales pitch — this is the model I personally use.
Wealthy Affiliate teaches:
- how to build an online business
- how to get traffic
- SEO
- content creation
- YouTube + blogs
- email marketing
- affiliate marketing
- step-by-step beginner training
Unlike Amway:
✔ no recruiting
✔ no inventory
✔ no selling to friends
✔ no monthly autoship
✔ no overpriced products
✔ full online freedom
If you want a long-term online business without the MLM pressure, Wealthy Affiliate is a far more realistic option.
👉 Here is my personal Wealthy Affiliate review for you to learn more.
Final Verdict: Is Amway Worth Joining in 2025?
Amway is a legitimate company — not a scam — but the business opportunity is extremely challenging.
Most people lose money.
Most quit.
Only a very small percentage earn meaningful income.
If you love networking, events, and don’t mind recruiting, Amway might be for you.
But if you want a modern, scalable, online business model without the MLM headaches, affiliate marketing and content marketing are much better long-term paths.
FAQs
Is Amway a scam?
No. Amway is legal and sells real products, but success is rare.
Is Amway a pyramid scheme?
Not legally, but the structure resembles one.
Can you make money with Amway?
Yes, but it’s very difficult and requires recruiting and constant work.
Is Amway worth joining in 2025?
Only if you enjoy MLM-style selling and team-building.
What is a better alternative to Amway?
Affiliate marketing platforms like Wealthy Affiliate are better for beginners who want to build an online business without recruiting.