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  • Report: #71189

Report: Vector Marketing - Alcas - Cutco

Reported By: (Osseo Minnesota)

Vector Marketing - Alcas And Cutco Fraudulant Business Practices Olean New York

*General Comment... My two cents

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1Author 24Consumer 86Employee
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Vector Marketing - Alcas - Cutco

1116 E. State St.
Olean New York 14760
U.S.A.
Phone:  
Web Address:  

Category: Home based business


Submitted: Thursday, November 06, 2003

Last posting: Friday, February 19, 2010
I was enticed by a Job offer from Vector Marketing after responding to an ad that said $12/hr which I later found to be a total misrepresentation of their pay system but I called up and was told nothing more about the job than it not being door-to-door sales or telemarketing (which turned out to be a lie).

I got there to find out it was in-home presentation and although I had to go to people's houses, knock on their doors, and give them a salespitch (which suffices to the FTC's definition of door-to-door) other promises of being my own boss and making good cash kept me wanting the job. They hired me, as they hire almost everyone (although they tell you before the "interviews they only have a few positions available), and I went to training.

It was in training that I found out I had to call people up and solicit sales pitch appointment (even though they said no telemarketing). I was dead set against telemarketing as I find it intrusive and I never came back. I lost at least 9 hours because of their deceptive tactics to recruit me and according to their ad ($12/hr) I should have been paid at least $96, but they won't pay for training.

Further I was kind of turned off by the purchase or deposit on their demo kit, being told I was my own boss and being an independant contractor with no employee rights but then having to follow strict rules and work under a manager, and having to even pay for some optional conferences. Then upon further research of the company I found out that Vector and Cutco have been sued by Arizona in 1990, ordered by Wisconsin not to decieve their recruits anymore in 1994, and sued yet again Australia nine years after the Arizona lawsuit for fraudulant business practices and each time settled and promised not to mislead it's recruits anymore.

I found out David Tatar, a Wisconsin consumer protection investigator, says they surveyed 940 Vector recruits in 1992 and found that almost half either earned nothing or lost money working for Vector and that workers in that state earned less than $3 a day on average selling cutlery for Vector. I found out Vector managers make more commission off their new recruits than even their new recruits do until they sell about $3000 worth making for more incentive to recruit quantitatively instead of qualitatively.

I found out the largest Canadian newspaper, The Toronto Star, wrote an article about fraudulant job advertising in 1994 and wrote that they decided not to run Vector's ads anymore. And I found out that the Better Business Bureau has processed 29 complaints for their lead office in Olean, NY and 6 complaints for their Wilmington, DE location (one of which had to be resolved by a BBB judge) in the last 36 months- which is quite high for the Better Business Bureau especially when considering people at the age of Vector workers generally don't even know who or what the BBB are. Plus there are numerous sites on the internet by disgruntled former workers, one of which is an online petition to "STOP the Scamful Ways of Vector Marketing and Cutco" that has over 1600 signatures.

Some deceptive things they've been known to say during recruiting are:

a)saying their company has been in business for over 50 years because Cutco has but Vector, whose doing the recruiting and who is contracting out the work, has been in business about half of that

b)saying they are a fortune 500 company while they were purchased from a fortune 500 company 20 years ago

c)talking about scholarship opportunities when only 50 people each summer get real one and they claim to have recruited over 40,000 students last summer (meaning a tenth of a percent), only 1 or 2 of those get the maximum amount of $1000 while more than half of the very small percentage of scholarship winners only get $250 ($100 more than what they paid for demo knives), and one of their "scholarship" programs only gives money to their school, not their reps, only as a donation and their rep's tuition doesn't get paid by it (yet they still call it a scholarship):
http://vectorscholarships.com/regional-program.htm

d)saying they will be their own boss while they have to go through training, work under a manager, make sales reports, and make meetings

e)saying they are "guaranteed" a minimum base amount per appointment when if they don't sell they don't get paid anything if the appointment isn't a qualified one by their standards and doesn't meet their restrictions of being one-on-one with someone who is permanently employed and over 25 years old (no housewives, friends under 25, and no group appointments or you don't get paid)

Some of the sales tactics are often considered unethical, underhanded, or fraudulant like:

1)decieving a potential customer over the phone as to why they want to come over: reps have been taught to say their purpose is perfecting a presentation, gaining business experience, anything but giving a sales pitch on knives

2)asking them whether or not the potential customer will buy the set the rep wants them to buy and moving on to the payent plan for it and if not they move on to the next one the rep want them to buy instead of discovering things about the customer and picking out the perfect set for them with that information

3)asking them for the contact info of their friends and family instead of leaving their own contact info behind.

4) giving often fraudulant information such as their Henckles using 420A steel:
http://www.geocities.com/cutcocomplaints/training1.html
when they use a proprietary blend much better than 420A or using information from an ad Cutco made up for Henckels making it look like an 18 pc set of Henckels 5 Star is over $1000:
http://www.geocities.com/cutcocomplaints/henckelsad.html
when 18 pc Henckels 5 Star sets sell at metrokitchen.com and cooking.com for $480.

Some student newspapers have recently come out with stories about a nation-wide student group opposed to the company. Some examples are:
the Cornell University's Daily Sun:
http://www.cornelldailysun.com/articles/9671/
University of Memphis Daily Helmsman:
http://www.dailyhelmsman.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2003/10/09/3f87081d92387
and Illinois State University Daily Helmsman:
http://www.dailyvidette.com/main.cfm?include=detail&storyid=456136

Chad
Mankato, Minnesota
U.S.A.



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1Author 24Consumer 86Employee
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#1
Ex-Employee
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Cutco and Vector's outragious retreats, meetings, guilt trips

Cherry - Spartanburg (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, June 30, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, August 01, 2004
All of the information in the above report is known to be TRUE. I witnessed not only all of these fraudulant practices, but also(and it is not mentioned here)the outragous travel "advancement opportunities".

Not only do you pay for the knives, but you also must travel to your appointments in your own car (with the incentive that mileage spent traveling to your appointments is tax deductable). If the appointments aren't varified however, and most are not, it's completely on you.

You also, as a salesrep, must attend meetings. These include traveling to the headquarters several times a week and extensive travel to joint "team" meetings in cities in other neighboring states. Because the meetings are not appointments (considered training), you get no money there either.

Then there is the so far completely unmentioned "retreat". At joint meetings the clear goal is to 1)cheer the other unfortunately-scammed college student for their good job at being scammed, 2)cheer the people scamming you (they did do a wonderful job, didn't they.)and most importantly 3)talk all unfortunately-scammed college students into taking a lovely training (no money there remember)vacation in some far of local as Virginia. The victims are told that whatever they spend (a lot more than the knives) they will earn it back in their increased sales.

All victims wishing to go are told to fill out the forms (checks included of course) immediately so that they can win a prize. Then they give away via lottery about 5 boxes of dinnerware (the prizes) , chop up a pineapple, play music, and display entertainment (our show had a magician).

I don't know what when on at the retreat, but I do know that because I did not go on the retreat I was looked down on. Everytime I asked about why I wasn't being paid, the retreat was mentioned. "Oh, you didn't go on the retreat, did you?" my manager would say, as if it answered my question. Eventually I gave up and quit.

If you are an employee and you must quit DO NOT call in. They will talk you back into staying everytime (they sell your job right back to you). I went cold turkey all the way because I had to. They just make you feel as if it is somehow your fault and that you are a bad person for questioning their sales rationale.

I was actually cursed out of an old next door neighbor's yard one day because I was selling this stuff. If that hadn't happened, I don't know if I, being a typical college student, would have done any research. At first I couldn't even admit to being scammed, but now, seeing all of this, I don't feel so stupid because I am not the only one.

I hope someone benefits from this information; I took careful notes after I was thrown out (which they say NEVER happens, and especially never happens to any customer who has bought their product before- a freebie, in Vector-speak. It DOES happen.)so I could determine whether or not the research was true. IT IS TRUE. My parents actually convinced me that this was a good idea, good for building social skills and self-esteem (they are therapists). I wish I hadn't quit my other job at KFC, where the grease is gross but the money is real, not some figment of the imagination. That is the allure though. Play grown up for the day in a suit and tie; let the other people wear the uniforms coated in greese, I'm too busy on my cell phone scheduling a 3 o'clock.

People don't get attracted to this because they are stupid; they are attracted because they are tired of being unimportant kids. Don't let this happen to anyone you know, whether you like them or not. If it is you, just quit, cut that cord. If it is your kids, cut that cord and give them more responsibility. Once again, I hope this information does something for someone.
#2
Ex-Employee
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I made $18,000 in 8 months selling CUTCO. FSM BABY!

Brian - Salt Lake City (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, August 01, 2004
My name is Brian Curnow, and I sold Cutco for Vector Marketing in 1995 while I went to college in Shippensburg, PA. I have read alot of negative responses written about Vector Marketing and Cutco knives in the past - and all I can do is shake my head in disbelief.

If you are a college student or highschool student - looking for some extra cash OR to learn some sales skills - this is the best opportunity I have ever come across. I sold for that company for 8 months and actually DID win a scholarship. When I quit selling for Vector - I was ranked #14 in the Nation (out of 10,000) sales reps. I achieved #2 for the scholarship fund (and was paid by a check).

I still have all my pay stubs and trophies. This company gave me a vision, I did EXACTLY what they trained me to do - and I made alot of money at it. Although 18,000 bucks isn't much to a family man, raising kids - but to a college student who wanted to make some extra cash for the weekends - I think I did alright!

Here's my story and feel free to contact me [Place your comments below and be sure to include your FULL contact information so Rip-off Report can contact you.]

I found an add written on the chalkboard in one of my morning classes. The ad read: 9.95/hour. Of course- I was a hungry college student - just looking for some extra cash for pizza and beer - and some extra cash to take my girlfriend out on the weekends. So that night I callled the phone number - and was instructed to come to an interview. It turned out to be a "group presentation" and then taken back one on one for an interview. All but one of the candidates were hired.

I job fair that night - and was really impressed with the idea. Make my own hours - make MONEY - and the energy level was out of this world. So I put the 300 bucks for the demonstration kit on a credit card and was told to come back for 3 days of training. (which I did).

I went home that night and told my roomates. They laughed histairically at me, pointing fingers - and I just smiled and went to sleep. I called my parents the next morning and my Dad said it was some scam. However, I didn't want to let the negativity and skepticism get to me. I saw them cut a penny with scissors and slice rope and leather with the knives - and I was excited to spread the word about these amazing knives.

So I showed up to my first day of training. All but one person who attended the job fair was hired. (a tactic used by Vector because the average rep will quit after 2 weeks) and they are always needing to keep the sales team larger than 10 (which was a struggle for my office in Chambersburg, PA).

The Hiring manager was Derron Wagner - who I admire very much. He was kind of a dorky guy - but he taught me alot of good stuff in sales.

Anyway- the last day of training - Derron asked everyone to attend the year end awards banquet. Of course we all had to pay our own way of 80 bucks (I think). When I asked "why doesn't the company pay" the response was if you pay it your self - you'll take this job more seriously. And he said - those of you who go to this banquet - the excitement will raise your belief system thus- you will make more MONEY and succede in the business......

So I went - and everything they said was true- the banquet blew my mind. The MONEY that people earned was astonishing. They gave away humongous trophies to the top reps - 300,000 dollar checks to district managers - I was impressed. I couldn't wait to make my first sales presentation.

However, I ran into one BIG problem. I was trained to start off selling to my friends, relatives, family, neighbors, etc... they said this so I can practice my presentation skills.

Here's where most people think this is a negatvie. Everyone thinks / or writes that Vector wants you to sell your friends and family so they can make a quick buck.... NOT TRUE.... These family presentations boost your confidence (yes - it's easier to sell friends) but more importantly - you LEARN YOUR JOB!

But my problem was - I was going to school 3 hours away from my family, friends, neighbors, etc. so I didn't have any practice. My first couple of presentations were reading my training notes to the client. My first presentation was to a college professor who I had class with. He didn't buy anything - but He gave me some referrals of his friends in his neighborhood and then my business exploded. I did 2 presentations a day and 8 on the weekends. I worked 7 days a week - generating my own appointments on thursday and booking the weekend.

I'll have to agree with alot of you - this selling stuff is not for the weak minded. I had my doubts - but I had more dreams that got in the way.

The way Vector teaches to market the product is completely honest. It's the individuals who change the system is what makes it grey. Maybe I had a really good District Manager - and an honest guy - so I learned the honest way.... but with every successful story - there is a thousand bad apples.

Have you ever heard of Zig Zigglar? - He was one of the greatest salesman of this decade. He sold a product very similar to Cutco.... he sold Cookware. And he did it EXACTLY how Vector marketing does it- through Direct Sales.

I think the reason there is so much negativity around this Vector company - is because they hire thousands of highschool students in the summer plus thousands of college students during semister breaks.... and out of 10,000 new recruits - maybe 3% actually follow the training and do what their told - and thus make a good, honest living at it.

I find it really sad when I read all these negative posts. I hope the future readers of this post realize - ALL THE NEGATIVE POSTS ARE FROM PEOPLE WHO FAIL or FROM PEOPLE WHO DIDN'T GIVE IT A FAIR SHOT.

You have to realize - only 3% of America is considered to be "wealthy" - and the average household income in america is probibly around 30,000 (may be less). This means most americans are satisfied flipping burgers or pumping gas because there is no "risk". They show up to work and they get paid.

The greatest thing about Vector Marketing - is you are paid WHAT YOU ARE WORTH. I completely understand why most people fail at it - most people don't BELIEVE they can do it cause all their friends laugh at them and get a bunch of crap from their parents for trying it. Society is set up to make you fail and bring you down. It frightens people if you are more successful than they are.

I'm sure I'll get flamed from people who failed miserably at the job - saying how horrible of a company Vector is - or how horrible they market their knives.... but I'll tell you this - when you are on TOP looking down at the masses - people will take shots at you out of envy, jealousy, or what ever. I am living, breathing proof that anyone can make Vector Marketing work - and yes, I agree their advertisments for getting college studes to work for them are vague - but I'm glad I was "green" enough to fall for the marketing. I'm glad I was naive enough to buy into the demo set. And I'm even more glad that I had the opportunity to learn my trade in sales. I have to say all of my sales success was learned in Vector. My sales experience with Vector got me a Pharmaceutical Sales position with Janssen Pharmaceutica, a Johnson and Johnson company.

By the way - I'm now just a regular family guy, living in the Mid-West with a beautiful wife and 3 awesome boys. It's been almost 10 years since I worked for that company - and have lost touch with everyone in the company. If you know who I am - or know any of the people/offices listed below or worked for the company in 1995 - I would love to hear from you! ie (Dave Wasserman, Derron Wagner, Chambersburg/Mechanicsburg Office, Keystone Region Manager RICK)

[Place your comments below and be sure to include your FULL contact information so Rip-off Report can contact you.]
#3
Consumer Comment
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CUTCO SCREWS THEIR CUSTOMERS AS WELL

Sherri - Piedmont (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, August 01, 2004
I bought a couple of table knives and a couple of larger scale items. What I received for $200 was two table knives. When I called, I was told that I didn't know what I was talking about. Being that the check had still not cleared, I stopped payment and returned the knives via UPS (for only about $6, compared to the $18 Cutco charged ME for shipping).

I get daily incessant calls from someone named "Colleen", demanding that I pay for something I didn't get. Then she gets very rude and nasty, telling me that I didn't return the knives, in spite of having the tracking info.

My friend, who went to work for them quit. She didn't have the time to devote to the Cutco cult, especially working for damned near free.
#4
Consumer Suggestion
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Brian, Why Did you QUIT Vector ???

John - Memphis (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, August 01, 2004
Brian, it sounds like you were on the fast track to a senior VP position with Vector. Why quit? Are you currently a Sales VP with J&J? I doubt it. Maybe your conscience finally kicked in and you realized that Vector was nothing more than a quick rush for someone who was comfortable with deceit.
#5
Ex-Employee
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This company is a bunch of BULLShit! ..you are pathetic and America hates you! Personaly

Michael - Stroudsburg (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 22, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, August 01, 2004
The only thing I have to say to Brian of Salt Lake City is..you are pathetic and America hates you! Personaly if I seen you on the street, you wouln't live to see your kids again. I won't even bother and waste my time on another keystroke.

And for all the people involved in this scam that got scrued over, let me just say that you are not the only one. My girlfriend did as well, and I ALMOST DID, before I relized that I went on an interview for Vector.

People try to understand how brainwashing this whole Cutco/Vector organization is. Take the rebuttal from Brian for example. Do you see how he changed the whole situation around and actually made it seem like all the other people were wrong. People are stupid, that's how they fall into these type of stupid shit, and that's how Brian would made money. People there is NO EASY WAY TO MAKE MONEY! Belive it or not. Go to college and start from the bottom way up like everyone else.

This whole thing reminds me of a book I read on Hitler and his brainwashing tactics. Brainwashing is an amazing thing. Belive it or not, but for example: a person could get you to actually trully believe that 2 + 2 = 5.

Anyways good luck.
#6
Ex-Employee
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Gas Pumper?

Brian - West Bountiful (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 22, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, August 01, 2004
Dude... you have no idea. You are taking a shot at me? The next time I roll into chevron I'll make sure I ask for you. I got some Turd that needs to be cleaned out of the tire tread, bird crap on the windshield, and what the heck - you can check my oil.

You po' folk always feel like the world has plotted against you - and us rich folk are the reasons you can't get a job, you are underpaid, and can't that get that big promotion to the cash register. Your employer knows better - you'll scrape a few bills off the top - because "your company owes you", isn't that right?

I know who you are.... but you are just in a different body. I've seen you before. I think you we're cleaning up my toilets overflow the other day. You know us rich folk; - even know we know how to fix it ourselves - We'd prefer to keep the bottom feeders employed - and the economy good - so we spend all that extra cash to hire minimum wage boys like yourself.

...hey- don't say I didn't help keep your job for you. Somebody has to clean up after me.


Mua ha ha ha.... People like you crack me up. You see life through tainted glasses. Why do you feel like Vector is the epitimy of all evil? Did you fail miserably like everyone else? - or let me guess... you are a sheep - and you never even attempted to TRY. You have no idea the opportunity you missed out on. Success starts with a little self esteem. And your previous SHOT at me says you need alot of help in this field.

...however, there still is hope. Vector will take homeless with open arms. They will turn their cheek the other way - even know you have probably slapped it a few hundred times - they are still willing so show you the good life. Next time you see the advertisement - go get yourself a real job - they'll take your negative self and turn it into a positive self - and you can quit your minimum wage job and begin making a living. However, if there is a dishonest bone in your body - please don't apply. It's the BAD APPLES like you that have tainted the image of the company.

KARMA WILL PREVAIL - YOU WILL SEE
#7
Ex-Employee
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Brian get a life!

Michael - Stroudsburg (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, July 23, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, August 01, 2004
I don't know who might be doing your bathroom work but it sure hell isn't me. I've got my M.A. in Computer Science and my B.A. in Computer Security from the University of East Stroudsburg (GPA 3.4). I'm a C++ programmer / system administration analyst for PF Laboratories Incorporated. I make well over $230k a year not including my 20% bonus by the end of the year.

So don't tell me what money is because I know….just remember this people, only the poor brag about it. They try to show the world they are not poor by trying to put an impression on people that they are rich. Brian you did a good job at that.

Your 18k per year that you made at Vector is shit money. You can not make a living with that. Especially…if you have kids. Nice try.

-God...I can't belive I'm wasting my time on you.
#8
Ex-Employee
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MIKE IS FULL OF IT

Brian - SLC (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 24, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, August 01, 2004
Mike- you are so full of shit. $230,000 ha ha.... That is the biggest pile of bullshit I can't smell it all the way out here on the west coast. I figured you were some zit-faced pencil neck geek who hides behind his keyboard, giggling like bevis/butthead... well, in your case - ASSHEAD.

If you made the money you said you did- you wouldn't have called the number for vector - nor would your girlfriend need the job or the money.

Another clue that you are full of shit is that you live in Stroudsburg. That's an old coal mining town full of Red-necks and college kids. The whole town's income COMBINED wouldn't reach a hundred grand.

I'm guessing you are about 19 years old - sitting in the computer lab at that lame college in Stroudsburg, hunched over the keyboard and scratching your ass thinking what you'll write next. Admit it dude- you are a looser! And a piece of shit liar.... and a poor one at best. Your story has one big fat hole in it.

What do I do? Pharmaceutical Sales for Johnson & Johnson. Selling medications that you can't even pronounce. ...Of course I bet you take a few of the ones I sell.... Risperdal maybe?

Look that one up on your super-computer, Geek-boy.
#9
Consumer Suggestion
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just a thought on brian

Jennifer - West Bend (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 24, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, August 01, 2004
isn't it a little convienant that brian made so much money in the summer months and he totally supports this company? sounds like he still works for them, but not as a salesman anymore, but a recruiter!
#10
Ex-Employee
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Typical of the unprofessionalism and dishonesty widespread throughout the company

Jeff - New York (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, July 25, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, August 01, 2004
These comments made by this Brian character are very typical of the unprofessionalism and dishonesty widespread throughout the company. Don't believe the front recruiters give you to try and make it seem like they're a caring family, this is NOT their true nature.
#11
Ex-Employee
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WAKE UP PEOPLE

Brian - SLC (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, July 26, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, August 01, 2004
Did it ever occur to any of you that this Vector company, who's been in business selling for over 20 years - would have been shut down if it were a scam?

Don't you think the "secret" would be out by now? They have been following the same business practice since day one... If people were getting "hosed" or "scammed" - the BBB would be all over them. The local state and national government would shut them down - and not allow any advertising from the company.

All the negative publicity vector receives are from people who "tried" working for the company - for a couple of weeks... and scream and hollar that they didn't make money. Tens of thousands of people start off working for them - and never make it more than a few days... mainly because they don't follow through with the training or have the typical american work ethic...

If an hourly wage makes you comfortable--- so be it. But there is alot of money to be made working HONESTLY for this company.

I'm not a recruiter- It's been almost 10 years since I sold for the company - during my senior year in college... now I do Pharmaceuticals....

I have nothing to gain but a few minutes of humor reading the responses to this post.
#12
Ex-Employee
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People..you make the decision, don't say that I didn't warn you

Michael - Stroudsburg (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, July 27, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, August 01, 2004
If you would like to join Vector...go right ahead. Just don't say that I didn't warn you. I'm just a 25-year-old guy trying to look out for you. Why would I waste my time trying to back talk a company that supposedly is doing so well.

In matter of facts, there are lots of lawsuits against Vector all over the US. The problem with this is that there are different distributions run all over. There is no hierarchy where there is one boss. There is no one person to nail. That's the big issue.

When I realized all of this I had left Vector. Didn't even waste my time to call them up and say I QUIT!

Thanks to Brian over here, I have now decided that I will be pending a lawsuit in regards to a Vector distribution in Scranton, PA. Brian finally got me up to that point where enough is enough. Thanks.

I have already called the IRS regarding the tax scams, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for faulty company with faulty business attributions, the FBI, and Labor Consumer Board.

What's next…who knows? It's up to people like your-selves to do something about it.

Also, If Brian keeps on recruiting regarding Vector; I might do something one-on one. Brian believe me when I tell you this, I have the power, the money and now the potential to do something about this.

If you keep on going on with your little charade, I will see that you are also included into my current FBI investigation. I have the authority to call-up this site server, track your IP address from each off your bulletin posts, then do a “WHOIS” lookup directory for your ISP provider, and finally with the help of the FBI, track you down to the apartment of witch you are living in right now.

Not like you know what I'm talking about, but keep in mind, I am a system security administrator. I know how to do these things.

Then we would really see if you are a recruiter or not…and then we can take a look at all your past IRS tax paperwork and see how much shit you are in.

Believe me, you are f***ing with the wrong person. (…for all you know I can be your neighbor) –a scary though isn't it?
#13
Ex-Employee
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Wake Up Brian! Each time the authorities came after them they quickly settled, admitted to misleading jobseekers, and promised not to do it again.

Jeff - New York (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, July 27, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, August 01, 2004
As it says in the above report, Vector's had the authorities come after them no less than 3 times for fraud in the 20 years they've been around and probably more. The Arizona Attorney General sued them in 1990, Wisconsin Consumer Protection Dept ordered them to stop their fraud in 1994, and the Australian Consumer and Competition ordered them to stop in 1999. Each time the authorities came after them they quickly settled, admitted to misleading jobseekers, and promised not to do it again. It's only a matter of time before promises aren't going to cut it anymore and they get shut down for good. The very definition of a scam is a fraudulent business. Vector's admitted to fraud at least 3 times! The Australian ACCC even has it documented on their website:
http://www.accc.gov.au/content/item.phtml?itemId=351240&nodeId=file3f557eea58cdf&fn=s87B_99_6H.pdf
#14
Employee
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STEP UP TO THE PLATE

Brian - SLC (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, August 01, 2004
Mike of PA-

I'll step up to the plate and call bullshit on you. First of all- I'll back my statement about your employment, annual income, and suppose power and people in high places.

Run your silly investigation. Hell, I'd even give you my IP address or even email - but this site keeps editing personal contact information I originally tried posting in my first writing. I suppose they are trying to protect me from people of power that you claim you have.

I have nothing to fear, gain or loose - but like I said before, the humor I get thinking you are some punk-ass teenager trying to slander a decent company.

If you did the investigation you claimed to have done - you would have found there are Managers, Vice-Presidents, and Human Resource departments.

Don't you think if this was such a scam - it might get a little more MEDIA attention? Don't you think all this JUICY information you keep "cutting and paisting" off of different web-sites would make 20/20 or 60 minutes? - how about local news media?

You haven't found jack shit- have you?

So I'm gonna call BULLSHIT on this MIKE clown.
Call your connections and get the ball rolling. In fact - I'd like to see you take it to the big times- call the news stations. Lets all kick back with a bowl of popcorn and see how powerful Mike really is. This should be good.
#15
Ex-Employee
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Still impatiently waiting

Brian - Slc (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, August 06, 2004 POSTED: Friday, August 06, 2004
Mike-

What happened to you? I've rushed into the door every evening - hoping to find some clue that you followed through on your end of the deal.... I'm getting impatient.

I guess I proved to the world that you are a moron - and a pathetic one at that - and these HIGH POWER claims you keep posting are some teenage fantasy that you dream about.

Don't worry Mike- someday you'll be successful. Before you know it - you'll get promoted to the "fry boy". They'll soon put you into a position that will challenge you.

Good luck to you buddy- and remember, if you ever want to speed up the process to your success - go to the Vector website at www.cutco.com You'll soon realize there is a better life out there than flipping burgers in Hickville, PA.

:)
#16
Consumer Comment
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Learning experience

Mike - Pittsburgh (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, August 06, 2004 POSTED: Friday, August 06, 2004
Whether this company is a scam is irrelevant because you still learn sales and marketing skills for future work.

In the long run you will make up for the rip off from vector simply because you learned how to be a sales rep and you learned some independent contracting skills.
#17
Ex-Employee
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Bad Experience

Jeff - New York (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, August 07, 2004 POSTED: Saturday, August 07, 2004
Actually the tactics Vector teaches are so unethical, underhanded, or fraudulant that should you use anything you learned in a legitimate company you'd be reprimanded or fired. This report lists 4 such tactics.

The report above also links to 3 student newspapers who have done stories on Vector's underhanded business practices. Stories have also been done in the Washington Post (page F8 July 1, 1996), Seattle Times (business front page February 22, 2004), and Channel 10 News in Albany, NY:
http://www.wten.com/Global/story.asp?S=682631
among others.

This is a pretty well known scam.
#18
Employee
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Lets face it in life there must be losers to have winners

Curtis - Columbia (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, August 09, 2004 POSTED: Tuesday, August 10, 2004
I am a sales rep with Vector and am almost at FSM. I have changed froma carpenter busting my ass for 10 dollars an hour to a sales rep who has time to enjoy my young years with more $ than all my friends. I have made right at $8000 and just started 3 months ago. The reason some of you are slinging mud is that you tried and you failed. You may have saw others doing well with vector and you just couldnt cut it, that would make anyone sore. The fact is Vector is a proving ground for young people. The skills of self motivation and closing and customer service are what all companies look for the proof is in my reume and my heap of offers. I have proved myself to be succesful in the business world and am now sought after. I am not done with college yet nor do I have computer skills and my spelling is par at best (as you can tell) but despite all that I do have the skills to succeed at whatever I do and that feels great. I give all my CUTCO customers awesome service and keep up with them often. They are all happy and 38% of them have called me with new orders not of my doing that is proof of quality. Some of us need to punch a clock and make an hourly wage and some of us need to challenge ourselves without limitation. This is the real world and everything from getting a date to talking down the price of a car is CLOSING and I have perfected it thanks to Vector. As for the meetings and conferences that you dont get paid for, the stuff I learn in meetings is better than money we not only learn to be better reps but valuable tips on investing and public speaking and I did pay for the only big conference I went to but get this it was $40 a month taken out of my vector check for 10 months not even a noticible hit and that was for 5 star lodging and dining in Los Angelas CA. the trip alone without the info was worth double the $400. As for not getting paid for training just be happy that you are not charged for it. several colleges teach most of Vector trainings as a class and charge hefty tuition for it, thats why our training sometimes transfers over to a credit in college. Now any yahoo can talk on here so dont take my or anyone else on here's word check it out for yourself for most of you it is not for you and you need a punch the clock type job but for some you will be challenged in new ways and will excell and have an awesome experience that is fun and brings you more $$$ then your friends with resume experience to promise you a good future in sales or icing on the cake for any career as sales skills are probably the most all around usefull skills one can have not to mention the self motivation ,perseverence ,and speaking skills that Vector proves that You have. Honestly re think your motives before bashing vector is it really to help out would be reps as to not see their possible niche or is it of jealosy of knowing that you yourself failed and need something to blame??????
#19
Consumer Comment
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Independent Contracting

Mike - Pittsburgh (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, August 09, 2004 POSTED: Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Well, I don't have anything to do with Vector Marketing. I still think though there are other independent contracting oppurtunities out there that are legitimate.
#20
Consumer Comment
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Drop Shipping

Mike - Pittsburgh (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, August 10, 2004 POSTED: Wednesday, August 11, 2004
This is a type of business where you and the manufacturer or distributor make an arangment to set up a website or whatever and take the orders for a product from the consumers while the manaufacturer or distributor ships the product to the consumers.

Catalog Companies do this and the reason the manufacturer does this is so they do not have to worry about sales. You can do this job from your home. Of course there is no guarentee of success although it is an oppurtunity. You have to remember that owning a business is like pursuing a hobby that if you don't spend alot of time on it you won't get anywhere with it.

The bottom line is you don't need Vector Marketing, you still have alot of options.
#21
Employee
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The Vector Opportunity is like anything else in life: Some make it, some fail.

Brittany - Temecula (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 POSTED: Wednesday, August 11, 2004
I began working for Vector right after graduating high school. I admit that the first day, I was not sure if I would be returning for training, but I did, and I'm very glad that I did. I went through the three day training, a little upset that I didn't make the $16/ hour that the company made it seem like I would get, but I stayed long enough to have them explain why they do things this way. It makes sense once you see it.

Let me just mention that I graduated with high honors from my high school, and earned several prestigious scholarships as well. Now, everyone else that went to my high school had the same opportunities that I did to earn all those things. However, only a small percentage ended up getting them. My high school class started out with 1369 students. Four years later only 951 graduated. That's about 25% that didn't make it. Those 25% had the same opportunities as everyone else, but instead they dropped out or found something else to do with their life.

I took AP classes in high school. Everyone else in my classes listened to the same teachers, used the same books, and had the same opportunities that I did. Not everyone else passed.

As for the scholarships, everyone else had the same opportunities. I know many intelligent people, but not everyone applied themselves, so not everyone got a scholarship.

I was also in sports. Not everyone that started succeeded. And not everyone succeeded to the same degree.

Everyone else at my high school had the opportunity to earn high honors. Did they? No. It is up to the individual to decide how much importance they place on different aspects of their lives. But the world is a free-enterprise system. If you work hard, and find a way, you can do it. Every living, breathing soul has potential. However, not everyone makes use of this potential. As ugly as it seems, some people will succeed, and some people will not succeed.

Now you are probably wondering, how great did I do, to be sitting here defending the product? Well, I've sold over $1300 of Cutco, I've made much more than if I had worked 40 hour weeks at the local Subway or Starbucks. The people who make money in those places aren't the employees with the guaranteed paychecks, they're the ones that put themselves on the line and invested in the franchise.

Cutco is the same way, only on a much smaller scale. If you actually do what you are told, you will succeed, at least to some degree. I have gained more self-confidence from my job. I have gained knowledge, and experience that most students don't get between their high school and college years. and to be honest, I haven't been working that hard lately.

My first three weeks I worked hard, did about 15-20 appointments a week, but for the last 5 or so, I've pretty much done 3-5 per week. No other job would allow me to work that few hours without getting fired. At no other job could I then work 3 hours during a two week span, make a couple sales, and make $400. Do I regret, even one bit, selling cutco? No way.

I do agree, it is difficult, and if a new rep doesn't follow everything taught in training, he or she might not be as successful. But don't let the fact that people do fail, as they do at any task worth doing, scare you into not doing it. I'm not just talking about knives here, this refers to life. Come on. Don't be a wimp. Go for it.
#22
Ex-Employee
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Scam! I googled vector marketing and searching to the 2nd page I noticed that there complaints about it.

Mark - Anaheim (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, August 20, 2004 POSTED: Saturday, August 21, 2004
Dont believe what these people are saying on this business.

When I was searching for a job that involved business, I came around vector marketing. I visited their site and it sounded nice on what they do. But didn't know exactly on what they do. The information that I got out of is that they train you to sell knives. So I applied there and within two days I got a call from one rep and she scheduled me for an interview. From there I asked her what they specifically do. There was a pause and she said, “It's a form of customer service”. I was puzzled by this and asked her to tell me more. But she said hold those question for later. Then I thought to myself what the heck is this business.

So the day came of the interview and there were six people there waiting while they filled out their background information forum. I came in a filled it out, which was name, address, and such. An assistant manager came out an interview us in groups of two and then brought us back into the room to wait for the others' interviews. When we were done with that the assistant manager comes in and gives us a lecture about the company. She shows us the knives they were selling; they looked nice and preformed well. But the funny thing is that it took about an hour to explain the whole thing company. After that she said, “Space is very limited and I can only accept one”. From there I thought I was not going to get the job because of the limitation. So she interviewed us one by one and I was the last one to be interviewed because all the others went before me. In her office she told me she liked my good posture and from my appearance I was raised right. She gave me the job and I was finally in. When I went home that day I thought about the interview and knew that I was the only one hired from the six by what the assistant manager said. Then I waited for the first day of training.

The first day of training I had to arrive fifteen minutes early from eleven o clock am. I arrived five minutes earlier then suggested. When I came in, I was greeted with another assistant manager and then the district manager. From there they sat me down with three other people. But then I noticed one of the three was from the interview I went. He was the guy that sat next to me in the interview. But then the assistant manager before said that they could only accept one. Yet he was there along with me, which means she hired him as well, thus hiring two people. Then I started saying the stuff they had on the walls. One poster stating that they were number one and another saying, “field training rocks!!”
I ignored those when the district manager came up in the front of us and was talking more about vector. This was from 11am to 4 pm talking about the company. He showed us a video of their success and how the knives were made. Then he showed us a demo of how they sell their knives to their customers. Also surprised us by saying that he had a contest for us on who ever make most sales. After that he told us to think every person name that we have met. From that he then said to come up with three hundred names and then he wanted us to sell these things to our families first. Then it became clear, It's a typical pyramid scheme. Also we needed to bring money next time to buy their set.

When I came home, I googled vector marketing and searching to the 2nd page I noticed that there complaints about it. Saying that they have been sued by some states. Also their 92' statistic of over half of their workers made little or lost money working for them. They do not give you your 12 dollar referral base bay. Also they do not give you your check.

From what I got of them.

They lied about
- They can only hire one
- 440 a steel is good

I called them the next day and said I found a better job. Which I will not be returning.

Its funny to see that there are people who defend these crooks. What you idiots can not back up is all the negative responses there are on the search engines. They can not all be lying now can they? If this report is not enough to convince anyone that vector is a pyramid scheme then why don't you google vector marketing and see the vast numbers of people who are against them. Or apply yourself to vector and get robbed.
#23
Ex-Employee
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More reasons vector sucks

Carrie - Minneapolis (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 07, 2004 POSTED: Wednesday, September 08, 2004
I was *hired* at this company, and only went to one day of training. My reason for quitting had nothing to do with not being able to cut it, or anything to that effect. The reason I quit was because of their business practices.

Including not only what was already mentioned, but at least in my training we were told that we were never allowed to talk about personal lives in meetings or training, our manager used the example of someone getting a flat tire on the way to the meeting and then coming in and complaining about how much it sucked to have to walk to the office, he said that that was unacceptable behavior and would bring down the company.

EXCUSE ME! What kind of support is that, they claim to support you every step of the way, but they do not. On my first day of training I was told if I didn't have the money to buy the kit they would help and the money would be taken out of my first checks, if I was really serious.

Well although I didn't take them up on this offer another person I was training with tried to, and they did not go through with their end of the deal, stating that they never claimed they would do this.

I agree that anyone I met or have read about that did well with vector is a mean spirited selfish human, and any of the *skills* you learn are not going to get you anywhere in life.
#24
Ex-Employee
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It's true, Vector is a scam.

Frank - Seattle (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 07, 2004 POSTED: Thursday, October 07, 2004
I too was sucked in by lucrative offers that Vector made. Having just graduated High school, and only one part time job as experience, I was still too naive to recognize their games. I got the letter, I saw the $12 an hour, which yes, is a lie, & I knew it would be a great oppurtunity.

I replied to the letter, set up an interview & was on my way. It wasn't what I expected at first, the office looked as if it had just been settled in, there was a ton of prospective employees there & even some were former classmates. The interview turned out to be a time-consuming three step process, by which groups were eliminated at each step. Well, I made it to the 3rd & final step, & was extremely happy to find I had been hired. He asked if I had any questions, I simply asked if there were any benefits, he replied "What do you mean?" And followed up with something like "Well, no, but the way we treat our employees & the oppurtunities for advancement make up for that." I should've left right there.

Like some of you have said before, training was NOT paid for, & the time we spent training was ridiculous. Again, as someone said before, I didn't even know what I was going to be doing until the first day of training. Where they explained how to sell, how to get interviews over the phone (which "wasn't" telemarketing), & they explained the somewhat-more complex pay system than a simple "$12 an hour." Everything kept changing from what they originally said, I should've noticed all these clues to the making of a scam, but again, I was still the doughy-eyed fresh out of high school grad.

After we finished training there was a "regional" meeting, I believe they called it, which we were required to attend All day (literally, we must have been there around 9 hours, which was ALSO unpaid. The first couple of days were a breeze, of course family is easier, & I even achieved their acclaimed "grand day" on my first day of meetings, things weren't looking so bad anymore. I was making sales left & right, it was so simple. Then came the phone call set-ups. The ones where if you follow the script, you'll get an appointment everytime. It did not go this way. It wasn't so bad at first, I made a few appointments, made a few sales. But after that week, it really dawned on me I had become what I despise, a telemarketer, constantly bothering would-be customers. It doesn't matter if their friend referred them, NOBODY wants to get propositioned, over the phone, for some great product. Sometimes they wouldn't pick up, & my managers would strongly encourage me to keep at it, until I got at least 4 or 5 appointments, my list was reaching its end of possibilities, so I pretty much HAD to keep calling the same people. Finally, someone picked up, and asked me, "Are you the one whose been calling over & over for the past half hour? We're trying to relax!" Then I knew I had to end this, but I stayed to finish the rest of my appointments anyway.

It was my first paycheck however, that was the icing on the cake. Now, I had sold well over 2 grand worth of product in my first week, I had many appointents, which you are SUPPOSED to get paid for whether you sell or not, my level of pay was raised for getting the grand day, & not to mention the money I spent on busfare as I had no car, & used the bus to get to EVERY appointment. So you must understand my extreme disappointment when I opened the envelope to see my whopping $16 dollar paycheck. By then, I had had my fill of bull shit. So I told my boss I was going to quit, & that it just wasn't working out, with the pay and all. She tried to tell me I just need more appointments, but I wasn't buying that sell anymore. She said fine, & that I was free to go. Seems a little easy right? It was.

About a week later, I convenienantly got a letter in the mail from Vector Marketing, stating that unfortunately, THEY had to let ME go. You see I neglected to mention that when all this went down, I was still 17, which was their reason for termination. Hmmm, that's funny how they JUST realized this, as my birthdate was in my application, which was reviewed in the personal interview, which was never asked about. Why didn't they ask? Because their target recruit group is young students graduating high school, or in college, playing on the dollar sign factor which races through our minds. I know this because I later found out a great percantage of my graduating class received the same letter I did, I've seen them on my college campus just before summer break with a big sign promoting "summer work" yet nothing of the knives we sold, type of work we would do, or the ACTUAL pay system. Even my cousin (a college student)worked there last year, for a short time before she came to her senses as well. Hell, they even had the nerve to send me the EXACT SAME letter to me the beginning of this previous summer! AND to my sister who has just graduated high school herself. There is no end to how far they will go to lure in young prospectives who do not know of this scam.

Now, in response the man who said that everyone in here who protests it either failed at it, or didn't give it a chance. Well, I certainly didn't fail at it, in fact, I was one of the best in that office, my co-workers asked me how they should go about presenting the product. I was only there a short time, but there is a difference between "not giving something a chance," (as I'm sure by reading this, you'll notice I gave them EVERY chance) and compromising your convictions. And when it came down to it, that's what I was doing, I despise that type of work, but not only that, I despise the depths of deception these "leaders" took on to make a buck. And THATS why I know Vector is a scam.
#25
Ex-Employee
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PS... if something sounds too good to be true, than it probably is.

Frank - Seattle (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 07, 2004 POSTED: Thursday, October 07, 2004
By the way, I only wish I had come across this sooner, it's been almost 3 years since my experience with Vector, I'm just disappointed I couldn't help spread the message sooner.

I don't regret the experience, it really taught me not to be so immediately trusting, & that age-old saying that if something sounds too good to be true, than it probably is. In fact, my experience actually inspired me to write an essay which became my first publication, if you want to read it, go here:
[DELETED]
#26
Ex-Employee
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Oregon Attorney General's office is looking for people who were misled in any way by Vector Marketing/Cutco

John - New York (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 21, 2004 POSTED: Thursday, October 21, 2004
According to the Salem Statesman Journal the Oregon Attorney General's office is looking for people who were misled in any way by Vector Marketing/Cutco. They said they will take action if they can find people in Oregon to substantiate the well known complaints about the company. Vector was sued in Oregon in 1994 and as a result they are under an agreement with the Marion County court to be "truthful in representations made to induce persons to sell Vector's products" and tell jobseekers "exactly what the job is about before they get there." Anybody misled or deceived by Vector really ought to submit a complaint to their state's attorney general, especially if you live in Oregon, and the Federal Trade Commission too. You can usually do it online at their websites.

If you believe Vector owes you wages, either because they clipped or denied a paycheck or if you feel you were treated as an employee instead of an independent contractor you should also contact your local Dept of Labor as well.
#27
Employee
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Not Vectors Fault, Vector employee that is about to quit

Jason - Chesterfield (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, November 03, 2004 POSTED: Wednesday, November 03, 2004
I am a current Vector employee that is about to quit. I will never blame this on Vector because it's my own lack of time that is causing this. Yes I can see both sides, but in defense...YOU HAVE TO REALIZE IT'S SALES!!! If you don't bust your sack your not going to do good. Be thankful that they even give you an option for an hourly. If you look at other Independant Contracting jobs you'll see that most are strictly sales based(If you don't sell...no $$$).

Now in the defence of the other side... I too am sick of the constant PDI, and wish that I would be treated like a IC not a child. I was told I could make my own hours, but yet they seem to push me to do this(I understand that this is the managers job, but if they're going to do this then don't say it all about me).

Over all I do think Vector is a great experience for those without bills that can't stay in the air until you hit a certain promotion, and go to school full-time. If you are a college student just looking for a few bucks and don't have outstanding bills then I say go for it...and if you don't likr it quit!
#28
Employee
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Current employee of Vector

Brian - Nashville (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, November 06, 2004 POSTED: Saturday, November 06, 2004
Alright, so, Vector Marketing is not for everyone.

Of course it's not. It's sales. Not everyone can be in sales. That's just the truth. Different people are good at different things. For some, they make art, or can do science, or any number of things. For others, it's sales.

I wouldn't want to be a carpenter. I can't use my hands worth a flip and would do a horrible job. But, I can sell knives like nobody's business.

Of course Vector has ads that may "sweeten" the truth. But, go in for an interview to any company, and you'll realize that maybe they weren't completely forthcoming on the advertisement.

The truth about Vector is that you are not an employee of Vector. You are your own employer.

I have personally sold over 14,000 dollars worth of Cutco. Was it easy? No. Did most of the people from my training class quit? Of course.
I've also made 3,000 bucks off it. For four months, and having flexible hours, and doing something I'm actually enjoying, that's pretty darn good.

It's not for everyone. And, yes, they really should limit the people they actually hire to the people they feel would be good. But, I wouldn't have thought I'd have sold this much. Neither would my manager, I bet. They make the decision to give people a chance.

By the way, the sample kit is refundable. I don't see how they steal your money. Conferences you have to pay for are optional, and for a job with flexible schedule, requiring a single (that's what it is for me, at least) meeting a week is not an issue for me.

I realize some district managers are idiots. The problem is that each individual within the company is his own business. The district managers are essentially their own employers -- the regional or divisonal managers above them are not completely in control of what they do.

Is this a good thing? No, not in my opinion. You can run into some huge issues when a person just out of college is given money to open up his own office in a small town and try to earna living off it. That, obviously, could lead to some unfortunate people misrepresenting the company in need of a buck. However, my managers are honest, and I've never been told any of the things that have been reported as false on this website.

There is no difference between Cutco sales and car sales or any other sales. It's a tough business. Your average person ISN'T cut out for it. But, there are people that are, that don't realize they are, like me, and so the managers give them a chance.

I realize that the way Vector is set up can easily be used by local managers in manipulative ways. Which is obviously horrible, and needs to be weeded out. But the fact of the matter is that every person in Vector IS their own business. I am Brian, Inc. and right now I'm selling knives.

The problem with this job is that people don't know how to deal with jobs where they are not having someone looking over their shoulders. You are alone in your appointments for the most part. So, you can screw up, and not know why. You can be completely convinced you did the best job ever, and sell nothing. But, in fact, you didn't.

It's not a pyramid scheme, it's simply a completely different way of working as opposed to a normal cashier-type job. You get paid for what you can accomplish. Like sports. It's not always the coach's fault, sometimes it's the players.

Im not saying that some of the managers weren't deceitful and are holding pay and all that. Not saying that at all. BUT, what you have to understand is that an office can be completely different in one city and not in the other. It's the people. Not the company.
#29
Ex-Employee
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Disgrace to the sales business

John - New York (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, November 07, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, November 07, 2004
Anyone defending this company by saying it's just sales as usual obviously doesn't know much about the sales business other than what Vector told them. I've actually been in the sales business for several years and take offense to Vector being used to typify sales. The report above lists 4 tactics Vector uses that would get you in serious trouble with any ethical company in the real business world. In order for me to sell insurance I have to have a license that could easily be revoked just for just not disclosing my name, company I work for, and the fact I'm in the business of selling insurance in writing on first contact among many other strict rules.

In realty, securities, and many other sales it's the same. Car sales for example won't make you put a deposit on a "sample car," will pay you for training and meetings, and will tell you the truth upfront about the job and if you don't like it they don't want you. And let's just say that $3,000 in 4 months is less than minimum wage if you were working full time at any real job. You'd probably qualify for welfare if you had to support yourself on that, and let's not forget what your family would probably spend on knives to support you.
#30
Employee
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Vector - Not a bad company

Steven - Corsicana (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, November 15, 2004 POSTED: Monday, November 15, 2004
I have read your reports against the company known as Vector Marketing. Let me tell everyone about my experiences with the company so far.

In the first report, it states, "They hired me, as they hire almost everyone (although they tell you before the "interviews they only have a few positions available), and I went to training." Before my interview, they told us that there were many positions open, but not everyone would be hired. I was hired, but three of the others that went into training with me were not. There are still many open positions.

Next, the same report states, "It was in training that I found out I had to call people up and solicit sales pitch appointment (even though they said no telemarketing)." Although you do have to call people, you only call those you have had permission to call. You don't get a phonebook and start going down the pages.

Now onto the scholarships. This comes from the same report, "c)talking about scholarship opportunities when only 50 people each summer get real one and they claim to have recruited over 40,000 students last summer (meaning a tenth of a percent), only 1 or 2 of those get the maximum amount of $1000 while more than half of the very small percentage of scholarship winners only get $250 ($100 more than what they paid for demo knives" The thing about this is that the student still gets paid while earning this scholarship. They get an additional $1000 - $250. That's better than most companies that give nothing.

My next point comes from the same report yet again, "4) giving often fraudulant information such as their Henckles using 420A steel:

CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

when they use a proprietary blend much better than 420A or using information from an ad Cutco made up for Henckels making it look like an 18 pc set of Henckels 5 Star is over $1000:

when 18 pc Henckels 5 Star sets sell at metrokitchen.com and cooking.com for $480." The set we show for the pitch is the 23 piece set, not the 18 piece. The 23 piece set has a price of $1542.95 or $999.95 (cheapest price). This is exactly what is told in the training, and what is told to the customers.

I respect your opinions, but please try to get the facts straight before you cut down the company. It's only fair.
#31
Ex-Employee
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Steven tuition reimbursement programs

John - New York (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 POSTED: Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Everyone in training is 'hired' (actually Vector doesn't technically hire people but contracts with them instead). A manager gets $25 for each demo kit sold, 25% off every new recruit's sales, and bonuses depending on recruitment levels so a manager would have to be insane not to offer anybody a contract they can con into it.

Calling anybody and soliciting anything is telemarketing. 'tele'=using the phone and 'marketing'=process of selling. If you use the phone in any part of your selling process it is considered telemarketing.

Most companies (Sears, UPS, etc) offer tuition reimbursement programs which are much better than Vector's so-called scholarships which they hype and hype yet decline to offer the details on (and some of which they call scholarships when they really aren't scholarships but just a donation to a school in your name) because only a fraction of 1 percent of Vector reps ever get a real scholarship and they are are mostly so small it's not even worth talking about.

The 18 pc Henckels 5 Star ad Cutco made up has recently changed to a 23 pc Henckels Professional ad. Of course Vector themselves admit Cutco isn't made for professionals and can't be compared to a Professional set. They had to find a set with 5 more pieces and a grade above the 5 Star to find a set whose price is really similar to the Cutco Homemaker. It's still misleading.
#32
Ex-Employee
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I'm a SHEEP just like the REST OF YOU

Brian - SLC (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 POSTED: Tuesday, November 16, 2004
hello, I'm a victem too. One day I was walking home from the gas station (I'm an attendant) and I saw a sign that said "MAKE 15.00/hour". Boy was I soooo excited. I realized I would be making five times more than the gas station since I make a little over 3 dollars an hour cleaning toilets. I figured anything could be better than this.

Well, I call the company, get hired and I couldn't believe what they wanted me to do. They wanted me to WORK! They totally pulled the wool over my eyes. They actually wanted me to go to work and have responsibility. They tried to sell me on the idea of being a Man of my own business! and how I could make 50% commission on these thousand dollar knives. They said I'd be making 15 an hour... but if you do the math - a presentation takes about 2 hours (realistically) and my commission on a thousand bucks would be 500? So that's like making $250.00 an hour. YOU SEE THAT! they even lie about how much I get paid. Now, to get that $250/hour, I gotta call people and set apointments and go to their home and show them these knives and then, here's the kicker.... ask for people who they think cook on a daily basis. I think the industry calls this WARM LEADS.

Well anyway, I quit because I realized the money that I would make wouldn't compair to the 3 bucks an hour. The fact is, I don't have time to go make appointments, call people, show knives..... it's just way tooo much WORK! When I added up all the hours I would actually put into this... as lazy as I am- I wouldn't make anywhere close to what the gas station is paying me. YOU SEE- they lied again about how much money I can make. They need to update all their advertisements and bullitenboards saying.... COLLEGE STUDENTS - PART/FULL TIME WORK - 15.00 / hour. (lazy-and-sheep NEED NOT APPLY). then all the loosers in life (like me) wouldn't think they are getting lied to.. and wouldn't feel like we left a good paying job to have our own business.

I'm happy now... I'm back at the gas station, cleaning toilets, and being unsupervised. That's my favorite part- nobody knows If I'm working or not- and I still get paid my 3/hour. Boy, I love this job - and I love servicing the nice people who wrote in earlier to this post. I guess I really do have a place in society. Who's gonna clean up all the shit! Somebody has to do it.
#33
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VECTOR IS AWESOME GET IT STRAIGHT

Sean - Scranton (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, November 18, 2004 POSTED: Thursday, November 18, 2004
i started working for vector in august. its now almost december, and i have made about $18,000. the knives are excelents, the sharpest things ever created. I know... I bought the 150 dollar starter kit and then the $800 set i bought for my mother.

All of my friends and family, and even complete strangers own it. It has been an awesome investment and makes the kitchen life so much easier.

I have made a ton of cash and every single one of my customers i go back to i ask to write a report on their cutco, and out of 76 customers nobody had 1 bad comment, everyone of them have thanked me and invited me bac kto their home for future business. ON top of all that i have made 34 credits for college, and vector is a course tought at some large colleges.

i have gained communication skills, sales skills, advertising skills, marketing skills, become a certified field trainer, and i am on my way to becoming a district manager, all in one year. so learn what you are talking about befor you comment. And there is no door to door or cold calling (telemarketing).

i hate when you people talk about things you never tried or tried half assed..... and yes 18000 is not enough to live off of, but in 3 months i have made more money then the average college student will in 3 years.

if you work full time at a $6/hr job, you will make less then 12,000 a year. I made $18,000 working less then 5 hours a week. You can't beat it. Just because you couldnt cut it as a rep, doesnt mean its a scam, it just means you failed... get over it
#34
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18k in 3 months...

Zach - Orland Park (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, November 19, 2004 POSTED: Friday, November 19, 2004
I started for vector in may of this past year. I had no idea what i was getting into. I went through the training, Got my kit and started selling. On the side, people who bitch about not getting paid for training are stupid, you dont get paid to go to college. Any ways i made 2k in the next ten days following. By the time the summer was over i had earned 18k to go back to school with. Now 18k mihgt not be an awesome salary but for a college student who worked 14 weeks and made 18k, I would say it's a pretty good opportunity.

To put it in perspective, the last week of work, I worked for 12 hours, sold 6500$ worth of product, made 3250, went to fogo de caio, charlie trotters, and the signature room (three restaurants in chicago) all for free. Then the next day I stayed at the sheraton on michigan ave, and that evening got trashed on a boat cruise on lake michigan. I payed 60 dollars for all that, oh and by the way, 60 dollars is a joke when you make 3250 in a week.

Not everyone does well with vector because they dont follow the directions and are skeptical. If you want to make a shit load of money, don't listen to your friends or family tell you that its bullshit, because you can make the money, if you dont believe me, I'll show you my pay stubs... zcwagne@ilstu.edu... Email me if you have any doubts.

I would recomend this job to any body, keep an open mind and the sky is the limit...

FSM
#35
Ex-Employee
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LET THE FSM's SPEAK

Brian - Salt Lake City (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, November 20, 2004 POSTED: Saturday, November 20, 2004
Finally- I'm seeing some Fellow FSM (50% commission salespeople) begin posting. I thought I was the lone survivor.

Well, MICHAEL of strausberg- I'm still waiting for your men in black to show up at my door. It seems to me YOU are full of shit. By the way- how IS the hamburger flipping business?

Everyone who posts a negative on this site - maybe isn't cut out for sales. It takes a unique personality. Typically, those people who complained on here had there parents go out during gradeschool to sell their candybars for them - and never learned any work ethic or disipline.

Like I said- there is NOT alot of room at the top - and this world has plenty of room for bottom feeders. SOMEBODY has to wash my car, shine my shoes, flip my burger, and wipe my ass.

It's good to hear from the FSM's and the people who made CUTCO/Vector work.

I made 18,000 as a college student just like the post above. The difference from me and the bottom feeders?.... work ethic, self motivation- and most importantly I didn't GIVE UP!
#36
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Vector Marketing is Great

Kevin - Brunswick (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, November 21, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, November 21, 2004
Vector Marketing is the best business ever invented. If you check, you'll see that 98 percent of people in this country own 200 dollars of cutco or more. Think about it, if you really got two contacts for every presentation you did, then that would mean your contacts would never run out, and almost everybody would own cutco-- which they do.

Go, check it out, and you'll see that 9 out of every ten houses in an area in which a vector branch operates, owns cutco.

The fact is, vector is a great opportunity for workers and investors. I invested in a cutco franchise a while ago and now I own my own Vector Marketing branch, and make over 1,000,000 dollars every year running it. A few people however do not invest in the Vector franchise, just pretend to be Vector managers, and buy cutco straight from the alcas company that only real vector reps would be able to do. They buy knives at around 30 dollars a set, (which is the wholesale price) and then sell them for thousands of dollars making a gigantic profit. These are the people you have to watch out for... They are the real crooks.
#37
Ex-Employee
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Who are These People??? Tell me, Please!!!!

Kevin - Brunswick (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, November 21, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, November 21, 2004
Hey,

I REALLY WANT to know how exactly Vector Marketing branch managers get hired. With it in mind of how it is impossible to sell enough knives to reach the FSM level, the question is, who are these managers, and how do they get hired?

I was just joking in the previous rebuttal... I am not a part-owner of Vector... But, obviously, not everybody has what it takes to be a Vector FSM. It takes somebody with superb public speaking abilities, very thick skin, and the power of persuasion. You just can't hire these people anywhere... So what I really want to know is, "Who are these people"?

Thanks
#38
Employee
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becoming a manager and fsm

Sean - Scranton (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, November 22, 2004 POSTED: Monday, November 22, 2004
It does not nesesarily require you to be the best communicator in the world lol. the people that reach FSM are the ones who know that it is ok to get a no sale from a demo. however, they know they need contacts, and keep getting more. they continue to do demos for everyone they know and reach FSM. it took me 3 months to hit FSM. now some people it comes natural too, and some people really need to work to become good at it, but if u give it the time you need you can achieve it.

To become a manager you must be an FSM. you can become a field assistant at 10,000 (basicly you train new reps, let them watch your demos, and spend about 1 day a week in the office) and then at 25k you can become an assistant manager, and when you are ready they allow you to open a district office and become a district manager. How long it takes to go from AM to DM depends on how quick you learn all the things it takes. My DM achieved all of these levels in under one year, but he worked real hard to get there.
#39
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Confessions of a Former Manager

Trevor - Fort Worth (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, November 22, 2004 POSTED: Monday, November 22, 2004
Hello to all of you upset former employees. Let me introduce myself. My name is Trevor Bailey and I am a former Cutco Team Manager in Fort Worth, TX. Unlike most managers, I came to Cutco after I recieved my Bachelor's Degree at Texas Christian University in Marketing. I had all the proper and necessary training skills needed for the new Cutco office in down town Fort Worth. I will admit that I did not recieve the job through applying because as you all know nearly every manager was a sales rep at some point. My uncle happened to be friends with the District Manager John C. Rodgers. I will not drag this out any longer, I spoke with John and he immediatley offered me the position as manager for the new office.

I had to go through 2 weeks of NOT PAID training. But John would always joke that it did not matter because the "guppies" (thats what he called the new recruits) would bring me all the money I needed. He said it was very important that I recruit as many "guppies" has possible in a fast amount of time. This quickly seemed odd to me. Every time I had a question about the selling tactics he would say " how bad do you want this job?" I said alright I will just go with it. And yes my office was a run down rental with that same music blaring. They actually put in trophies from old boxes. The whole place just had a stale, corrupt smell to it. During training I was always taught to "sell the job". Ofcourse the money came rolling in about as fast as I had to replace these poor kids. I will tell you this: as manager I earned 45-65 percent from all the recruiting. Which I know now is totally outrageous.

For those of you who are interested in knowing about the so called "physcological tricks" Cutco provides...yes it is true. One whole day of my training was dedicated to providing some quick and easy ways to find recruits. Such as: vague ads, music, rejection applications, reps posing as new applicants, eye contact, luring college kids due to money and flexible schedule. The single most biggest physcological lesson was this pure and simple : MAKE THE KIDS FEEL SPECIAL. Make them think they are the only qualified people for the job. As for the other scams they include : the "JumpStart" (use the kids in 2 weeks then once they quit you atleast have what they sold), Henckles 5 star AD is addes up piece by piece and I found it online for around 449, unpaid training, long hours, no pay for gas, clothing, and phone calls, it truley is door to door selling, vague phone conversations, daily office check ins, you have to pay for conferences, high pressure selling, etc. After seeing these young people's faces light up time after time I said they are hired...I just felt so guilty and put in my resignation only 4 months later.

This was all only about 2 months ago. I just now stumbled upon this site out of curiosity and wish I had much earlier. Yes nearly every rumor about Cutco is true. That may not make it illegal but it does make it unethical and wrong. Please do not fall for this pyramid scheme it is not worth it. Cutco is practically a cult and it takes over your life. I feel so much better now that I am with a real company ( and by the way, if you have ever worked for a large honest company then you know they have no respect for Cutco whatsoever its quite funny, Cutco is frowned upon by the real big industries as nothing significant ) I now work for Boeing as a sales director and I have to say I love it. DO NOT LISTEN TO THESE CUTCO ADS THEY ARE A SCAM. PLEASE DO NOT WORK FOR CUTCO YOU ARE TRULEY A BETTER PERSON THAN THAT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME I HOPE I HELPED. my personal email is dodgerules16@hotmail.com I encourage your reply to this message, please if you have any questions regarding management just ask!
#40
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of course you would end up giving us a bad name, when you fail, and have to use unethical means to make yourself money

Sean - Scranton (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, November 23, 2004 POSTED: Tuesday, November 23, 2004
You did not belong in the manager position. You used connections to get there, did not learn vector ethics, and did not earn the right to be there, so of course you would end up giving us a bad name, when you fail, and have to use unethical means to make yourself money. Vector sales tactics... we are tought to not pressure people. (that is the reason we get base pay). The phone conversations are right to the point and honest, and all companies make you pay for conferences, except most companies make you pay for the full thing and then you are on your own for the hotel room as well. (much more then the 150 cutco makes you pay, that includes a room in a hotel and breakfast, lunch and diner. You make your own hours, so you cant complain about that, and the unpaid training, well worth it when you can make crazy amounts of money in short times. like the 1600 i made in 4 hours. Once again you help prove my point of the people who didnt really work for vector, they gave mediocre efforts, or used connections to get to where they were, and never took it seriously... then they go out and give the company a bad name. you should be ashamed
#41
Ex-Employee
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Vector is a total scam-- It's impossible to sell enough Cutco to become FSM-- So, WHO ARE THE VECTOR BRANCH MANAGERS?

Kevin - Brunswick (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, November 24, 2004 POSTED: Wednesday, November 24, 2004
I almost became an employee of Vector, but I was actually smart enough to figure out what was going on after the first meeting... I still went to the rest of the training sessions just because I was curious to see if other people would pick up on what was going on... Surprinsingly, nobody did... I guess the saying "A fool's born every minute" is true....

After the first meeting, when I arrived home, I thought to myself, "Hmm... they say the average purchase of cutco is 200 dollars and on average 60% of all people who see cutco (including non- family/friends) buy at least 200 dollars worth of it... Bullcrud..." In this case, why doesn't EVERYBODY own cutco, and why is Vector ALWAYS hiring??? Really, if you think about it, this would mean you could literally take your demo kit, walk up to anybody's door, knock, and sell 200 bucks of it sixty percent of the time... Considering how knives really aren't in very high demand, I seriously doubt this...

At that point, I was basically like, "Oh I see, so you're going to have me sell this to loved ones, the only one's who'll pay the OUTRAGEOUS prices for the knives (Really, in Bonton's Home-Furniture Store, you can get a set of Henckles for 80 bucks... Not anywhere near the 4 or 500 Vector said Henckles charges for their knives) and then when I run out of friends and family members to sell to, you'll get rid of me." Once I realized this, I decided to not pay the 145 bucks for the demo kit (probably only worth about 60 bucks) but to stick around and watch the meetings just because I was very curious to see how things worked.

Anyway... If you think really hard about it, you'll realize that Cutco does not sell 60 percent of the time, and the average purchase is not 200 as they said. But, considering how expensive the knives are, if you just sell a couple knives to maybe half of your friends and family, Vector will make huge profits. If you keep thinking really hard, you'll also see that it is IMPOSSIBLE to sell enough knives to make FSM or even assistant manager, and that they just say this so you'll be even more motivated to sell their knives, and make alot of money for them... And also think about it, in order for somebody to make FSM, a manager has to either get fired, or get promoted... And, how often does this happen?

So now, the question is, if it's impossible to sell enough knives to make FSM, and if managers are rarely fired or promoted, then who are the managers? How did they get hired? Let's face it... It takes a special person to be a Vector manager... It takes somebody comfortable with deceiving people, and ripping them off... You can't just hire these people straight out of college... So, who are they?
#42
Ex-Employee
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Glad to be an ex employee...

Jennifer - San Antonio (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, November 24, 2004 POSTED: Wednesday, November 24, 2004
I worked for Vector as a receptionist, and I hate to say this but I had to literally trick people into coming out to an interview (which everyone would get hired)anyway, these poor people would come from the outskirts of town thinking this was some great job, and I felt like telling them it was just gonna be a waste of time.I worked there because it was easy, and I did'nt have to sell anything, except the job, and I also had a baby to support.Well, needless to say I grew suspicious when I statred getting paid cash, w/ no proof of income witholdings, the phone had been disconnected one day, and I just hated lying to these people.I could'nt give them any real info.they would tell me to to read a script to hopeful applicants that called.One day I just got fed up and left-it got old and boring, and stupid.
#43
Ex-Employee
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Anybody who's ever worked for Vector can tell you they mislead, deceive, and manipulate you from the start.

John - New York (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, November 24, 2004 POSTED: Thursday, November 25, 2004
It's plain to anybody who can read Trevor's post that all he did was exactly as he was told to do in training. And as he said "the money came rolling in about as fast as I had to replace these poor kids." When he couldn't take the immorality of this scam any longer, he quit. He's not alone either, the group Students Against Vector Exploitation (SAVE) has several former managers, assistant managers, receptionists, etc which just couldn't take the unethical tactics Vector uses.

A year and a half ago Vector had 550+ offices, now they only have about 250 because they've been closing down in masses. So now they are trying to get anybody and everybody to open up an office of their own because more offices means more recruits which means more sales and more money. And the investment for each new office is minimal on Vector's side becase the new manager fronts most of the startup costs.

Anybody who's ever worked for Vector can tell you they mislead, deceive, and manipulate you from the start. Once people find out the truth, almost all quit. It takes a special type of immoral person to stay with Vector after learning the truth. Luckily Trevor wasn't one of them.
#44
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People who never tried wouldnt know

Sean - Scranton (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, November 25, 2004 POSTED: Thursday, November 25, 2004
All i can do is laugh at the posts above lmao. I love how you talk about vector and you were only there for training. I made FSM in 3 months. thats all it took. Knves are not in high demand, that is true. That is why we recieve pase pay, so if a customer isnt intereted we still get paid... But you wouldnt know this because you were one of those fools that are born every minute, too afraid to take a chance, and learn and grow both personally and professionally. Vector is not only a great company, but the methods they use have been turned into college courses in over 20 schools across the nation. Vector on a resume is almost a garuanteed interview with other companies. Vector and cutco have been around for 50 years, and its a shame to see us on a site like this, because of people that werent good at helping people, never tried it (but think they know it) and will never have what it takes to become successful in anything they do... not just knives, because they never take the opportunty to learn, grow, and help other people
#45
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Vector Marketing - Alcas And Cutco Fraudulant Business Practices Olean New York

John - Santa Ana (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, November 27, 2004 POSTED: Saturday, November 27, 2004
I work for a college in a major metro area of So. Calif. We have a continual problem with what I call "sign spammers" who strike our campuses every week at late hours and put up 'tear-off' signs in locations all over campus. Vector Marketing AKA workforstudents.com AKA Cutco, etc. is a major contributor to these sign spams.

I have torn down hundreds of their signs from the walls of such places as the restrooms, payphones, hallways, and bulletin boards. The last, bulletin boards, is the one that really gets me mad. The bulletin boards are marked with a sign that says "for college material only, no advertising" yet these sign spammers don't even read the signs. The college has spots for advertising, but the spammers put their signs anywhere they want, trashing up the campus.

Another thing that really got me to tear down their signs is they started writing their ads on the blackboards, with the name of their website, and wrote SAVE under it so the custodians wouldn't erase the ad. How utterly brazen, nasty, aggressive advertising!

One of their ads claimed they were a $2.8 billion company, and then $3.1 billion. They justify this distortion of the truth by saying that they were owned (long ago) by Alcoa, I believe it is.

One student saw me tear off a sign and said that he was glad I was doing it. He said that he got in trouble with the IRS because he worked for Vector for a short time (and quit after finally seeing he wasn't making any money). Vector reported what little money they had given him to the IRS, and he didn't claim it on his taxes, and apparently that got him in trouble.

Vector Marketing also ran ads in our college newspaper, and I complained to the instructor and editor of the newspaper about it, and gave them the websites of some of the complaints lodged against this company. I hope they read all the bad publicity and reports of scams, and refuse Vector's advertising in the future.

I openly invite anyone who sees their sign spam to tear it down and throw it in the trash.
Thank you.
#46
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Once again....

Zach - Orland Park (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, November 27, 2004 POSTED: Saturday, November 27, 2004
18k in three months as a 19 year old... if you multiply my sales for those three months over the rest of the year, I would have made about 65 grand. People out of college dont make that much, and Summer 2005 i will net 30k bare minimum... which isn't too shabby. The best part is I dont care about the money... If you have ever worked for something in your whole life, you know that succeeding is one of the most gratifying feelings some one can ever have. Seeing myself grow more as a person is by far the best thing vector has offered me, not the money, not the experience, and not the ultimate resume enhancement. If you don't believe me that's fine.

As far as unethical, how is showing someone a product that will last FOREVER... not 10, 15, 20, 30, 50, 100, 200 years, forever unethical.

And the average order size for the company IS 200 you can look at vector connect and find that out... Straight facts and The 60% sales percentage is calculated from pdi... So if you follow the program you will succeed. Thats it, you don't have to be a good salesmen, you don't have to have extreme confidence, all you have to do is read the manual...That's it....
#47
Employee
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OF COURSE

Sean - Scranton (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, November 28, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, November 28, 2004
all i can say is duhhhh.. if you font report what you earned, thats illegal, regardless of how much or how little it was. thats not vectors fault.

This is why i dont like sites like these. its all people who break laws or have bad experiences because they dont follow a companies rules (not just vector) and then they think the company failed them, when in fact they failed the company. Vector is my home away from home. I love the people who are their. My managers and fellow reps are my friends.

Its exactly like a family, we have a great time together, hang out together. have themed meetings (costumes/ football / ect) and then we have teem night out where we go out to eat and usually the manager pays for us. i dont sell knives because i have to, i dont respect and do as my manager asks cause i have too, i do it because i respect him as both a boss and as a person, because of the great treatment i get.

and for some of the other posts above,
Yes henkles is only 80 dollars.... if you get the cheap versions. henkles loans the company name to places like china and japan, and they are not truely henkles. if you get the german made henkles, it would cost you over 1500 for a set comparable to cutco. Cutco knives are worth every penny. a great knife, made from surgical steel, with a custom designed handle for comfort and to prevent cramping. and on top of that it is garaunteed forever. i know, because i have personally taken care of a 30 year old set of knives. My teacher had a set with orange handles from the 70s. he sent them back to the company. they called him and said they could not be resharpened, and asked him if he would like a new set. he said no he liked the orange and just send them back. the company took off his orange handles, put them on new blades, and then sent them to him giftwrapped, with a note. My teacher could not believe this kind of loyalty. they were great to him.

another thing, i have sold several sets to complete strangers, including the ultimate set with 12 table settings and a complete cookware set for over 3000 dollars. and thats just to one person. our job is not to sell cutco. thats why people fail. our job is to help people figure out what they like, need, and help them see if its possible to do it. if the people who left vector were more concerned about the customers gain from the product, they wouldnt have failed, but instead they were just looking to line their pockets. thats what i love about vector... people like that filter out, and we dont have to have them around. instead they write negatively about things they never understood, and try to hurt even more people by not letting them experience something great, all because they couldnt do it. o and your right, the average order isnt 200 and the closing isnt 60 my personal closing ratio is 72 percent and my average order is 380. but i guess that isnt good enough, making 2000 a week as a college student... im not complaining lol.
#48
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Do you expect us to take this seriously?!!

Charlie - Rochester Hills (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, December 03, 2004 POSTED: Friday, December 03, 2004
All this grumbling and whining is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. What's true in it is blown out of proportion, and anyone with a mind toward discernment can see that Vector's not only an incredible opportunity, but much better for the reasons that so many losers think it's a bad deal.

Vector's not for losers or the lazy. It's a tremendous opportunity and I'm glad so many chumps have quit. Make it easier for those of us who have some business succeeding.
#49
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Confessions of a Cutco Employee

Wynter - Portland (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, January 03, 2005 POSTED: Monday, January 03, 2005
Wow. You guys, its really hard to follow all of that. Everyone is very well informed. But I think what we all need to realize is just how big Alcas, Vector, Cutco, whatever you want to call it, is. There are so many branches, districts and divisions of this company, and every one probably has a different environment and experience than the rest. Some good, some bad, some indifferent.

I havent sold any cutco in over five years, however, I call myself an employee, because "once an employee, always an employee." I began as a 19 year old after my freshman year in college and, like almost everyone, I was overwhelmed by the energy of my team and the entire pacific northwest division at meetings and conferences. I wanted so bad to be a top seller, become and FSM and maybe even a manager. After 3 months, I had only sold about $8,000 in merchandise, despite working my butt off. It was heart-breaking because I believed in myself and did eveything I could to sell the products. Sometimes, though, you just can't.
Vector, it seems, is hit or miss. Like the type of office you join, your selling experience varies, too. You could sell really easily one week and the next, nothing. I dont believe it had anything to do with how much I wanted it, cause no one wanted it more than me, but it never really happened. I sold maybe two homemaker sets my entire cutco career, had a lot of "no's" only a couple slammed doors and hung up phones. When I quit, I was sad, I was angry. I still kind of am. In some ways I feel I was scammed. In others, not as much. There were a lot of things that were kinda shady about the things that I saw, but there were others that wernt. The energy and enthusiasm that this job gave to all those people was contagious and unlike anything I had and will never again see. You couldnt help but get excited when you saw your team of 50+ students take first or second or third place amoung 20 other cities at these conventions. And I went to enough to know. I went up to seattle three times, san francisco twice, las vegas once and even to the factory at olean, NY.

I feel with both sides of this issue, yet I have to wonder why isnt there such an outrage for the 20+ other companies that do this same thing? I see them all the time in the want ads next to the vector ads. Selling knick knacks, toys and other crap. Where are all the angry ex employees for these companies? Thank you for reading.
#50
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always be cautious

Amy - Chicago (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, January 05, 2005 POSTED: Wednesday, January 05, 2005
I was recruited to a Vector meeting when I was a junior in high school. I had to drive 35 minutes to attend one of their which was fine for me. I get to the mini office-building that this meeting was to be held at. I open the door, and boy was I disappointed. It was ghetto, and just not pleasing to the eye. But what could I say? I was only a junior in h.s. So I sat down on one of the low quality plastic chairs that were scattered throughout the room and realized that so many ppl my age were interested in this opportunity as well. About a few minutes into the meeting, I realized that this was a knife pedaling business....why couldn't the recruiter tell me that when I talked to him over the phone and asked him exactly what this job entitles?

I'll say this, the meeting went well. I was impressed with the speaker, but he claimed he was a Northwestern University alumnus with a business degree. What the? Why would a graduate from a prestigious school want to work at in a run-down office with h.s. students? I guess it takes all kinds. Another thing that I was uncomfortable with was the fact that he said only a few of the kids there would be selected at the end of the meeting to actually work. Okay, so basically all 25 students were hired by the end of that night. Why did he have to lie? I don't need a stranger to make me feel special. I ended up turning them down. It just was not for me.

But here's the thing, one of my friends accepted the job. She really had no complaints, except for the fact that they don't reimburse you for mileage and the meetings. She was a hard worker and said the pay was ok. For a high school student who wants to work part-time, yeah sure this job might fit your interests. But if you are a college student, you should be looking for an internship or a co-op, not at Vector Marketing. To be so serious about it and saying that in 3 months you can make 18K working so many hours (especially if you have to drive around from restaurant to restaurant and find parking or pay for it in the city of Chicago)...wake up! Are you getting benefits such as insurance and 401 K? No! It's not worth it to spend too many hours into it…unless you were maybe a Vector branch manager? By the way, chefs know where to get their own knifes and cooking utensils, and it's definitely not from Vector Marketing. (My cousin is a successful chef who went to culinary school in Chicago.) To Zach, I would never dare to compare an investment to college vs. an investment to a set of knives. I value my degree and others with a college diploma with the up most respect.

Always, be cautious about a position that will not pay you for training, and only some meetings and trip fees. I don't mean that companies who don't do the above are bad, but we all need to watch out for little things that might accumulate in the future. If you are willing to take it, go ahead.

I am a female mechanical engineer. I might not know so much about sales, but what I do know is that ppl who categorize engineers/computer related fields as “pimply faced” nerds that sit on our behinds all day behind a computer and write on forums is absolutely ignorant. If you firmly believe in that stereotype, you obviously have never worked with engineers, nor have a degree in any tech. science field. What a great salesman (Brian from SLC,Utah) you are!
#51
Ex-Employee
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Mike I agree with you

Kim - Fox Lake (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 07, 2005 POSTED: Friday, January 07, 2005
Okay this is towards you brian. I am a highschool student right out of highschool and am 18 years old. Just the other day I was looking in the newspapper and I saw the advertisment about college students able to make some extra money so I called the number that they gave in the advertisment to see what it was all about. When I called there they told me to come in that same day. At first I was like yeah I would love to come there and have an interview. They told me to bring some friends with to drive me, I did not think of it at the time but they wanted me to bring them so they could scam them too. When I got there they had me go into a room and fill out an application and then when I was done some girl would come and get the application and then give it to the manager. When I was there her name was Carol she came and called me into her office and asked me some quetions. I guess when she thinks that you would be good for the company she asks you to stay for a 90 minute interview. Which I did and it was a waist of time. I spent my time there and should not have even gone.When Carol was talking to me and this other college student she was very rude to me and when we did not answer the question correctly she would say "The question I asked you was" and she said it so rude like she was better then us. I did not appreciate the way I was treated. And when the interview was over Carol called me back into her office and told me that I got the job and that I started the next day. I could not believe what she had done. I am an honest person and am not going to work for a dishonest company. I can not believe how many students this company has scamed. I am not the only one that she had come in that day there were older people over the age of 25 that were there but she sent them home and only had the younger ones stay. At the time i did not think about this but now I know the reason that she did this was because she knew that they would know that it was all a scam. Oh and about the pay at first she told me that I would be making 17.25 an hour and after I was hired she then told me that the sales would be going down in 3 weeks and I would only be getting paid 15 an hour which is bull shit. So to everyone who has gone to this company watch out when you think it is too good to be true it usually is. So Brian you can shove it and stay with your company but when you get screw over dont get mad because you asked for it.
#52
Ex-Employee
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Extremely Legitimate, If you follow the GUIDLINES AND LISTEN

Charlene - Houston (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, January 18, 2005 POSTED: Tuesday, January 18, 2005
I was with Vector who markets CUTCO, both are sister companies, whose parent companie is ALCAS (formerly Alcoa) for 5 years. The guidelines, which are supposed to be followed both as a rep and a manager, have no illegal business practices. I started when I was 19, after my freshman year of college. I had low self confidence, low self esteem, had 2 other jobs, no communication skills or savvy at all. I wanted to give it a fair shot. The ad said "$10/appointment"...so whoever is complaining about per hour and all of that, LISTEN! The appointment takes about an hour with questions, the sale, and references. I really busted my butt at first.

If you LISTEN and PAY ATTENTION in the interview, the pay scale IS explained. You get base pay or Bonus, which ever is bigger. I only had to use the base pay once (my first 2 week period).
If you LISTEN, the base is paid for qualified appts. It is suggseted that you see people who are 30 - 55, married, a full-time income, have kids, and live in a house...WHY????...that's the target market. IF YOU LISTENED, that is all explained in training, where many other things about marketing are taught. Also...you don't buy the demo kit, you put a deposit on it, which is about 1/3 of retail cost. IF YOU LISTENED, CUTCO uses a higher grade surgical steel,440A, than REAL HENCKLES. Real henkles does cost that much. I went to the conferences, cool trips, and visited the factory and saw them made with my own eyes. IF YOU LISTENED to how the knives are made, you would understand why they cost more. If you did your research on competitive brands, AND IF YOU LISTENED IN TRAINING, you would know about why others end up costing more over a lifetime.

I COULD GO ON FOREVER about the facts that every pissed off ex Contracter, not employee, is complaining about, or if their Manager had LISTENED AND FOLLOWED THE GUIDELINES. I was fortunate enough to work with managers who were ethical. The one manager who wasn't was relieved from his position by the regional manager.

Anyway, I worked hard at first and even though I had no skills when I started, ended up being the #1 new rep in our office my first summer. I eventually became a Sr. FSM, made 50%, and it did not take forever to do it. I acquired a lot of skills, business and interpersonal communication. I sold over $70,000 worth of the best knives in the world in personal sales, built my resume like crazy, have self confidence, skills, self esteem, a vision for myself, opened my eyes to being a business woman, achieved what the skeptics said I wouldn't, ended up with a 90% closing rate, a $210 average order, averaged 25 leads per appiontment (one lady even gave me 190+ of her associates)-my customers call their friends before I did, I got a scholarship every semester (for myself, not for my school-the top scholarships are given to the rep AND to their school)...ALL BECAUSE I LISTENED!!!!!!!!!!!!

I became an assistant manager after my 1st summer, eventually ran a branch office - which I started, I recruited, I trained, I motivated, AND MY NAME WAS ON THE DOOR! I followed the GUIDELINES AND I LISTENED. My team and I broke the record for out territory.

VECTOR and CUTCO have helped me be the woman I am today. CNN has done POSITIVE segments on them, many famous and successful people have made it because of their experience with them.

SO, ALL IN ALL, IF YOU LISTEN AND FOLLOW THE COMPANY'S GUIDELINES, AND WORK HARD, AND BE HONEST, YOU CAN GO FAR WITH THE OPPORTUNITY! I DID NOT LIE TO ANY OF MY CUSTOMERS OR REPS. So, if you don't want to do that, get over it and move around!
#53
Ex-Employee
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Glad I Found This Site

Mark - Baton Rouge (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, January 20, 2005 POSTED: Thursday, January 20, 2005
I nearly fell victim of Vector Marketing, I like
many was drawn in by the $12 an hour advertising.
I went to the "interviewing process" and was
(suprise suprise) accepted. I went home that
and as any poor college student was excited i got
a job and my friends and family members were less than thrilled for me. I then started thinking is this job all its cracked up to be? This was all last night by the way

I got on the internet last night and decided to do some homework on Vector. I came across many sites informing about their lawsuits and impending lawsuits. I then came across this site and read many peoples personal experience. I then too started thinking, why do I have to pay for a sample kit and why am I not going to be paid for training? I decided well maybe this job isnt for me and obviously there are some people who do really well with it so I decided not to get a bad attitude about the company.

I called the District Manager who interviewed me and told him that I was no longer interested in the Job and no longer felt it was job for me. He did exactly what others on here said they do when someone quits. He tried to sell me on the potential and product yadda yadda....and then resorted to trying to make me feel bad and make me feel like an idiot for not wanting to work there anymore. I then quite firmly had to tell him I just wasnt interested anymore. He then snottily said well its just odd that you dont want to work in something with potential then hung up on me.

Two minutes later I get a text message from the guy saying and I quote "And to think that I thought you were the sharpest, most intelligent person I interviewed yesterday....GOOD LUCK finding anything close to this potential!" That part just blew me away... I mean talk about keeping a proffesional attitude about things. After that text any doubts that I might have had on whether I had done the right thing in not taking the job or not were completely removed. The lack of profesionalism just blew me away.
#54
Ex-Employee
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Its amazing the impression this gives

Ben - Provo (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, February 22, 2005 POSTED: Tuesday, February 22, 2005
I worked for Vector Marketing two years ago for a few months. I am utterly surprised at the sorts of things that are being posted on this site. First of all, the job is, as said before, SALES, and because of this you earn a performance based pay.

Performance based pay is not for everyone. Some people like to clock in, clock out. Some people, though not all who prefer hourly or salaried jobs, like to put forth moderate to minimal effort. This job, like any sales job, is not for them.

As far as the person saying that the $200 average sale is a joke, they are not correct. My average sale, and I was not the top rep in my region or office, in fact I was just above average, was $235.

The job does not involve telemarketing. Nothing is sold over the phone. It does require appointment setting, as does all direct sales.

I was not an FSM, nor a district manager. I haven't gotten a check from Cutco im about two years, so I'm not in the Cutco pocket to any degree.

All I can share is my experience, which was phenomenal. I earned good money, an average of $70 an appt once I figured my average sales and closing %. I received fantastic sales training. In looking for a job now, every employer I have seen has been impressed by my experience at Vector.

I got a chance to meet and associate with goal oriented, hard working, motivated people. My manager has since become a close personal friend and mentor.

I would urge any student to get a job selling cutco. The experience one gains in making appts, facing rejection, meeting customer needs, etc etc is priceless. It is true the training is not paid (nor should it be), but it is priceless and is similiar to what people spend money on to receive.

I eventually stopped selling Cutco for no other reason than I didn't need the money and was tired of the hard work. As simple as that. For those of you who complain that they don't pay for training, phone time, or office meetings, the simple answer is they pay for all that time when you recieve commission.
#55
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Why is everyone biased towards Vector?

Stephen - Windsor (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, May 01, 2005 POSTED: Sunday, May 01, 2005
I've been reading here online very conflicting reports. I've seen people saying they've made a fortune to saying that the company is a big scam. People should start writing comments analyzing the company instead of writing emotional statements about them. Based on my info I gathered, if I worked for CUTCO i'd start out averaging about $9 or $10/hour. I would get base pay of $18.25 per an appointment.

However, based on my info., the hidden work(i.e. traveling occasional meetings, and paper work etc.) takes about just as much time as the appointment which is approx. 1 hour. Of course it's not a get rich quick scheme, but it's a good paying side job for college students with potential to earn more, like anything in life, it just depends on how well you do it.

In regards to Vector hiring "independent contractors" to sell instead of in stores or other methods, companies spend millions advertising their product in the media, or have to sell them to retail stores at a good discount. If you are the salesperson type and are good with people, and Vector would give you a little more experience and a little higher pay than your current job, then go for it. Yes the non-promise of a steady income isn't garunteed, but you also get to pick your own hours, not many jobs allow you to do that.
#56
Employee
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Still kinda nervous

Stephanie - Joliet (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, June 02, 2005 POSTED: Thursday, June 02, 2005
Yo. My name is Stephanie and I just got the job with Vector. I was really nervous starting out because I read websites like this, and a lot of people had something bad to say about cutco. I seem to keep getting two sides to every story. FIRST OFF- I think every branch may be different, and that's unfortunate, because I work for Illinois Orland Park branch, #2 in the division, #1 division- or something. We're a really good office, and we did not have to pay for our knives, or training, or manuals. Second, just like Brian, I think we do have a really honest manager, Mike, because a lot of the lies former employees were told, we weren't. THIRD- people have complained about the actual product and I just don't see it. I ran into 3 previous cutco owners and they all LOVED it, and one lady had her same 1972-ish set, and loved it. Unfortunately, I never got to meet anyone who has ACTUALLY worked for the same branch I do,and when I say work, I mean more than 2 weeks- that I met on my own and I could talk to. I'm still kinda worried, but as soon as I get paid, I'll know what's going on. If they pay me in knives, it's ON! If they don't pay me at all, IT'S ON!! But all that stuff about unpaid training and you only get credit for certain appointments, our manager flat out told us, so I think it depends on your branch. We'll see how it goes. Wish me luck!
#57
Ex-Employee
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I don't see what the problem is here, Brian is RIGHT!

Holly - Phoenix (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, June 02, 2005 POSTED: Thursday, June 02, 2005
Brian is 100% correct. I work for this company to this day, have been for 9 years now. Sure the work was hard but so is anything worth while isn't it?

On average, I make about $90,000 a year. I have 8 kid's and a stay at home wife. I set up shop at the swap meet on the weekends and make a killing. I put on demo's and always draw a crowd. The best season is the summer time, BBQ time!

You have to look through the negative and turn it around. Sales is where it's at people. I love being my own boss and for tax stuff, I write of everything. Example: I go to the local burger stand for lunch, I log it as a business lunch cuz I walk up to the counter and say "Wanna buy some quality knives?

They say no(cuz I ask them everyday) and get my stuff and jot it down as a business expense. I also write off the fruits and veg's that I use in my demo as business tools. Come one people, read between the lines, its a good gig if you use the power.

While you guys are stuck in a cube looking out side, I'm getting fresh air, meeting people and getting paid.

Well thats all except...Anyone wanna buy some knives?
#58
Ex-Employee
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Vector Marketing falsely advertised, dishonest practices

Brian - Manteca (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, June 02, 2005 POSTED: Thursday, June 02, 2005
I just wanted to add my two cents here. I was enticed as well into this when I was in college. (About 9 years ago) I received a letter in the mail telling me it was a marketing firm (which it is not) and that I had been chosen to get a job interview. Marketing firms are firms that are paid to come up with marketing campaigns for companies. This has nothing to do with that. They told me they were a marketing firm with positions open in executive sales and customer service. I assumed, since I had an AA in business at the time, that I would be working for a firm that designed marketing campaigns for companies.

You even have to get your own customers. Most people I called laughed at me when they found out what I was doing and even told me it was a scam. The way you get contacts is a pyramid scheme, one person gives you contacts, each of them gives you contacts, etc. The trouble is most people will not do that. Think about it, would you sign a friend's name to a company's contact list? Most people refused on grounds that it was an invasion of privacy. If this did work pretty soon everyone in the world would have been contacted. (Plenty of mathematical research has been written on why pyramid/MLM schemes won't work) Everything said about this company on here is true.

Another thing I noticed is they send catalogs to contacts you turn info in on. This gets them to buy directly from cutco and not go through a Vector rep. Another way they cheat their own "employees."

The presentations/sales meetings done for the marks are by very charismatic individuals that know how to "work a crowd." Marks are told they can make a ridiculous amount of money through unbelievable stories. They would get onto me for missing "meetings" when I would have schoolwork to do and they told me a fabricated story about a girl that took 36 units (no college I know of would allow that, not to mention there is not enough hours in the day for it) and still managed to be one of the top ranking sellers. They harassed me constantly on the phone when I quit and even called my aunts house when I visited her on vacation.

The money you spend buying samples, going to meetings, and driving to customer houses will cost more than you make in commission. They even take the free gifts the customer gets out of your commission. (by deducting your points)

I'm amazed that this scam is still going on after all this time. They should be forced to tell you that you will be peddling knives instead of being a marketing executive. The marks they get are usually naive college kids that have not been out in the world long enough to know this is a scam, so they go for it. If they got me 9 years later now that I have four college degrees and a lot of business experience I would not accept a "job" like this. I think they can get away with it because technically they aren't breaking any laws. What they do is unethical but not unlawful. However, that should change. They should be forced to disclose that it is not a job opportunity but a selling opportunity as with Avon. All you are doing is what Avon ladies and Home Interiors do. (and Cutco won't even allow you to have parties because they don't want to be identified with that, and ironically Avon and Home Interiors approach this a lot more honestly) If you are in this I recommend you get out, if you do make money it will only be a short time. Once you run out of contact that it, you're stuck with a knife sample and lots of wasted time and money.
#59
Employee
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pyramid scheme?

Stephanie - Joliet (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, June 16, 2005 POSTED: Thursday, June 16, 2005
well, Brian, I don't know if you're fully understanding the job. I do agree with you that their campaign for getting employees is very ridiculous. I don't think that they should say things like "marketing firm", and take out small vague ads in the newspaper and all that, that I agree with you on. However, the job itself isn't a scam. The way they get employees may be slightly dishonest, but the job itself is proving to be pretty worthwhile. Yeah, you start with your own contacts, which is iffy, but you get out of that ring of people so fast, and I don't understand that you got so many people who laughed you in the face and whatnot. It's not a pyramid sceme because you aren't getting people under you to make you money or anything. I get lots of recommendations all the time because it's a GOOD PRODUCT, and people don't mind watching a demo of a good product. The way I see it, you're not scamming people if you're honest, and if you're telling customers that you get paid to demonstrate an awesome product, which IS the truth, cutco sells!
#60
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Almost got suckered in

Melissa - Piscataway (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, July 01, 2005 POSTED: Friday, July 01, 2005
I almost got suckered into Vector. I got a nice letter in the mail and it looked very convincing. If my parents hadnt known about scams like Amway when I probably would have never known the difference. I called infor information and the lady I spoke to was very evasive and didnt answer my questions directly. My suggestions: If something sounds too good to be true, it is and dont buy into it, do research before you get into this sort of thing. If youre young (high school/college age) it is unlikely that you will "become your own boss" because people that age just dont have the experience yet. If you want money, a part time job is a far better way to go, and as for scholarship opportunities, there are better ones than at Vector, and it is unlikely you would get it there. In the future, be sure to ask questions. people will not tell you upfront that they are scamming you. Ask direct questions and demand direct answers. Ask questions like "how does the company make money?" or "How will I make money" and dont settle for anything but a full description.
#61
Employee
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Cutco/Vector: Not Illegal, Just Unethical

Nick - Gibsonia (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, July 05, 2005 POSTED: Tuesday, July 05, 2005
First of all, I'm not a disgruntled ex-employee of Vector Marketing like so many above seem to be. I had a mildly successful experience with Vector, and I'll be the first to tell you that I am impressed at how well the successful Managers and the Assistant Managers do. I also will agree that Cutco is the best brand of cutlery that there is.

Now, for the facts (apologies for the bullet presentation and lack of organization):

Everyone has a unique experience with Vector. To the 3-month FSM's, great job! (but realize that the people that you label as lazy, dumb, or any one of your other adjectives may have had extenuating circumstances...I mean, there is life outside of Cutco)

While deceiving future "contractors" as Vector does isn't necessarily illegal, it is unethical. I don't understand how "sweetening" the truth is ethical. It may be done in all of business, but that does not make it ethical, and Vector success stories shouldn't claim that it is.

To Sean of Scranton: You implied that using connections to get a better position is unethical. News for you buddy, THATS HOW YOU SURVIVE IN THE BUSINESS WORLD (it's called networking). You say that everyone that fails at selling Cutco gave a mediocre effort, didn't take it seriously, or used connections to get there. What you fail to realize is that maybe some of the above rebuttals came from people who were trying to sell to people that got the same value out of cutlery as they would a better car. Sometimes, believe it or not, a lesser product can still get you by.

To all extremely successful Vector Reps: Way to stick it out. But don't criticize the people that are saying Vector is unethical by saying that they didn't try and "only the failures complain". I think it's ironic that the only people heralding Vector are the extremely successful...

To Kevin from Maryland: The "98% of people own over $200 in Cutco" is absolutely ridiculous. The poverty rate alone is above 10%. And I'm sure those living in poverty don't fit the specifications of a qualified appointment (by the way I think that the guidelines for a qualified appointment constitute customer discrimination)...

To Zach from Illinois St: Watch posting your email, especially since having zcwagne and knowing you go to ilstu let me figure out that you were a junior last year, meaning you were a sophomore when you "got trashed on a boat in lake michigan". Odd, I don't know many 21 year old sophomores...

I find it disheartening that I once revered the uber-enthusiastic people that I met when I stepped into a Vector Marketing office for the first time. Because I now realize how truly caught up in it they are, and it blinds them to all other situations outside their own. While some people in the above rebuttals criticize Vector for having immoral recruiting tactics, success stories of Vector attack the people, and their character, calling them lazy and labeling them as lowerer class citizens.

People need to realize that Vector/Cutco is an ingenious sisterhood of companies. It's not a pyramid scheme, but it is true that the people above you reap the rewards of your labor. It's the same idea, but different application. While the reps labor to get appointments, the managers labor to get reps, because that is how they both make money. It's a great quick buck for a college student, even better if you're lucky and become FSM in a short amount of time. But i couldn't personally devote my life to Vector in the ways the I saw the DM's, AM's and Managers above me devoting theirs.

Like many people, Vector must not be for me.

And if you're reading this thinking about joining Vector, remember that even though that paycheck doesn't have tax information, you still have to pay in April. And don't forget gas mileage that you don't hear about in training. To quote the FSM's (in reference to your first months paychecks) HALF BABY!!!

and i'm spent
#62
Ex-Employee
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75% of all managers have failed within the last 3 yrs

Chad - Osseo (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, July 25, 2005 POSTED: Monday, July 25, 2005
Nick, maybe you didn't know that about 75% of all managers have failed within the last 3 yrs. Many of them winding up with a rather large debt. You may want to ask yourself, how may managers do you know of that are currently there today that have been a manager 3 yrs or longer?
#63
Employee
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It is absolutely amazing to me that so many people can have negative experiences with just one company.

Justin - Wichita (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 28, 2005 POSTED: Thursday, July 28, 2005
I have been working for Cutco/Vector for 14 months now and just today starting reading all of these unbelievable posts. I have found one flaw in all of your claims against Vector, you all cite the exact same reasons for being upset with the company, and in many cases, you use the exact same wording.

Seems a little strange to me. In response to, I think it was, Jeff, don't be offended by Vector being called a sales job. Also, please never say again that Vector is looked down upon by other sales companies because I have met with recruiters for financial companies such as Edward Jones, AG Edwards, Morgan Stanley, and Schreck Financial. All of them have been very impressed and asked to speed up my interview process due to my experience with, and skills acquired through, Vector Marketing. Obviously, I am still working for Vector because I have two years left of school, but it is great to know that because of Vector, the skills and experience I have will be in high demand once I do graduate in 2007.

To Trevor from Fort Worth: I am sorry but I really don't believe that you ever worked for Vector for a few simple reasons. The only way to get into management with Vector is by working your way up. You can say that the DM before you in Ft. Worth hired you immediately after you spoke with him, but DM's do not do the hiring for other DM's.

Only the the Region Sales Director, Region Manager, and the President are involved with interviewing and hiring new DM's. Also, when representatives are brand new with Vector, they are in their "Fast Start", not "Jump Start" like you say.

Oh, and by the way, just so you know, a representative's Fast Start only lasts for their first 10 days, not two weeks. Also, with over 250 District offices accross the country, there is no way the company would ever pay DM's 45-65%. That would just not be smart, I do know how DM's are paid, and unfortunately for them, it's not anywhere near 65%. Anyways, I think that's enough for now, but if you are not familiar with Vector Marketing or Cutco, and you are considering employment with us, I would recommend that you at least go in for an interview. That way you can make the decision on what would be the best option for you, rather than just taking my or anyone else's word for what you should do with your life or work.
#64
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Somewhat irked

Shannon - Iselin (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, August 25, 2005 POSTED: Thursday, August 25, 2005
I have read several of the posts about this company and realized that Brian from Utah comes across as an arrogant jerk. Given the fact that I don't know him personally, I can't know his true character but I have to say that having read his posts, he really does appear to be a jerk.
I would like to share two things:

1) I too sold Cutco cutler (about 10 years ago in NJ) and their product wasn't bad. I didn't continue because I was having alot of problems with my car at the time and the people I was dealing with were less than understanding and professional.

2) Not everyone who has had a bad experience with Vector Marketing/Cutco flips burgers for a living or cleans the toilets of arrogant jerks.

Honestly, I can't say that my experience was a 100% bad, but it wasn't good either and I don't flip burgers or make minimum wage. I happen to like my job and am not a pathetic looser because I didn't "stick it out" at Vector Marketing.
By the way, if the things were going so well for you, why did you stop selling?
#65
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Multi Level Marketing Opportunities

Shannon - Iselin (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, August 25, 2005 POSTED: Thursday, August 25, 2005
I have read a number of posts about different MLM "opportunities" and noticed a common thread. They all seem to think that if you are not working for their company and have a 9 to 5 job, you are going to miserable for the rest of your life. That's the scheme though. "You should come work for us because 'Corporate America' will not pay you what you're worth. We will". They sell this nonsense to everyone they talk to. Guess what, I don't work for a MLM and am EXTREMELY happy and have good self esteem.

I have to admit that when I was younger I tried a few of the MLM "opportunities" and found that it wasn't for me. It had nothing to do with a lack of motivation or drive, I just am not a deceptive person. I can't go to people's homes and convince them that without whatever product it is, their life is going to enlessly miserable.

For those who make money at these MLM "jobs", kudos but don't slam me and other people like me and give the impression that my life is total crap without your company/product. I am happily married with two beautiful children and really enjoy my "corporate america" job.
#66
Ex-Employee
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Saw Through the Haze

Stu - Baton Rouge (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, March 28, 2006 POSTED: Tuesday, March 28, 2006
I too was sucked into the promise of easy money during the summer of my freshman year home from college. I saw the ads, with the promise of $12 an hour, and called in.

I was brought in that night to an "interview," which was actually a group of about 12 fellow broke college students huddled into a room. The rep began by spoutting off many believable lies, which were eaten up by the rest of the groups. Lies such as "Many Fortune 500 Companies use group interviews" and "90+% of American homes have a product from Vector Marketing." After 3+ hours of trying to convert us the idea of MLM, he finally revealed the true work of the company, selling knives. This premise seemed boring to me, and I soon lost interest in his entire pitch. However, I couldn't help but notice that the rest of my group was being sucked into the scheme. They could already feel the cash burning in their pockets. Forget that you had to get your friends and family into the mix, they wanted the comission. I began to pity the misguided fools, since I knew full well that not everyone there would ever earn the comission the rep was claiming.

After the dog and pony show was over, the rep called us into his office two by two, promising to let one of go after a further interview. He asked my partner, who was eager to start the job, to rank their people skills. She, of course, rated them as a 10. He asked the same of me, and since I was ready to leave the office while trying to remain polite, I rated mine as a 3. I thought this would cement my dismissal. I was wrong. The rep claimed "Both of had massive potential." And even though his boss would kill him, he "would recommend us both for the job." I had enough, I stood up, said some random words about wanting a "real job" and stormed out.

I got a call the next day from the senior manager, who actually seemed to be a nice guy. He asked me to excuse his rep's attitude and asked me to reconsider. I expressed my desire to have a job which didn't require me to pay money up front or make my friends and family hate me. He was sympathetic and asked me to call him in a week if I couldn't find another job. I did find another job, a 9 to 5 which payed $15 an hour for actually doing legitamite work based on my skills. It's no 18k for one summer, but I'm very proud of the 7k I did earn without selling a single knife and keeping my dignity. I did call the senior manager, who expressed amazement of finding such a job and seemed quite impressed.

I know that it is possible to make a ton of money by selling knives and playing the game. But the loss of dignity and one's soul is too much to bear for me. I was able to get past the promise of "easy" money with Cutco and find a job which provided a great wage for a college student, along with the added benefit of helping people in need (I translated textbooks into Braille, felt great doing that). Such jobs do exist, don't feel like Cutco is the only decent job for a student. Such scams will always survive off of the hope of the ignorant the pleas of the hopeless. Think a bit more of yourself and hold out for the better, truly more respectable occupations than knife slave
#67
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The Sad Reality of Human Nature

Jesus - Thorold (Canada)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 POSTED: Wednesday, April 05, 2006
It seems my community of childhood innocense has a vector branch in it. Around my Universities they were handing out flyers for $15/hr jobs. I went in and checked it out and they kept us for two hours. I knew it was a scam from a mile away because I have common sense and once you've devoted so much time, the reality that your time has been wasted is a hard pill to swallow. I am deeply saddened to think that these people are willing to play on the hopes and aspirations of kids in school for personal gain. By dangling scholarships and money necessary for survival. It's ruthless, dishonest, and depraved. Is this illegal? Yes. Fraud and Breach of Trust, deliberately disseminating false information. One thing you really shouldn't do is trifle with a University, especially one which has a law school. I would be interested in making a class action law suit and getting them out of my town.
#68
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My problem with Vector

Tara - Toronto (Canada)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 POSTED: Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Hi disgruntled and satisfied former Vector employees,

I went in for a Vector interview, and (obviously) got the job. After one night of thinking about it however, I decided to turn it down. Not necessarily because of complaints on websites, as I had read these only after I had made my decision. Really what got to me is the idea of using my friends and family.

What kind of good family member would sit through an hour presentation made by someone they cared about then decide, no, you aren't any good at what you are doing, and I don't need any knives.

Would I have been unsuccessful at Vector? Probably not if I worked extremley hard. But that kind of guilt for my own financial gain... just not worth it to me.
#69
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Nothing has changed

Alex - Boston (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 POSTED: Wednesday, July 05, 2006
I went in the interview with Vector about five years ago. I interviewed with them and went in for one full day of training. I realized after one day of training that there was not a snowflake's chance in hell this was anything but a scam. My experience was much like all the negative reports here: a vague ad for a $10-15 hour job that said "no telemarketing." I asked what the company was and the response was that they "market cookware." The interview and first day revolved around the notion that Cutco knives are God's gift to the kitchen and that we were all doing society a great favor by letting the public buy them. I've read on here that they make you pay for the sample knives for $175? Kind of funny that they never mentioned that to me at the time (I didn't stick around long enough I guess).

They did mention, however, that if every person the sales rep visited generated five leads, we would soon have enough leads to last a lifetime (he even drew the graph of the exponential curve...he must have been a math major). Their sales pitch of "start off with people you know" to get reps to sell to family/friends is awful. The team leader asked, "who would you feel more comfortable with performing your first sales pitch: somebody you know well or a complete stranger?" I mentioned a stranger, my logic being that if you mess up, you'll never have to see the person again. The team leader said this was strange and that most people would feel comfortable with somebody they know.

When I called in to say that I was no longer interested, the guy put me hold for three minutes, and came back with "I'm sorry, I was just speaking with a rep in California," as if I was to assume that he must be important if he's making a long distance call. During the training, the leader would call various reps into the room to ask how much Cutco they had sold this summer: most were $2000s, one said $3000s. Well gosh, $3500 times the 15% commission (or is it 10%?) is $525. I certainly hope it didn't take them more than a week and a half to earn that. If it did, that's really too bad.

After the first day, we had our first assignment: to write down all of the people we know (and phone numbers too) in three minutes. I raised my hand and asked why we neeed to do this, and he held up his hands and said, "it's just an assignment." He started the stopwatch. The winner received a free pencil.

We even saw a training video. The man mention the best salesman of all time at Vector, who sold $750,000 worth of knives. The man said we could be just like him. Great. 750,000 times the max commission of 35% is 262,500. I'm really hoping it didn't take him more than 9-10 years to accomplish that.

When I called in to say I was no longer interested in working there and mentioned the whole "telemarketing to friends/family" thing, he said "Is this really how you see this? As telemarketing?" He went on to say that practicing on strangers tells us nothing about how good a job we're doing because they don't know us blah blah blah...or something like that. I forget.

That was five years ago. Nothing has changed. They lied then and they lie now. No legitimate company will ever ask for money upfront before work even starts. No legitimate company has to lie about what they do. No legitimate company needs to have a barrage of evasive answers for every question a person has. If you know somebody who is working there, encourage them to quit. Tell them that the time they've alreay spent there is a sunk cost. This means that they never get it back, and they should not worry about it. Quit now. Tell them to reject the notion that "you're almost there, prosperity is just around the corner, you can do it...blah blah blah" and quit. Do not work at Cutco. If you see their ads anywhere, remove them and throw them in the nearest recycle bin. Thank you.

P.S, to the person who mentioned what valuable experience Cutco is, they are right. It is valuable. It is important for people to learn about scams early and often. Employers do not respect Vector. They might say, "gosh, that place is miserable, if this person could survive Vector, they can do anything," but this is not because Vector is a great place.
#70
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A complete scam

Angela - Longview (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, July 11, 2006 POSTED: Tuesday, July 11, 2006
First off, I was successful with Vector. I made over 10k in my Fast Start, and was promoted to Senior Sales Advisor in a span of 8 days. HOWEVER, i had to fight TOOTH AND NAIL to receive ANY of my check, which took basically a month to receive. Yes, once i received the $1950 in my bank account, i was relieved. But heres some stuff to think about: I spent several hundreds of dollars going to pointless conferences where overly cheesed up salespersons told us to go sell some more Cutco and work hard. We already received this information in our UNPAID training, which was 3 days long for 16 hours. Also, I was promised a "Limo Night" for my 10k fast start, which said a friend and I would be picked up in a Limo and driven to Dallas, where we would eat a $400 meal and then go drop a couple grand on the night scene. This is what REALLY happened. The limo night turned into a party bus for all 10k fast starters in the southwest region, and NO one was allowed to bring a friend, since it was AFTER one of the pitiful excuses of a conference, in which i had to drive to(wasting 90 bucks in gas). I have also encountered nothing but SLEEZEBALLS and money grubbing poor excuses for people working with Vector. I was sexually harrassed a couple times, and even the "BIG" dogs in the company seemed very sneeky and phony. I would have to say I feel ashamed that I, with a 3.8 GPA at my university, fell for such a horrible self marketing scheme. I can't tell you how low i felt, when I suckered people i knew into buying knives they would have to make payment plans on. PAYMENT PLANS!!! FOR FREAKING KNIVES!!! People need to spend their money on more important things...maybe then the country wouldn't be trillions of dollars in personal financial debt, due to buying things like $1000 knives. And before I get flamed for being a poor, low life loser who will only work gas stations for my life, I will never have to have a job in my life if I don't want to, for circumstances and extremely reputable reasons which I cannot disclose,due to this being a mass organized website, . I just want people to realize that I took this job, wanting to accomplish something on my own & become proud of my work, but I feel nothing but shame and disgust for suckering myself into this disgraceful company. I could sell with the best of 'em, but I don't want to sell my soul in the process.
Thank you for your time.
#71
Employee
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The Final Word on Cuto / Vector/ Alcas

Daniel - Newton (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 29, 2006 POSTED: Saturday, July 29, 2006
I'm a college student who has worked for Vector Marketing for the past two months this summer, and I have heard and read about a lot of complaints about the company. I feel that I have gotten to know the job pretty well and went through the whole "recruitment" that many people complain about.

I will address here many complaints that I've read in this thread:

1. Recruitment. Of course, this is what everyone complains about. Their ads are vague, their phone people won't answer your questions until you come into the office...they'll do just about anything to get you to accept this job. Let's just look at it from their point of view for a minute. Would anyone respond to an ad that read: "Sell knives to old ladies!!" Probably not. Does that justify their recruitment practices? Well...

All I have to say about this is that you really have to do your homework. I personally would not walk into a job interview until I knew the company inside and out. I went to my Vector interview knowing full well about the complaints. I also knew exactly what the job would entail.

This doesn't make their hiring practices right, but people do need to assume some responsibility for not knowing exactly what they were getting into.

If you think that calling people you don't know to sell them something is wrong or just something you don't want to do, if you prefer to get paid on an hourly basis, if you don't want to travel a lot for work, then don't take this job. Find employment elsewhere. It's as simple as that. If your interviewer refuses to give you specifics about your job, walk out.

2. Cutco is a scam/pyramid scheme/waste of time. Here are some positives from my summer:

-Met a bunch of people my age working as sales reps
-Developed serious small talk skills in dealing with new people on a daily basis
-Earned a decent amount of money (as compared to what I could have earned working at Starbucks for near min. wage)
-"Sold $10,000 of Cutco cutlery" doesn't look too bad on my resume

I can totally understand why this job would not be too appealing if you're not a college student. If you're not a student, you might as well stop reading this right now. I urge you to find a "real job." I can only recommend working for Vector to students who are looking for summer or part time employment.

But for college students, the fact of the matter is that you can earn more money working for Vector than anywhere else. I personally know someone who worked very hard and earned $17,000 in one summer. There is no other job that will pay that much for a summer. None.

Employing salesmen and telemarketers doesn't necessarily make Vector a scam.

Again, if you have bills to pay, children to support, etc., this job is NOT for you. You will not make a living working for Vector.

3. Learning sales skills from Vector. This is, in my opinion, complete and utter bullshit. The sales presentation is little more than memorizing a script and what to say when people offer "objections" to not buying. Is that a skill? Maybe. But you definitely do learn how to deal with people you don't know, which can benefit people who are shy or introverted. If you are looking for a sales job in the future, employers will tend to put two and two together--perhaps incorrectly--when they see that you have experience selling things.

4. Weekly Meetings. Yes, it sucks that they really want you to go to these and that you don't get paid to go to them. But why do they have these meetings? No, not because they want to "scam" you out of your time. Managers get paid based on how well their reps do, so they want to give you all the advice and help they can about selling Cutco. They only want to see you sell more. If you really don't want to go to these, don't. As an independent contractor, you are in no way obligated to go.

As a side note to this: managers really cannot get mad at you. I would not be surprised if they are instructed at all costs to keep spraying reps with nothing but support and enthusiasm.

The reality of the Vector formula, as I see it, is that the managers are following a script the same way the reps do, only their job is to sell the company and the idea of selling cutlery to the reps. Most are either in college or recently out of college, have little or no experience outside of Vector, and generally could not tell you what good or bad business pratices are anyway. But I digress...

The bottom line is: Cutco/Vector/Alcas has some skeletons in its closet. There's no way around that. I do believe, however, that it is NOT a scam and there are legitimate ways to benefit from the opportunities offered through Vector Marketing.
#72
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Honestly!?!?!

Von - Tempe (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 POSTED: Tuesday, August 08, 2006
It's so frustrating to me to read all these people rag on a company that they really don't understand, especially when the complaints that they make are not valid at all. I've been with the company for 4 years now, and only worked as an assistant manager for a 8 months (mostly because I enjoy selling more than dealing with irresponsible reps) I have a few ideas to bring to the board which I think most (when I say most I basically mean everybody) people with complaints overlook. I am extremely aware and familiar with the recruiting techniques and methods of the company.

1. The company NEVER advertises as $XXX/Hr. They may have in the past, but NEVER do it anymore. Receptionists are trained NOT to say hour. Any advertisements say $XXX base/Appt.

2. The reason you are not told what the position is (Who wants to sell knives without really understanding the pay and product?) is because it takes a while to explain the whole thing. It would be logistically impossible to explain it all to everyone on the phone - hence a group meeting.
If you ask for specifics, you will be told that the reps work with the Cutco products. If you're not smart enough to ask for specifics or research something, you deserve what you get. I will concede that I do not like the "interview" that goes on because most likely everyone that the manager feels can do somewhat of a decent job will be hired.

3. Base Pay - No, you will not get paid for doing a demo for your buddy in the dorm next to you! The stipulations for base pay are written in black and white in the contract. Every mngt. mtg. I've been to encourages that managers review it with trainees. If you sign the contract without understanding it, it's your own fault. People that do not fall within these stipulations are not our target market and it is in nobody's best interest to do the appointment. If you do an appt. and make a sale, you will receive full commission.

4. Training - You are told up front it's not a paid training. If you don't like that fact, don't go. It's the same kind of unpaid training you'll get with any independently contracted company. As an independent contractor, the company is not required to give you any training at all. The fact that they do it is in reality a courtesy to you as the rep, and in the best interest of all parties.

5. Demo kit - You are told up front that there is a charge for the product. Some offices do a loaner program, but not all, and the manager is under no obligation to loan one out. The product is worth $565, and is a huge liability to the manager. Honestly - it's one of the best deals you can get. At any time you can return it for a full refund, per the contract that you signed. If the manager lets you give it to them personally, great! But, they are under no obligation to do so - under the contract it must be mailed back. (The smarter thing to do is to sell the product at full price and make a 200+% profit)

6. Driving & door-to-door - Once again, it's in the contract. I write off a ton of crap every year on my taxes - my taxable income is basically the extra money that I have after school, rent, food, cell phone bill, gas, new computer, etc. Which is very little. And people - honestly - it is NOT door-to-door. That's what the Kirby people or pest control people do. You schedule an appt, drive there and do the demo. If that's door to door, then put us right there with your life insurance agent, in-home care takers, the milk man . . .

7. The Product (CUTCO) - Anyone who knocks the product really doesn't know what they're talking about. No - it's not made for a professional chef - they sharpen their own knives and use them a lot more than Mom does. It is made for regular people - lets see . . . 99% of the population has not gone to culinary school. Like I said before, I've been with the company for 4 years. My work has evolved so that I rarely do demos anymore - I almost exclusively contact past customers and offer our sharpening service (it's free). Sometimes they say no (they're still sharp), but most say yes and have me come over, but the really interesting thing is that I have NEVER (that means not even one time) talked to someone that didn't like Cutco. I also work at home shows and trade shows. We keep a notebook at our booth for our happy customers to sign. One page will fill up in about 3 hours of people that have had it for 1, 3, 5, 20, up to 55 years. People love it, and you can't deny it. On top of that, the customer service is impeccable - free replacement of damaged products, and free sharpening.

8. Manager Pay - People have complained that managers get paid more than the reps. . . . Now that's a novel thought. Let me think of a couple other companies where managers get paid more than the little guy . . . EVERY COMPANY!!!!! Some people complain because the manager gets paid off the orders period. Really - people don't work for free. Let's break it down. The manager spends a lot of money in advertising, office furniture, office rent, phone lines, etc. When you get to the actual profit margin (we're talking NET, not GROSS), it's really not that amazing. They earn money - what's really great about that is that it means they have a vested interest in your success.

9. Pyramid - Vector is just as much a pyramid scheme as Wal-Mart is. It is not multi-level. Yes, the Division manager and district managers get paid off the total business done in an office, but wait . . . I heard of another company where that happens. McDonalds, Wal-Mart, Kinkos, Albertsons, Cingular. Yeah Sherlock - that's how any company works. A pyramid or multi-level focuses on creating networks and thrive off of the "buy-in" into the company. When you "buy-in" to Vector, you're actually getting the product - at the bare-minimum price. The manager makes a couple bucks (literally a couple bucks) when you get it, but they really don't when you consider all the extra money that they put into you as well as time and energy.

10. ?Having to do . . .? When I read some of these posts I get the impression that once someone agrees to working for the company, chains are automatically attached from them to the managers. You HAVE to call in every day; you HAVE to go to conferences. No you don't. Yeah, I said it ? no you don't! You are an independent contractor ? which means you are independent. Now, it is in your best interest to do those things if you'd like to be successful, but nobody threatened you with bodily harm to you or your mother because of failure to call in.

This has been long and exhaustive, and I still have not covered all the complaints. I will finish, though, by saying that the skill I have learned are invaluable and the resources given to me by the company are phenomenal. For example, just tonight, I went to a special meeting exclusively for reps that was put on by a State Farm agent. He talked to everyone and taught them about investing now, and utilizing the power of time. He offered to sit down with people one on one and help them put together a retirement strategy (starting to invest at 23 yrs. old is a VERY good idea). Yeah, he might make a couple bucks off us, but he really cared about our future and what we could create. And by the way, the state farm agent is one of the top in the country (#1 in Arizona) and he worked for Cutco while in college.
#73
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Yes, honestly....

Alex - Boston (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 POSTED: Tuesday, August 08, 2006
It's frustrating to me that people continue to defend such a shady company...

Well, let's get started by critizing Von's last post.

1. "The company NEVER advertises as $XXX/Hr." This is a LIE. They still do. They still spam college campuses everywhere.

2. "The reason you are not told what the position is (Who wants to sell knives without really understanding the pay and product?) is because it takes a while to explain the whole thing." You'll be cold calling people and selling knives. There, that only took one sentence. That wasn't so hard, was it?

3. "Demo kit - You are told up front that there is a charge for the product." No, you're not. They only tell you about paying $175 for the demo kit on the last day of training (after 3-4 days). Again, the goal of this company is to string you along as far and as long as possibe.

4. "If you're not smart enough to ask for specifics or research something, you deserve what you get." Um, Vector is adept at avoiding questions. That's why I like ROR. We can expose these scams and encourage people not to sign up.

5. "And people - honestly - it is NOT door-to-door. That's what the Kirby people or pest control people do. You schedule an appt, drive there and do the demo. If that's door to door, then put us right there with your life insurance agent, in-home care takers, the milk man . . ." Um, ok. Yes, I think any reasonable person would agree that this is door to door. By the way, Vector's tactics, according to the FTC, constitute telemarketing.

6. In the beginning, Von says he doesn't like dealing with irresponsible reps. Well, Vector really wouldn't have this problem is they didn't hire EVERYBODY who walked in the door, now would they?

7. "Vector is just as much a pyramid scheme as Wal-Mart is." Um, no, it's not. You're a moron.

8. Von ends with a story about a State Farm agent who "really cared about our future and what we could create." Um, no. He doesn't care. In fact, he probably knows nothing about investing, as do most "financial advisors." He's a commissioned salesman just like you. He'll charge a huge fee for signing you up. In graditute for paying his huge fee (usually 2% or so of your returns), he'll give you far below market returns for any investment you sign up for. Yippee.

Don't work for these losers.
#74
Employee
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The Reality

E - Los Angeles (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 POSTED: Wednesday, August 09, 2006
I have worked for vector for over two years and it has been the most valuable experience of my life.

In addressing these complaints, I feel it is necessary to explain the recruiting side of Vector first. Vector managers must present the opportunity to as many qualified people as possible. Once training has begun, the "sharp" reps have made themselves clearly evident. Attention is then focused upon the more intelligent reps with better potential, so they consequentially end up having much better results. However, even if a rep is not given a great deal of guidance, he/she WILL succeed if the program/training is followed. The #1 reason why reps do not do well is that they dont follow the program. 90% of these reps DO NOT check in with the manager, DO NOT attend simple meetings, and DO NOT put in any kind of effort whatsoever, leading to negative results and a poor experience with the company.

I am quite sure that some people HAVE in fact been deceived by a vector manager in one form or another. This is because many vector offices are started up by managers that are inexperienced and/or misguided. Here on the west coast, each division has standardized programs, procedures, and approaches. It is difficult to standardize anything for all vector offices across the nation so untill that is done, please do not take YOUR experience with YOUR inept manager as a representation of the company and all of its reps/mgrs.

Part of being successful in Vector is expanding one's comfort zone. The people who are slandering the company and it's reps are the ones who are too sheltered or narrowminded to accept any other concept or means of working and earning money.

Vector is not for everybody. In fact, its not for most people. I've attended many events, meetings and conferences, many of which I paid to attend. In all truth, I would not have traded those events for anything. I have personally serviced the Cutco of at least 75 cutco owners, ALL of which LOVED the product, and most of which purchased more.

To be fair, please do not speak poorly of a company and an opportunity about which you know very little.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Holding it down for the FSM's.
#75
Ex-Employee
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Cutco IS valuable

Bob - Maplewood (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, October 06, 2006 POSTED: Friday, October 06, 2006
I sold Cutco from the St. Louis South office during the summer of 2001. I thought it was a great experience, but not for the reasons you might expect.

Like so many other people, I was lured into a group interview by handbills advertising "$12.15/hr" with the phrase "base appt." in tiny print at the bottom. I'll admit it -- I had dollar signs in my eyes. I went to the interview, they made me feel special and intelligent, and invited me to come back for training. When I interviewed with Vector/Cutco, I was working a part-time job at a company I had been with for the six previous summers. When the management learned that I had this other job, their immediate reaction was to tell me, "go and quit that other job right now, because you've got an even better opportunity here." I kept the other job, and I'm sure glad I did.

I can't recall how many days our training lasted, but when I found out we wouldn't get paid for our training or our travel time (I lived 26 miles from the office), I was pretty angry. When my parents found out about this, they were more than a bit suspicious. My father told me, "do what you want to do, but just remember that any company worth working for pays for your training and travel." Being a typical 21 year old kid, I didn't think my dad knew anything, so I kept up the whole Cutco act, and even reached about $16,000 in sales before the end of the summer. Of course, when you figure out the commission on that, it's not a whole lot. Like I said, I'm glad I kept the other job.

I think I ended up losing money overall, as a result of my involvement with Cutco. Here's why:

- Cutco does not reimburse you for fuel expenses.
- I had to pay whatever the cost was for a demo kit.
- My managers *strongly suggested* that I purchase extra pieces for my kit (like the butcher knife, etc.) from them because I would sell more knives that way.

- At one point, our manager made us all help move the office, and was not reimbursed in any way for my time and the use of my vehicle.
- I had to pay $80 plus travel expenses for a conference in Chicago that I didn't even want to attend.
- I received base pay once. The rest of the time, I made my living off of pity sales of $36 paring knives (oh boy -- four bucks for two hours of drive and presentation time!)

In addition to all of these expenses, there are the compromised relationships with friends, family members, and other people who I did "demos" for, who see me now and immediately walk the other way, because they think I'm going to try to sell them something. I made $7 an hour at my other job, and should have just stuck with that. It was far better money than what I ended up earning from Cutco.

In the five years since leaving Cutco (I left shortly after 9/11, when my manager called me at school, and said the prices had gone up, so I needed to collect extra money from a recent customer) I have become very aware of its value to me. I now know that my father was right -- any company worth working for will reimburse you for your time, travel, and training. I also know that you can tell a lot about a company by the interviewing/hiring process.

For example, group interviews are, for the most part, bad things. If a group interview is occurring, that typically means the turnover rate is very high. I've been invited to interview with several other companies since Cutco where I arrived to find a classroom-type setting with an easel at the front of the room, and colorful sales charts on the walls. Every time I encountered one of these places that preys on desperate job-seekers, I turned right around and walked out the door.

Also, Cutco taught me that a good employer will answer questions honestly and directly. My Cutco office was very cloak-and-dagger in its dealings with employees.

Finally, Cutco taught me that, yes, you CAN make money selling knives, but it comes at the price of losing your dignity.

I now work at a university, where any time I find a Cutco flyer, I put it right where it belongs -- in the recycle bin.
#76
Consumer Comment
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SCAM SMELLED BEFORE I SHOWED FOR INTERVIEW

Jane - Brooklyn (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, December 02, 2006 POSTED: Saturday, December 02, 2006
Check this out: This is an ad from Craigslist:

Reply to: aquarless718@yahoo.com
Date: 2006-11-30, 11:03AM EST

Established firm has openings for outgoing, friendly college students and recent HS Grads to work with customers face to face around Christmas and in the New year

Program benefits include:

-$17.00 base/(not based on sales)
-Customer sales/service
-Flexible Schedules
-No experience required
-Will Train
-Part Time or Full Time
-Fun student atmosphere
-Excellent resume builder
-$40,000+ in corporate scholarships awarded annually
-All ages 17+, conditions apply

We are looking for students that are articulate, professional, and possess excellent people skills. Only resumes cut and pasted in the body of an email will be considered, all attatchments will be deleted.

CALL TODAY 1718-259-2869

-----------------------------------

I joined this board, for exposure of Vector-Marketing/ Cutco only, I believe the public has a right to know about scams, some people's observation may not be as astute as mine was.

I saw this posting on craigslist and I'm like Woo hoo Jack pot.

I submitted my resume, they called me. They leave a voicemail on my cell phone saying, " This is Vector Marketing. You submitted your resume, call us at 718-259-2869." I thought, okay a little unprofessional.

I call and I say "Hi, someone called me who didn't identify themselves about setting up an interview." He seemed bewildered (Different person then who called me) so he asks someone, "Did you call (my name) about a job interveiw" noone seemed to answer

he says, "I have to ask you a few questions to validate this phone call and it's purpose. Due to the high volume of business here, you will have to save your questions for the interview process" I'm like WTF, but it was more of an orange flag then a red one.

He asks me the questions, which were stuff like, where'd you hear about us? are you a student? blah blah blah, Mind you, he prefaced the questions with a statement saying. And When he gave me a job description he told me "No cold Calling, and no canvassing, All of our clients are existing customers.

He then tells me to come in TODAY Saturday December 2, 2006 at 6PM to 8510 Bay 16th St. Brooklyn, NY 11412 He said it's on the lower level of a dentists office. I asked," whom do I ask for when I come in and he tells me after about a 5 second hesitation "uhm, ask for Adrian Walsch."

I looked them up on BBB. VECTOR MARKETING is listed in BBB and they do have a legitimate Site, However, The weird part is, VECTOR MARKETING is located in so many different states / Countries...It looks fishy.

The orange flag is Crimson at this point.

I tried calling this morning to reschedule, From 9-11:45am NO ANSWER, finally someone (different from the last two) picks up the phone, and says "VECTOR MARKETING" I say "Hello, I'm calling because I have a few questions, Who am I speaking to?"

She evades answering who she is and says, what is your number in case we get cut off. I tell her, she then says "okay what are your questions?. " I asked, "Is it possible to reschedule for Monday, because I have to go out of town?"

She says,"No we have everything prepared for you here today, we cannot do it anyother day." I'm thinking WTF?! She asks me if I can change my travel arrangements I said, uh I guess. I'll be there at 6pm.

I call again DIFFERENT person picks up, I said look would it pose a problem if I cam casual because realistically, it's 6pm on a weekend, I have things to do directly after. I am advised against it and he hangs up.

I get a phone call from "DAVID C. GRECO" I dont know who it is, so I dont answer it, I check my Voicemail moments later and the message is as follows:

"This is Vector Marketing, We are calling to confirm your appointment for an interview today with Ms. Quendilla call us back immediately."

I'm like you know what, f*ck this. There's something really wrong with this picture.... "What happened to Adrian Walsch yesterday?"

I call back, guess what? It's a DIFFERENT NEW PERSON ANSWERING THE PHONE!!!!!!!

I tell them, Sorry i cannot make it tonight. The woman says "Well would you like to reschedule for Monday?" I said, "No thank you, I was declined that option earlier by someone else, I'm just not feeling your business ethics at this point."

I then consult with a really good friend of mine who goes to Binghamton University. I tell him all the shady sh*t, he said to me "Nooooooooooooooo, dont do it, I got caught by them. They make you purchase knives, and if you dont sell them, you dont get money."

So I did a google search "Vector Cutco Scams"

I found so many sites about Vector / Cutco.......All saying its a scam

I found this one to be the most interesting, it describes the exact process of what they do from a guy who has first hand experience.

And it also goes into deal how VECTOR REPS come on MESSAGE BOARDS all with IDENTICAL IP / SIMILAR IP addresses ALL under the same ISP.

(((link redacted)))

So those of you VECTOR reps, responding to this, find another board, because now everyone is informed that you are all responding from the same location.

AWWWWWW Schucks, the power of the internet must be so damaging.

Vector is a Scam and I'll list all the reasons why:

1. Generally when a business calls you, They identify themselves, as well as the company.

2. They aren't "hesitant" to give you a NAME of someone within a company.

3. You are entitled to ask questions before you set up an interview, incase you feel it's a waste of time, you don't want to promise something you aren't going to uphold.

4. NO COMPANY, ABSOLUTELY NONE, EVEN DEPARTMENT STORES, HOLD INTERVIEWS AT 6PM ON A SATURDAY. They might during the week if you are currently employed, and you seem like that much of an asset, but NEVER BY NO MEANS WHATSOEVER on a Saturday at 6PM.

5. Lack of Communication, and different people constantly answering the phone. I confirmed my appointment with a rep there, yet I get a confirmation phone call?

6. ALL COMPANIES, USE ONE PERSON TO INTERVIEW. If you are called back for a second interview, it's with someone higher up then the initial person you interviewed with. Why was I so privilaged to have 2 different interviewers within one day elapsing?

7. You need to verify if this phone call is legitimate? I've never heard an employer say that. Under SURVAILENCE ARE WE?

8. Buiness phones generally don't list a person's name, my caller ID would have said VECTOR MARKETING if you were Legit.

9. No one straight out of high school gets paid 17 p/h. Nowadays you need a f*cking bachelors degree to answer phones.

10. When you post 17.00 base pay PLUS commission, whether someone sells sh*t or not, They still should be AWARDED their base pay. If their productivity sucks, they should still be getting paid, and let them go on the basis that they arent a good sales person, but by no means do you withhold their base earnings.

11. NO ONE MAKES YOU PAY FOR YOUR PRODUCT YOU ARE GOING TO BE SELLING. A REAL company will supply you with it, free of charge. Unpaid training is acceptible, however paying for your Demo Equipment isn't LEGAL.

Oh, Believe me, I'm really bored because I'm unemployed... This posting will be getting Spammed on any boards pertaining to Cutco.

Please everyone, I implore anyone who sees this, to go to http://www.bbb.org and report these people so they get shut down, there is also options that if you have been a victim, and have spent money with this company you can be reimbursed.

Have a Good Day everyone.

CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.
#77
Ex-Employee
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Ex-Vector Employee, This Company Is Very Deceiving

Phillip - Saint Paul (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, December 15, 2006 POSTED: Friday, December 15, 2006
As an ex-vector employee, I have several things to say about this whole issue. First and foremost, although Vector really is a legitimate opportunity, it is presented in such an illegitimate way that it should be considered deceiving. There are several reasons why I believe this, and will make a short list to get all of my points across.

1. False advertising
Like the person who posted the topic said, Vector does use false advertising. From being on the inside, I also found out that up and coming managers simply want to look good by recruiting as many people as possible. They pay for the ads out of their own pocket, something a normal business would cover as an expense. Once you are in management with Vector, you are no longer an independent contractor, so why require the management to pay for this? The ads are also very misleading, with base appointment guarantees (which, as already stated, are only paid IF the presentation is qualified (aka 25 years older, permanent employment, married, etc.)).

2. Pay Scale
Currently, I am becoming an independent contractor selling insurance for a company, and I must say, the Vector pay scale is rather horrific in comparison. Granted, I must be licensed for my job, but still, 10% starting commission? The management team DOES make more money than new employees, and banks a lot off of people who sell a few thousands dollars worth and quit. The sliding pay-scale is a huge turn-off and yet another dishonest tactic used by vector for the purposes of exploitation. Anyone can say it weeds out the weak and keeps the strong, which is the only legitimate point. But many of the people coming in simply can't afford to stick it out. This company appeals to people like how I used to be, who are in need of quick money or want a change. However, working in a local factory provided ten thousand times more security and better pay than most people I knew from Vector. I usually worked fewer hours and had less stress than a friend who stuck with it.

3. Mis-leading marketing and sales tactics
All references are self generated. There is absolutely no assistance from management in gaining leads. You start with friends and relatives, and hope you can get more from there. You are given multiple phone approaches which are simple scripts, and always lie. I felt terrible afterwards realizing that I was reading my "training experience" script 5 months into the job. I was lying for the entire time except for the first week. I was also told that I could do training appointments at the office for pay, but found out that I had to schedule them off of my reference list, which I wasn't told until AFTER training. And during sales presentations, I felt fairly terrible since you always did a sliding presentation. I've worked in retail sales too, and I know personally that as a sales person, you are supposed to help the consumer make an informed decision based on their interests and willingness to spend. During my training appointments, I was pressured to sell the most expensive items first, and to ignore what the customer really wanted, and generally was reprimanded by my superiors for not selling a larger set.

4. Real sales jobs have "actual" guarantees
This is just something that should be standard with a sales company. As an insurance salesman, we have a minimum monthly income guarantee, which is supposed to help when we have bad weeks and months. In sales, your production can be unpredictable, and that happens. If they truly cared for their employees, they would have an ironclad 100% guarantee of income, since honestly, real people have real bills.

Overall, although Vector is truly a legitimate opportunity and I know "actual" people who make GOOD money off of it, it's kind of like playing the lottery. You don't know how people will respond, and since your leads are self generated, it's fairly difficult if you're coming from backgrounds other than high society. Most people honestly can't throw down $900 for a set of knives. The product is really good, I still have my set and use it daily, but I think as a whole that CUTCO needs a new sales company for a better company image. Vector gives them a bad name, and I would advise anyone interested in Vector to realize, it's easier to do other work. For instance, all I had to do was attend a class and take my licensing exam, went through training, and bam, I have a nice and steady sales job. Do your research.
#78
Employee
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DONT GET ME WRONG...

Garrett - Ontario (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, December 27, 2006 POSTED: Wednesday, December 27, 2006
I understand that some may have had bad experiences, but I do not believe they should base their decisions on that one specific event. However, I do know that some may have researched to find that others may have had "one bad experience." I on the other hand am working on running my own office this summer. I've been employed with the company for a little over 6 months and I have had no problems with pay or anything else. My first week's paycheck was over one thousand dollars and I did recieve payment for my work. I regret to here that there are some bad managers and some bad customer service representatives, but I believe the majority is good.

I have also had the opportunity to earn extra units for college with the internship program. I also know several representatives that have won the scholarships as well. I hope those who read this will rethink, reconsider, and research their ideas of the company. I believe working for this company is an amazing opportunity for SOME and I do know that it is not for everybody.
#79
Ex-Employee
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WHERE TO START?!

Danny - New Castle (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, February 14, 2007 POSTED: Friday, February 16, 2007
in march of 2006 i started working for vector in pittsburgh, and believe me, i gave them a chance. it wasnt long before i was given the option to "sell more junk for nothing" or "sell the job" which lemme say first of all, i felt like a moron when i had to sit in a room of new recruits and act like i was also applying for this job.

i would have to ask questions like i was a child. they said they made us(me and three other ex-sales people) sit in as if we were applying for the job so they could weed out the bad hires. now by bad hires i know that they mean the people who asked too many questions, ive seen interviews where the entire group up and leaves when they realize how much they are getting screwed.

its all about money to the fsm's, they dont care who gets screwed, dont apply for this job, even if your homeless and have no other choice, its a scam. also, some offices give you a demo kit with damaged merchendise so they get the money that you have to pay when it needs replaced
#80
Consumer Comment
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I just went in for an interveiw

Tom - Rockwall (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, March 23, 2007 POSTED: Friday, March 23, 2007
Oh man, I gota say, this company is some peice a' work. I just went in for my first interveiw, and i have got to say that I could smell the *&*& right as I hit the door. Ya see my fiance aplied me for this job online, said it seemed like something that would realy work out for me.

They had claimed that they where a marketing company speacializing in a variety of differnt products. The add said that the job would be a a customer service position with great benifits, yet failed to specify what customer service would be provided. Within two days I got a call. A very nice sounding young woman told me that I had been accepted for an interveiw, that the pay rate would be $15 dollars per hour, and that it was a fun flexible work inviornment.

She made sure to let me know that both part time, and full time position where available, and it perfect for students. Sounded great to me. My fiance wanted me to nock out some extra cash before we left for Colorado, and being that I have worked for the corporate offices of LA Fitness and Virgin mobile over the last two years this description sounded right up my alley. Something that payed as well as my other jobs, but had a more felible work inviornment was something that I needed before we left.

They provided me with direction via e-mail, and contained was a discription of the Garland office warning "You might accidently pass it mistaking it for an apartment building", and so when I made my way there I made sure to look for the the building number.....and sure enough I found it......in an apartment building. It was an old, run down, apartment suites bulding in the shady side of Garland.

Against all of my better judgment I hoped out of my car and procceded to walk to the door. I went inside and down the hall to find a door with a peice of paper saying "Vector Marketing" writen on it. I opened the door to a small apartment/office with two very atractive young ladies behind the counter. Now after hearing the young lady on the phone I thought perhaps she was coming off a bit flirtatious, but I could have been mistaken. However, once I met her in person their was no mistaking it. She was flirting....big time. Now while I do consider myself atractive, I somehow doubt she was making passes based soley on that, no I suspect that it was something used to sway no personel.

Once inside I was handed a one paged new hire form, that lacked the standards of ANY new hire paperwork I had ever seen. There was no place for previous job history, no place for a social security number, and under refrences it asked that I provide three people and their adresses...NOT their phone number. I found that odd to say the least. One could imagibe that if they did not require your social security number, than they would not be reporting the taxable wages to the federal government, aswell for a job which (I would come to find out) would require me to eneter a strangers home with knives in hand, required no criminal background check! Now if you knew that the man calling you asking to come to your house with knives had not been checked for crimal history by his employer....would you let him stop by?

After filling out the strange information sheat I was asked to sit in a room with another two men, whom judging by a conversation I was hearing at the front door, worked there already. Soon I would find that I along with the two men where all schedualed for interveiws. I was taken back a little, having honestly been under the impresion that they where already employed by the company.

I was called in fro my "initial screening" which lasted all of five minutes, and the told I was accepted for a second interveiw that would take place...you guessed it, right then. I was then told that it was going to be a group interveiw so that they could get a feel for all of our "people skills", despite the fact that the manager did not have us interact with each other, or him at all. Aswell I was also told that I would have an answer on my employment before I left.

During this "second interveiw" he basicaly gave us his sales pitch for the product, told us all about it, how they had been in buisness for 50 years, how cutco was the best!.....Although this was the first time I had actualy heard what the company was. This second interveiw was the first time I was told that the actaul job was selling knives. Right then I knew something was up, but I kept listening. He went on and on about the company, and even gave a demonstration of the product....basicaly he had us cut things. Then after a while he casualy slips in the fact that the pay rate is not hourly, but by apointment, when in fact his flirtatious young secretary told me that it would be $15 PER HOUR!

After that he starts talking about how great it is that we can just put a deposit on the show knives we'd be bringing with us instead of paying full price. Now right at that moment is when I went "Holy shit!" He tried to do it so casualy, tried to make it so unnoticable, but ya...I heard him. He wanted us to pay him to work there. $146 needed to be payed as a deposit for the knives and then we'd be good to go. Now during this time I was almost distraced by the fact that the building we where in had molding cealings with ater stains right obove our head, not to mention the sound of a vacume cleaner and a dog barking coming from upstairs. I'm realy glad that didn't throw me off.

He then started to tell us about how we would have a three day tarining and soon be ready to do our practice sales with freinds and family, and how we would get payed even if we didn't sell anything. Now as I was told in the add, and later by the secretary, they where doing payed training, however in this portion of the interveiw I was told the three day tarining would not be paid, adn would last about four hours a day. Hate to tell ya, but I don't work twelve hours free for God himself.

After we where done with the second interveiw, he left the room and said he would call us out one at a time, I was last. The other two where only gone five minutes before he came to call me back. I sat down in his office and he procceded to tell me what a great asset he though I would be, then he asked if I had any questions. Of course I had to ask about th deposit on the knives, and as I expected he tried to divert the question like it was "no big deal" telling me that I could borrow the money from my mom and have it payed back with just a few practice sessions.

Alright now first of all I have $146 dollars and wouldn't have to borrow it from my mother to get it, but this was obviously his personal programed response to this question, so I just gritted my teeth and said "alright...so when do you need to have that? Do I need to have the knives for the practice runs?" At first he actauly said "of course not", but then came back and contadicted himself by saying that the deposit had to be there on the third day of training. I couldn't belive that he bold faced lied to me and tried to get away with it. I was astounded. Within second afterwards I was hired.

I then walkde out of that office, never to return. Of course on the way out he asked that I "Tell the girls" that I had been hired, that they'd be "Thrilled" despite the fact that I had told him I had a fiance. The young lady at the front desk again procceded to hot on me endlessly until I told her that I had a fiance.

When I told this story to my bride to be she laughed her **& off and emidiatly shared my opinion that it was a scam. Later that night I got online and did a little research on Vector and Cutco, and come to find out there have been countless law suits and petitions. I was uterly amazed at my finding.

I'm here not to tell you that I have personly experienced their recruitment techniques, how shady they are and how obvious their true intent is. I can see how it would be easy for them to sucker in the young minds of High School and College kids. Just do yourselves a favor, don't go anywhere near them, and if you ahve been screwed by them, please report it. Get them shut down, they need to be. Hopefully after all of the previous action someone can get something to stcik and prevent yet another person from falling victim to this malicious industry.
#81
Ex-Employee
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Almost got duped

Brian - Union (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 POSTED: Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Glad to see there are several others just like me, with almost identical stories. My story began around 4 years ago...

Like so many others I received a letter in the mail one day from Vector Marketing promising a job. I just finished high school and the company I had been working for just went under. So at the moment I was unemployed. I saw they were offering $12/hr which would have been my highest pay thus far and immediately called them up.

The woman on the phone scheduled me for an interview and to my surprise when I arrived, there were around 40 other people of varying ages applying for the job. I started to get nervous, thinking there was no way I could compete with these folks.

As it turned out, it wasn't really an interview at all but rather a training session. And these were really LONG sessions...from about 10 AM to 6 PM. They had a couple of interviews to 'weed' out the weak ones. I breezed through first one, but as the session progressed I started to become pretty disintersted with the job. I stopped participating and in a way tried to botch this opportunity. However in the second interview the guy said I had good posture and was very attentive. I was called back for a second session.

That night we were given a homework assignment: generate a list of 500 people like friends and family. I suddenly realized what this company was all about. I talked about it with my family and they told me it was a scam and that my cousin was involved with it a few years ago.

The second session was just as long as the first. Most of it consisted of chanting and other such brainwash. At the end they told us that in order to continue we had to buy the starter kit, which was around $200. By that time I had just about had enough and told the guy I was quitting. These people tried very hard to keep me back in, but I put my foot down. As I walked out they said I was making a mistake and made me feel like a fool.

Overall, I would not recommend this job to anyone. I can understand why some people on here are successful at it, you pretty much have to be shrewd and uninhibited about soliciting products to your own flesh and blood. Not an appropriate job for someone who was still a shy young man at the time. Also, the brainwash and the demagoguery was a big turnoff. They had ridiculous standards for punctuality (if you arrived early, you were on time; if you were on time, you were late; if you were late, you were REALLY late). They want you to be an individual but make you do all these ridiculous chants. Although the information given at the sessions was useful it could have easily been condensed to a couple of hours.

Do yourself a favor and take part in a business that is legitimate. You'll thank yourself later for not getting cheated out of your hard work.
#82
Consumer Comment
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stupid

Casey - North Hollwyood (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, June 04, 2007 POSTED: Monday, June 04, 2007
i interviewed with vector also right after i had graduated high school. luckily, i could tell almost as soon as i walked in that it was a scam. so i sat through the lies and the ordeal, but never came back. when they called (about a thousand times) i didn't pick up the phone.
the people that are saying that vector is an awesome company are obviously recruiters posing as employees. isn't it odd how all of the posts about vector where the person says vector is awesome all made 18k in one month?

i'm sure that will change now, as they will see this and attempt to change their tactics. the next good post about vector some kid will be saying, i made 5000 dollars in a month! or some other amount, and how you're lazy and needed to apply yourself more if you wanted to do good in the company. i'm sure soon this company will go under, its full of a bunch of lying sleaze ball dorks.

just look how many lawsuits there were and how many times vector admitted to lying to employees, using sleazy tactics, and promising never to do it again. haha. what a joke. we should start a petition for all the recruiters to have to either pay a fine, or do jail time, they clearly know what they are doing.
#83
Employee
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TRUE and FALSE about Vector marketing

Matt - Matthews (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, June 04, 2007 POSTED: Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Two days into my job I've recieved $150 dollars. I'm the base payed college kid that is your accusing of apparently getting "ripped off". Although I will agree Vector has a very aggressive sales pitch for most inexperienced people to basically recite, any salesman (or woman) that has half a brain and feels like they have decent sales skill, as I feel I do myself, find that Vector presents alot of opportunities.

I'm not only looking at making a substantial amount of money doing this, but there's more to it. I'm earning a college credit for the job, Getting free sales training that is apparently good if colleges are respecting it, and most importantly experience with hands on sales at 19. Not many jobs can offer that.

Also these sales meeting that you have to pay for, at least in our regional office, consist of things such as food, world renound business speakers, and most importantly on a good night an open bar. I would pay for that with or without the company. Now inefficient sales rep's don't get ripped off or shafted, they quit before they really start making money.

I reached my first promotion in one day. In the next week I'm most likely going to be getting paid 20% comission, and when you can effectively sell $900 dollar knife sets it's possible to make $180 dollars per sale of the largest set. The proven company average for that set is one out of five times. The product is high quality and the gaurantee defends it. On the other hand, parts of the "white book" that we are expected to almost recite teaches an aggressive pressuring sales presentation that I don't like.

By recognizing that, I just don't do those parts. I do it my way, and guess what. it works. The 15/hr I was enticed with becomes reality. The sales kit is an understandable investment also. What job have you taken as a kid where some sort of initial buy wasn't necessary? It takes money to start any business and I know everyone out there has bought something new every time they get a new job whether it is the sample kit required by Vector/Cutco, a lifegaurd outfit as a lifegaurd, or even a lawn mower when I started out young.

The company offers an opportunity for experience in real life situations, and for someone who is planning on having a career future in sales somewhere I have learned more in the past week through working here than any class or experience I have come into contact with all my life. Vector is working great for me.
#84
Consumer Comment
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How Vector can make you BIG MONEY!

Kenan - So There (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, June 09, 2007 POSTED: Saturday, June 09, 2007
I'm so tired of all these people claiming they were ripped off by Vector. It's clear to me that this type of opportunity is once-in-a-lifetime. Honestly, just because they pay you $15 per appointment and you have to get appointments from your family and friends doesn't mean you can't make any real money! It's clear you haven't tried the intelligent solution: class-action lawsuits.

Vector is engaging in all sorts of illegal business practices that make NOW the perfect time to "fall victim" to the scam! So many of the commentators here simply weren't cut out for the job of class-action plaintiff. It takes REAL COURAGE and BALLS OF REINFORCED TITANIUM to deal with this company's crap long enough to have rational basis.

Honestly, I know someone who is now on the Board of Directors of Alcas who has been lied to, enticed with claims of questionable veracity, treated blatantly unprofessionally by the company, been sexually harassed, led hundreds of impressionable teenagers into a quagmire of deception and corporate corruption, suggested to a woman that buying Cutco knives would please the spirit of her dead husband, baited countless young professionals to lie to teenagers in order to make money, guided the company to hire others like her, and (once) endured a shotgun wound inflicted by her step-uncle as she tried to cut the penny which had been his deceased grandfather's most prized possession.

That's what I call REAL COMMITMENT to the possibility of a huge chunk of the personal holdings of Vector's CEO, one Wellesley T. Snideworth III, Esq, Jr. Most of the QUITTERS commenting in this site obviously don't have what it takes to compete in the dog-eat-dog world of tort law!

Look at it this way, people: for every unpaid day of training or "optional" seminar, you can add several thousand more dollars to your pending lawsuit! Sure, selling knives to your loved ones might damage your morality, but imagine how delighted those same family members will be when you buy them all Ferraris!

Note: Vector has instructed me to reveal that all of the posters defending Vector are actually all typed out by Mr. Snideworth's young son, Mr. Wellesley T. Snideworth iV, Kind-of Esq., M.M.C.S.D., e^pi.
#85
Employee
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the quality of the knives

Atari8807 - Magnolia (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, September 27, 2007 POSTED: Thursday, September 27, 2007
Cutco CLAIMS to be the best knives in the world, THIS IS A LIE! Cutco uses 440A stainless steel Hinckels uses 440C stainless steel which is stronger. Cutco is also stamped, which means they are lower quality and they are cheaper to make. Hinckels uses forged steel, meaning the steel is pounded and shaped to become the knife. Forged steel is more EXPENSIVE. So of course Hinckels will cost more.

PLEASE STOP SAYING CUTCO ARE THE BEST KNIVES IN THE WORLD, WHEN THIS IS A BLATANT LIE.
#86
Employee
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Ill let you in on a little secret...

J.j. - Syracuse (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 POSTED: Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Ok, if you read this please read this entirely to avoid confusion. why wouldnt vector market cutco the way they do? it makes financial sense. i do not agree with them on charging every rep 185 to go to conferences, especially because they put 3 reps in one room, and everyone gets buffet meals (not great), and the fact that the hotels and convention centers you stay in they probably dont pay shit for. But this is a for-profit business, although the knives do not cost much to manufacture in proportion to their price, reps are eventually paid a higher commission than most sales positions pay (50%), and they having a fucking forever guarantee on them, the guarantee is covered in the price. it makes sense as well that reps start out at a shitass comm level (10%) because they are making very easy sales for the most part to their relatives. managers make 25% of a rep at 10% until the rep reaches 1000 then the manager makes 20% so on so forth- this is because as the rep progresses he needs less and less help from the manager as opposed to when the rep finishes training and the manager is helping him/her with much of the work. by the way many insurance sales positions you must go on an all expense paid trip to sales school which is upaid (no money in your pocket) for 3 weeks. on a side note, since managers are also independent contractors up to the regional management level i believe, they run their office their own way so the company cannot be liable for all negative things a rep experiences in an office. so i think its safe to say whatever you do in life someone is gonna make money off you, deal with it.
#87
Employee
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Cutco/Vector Rocks!

Kelly - Atlanta (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 POSTED: Tuesday, April 01, 2008
I first heard about Cutco/Vector in 1997, the way many of you heard about it. I had a little sticky note on my car after someone wrote the same thing on a dry erase board at my school. I was a junior in college about to head home for a summer of doing temp work. Which was okay, I made better money than my friends who were making $5.15 an hour. Cutco advertised $11 or $12 an hour, which is what I was making as a temp. I was curious so I decided to call. I don't know if they still do the interview process this way but back then it was a 3 part interview. With the last interview they wanted you to bring your parents so they would be calm and understand that this was not a scam.

My manager at the time Ray went through the demo and I was sold on the spot. Once my dad and I had gotten into the other room and were waiting for Ray to come in my dad looked at my and said "you need to take this job." This from a man who has been in sales all his life in the financial sector. Prior to getting to the meeting my dad thought it was a scam and said that if it was he would tell them it was. So, we were skeptical too at first.

Ray told us at the meeting that the starter kit was $150. Okay that's understandable. That's sales you ALWAYS have to buy the supplies they never just give them to you (i.e. Amway, Mary Kay, Arbonne etc). They also said that training would not be paid. Again that is normal too (when you are an independent contractor it is up to you how much/how little you work and therefore make) so the training is usually not paid. Keep in mind the manager's unless they are regional don't get paid to train you or for their time.

As for the hourly rate this is how that worked. You keep a log of your appointments and calls you have made. Then you track your sales. They would then factor in your commission and divide it by the amount of appointments you had. If you did not make the hourly rate that was promoted then they would pay the difference. I never met anyone personally who did not make more that that unless they made no effort. If no effort was made then no Cutco would not cut the check. That would be just paying people to do nothing.

Here is the problem. People want to get paid big bucks to do nothing because they are lazy. You can make great money from selling Cutco. It is a great product you won't find better on the market. The company itself has been around almost 60 years! They have a guarantee unlike any other company, which is partly why the product is so great.

This company is not a door to door sales job nor is it telemarketing. Door to door would be selling alarms (which I have done) and selling encyclopedia's. I turned that job down to sell Cutco. You get your prospects from personal referrals. You are calling people whom you have been personally referred too and 99% of the time the person that referred them has already called them and told them you were calling. So, it's not telemarketing either. If you even tried to go door to door with Cutco you'd probably end up with the door slammed in your face and the police called as we sell knives.

I left Cutco after I graduated college. I have since done numerous sales jobs like real estate, sold cars, alarms, Mary Kay and Arbonne, and yes even insurance. Guess what Cutco is the BEST job I have ever had. I was my own boss (yes when you start out they want you to report to a manager to help you get going). I worked as much or as little as I wanted. I loved going to the conferences and didn't begrudge the price (the conferences are fun and yes you get products back that you can sell directly to the customer to make the money back). The weekly meetings were not mandatory but the one's who did the best were the one's who went and got encouragement from other reps.

Here are the benefits of working for Cutco/Vector:

1- Work as much or as little as you like (just remember what you make is reflected by how much/little you work, that's on you not the company). You work for yourself. You are responsible for your success.

2- Tax write-offs- this is a key thing and something not everyone does. you can write off the amount for the starter kit (BTW they don't charge for that anymore), gas for car, mileage, case to carry knives in, conferences, samples you buy, cell phone, phone at home, part of your rent/mortgage, utilities, car insurance, etc. THAT's the beauty of being an independent contractor. You can't do that at an hourly job.

3- The conferences are fun. In the last 10 years they have added conferences and rewards for top sellers. They also have a special conference for just those at the FSL/FSM level.

4- Money- I made great money in just the 2 months I sold Cutco, both summers I did it. I made enough to pay for a 2 month trip to Europe after graduating college. I stayed in hotels and B&B's not hostles. The money you can make with Cutco is limitless. They have even more advantages now than they did when I first started. Which is one of the reasons why I started selling again. I am a Sr. FSM so I am at the 50% level in commissions. You will not find that in any other sales jobs. I promise you I know I have done almost everything you can do in sales.

Let me part with this. If you didn't like working for Cutco/Vector it is quite honestly not the company's fault. It is probably yours. You probably did not follow your manager's advice and work the program the way you are supposed to work it. It is hard work but it is fun. You get out of it what you put into it. If you couldn't succeed at selling Cutco then chances are you don't need to be in sales of any type. It doesn't get any easier then selling Cutco. Cutco is an easy sell. It is only high pressure if you make it that way. I have never pressured a customer into buying and I never well. You want a high pressure sales job go sell cars.

BTW, Chad you don't go knocking on door's to sell Cutco unless you already have an appointment to meet with the people living there. If you were knocking on doors of people who weren't expecting you and had never spoken to you then that was on you. Not Cutco.
Those that claimed they earned nothing or less than $3 did not do the job. They sat around at home talking to friends and families and IF they chose to go on an appointment they did it for the friends and got no sales and just figured Cutco would cut them a check for the hourly rate. Come on! Grow up. Under your "things they have been known to say" a) Vector is Cutco. Cutco is the name of the product and Vector is the company that manufactures it so yes. Vector and Cutco have been around for almost 60 years. b) the fortune 500 statement is true, you might want to look up what qualifies a company as a fortune 500 company it is based on gross revenue c) the scholarship as someone who had won scholarships for academics the money always goes to the school otherwise it can't be called a scholarship it would have to be called a bonus. They also have never tried to hide the amount of the scholarship money. Cutco has never claimed that it would be enough money to cover the tuition just that it would be some money. Most people are smart enough to take some money over no money. d) you are your own boss. You determine when you work. You don't HAVE to go to the meetings but it is encouraged to help you grow. In any SALES job you will have to report how many demos you had and how may sales you made that is sales. e) You knew that from the beginning and of course they are going to stand by it. I addressed this above.

As for the fraudulent deceptive things you put in writing:

1) if you told someone/anyone that you wanted to perfect your presentation and you were not trying to sell them anything. That is on you. That is why Vector has a script that you should follow. You can tell people over the phone that yes, you are showing them something but no they don't have to buy anything. That you get paid regardless. That is ALL true. They don't have to buy anything and if it is a qualified customer you will get paid the hourly rate.

2) as for asking a customer to buy a set that the rep wants them to buy and if they say no then moving on to the next one instead of talking to them and finding out what will suit their needs. Well, we do have an order that you go in. However, if a customer is not interested you go to the next size down. However, during all of this you are talking to the customer and determining their needs. Like, for example if they are a single income family with 3 kids and money is tight obviously the homemaker +8 isn't reasonable for them. you still show it to them because that is when you go through what each knife does. Then you ask them to tell you what the NEED not want. Once they have picked out the pieces they want then you tell them which set it is and what the cost is. If is is not a set then you sell them the individual pieces. And a truly great sales rep will give them something for free and ease a little financial burden on them. The customer will remember that.

3) Asking for referrals. Again that is sales. With any sales job you will ask for referrals otherwise you won't last in sales. Which appears to be your case. I don't know anyone who is not self employed that doesn't ask for referrals. And YOU ALWAYS leave your information behind. Customers should always have a way to call you in case of questions etc. Besides your contact info is on the order form. When you get higher in the business you should get business cards and you leave that too.

4) They don't give off fraudulent information about the price of Henckles or what it is made of. They do the average price of what Henckles 5 star knives cost at most major retailers as that is where most people will buy them at. According to the Henckles website they are made of a high carbon steel it does not specify what that is. Wikipedia says the TWIN which is the five star line is a 18/10 blend. Furthermore, according to the henckles website the TWIN five star 18 piece block set is $936.

As for the student organization. well, you will always find people who will complain about stuff. Unfortunately, many people believe that they are owed something and that they shouldn't have to work for it. Anyone who did not do well with Cutco honestly didn't follow the program nor did they give it enough effort.

Chad if you didn't do well with Cutco that is your fault not their's. You also need to do better research when posting things on here and be more honest as your claims on here are quite false. Mostly it's just your pride talking.

Like I said, I started with Cutco in 1997 and they were up front about everything. Ray went out of his way to help his team. That's why his division kicked but all the time. Loren who took over for Ray after he retired took Rays' team even further.

So, like I said Cutco has been around along time with a proven success formula. If you didn't succeed the fault likes with you not Cutco. At least be mature enough to own up to it.
#88
Ex-Employee
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Wow.

Justin - Welland (Canada)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, June 04, 2008 POSTED: Wednesday, June 04, 2008
I am amazed at the variety of complaints against Vector. I don't understand how anyone could think it is a pyramid scam, just because you start selling to friends and family? Would you rather go door to door? Also, asking for referrals is standard in the sales industry.

Being your own boss is true. You are an independant contractor - as with any independent contracting business, you have the option of doing things the way they train you to do them, or not. Reccomendation: do things the way they train you too, because that is what works.

Also, because anyone can be raised to a position of power, it makes it easy to find managers that end up being dishonest. Those are the ones who get fired.

As far as the scolarships go, they are real scholarships, they are just hard to get. I don't see how that makes it a ripoff - you have to work for it, and work hard! The result: even if you don't earn a scholarship, if you've done the selling required to qualify for a scholarship, you have most likely earned enough money to pay your year's tuition in a month anyways.

"saying they will be their own boss while they have to go through training, work under a manager, make sales reports, and make meetings"

This statement had me laughing! Almost everyone I know who owns their own business wishes that there was someone around to teach them (training) how to be successful. And as far as working under a manager, I don't recall my manager ever having limited me anywhere near as much as at any other job I have ever had. I have no idea about sales reports, unless he means hand in your orders so that the customer actually gets their product. And the meetings are optional - they are great for motivation and learning techniques, but feel free to not attend.

I never had an issue with the base pay. There are certain qualifications, but they are easy enough to work with.

And telling people that you just want to practice your sales pitch? Yep. I did want practice. Another good reason to start with friends and family (my mother was actually one of my best customers)

"asking them whether or not the potential customer will buy the set the rep wants them to buy and moving on to the payent plan for it and if not they move on to the next one the rep want them to buy instead of discovering things about the customer and picking out the perfect set for them with that information"

That's just bad sales - any of the good salespeople for vector learn about the customer's needs throughout the presentation (before offering the sets). And for most people, the homemaker set would work best.

And I was never told to tell anyone about what kind of steel Henckles uses.
#89
Ex-Employee
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Just a few thaughts about ALCAS/VECTOR/CUTCO...

Cowboy1807 - Fremont (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, June 26, 2008 POSTED: Friday, June 27, 2008
Ok. Well my name is Steve and i live in fremont california and heres my vector story. i received a letter in the mail from VECTOR. I had no clue who they were or wut they do, but they said that they are hiring and that it starts off as a base pay of $17.70/hour. My dad was really exited for me and told me that i should call them ASAP!!! so i did and they immediatley set me up for an interview the next morning.

this is when i started 2 feel funny about the VECTOR experience. lol. the phone operators are always girls, and they are very good at avoiding important questions. theyll compliment your resume or the way you sound over the phone to avoid your questions. its kind of like phone flirting. kinda wierd. anyways. i asked her how they found me and got my address and she totally avoided the question. but i was like wutever. its a lot of money. so i showed up the next morning for my interview. first of all they never said its a group interview. 2 parts. personal then group. then the interview lasts forever. then they finally call you in the office individually and you meet with the manager.

we talked and he seemed to like me and was impressed with my resume. i do hav a good 1. lol. and i asked once again. how did u guys find me. once again he avoided it. he told us that not everyone will be hired because they do not hav enough openings for all of us. then i got the phone call saying that i got the job and that training is the next 3 days, 6 hours a day, no pay. they say the reason that you dont get paid for it is because if you are in college and majoring in business or marketing, you can get college credits for the training. so therefore its a seminar, not training. aka waist of time because all you learn about is VECTOR and CUTCO, not business, sales, or marketing.

so i arrive at the seminar. i noticed that every person from my interview, almost 15 ppl, plus about 20 or 25 other ppl were there. the first thing the instructor asks is how u heard about the company. he says raise your hand if ur a referral. NOW... super wierd. i plan on being a police officer so im very observant and i remember people and faces. so i remembered the people that raised their hands. then. i started to realize that the only people that he called on to anser the "important" questions were the "referrals". almost as if it were rehearsed. so at this point of the seminar i start talking to the guy next to me and he says that he thinks its a scam. and i said its funny that you mention that, me and my mom were wondering the same thing.

so i texted my mom and told her to google alcas, vector, and cutco. she immediatly tells me to just leave because theres so many scam reports on the internet about it. but i was curious about everything so i stayed for another hour. i started the see that the speaker had many qualities of a cult leader. i also realized that every1 was like butter in his hands. they did whatever he wanted. he was extremely minipulative with his words, but it was completely unnoticible if you werent skeptical. also. through the whole 4 hours i was there, "new recruits" kept coming in and out of the office and the speaker kept asking them all the same questions.

1. how long have you been a sales rep, 2. how much have you sold so far, and 3. how much hav you been payed so far. 1. nobody has been there for longer than 2 months, 2. everyone has sold astoninshing amounts of knives, like thousands of dollars of knives, and 3. theyve all made at least 800 or 900 dollars in their first week. so its just rediculous. were in a recession right now and who has $1000 or even 100 dollars to spend on knives that they dont need? there is way more wierd things that i could ramble on about that i noticed. if you hav any questions just ask. thanx. good luck.
#90
Ex-Employee
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good and bad points

Angiem88 - Austin (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 03, 2008 POSTED: Thursday, July 03, 2008
some of you said in 1995 they would pay $12/hr (or they said) in 2006, it was still the same price. I got a kit that was a loaner, so i paid nothing. I was there for 5 months and made 2 sales. with how much gas was, i was basically paying to work.

I did pick up valuable business skills from vector, but the money sucks and you have to be very convincing to sell anything.
#91
Consumer Suggestion
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Why Cutco needs vector marketing to sell their product

Whatajoke2000 - Mchenry (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, July 04, 2008 POSTED: Saturday, July 05, 2008
The purpose of this post is not to convince current employees to quit their unethical job, but to educate consumers about non-retail based companies.

When you take a product that is normally sold in a retail environment into a direct face-to-face environment you take away the ability for the consumer to choose the best product for them.

Regardless if Cutco is the best cuttery product in the world, by taking it out of a competitive market, (which would determine its true value) a scam is born. I am absolutely positive if cutco got rid of vector marketing and started selling in retail stores they would have to sell them for much lower prices.

The majority of the people who buy the product are not particularly looking for this product but rather friends and family members of the salesman. This often leads to the consumer agreeing to pay a much higher price to "help out the salesman" who is often a college age individual who is looking to make some extra cash for the summer.

If you refuse to believe me, please read how companies who use similar techniques operate:

http://www.falseprofits.com/Nonretail.html

This article was written not about vector but about why companies refuse to sell their products in a retail environment.

It is my understanding by previous post's that the reason that vector tells employees why it chooses to stay away from retail is to further explain the benefits and how to use Cutco products. Why not include an instruction manual or advertise the product like other knife companies do? Infomercials show how to use the products and explain benefits. Cutco does not use infomercials to my knowledge and limits its product to direct sales in order to maximize profits by exploiting the families of college students and other young, impressionable individuals. (I was turned down by Vector because I was too educated/old, 23 at the time. Mistakenly I thought it was a legit marketing company due to its false advertisement)

Vector limits its advertising to employment opportunities. This is an obvious clue that this is a scam.

Bottom line if you want to help out a college kid tell them to stay away from this company. If you want to buy knives I suggest going to a retail store or even online sites have some good deals. I bought a set for $30 bucks and they work just fine.
#92
Employee
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Works fine for me.

Davidje - Akron (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, July 06, 2008 POSTED: Monday, July 07, 2008
Many things in the report are true.

I have paid for meetings, however I did so willingly. My manager never mandated the meetings, he simple said that they would be extremely beneficial.

The division meetings were extremely educational and fun. I paid $190 to learn things that I might have otherwise paid double for in a set of marketing classes. I was able to learn and be mentored by the most successful people in our business. When I came back from the meeting, I was so fired up and confident to sell Cutco that I ended up selling $3000 in the week that I came back. It's about booking appointments and making sales. What I learned from the meetings, and the positive vibe that exuded from the team motivated me to work hard --honestly, for that much money, it really wasn't difficult at all.

There were also a few things in your comments about Vector that were misconstrued. For example, telemarketing is when representatives are paid to sell over the phone, calling people from a random list of names (most of the time, the list of names was obtained unfairly).

Vector does not do that at all. They assert that the cost of telemarketing is redundant because they would essentially be paying to add a negative aspect to their business. I have never tele-marketed before in my life. What I do at Vector is call people whom have been recommenced to me by my customers.

When I start out, I practice presenting on people I know; relatives and friends of relatives. I am not allowed to start out with random people whom I don't know. In other words, I can't look in a phone book and just select random names to call and set up appointments. The people I know, whom I present to, offer a small list (usually about 5 people) who they know and think might be interested. When I call the people on the referred list, I introduce my connection with them right away: "so and so said that you might be interested in an awesome product I'm selling". I don't make any effort to sell over the phone; in fact, I am not permitted to. I call people from a referred list that was obtained fairly...It's people whom my customers know, and think might be interested.

This approach is much more comfortable than telemarketing. I have never received a negative vibe from someone on a referred list. Knowing that I received their name from someone they know makes them more comfortable; also, because someone they know bought the product, they are more likely to want to see it as well.

I have done well at Vector; it's the best job I've ever had. The advancement opportunities are very tangible, as they correspond directly to the amount of sales that a rep makes. It's an entry level job, so everyone who has advanced, started out as a sales rep. There are even reps who have turned down offers to management positions because they just want to keep selling.

The base pay has been raised to 14.25, by the way. I was never told that the pay was 14.25/hour. I was told that I would receive a base pay of 14.25 per presentation, and that the presentations essentially took about an hour.

Your report needs updated. If Vector was dirty in the past, they have cleaned up well. Just because there are people (who have been working way longer) that make more money than me doesn't mean I'm being deceived. This has been my best job yet.
#93
Consumer Comment
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What a joke

Whatajoke2000 - Mchenry (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, July 13, 2008 POSTED: Sunday, July 13, 2008
If Vector is your best job ever I feel sorry for you. This company exploits family and friends of young college aged people. Surveys have shown that over half of the people hired at Vector actually break even or lose money. Family members are pressured into buying an inferior product than if they spent the same money at a retail location. The reason they make you present in front of family first is not to get practice, but because they are most likely to buy because they are family and are trying to help you out. This boosts confidence in the salesman and actually makes them think this is a legit job because someone wanted the product - most of the time they don't want the product but want to help out a family member. Thousands of ex-employees and concerned college students have formed groups on Facebook and other similar sites in effort to inform others to stay away from this company. You have to be ignorant to work at this place for longer than a few weeks and not see how they exploit their employees and their families.
#94
Employee
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No Need To Feel $orry

Davidje - Akron (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 POSTED: Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Hey, you can feel sorry for me...I'm making bank very easily. I'm approaching my third promotion of 20% commission. Oh, and I'm going to Michigan to stay at the Renaissance Hotel...Some good meetings, and a lot of fun; and some free cutco.

Not to mention, there's this really hot receptionist at my office...lol Strictly business though. I have another job too...working for Vector is a piece of cake. I don't really see what the problem is...lol if I was losing out, I'd just leave.
#95
Consumer Comment
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Making bank

Whatajoke2000 - Mchenry (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 17, 2008 POSTED: Thursday, July 17, 2008
You sound like a fresh shill right out of high school. Go promote your product to someone that needs it, oh wait nobody needs a knife that is worth 20% of what you are selling it for. Once you run out of family and friends to exploit, you will likely have to switch to selling Kirby vacuums, Tupperware, or the next pyramid scheme on the horizon. Keep moving up the food chain shill (go look it up because I'm sure you don't know the definition). Congratulations on your stay in the hotel, well worth the agony of promoting a product that nobody needs.
#96
Ex-Employee
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Biggest Scam Ever

James Bernhardt - Williston (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, August 23, 2008 POSTED: Saturday, August 23, 2008
So yeah I worked at vector marketing for over a month I got some good sales to start with but then start hitting the point that the customers did not want to give any of there friends that they think might like the knives which if I was ever asked to give my friends or family's phone numbers to some person I only met and hour ago I wouldn't have done it either. As well most of the first sales were small and seemed to be more of a pity sale because it low priced items and things that any one would use or need anyway.

Next thing is that they kept trying to have me go to the weekly meeting and talk to my manager everyday even when I wasn't going to be having any app. that day, and if I told him that he would just try to push me in to making app. even if I had something I had to do. I went into vector expecting that I would work when I was able to even with some reason but when I was forced to set up app. during my free time or time that I was spending with my family was very annoying, I would understand if I called after an app. or once a day if I had app. that day but why on days that I never planned on working in the first place like my girlfriends birthday.

The next thing is they will hire anyone because even if you don't sell anything or they don't think you are going to they still get the demo set sell from you and if you do sell something they just get more money, so in the long run the more people they have trying to sell the more money they can get, and if they don't get anything other then the demo set then they didn't even waste a penny since they most likely trained you a group and at least one person will sell enough form them to say that was worth the money to pay the train or manager. So they cant lose by hiring people and they cant lose if you sell anything and even if you don't sell anything they really don't care so much because they most likely didn't expect you to anyway.

The funny thing is that you could have easily could have caught this if you made it through the last day of training where you would might have gotten a sheet and where told to write down as many people who you can think of that would like to make this amount of money, and if it was really as easy as they try to make it sound then who would so you write down a lot of names who they later call and try to get them in to another interview which should show that they never have a little openings left and when your friends get ripped off they seem to blame you for trying to get them in to a bad business.

So myself I got a few hundred dollars and i got to meet some new people who also worked at vector but overall it was a complete ripoff since my hours and how much I got payed never even came close to what I should have been payed an hour or even what I was getting paid an hour at my other job that I am still working for and have been for over a year, which I get paid 11 an hour to do even less work and I dont have to lie at all to the customers and I only have to work when I am there not on my free time. So anyone who is looking for a good job go to a grocery store or even a gas station because in the long run you will make a lot more money and might even get a chance to move up in a ligament company.
#97
Ex-Employee
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Its what you make of it.

Darthdonkey81 - Richton Park (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, August 24, 2008 POSTED: Monday, August 25, 2008
Working for Vector is complete freedom. You have the choice to go to the meetings, the choice to set up appointments, the choice to be honest, the choice to lie. I never ever lied to any of my customers. I never harrased anyone. I didn't allways call into PDI. I didn't always attned meetings. When I lived far from an office or had class I didn't go. As long as I was honest with my managers they were fine with whatever I did. I was honest with my goals and if I had a goal of 0 sales they didn't push me to sell anything. They only tried to motivate me to hit the goals I set. The managers were there to help.

I'm glad I had to buy a starter set. I still use them to this day. I love those knives. And I buy them for gifts for the people clostest to me because they are gaurenteed forever. What product can you buy that is gaurenteed after they have been passed down a generation? Yes I said passed down a generation and still under gaurenteed. I had some customers that got their Cutco from a close reletive that passed away and they were excited when they got their set referbished for free. When I make my will my Cutco knives will be included in it. Because they are the best set of knives I have ever seen and they last long enough to be a family airloom.

I havn't worked for the company for a few years. The reason is I love technology. I have a great job working with databases. It is not a scam. One of the many things I learned from my experiance from Vector is you have to power to do what you want, how you want to as long as you work hard.

It is a sales job. Try finding a sales job that offers compensation other then commission, that offers a high percentage that Vector does. You won't. If you do you found one in a billion.

as far as the $25 per sample sold that the managers make. Even if that is true you can't make a living off that. The big offices sell 1000 at most in a year. That dosn't even cover all the costs of running a office. They want you to suceed because their success is based off of yours. The more money you make the more money they make.
#98
Employee
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I was a District Manager with Vector for 8 months

Sara - Kingstown (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, October 10, 2008 POSTED: Friday, October 10, 2008
This Rip Off Report seems to have gotten quite a bit of attention.

I was also a District Manager with Vector.

Unlike Trevor, I was promoted from the sales rep position to an Assistant Manager position, and finally to a District Manager position.

I was a sales representative for 9 months in Fiscal Year 2007 (Assistant Manager for 6 months in that Fiscal Year), and my 1099 (independent contractor tax earnings form) was about $6,000. When I filed my taxes, I actually claimed a loss due to the amount of money I spent on gas, conferences, etc. By the way, I was also a TOP representative, winning a trip to Cancun, Mexico.

Despite the fact that I was living below the poverty line in my state, I stayed with the company and became a District Manager after 12 months of sales rep and Assistant Manager experience. Partially, this is because I was brainwashed. I thought I was earning a decent income; I didn't think I could earn more elsewhere. Plus, I figured District Managers earned more, based off information given to me by my Division Manager.

Boy was I wrong.

For those of you considering management:

Yes, District Managers get a few thousand dollars for start-up. Yes, you've got at least $2,000 of your own money saved. But over 75% of District Managers do not last 3 years. More than 60% of Branch Managers only do it for one summer. If they were earning a great income, why would they quit?

Your expenses will include: Office rent, receptionist pay, newspaper ads, copies (of posters and fliers and of training manuals), office insurance, a business license, conferences, base pay, rep chargebacks, and many many more items, including $75 per month for Internet advertising even if you don't get any recruits from that source.

Oh. And if you ever borrow any money from Region/Corporate, you'll have to pay it back in full.

Take it from me; I wound up homeless for 6 weeks because I was earning so little.

Anyone who's curious can look at evidence and more info at vectortruth.8m.com, or email me at vectortruth(a)gmail.com.
#99
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Working with Vector

Erm63 - Flagstaff (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 POSTED: Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I have been working with Vector Marketing selling cutco for the last 3 months, and I am disgusted by these reports against cutco.

So, I want to speak my side of the story:

First off, You are given an opportunity with Cutco to own your own bhranch and be your own manager. I worked with a rep who was in the process of doing so when I started.

Second, the demo set requires a DEPOSIT of roughly $140. In the interview and in their brochours, and in every day of training, they tell you it is a deposit and you can get all of it back if you return knives. Also, the sample kit is worth over $500! If you leave the company, They are yours! you can keep them or sell them and make a profit!

They are also required to tell you that You don't get paid for training in the interview. The plus is that in most companies you have to pay them for training, Vector gives you the best training in the industry for free!

Cutco does offer a base pay, and it is gauranteed. It is in the contract that you sign: aslong as the demo is qualified, you get paid. I have gone weeks were I did 5 or more presentations and made no sales and I got paid 17.25 per app.

Regaurding the managers, Really if there were no managers there to help you out, you wouldn't know what to do or where to start. That's just common sense.

And yes you are required to make phone calls to set up your own demos. That is the beauty of the job. It's a double edged sword, the more you call to set up appointments, the more you get, and the more you get paid. Yet you also have the opion to not work if you have a bussy schedule especially being in College. You have to work to make the money they promise.

The whole $3 a day thing, who are those people? I made $150 my first weekend and I only worked 3 hours! Hmm... Which is better, $50/hr showing awesome knives, or my other job: 6.33/hr. working in an incredibly hot oven at little ceazars... Which woul you rather have?

Now, the way you get demos for cutco is NOT door to door. I was told that that was a violation of my contract if I went door to door. Cutco has always been sold by word of mouth. You should it to people you know, they tell their friends about it, you show it to their friends, and the cycle continues. Technically, the person must give permission for you to call to set up a demo.

The "sales pitch" we make is true. along with this, we ask the customer after every set weather or not they want to by it, they have the choice to say no or to see more. and I have shown all of cutcos sets to all of the people I have visited and people still bought large sets.

Lastly I just want to say: There is no shortcut to a place worth going to. If you want success with Vector, Like I have, you do have to put in effort to get there, and I can tell you it has ALWAYS been worth the effort for me and all the other vector reps I have worked with.
#100
Employee
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Follow-up to my last rebuttal

Sara - Kingstown (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 16, 2008 POSTED: Thursday, October 16, 2008
I would like to follow up on my last rebuttal.

The Website is now down ad will be remaining down permanently.

Additionally, if you feel you've been wronged and were in a management position - contact your Regional Manager. They'll help you. My Region Manager was very understanding and kind.
#101
Employee
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Ex-DM: Company is ethical & willing to make amends to those wronged

Sara - Lakeville (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, October 17, 2008 POSTED: Friday, October 17, 2008
Hi everyone - I was a manager with the company and would like to report that it has made full amends for any and all perceived wrongs, in my case. All I had to do was call the Region Manager and he was extremely considerate; I even got an apology from my ex-Division Manager...he accepted full responsibility. It was awesome.

Everything was fully taken care of in a professional, caring, and non-emotional way that was really QUITE impressive. I couldn't believe the dignity with which I was treated.; far better than any treatment I've ever received before.

I do also want to explain a few things about the company.

1. Sample deposit - it is precisely that, a DEPOSIT. If things don't work out, just ask for your deposit back. The company will force the manager to return it to you; it's just a matter of doing the legwork required to find out how to contact the manager. You can just go to vectormarketing.com and submit an online comment.

2. Pay - Yes, it's per appointment. If reps were paid per hour, their presentations would be 12 hours long. You have no idea how many reps try to scam their managers out of base pay; it's ridiculous. It would be even worse if it was "per hour." Managers DO have to pay you for all qualified presentations. You signed a contract STATING that, in no uncertain terms.

3. "SAVE," etc - Any company that is Vector's size has unhappy past customers / employees. It's a fact of life. No program of that magnitude can work out perfectly 100% of the time; it's IMPOSSIBLE. In fact every Fortune 500 Company has complaints lodged against it.

4. Past advertising techniques / lawsuits - Those lawsuits were based on past advertising techniques. All of those techniques have now changed. As a matter of fact, to ENFORCE the strict advertising policies, managers are "spot checked" randomly: every once in a while, managers will be required to send Corporate a copy of their local newspapers. This prevents any manager from ever advertising base pay as "per hour," etc.

Honestly, it's not going to be the end of your life if your experience with Vector is negative. Try it out for 2 weeks. If it's not for you, for whatever reason, just quit and turn in your sample kit for a refund. No harm, no foul. Plus, you can put it on your resume; even just completing the training seminar looks good.

#102
Ex-Employee
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Yea

Anonymous - Skokie (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, December 26, 2008 POSTED: Friday, December 26, 2008
I'm sort of pissing into the wind by writing this report seeing as how anyone in their right mind, after coming across this website and all the negative things said about 'Vector-Cutco' would have already made up their mind to avoid their "money making opportunity". I was twenty years old and going to community college at Oakton in Skokie IL., when I was flagged down by a "sales representative" sitting at a table in the middle of the hallway, who was essentially recruiting students at Oakton to work at Vector. The little card she gave me said that I could make up to 16 dollars an hour. Oh boy! So I went ahead and followed up. I walked in for the "interview", where I and four other clueless young adults were given the whole spiel about working for Vector, a growing company that hires rakes in millions of dollars from sales alone and blah blah blah blah blah. You buy the set of knives, you go door to door, you get your friends and relatives; people that you know to buy the knives, whatever. Turns out, only one of us four lucky individuals would be chosen to become a part of the team. Holy shit, could it be me? Well, if I want this job I had better make my voice heard and act like a complete douche bag in order to be noticed above these other three saps. So I did just that. And soon enough, I was called in to the bosses room to make my final plea as to why I should be chosen. Well I did just that, mentioned how I was clever, a good talker and a hard worker and what-not. Well guess what? I got the job! Oh boy, awesome, great, I'll see you for the "training" next Friday, you betcha. The guy told me to go out and buy some nice clothes, like some khakis and a tie and a nice shirt. Well I did just that, and that is as far as I went with Cutco, because not a day later I caught wind of the shadiness that makes Vector-Cutco what it is. I spoke to a friend of mine who went through the same experience not to long ago and told me how they tell you that they're hiring only one of you when in fact they hire everyone that walks through the door. She also told me how you can't make any money with them, and how some of her friends had been screwed over big-time by Vector.
I must have been to dumb to notice it was a sham at first, but now looking back, I think I know part of the reason. I speculate that the managers, like the one I spoke to, are trained to talk down and belittle the recruits that come in seeking a 16 dollar an hour job, when in fact they get nothing but screwed in the butt. The man who "interviewed" me said that if I didn't change my attitude that he'd "throw me right on out of there", and that I needed to put a smile on my face and lose the attitude if I wanted to work with them. Definitely changed my perspective on the whole outfit when I was threatened with not even being considered for the position because I didn't smile and show my teeth every second that I was in that man's presence. I think if I saw that little guy again, I'd punch him in his face and kick him in his bald head, and let him know never to talk to me or anyone that comes in his office like that again. I tell anyone who mentions Vector-Cutco that those guys are crooks. They may not do anything "illegal" per se, but they are the closest thing to a sanctioned scam that I have ever encountered. They prey on the young and weak minded. Make it your business to warn people of this company and avoid it yourself. Talk to the security office at your college or whoever is in charge of allowing people to sell stuff or job recruit to not let these assholes in. Thank you Rip Off Report!
#103
Ex-Employee
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MY VECTOR EXPERIENCE & IN RESPONSE TO OUR DEAR FRIEND MIKE

Pfg - Chicago (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, May 20, 2009 POSTED: Wednesday, May 20, 2009
I was also an employee at Vector. I was fresh out of high school and my boyfriend and I were attracted to the "earn $18/hr" ad. I was also extremely naive when I purchased the "sample" set not just for myself but my boyfriend as well. At first I was excited. I had attended a conference (at my expense of course) and the spirit of the Vector employees were almost cult-like. They were so motivated and everyone were receiving prizes for so many sales. Everyone was jumping and clapping and the emotion was contagious.

Needless to say, I never earned a single dollar. I spent about $500-600 though paying for the position itself.

Here's the deal: I was looking for a job because I needed money. In the end I lost money. Also, going door-to-door like I'm selling a vacuum and its the 1950's is not my idea of a suitable sales position in 2009. If someone wanted a knife, I'm sure they can go to the store and buy one.

To Mike: Ok you are wealthy and your family has some cash. Good for you! The trick with Vector is that you must have wealthy or at least financially stable leads to even make a sale. So you really didn't NEED the job anyway. You were looking for experience and to boost your resume etc. Mom & Dad took care of you so who cares about the average Joe who works at a gas station? He's trying to take care of himself without his parents help but he's just crap because he wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth. I get it Mike. You are a wonderful compassionate person.

I now work in healthcare. I come across personalities like you every day. They are my patients. Wealthy people with a spinal cord injury and can't walk. VIP's who are yellow with jaundice because they drank themselves literally to death with their expensive wine.

Watch your words Mike. God is watching.

I hope you are in good health.
#104
Employee
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3 sides to every story -- yours, mine and the truth.

The Objective Eye - Brampton (Canada)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 POSTED: Tuesday, June 16, 2009
I've never understood why people find this so complicated. Chances are, most people don't have either the patience or brainpower to comprehend a few basic truths.

Here they are:

#1 - Who actually is successful?

I worked with Vector for 6 years while I was in school. I not only graduated debt free, but I bought a car which I paid for in full in cash.

Now, that being said, 99% of people recruited by Vector, will never achieve that. Because they don't have the personality, natural charisma or discipline to excel in sales.

Guess what? That's true in ANY sales industry. Whether you sell insurance, real estate, Cutco.. it's all the same.

#2 - What's the deal with training?

An insurance or real estate agent has to undergo a series of courses and become licensed for their industry through the state or provincial governments. Guess what... each agent PAYS for the training, and then PAYS a fee to the government for the license. That's before a broker will even hire you.

Once licensed, you have to be sponsored by a broker. Some examples: State Farm, ReMax, etc. These brokers will expect you to undergo in house training which --gasp-- you don't get paid for, but you don't pay for either. Just like Vector's 3-4 day training program.

In insurance or real estate, you have to pay for business cards, gas to drive to appointments, (sometimes) a computer and advertising. Heck, in real estate, they TELL you, don't get into the industry unless you have enough savings to sustain your lifestyle for 6 months. So, in other words: You won't make any money for (on average) 6 months.

Wow, I guess real estate and insurance sales agents and companies are a bunch of scammers eh?

Other direct sales companies use the EXACT same processes: Mary Kay, tupperware, Pampered Chef, etc. ALL legit companies with legit programs. And ALL are sales oriented.

#3 - What's the deal with the pay?

Now, some sales jobs pay 100% commission, some have a draw program (which means, if you don't make a certain income, you can "draw" against future commissions in advance).

Vector has a base VERSUS commission program. All that means is at the end of the week or two weeks or months (whatever it is now), they calculate what you made in commissions and then what you made in base and pay you which is higher. So, if you completely suck at sales, you have a safety net of base pay. If you make a lot of sales, you make more than the base. Not bad. I wish they did that in most sales jobs.

No, the pay is not hourly, it's per appointment. You get $12-16 (or whatever it is) for each appointment you do. An appointment is about 35-40 min. to do the presentation, maybe 10 min. on each end for order writing, chit chat and referrals and then up to 30 min. to get there. (Personally, I booked my appointments in the same general area, so I could spend more time with the customer versus driving.)

#4 - What's the deal with the sample set?

As far as the sample set goes, how do you expect to do a presentation without samples? Now you could say "well, company should give them to me". No offense to you, but why would ANY company GIVE you $400+ in samples?

Nearly any retail clothing store requires their staff to wear the clothes the store sells. The staff get a discount, but they are stuck with the clothes later. Any tradesperson (electrician, plumber, gas technician, etc.) needs to buy tools. At the very least you need steeltoe shoes. And guess what, you're stuck with them at the end.

At least with Vector, you can send the samples back and get your deposit back. I was a manager for 5 years and NEVER ONCE did a rep not get their deposit back.

#5 - What's the deal with getting appointments? Is this door-to-door or telemarketing?

The answer is no. And anyone else anywhere that tells you otherwise is just ignorant.

The sales process is EXACTLY like any other direct sales industry. Reps are encouraged to call upon people they know, that they'd be comfortable with to do presentations. My first few were for my mom, my aunt, my neighbour, my friend's mom. Then, get referrals to other clients for appointments (Just like real estate agents, insurance agents, etc.).

And I was honest with them from the start: "I just need to practice my presentation. If you see something you like and you want it, that's cool. But I get paid either way."

And you know what? It's the truth. If they didn't buy, I got base pay. If they bought, I got commission. And when I started, I didn't care if people bought. I did my presentation and let the product sell itself.

Guess what happened as I started doing appointments? Some bought, some didn't.

--gasp-- "omg really???!!1one11eleven" (sarcasm alert)

I made over $10,000 my first summer and I maybe did 10-12 appointments a week. But in all fairness, I saw qualified customers. People 35-60, married, lived in a house, had kids, typically a double income. That was the target market.

You know what some reps do?

Some reps go do a presentation for their 19 year old friend that works part time at Subway and think it's a qualified presentation. Then, when the manager says to them "dude, that's not a qualified presentation" they scream bloody murder and post on the internet that Vector's a scam. Nice eh?

#6 - So why all the hoopla?

It's real simple why people feel they're getting hosed:

a) The manager in that office is a complete moron that has no business being a manager and doesn't have the training, the confidence or the common sense to be upfront and honest with people.

b) People being interviewed don't actually listen and take the time to learn how it all works. You tune out because you have the attention spam of a clay brick and honestly, that's no one's fault but your own.

c) Look at my example about the rep doing unqualified presentations above.

Vector Marketing doesn't scam anyone. Their product is a high quality product and the company fulfills every aspect of their warranty with regards to their product. The problem ultimately lies when people get into something they don't fully understand and don't have the brainpower or confidence to ask.

Can you make money? Sure.

Will you? Doubt it.
Why's that? Because 99% of the population isn't wired for sales. And as for the 1% that is wired for sales: Most of you won't follow the program, then scream "scam" when you don't get your way.
#105
Employee
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It's Hard Work, But I Love My Job

Felicia - Grain Valley (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 POSTED: Tuesday, June 23, 2009
My name is Felicia Alvarez and I represent the KC East office of the gateway divison and all I have to say is......Wow...just...WOW.

There are so many things wrong with the article...

To begin with, it's 15 PER APPOINTMENT. This basically means you get 15 bucks to meet some new people, cut some stuff up and if you do your job right (by following the manual) sell good people something that will last forever. 15 dollars plus a percent of what you sell? In like 45 minutes? How is this a scam??? Storm and Gateway division had a conference in Kansas City, MO today and, in 2 weeks, one kid sold $32,000...He got 15 promotions in 2 weeks. People buy knives you just have to know how to read...

Okay second, why should Vector pay you for training? Or the starter kit? You learn valuable business skills in training you won't find flipping burgers, for free might i add...

And why would anyone give you anything for free. Nothing is free get used to it.

It upsets me there are so many people willing ro criticize this company when the only thing they have backing it up is their bitterness for being a failure at life. I'm no top rep, (I've only been working there for 3 weeks) but i've figured out that if you wanna make money you have to be willing to work hard, like anywhere else..
#106
Consumer Comment
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i know how it works

Vaporize - DENVER (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 POSTED: Wednesday, June 24, 2009
All the managers make money, they sell you the knife set, and make the money, not until you manage someone then you can take advantage of them.
#107
Employee
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Comments from a 1-Week-Employee

Eh - Wilkes Barre (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, June 25, 2009 POSTED: Thursday, June 25, 2009
I've not been an employee of Vector for too long, but here's what happened from beginning to now-

I first heard about Vector from a letter I received. Here is EXACTLY how it read:

Due to our company's continued growth and expansion, we currently have openings for simmer work. We would like you to apply.

Vector is an international company established in 1981. We are currently expanding locally and have summer customer sales and service positions available. These positions offer unique advantages for those accepted:

Full and part time Openings with flexible schedules

$17.25 base-appt.

Training provided-No experience necessary

Valuable resume experience

May continue during school in the fall

Conditions apply

All aged 17+

Opportunity to advance

This letter was completely true to it's word. Everything stated above is true. exactly as it read.

I was rather iffy about calling, thinking it would be some sort of scam, but after doing a bit of research, I did anyway.

I went to the interview, a group interview with shorter individual interviews between it. He asked 1/2 people to leave, and the others to have a seat and wait for the presentation. The manager came right out and stated, however, that, " While it may be unorthodox, group interviews save a lot of time." This is true. So, he went through his little presentation. He came right out and stated that we would be-

Selling knives through the recommendations we got
We would not be getting paid for the training we got if we were accepted

We would be required to put down a small fee for our starter set of knives that we could either keep, or return for a full refund.

He shook everyone's hand afterwards, and said, " I'll be in touch with everyone tonight." I must say, he was very professional in every aspect of all that was done.

That night, he called everyone, regardless if they got the job or not. I was called back, about half of that who was there for the interview was there for training. We went through the 3 days of training, 2 four hour days and a 6 hour day ( Pizza was supplied from his own wallet). It was a very relaxed 3 days, and most people had a good time. By the end, however, only about 8 or so of us were left.

The training basically brought us through-

The selling process
Recommendations

The product itself -

What everything was we'd be selling

How the products were made

The prices

Etc.
Schedules and time alotment

The entire time, he stressed that fact that we should not pressure people into buying, trick them, or lie to them in any way.

And a lot more. The only problems I had was that I'd have to call people I know for presentation 'practice' and such. However, after scheduling and doing a few I realized that this wasn't a problem. Most people are happy to help me out, and everyone that I did a presentation, whether they bought anything or not, had a good time. Why? Because they liked the product, liked helping me out, and weren't pressured to buy anything at all. Did people buy? Yes. Is it because of unfair or unethical business practices by myself or any other? No! They bought because it is, with no doubt, a good product.

After each presentation, people were glad to recommend others, too, because it was a fun presentation, and because the product is a good product, superior to many others.

Now, is everything scripted for the presentations? Yes, but you're encouraged to break from the script. And so what even if you use it? It's a truthful write up. Do CEO's of large companies use a script? Yes. So does the President. Why shouldn't we?

In closing for now, I have so far made good money from a fun, and interesting, job. Are there issues with Vector? Yes, but the benefits are much greater.
#108
Ex-Employee
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They do not pay you what you earn!

Kat - Monroe (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 POSTED: Tuesday, June 30, 2009
I was employed with Vector for 2 weeks. I really thought this job was going to solve all of my financial problems, but it did more damage than help. I worked HARD even though I had a job already. I did the best I could to work it around my schedule, and in 2 weeks I saw 13 different people. So, I was told at the beginning of the interview that we would get $20 an appointment regardless of sales. So I was having a hard time making sales to people and I didn't make a sale, but I still went on and kept trying, not to mention the time and gas that I wasted doing that. So my manager calls me and tells me that if I don't make a sale by the 2nd week of that weekend then she would stop paying me! After she told me that I quit the job, because she specifically told me that I would get PAYED REGARDLESS OF SALES! But the thing is was that I never got payed for the 13 people that I saw! If you add all of this up, I should have had $260. They sent me a $60 check which was deducted by $35 for a trip to Burmingham, Alabama that I never attended in the first place! So I ended up with a measley check of $25.

For all the people who say that the people who failed at Vector didn't work hard or was just looking for a get-rich-quick-scheme, you guys can go to Hell! Who are you to judge someone and say that they didn't work hard enough for the job, and thats why they didn't succeed at it! You have no right to judge anyone! True enough, people could have been successful at Vector but there are wayy too many people who were unsuccessful. This should tell everyone about how Vector is. Thousands and Thousands of people are not going to complain for nothing. This company is a rip-off, and it truly does not care about its employees. Hell, I know a guy who works there who is currently on probation for a crime he committed! THis company seriously hires ANY AND EVERYBODY. I seriously believe that a hobo off of the streets can get this job with ease!

I would not recommend this job to anyone, but if you are considering this job, my advice is to make copies of all the appointments that you have seen before you turn in your qualified reports paper, and please make sure that they are over 25 years old. They are clearly going to tell you to do the MAC (married, over 30 yrs, and own their homes) people first but it says at the bottom of the application that you sign that the potential customer must be 25 yrs and older and it doesn't have to be MAC people. Make sure to keep up with all of your receipts when putting in for gas, because they should tell you that you should be reimbursed for the gas. Just please keep a record of EVERYTHING that you do for that company, because they have messed over alot of people with their paychecks!
#109
Employee
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Vector not a scam

Ryan - Mobile (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 30, 2009 POSTED: Thursday, July 30, 2009
Door to door would be classified as going into a neighborhood unknowing the individual living in a house and knocking on someones door. It is noted in your manual that this cannot be done. If done you will not receive the base pay. However when you call someone over the phone you are actually building rapport with your customer and learning about them so you can actually relate to them when you arrive at their home.
So that would not be considered door to door.

The kit that cost 147$ is 100% refundable if you ever quit or want to get another job. You turn it in and Olean will send your money to you in three weeks. I have a couple of friend who have already done this and got their money back. Some people just aren't cut out to be salespeople.

People who have had bad experiences with the company are the only ones complaining. And it is stated that if your customers are not qualified you will not receive your base pay this is strictly so people will not free load off of our company.

And in the presentations we never say that vector has been in business for over 50 years. Our company section is about Cutco not vector we tell the customers that Cutco has been in business for over 50 years.

And when talking about the Henkels set we are talking about an 18pc set of Henkels Pro V German made set not their cheap sets that are made in China that you are referring to.

It is also stated before you go through training that you will not receive pay for the hours you asre being trained.
#110
Consumer Comment
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My two cents

Fabio - San Jose (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, February 19, 2010 POSTED: Friday, February 19, 2010
I got to a point, while i was unemployed, where during my down time i would respond to ads from most MLM and direct-selling fraudulent companies pretty much out of boredom.

I went to lots of these meetings, if anything for the entertainment value of the silly chantings, the cheap free food (unless they are Kirby... those cheap bastards couldn't afford even a bowl of stale crackers) and the subtle addiction to the same sense of sadness and depression the main character in the movie Fight-Club was looking for in group therapy sessions. 

I would put on a suit, a fake smile and drive to those "interviews" completely aware of the waste of time... Some people would collect stamps or go sky-diving, i used to pose as an interviewee at those weird meetings. Don't judge me.

I got a full-time job over a year ago now so... i don't do that anymore. Not too often anyway. And only on some Saturdays at 6pm if i can.

I lost count of all the comments on this thread and i was amazed at the perseverance of CutCo and Vector associates who keep on "trolling" (geek for: "posing fraudulently as a reputable source of information in a public forum") the thread, and those who are genuine in their efforts to provide fairness of information.


CutCo/Vector people:

you have your mentality and you stick with it. You believe in your product because the position where you are at allows you to reap all the benefits and suffer no consequences. Your job is just as good as the owner of the company. You are at a higher level, you are not a grunt like the mindless drones you keep on luring in. THEY are your product AND your revenues. THEY put food on your table and pay your bills and taxes. You use them, abuse them, have fun with them like a bunch of toys, and then whether they are the ones who realize the scam and leave or whether you get tired of them because they ask "too many questions" and could be a liability to your fragile credibility, you replace them. as simple as that.
You made your buck, you stick with it because of it. Enjoy it while it last, because one day you will happen to turn a corner and see your true reflection staring back at you.

The Scammed:

These companies have been around a long time, the good thing is that they never change their tactics. They lure you in and make you feel like a king, they make you feel like you have a million friends and are a winner. They make you feel like you are the BEST anyone can ever be. They they crush your dreams, when they start saying things like "you are not working hard enough", "You gotta work hard!", "I'm your manager/upline/mentor, DON'T LET ME DOWN!"... and then you fail.

They won't give you time to think it over and understand what went wrong. You only know you failed and all you hear from them is "It's your fault! I told you to work hard! Come to the meetings! The venues! The training! How many CD's have you listened to? Did you buy more demo packages? You should have done like WE did!"

You know it's not your fault. Those trips and venues and training and packages don't come cheap. So they make you feel bad not only because you didn't make money... but also because you didn't SPEND MORE MONEY IN THEIR BULLSHIT!

So here is to you my good and bad folks: Keep doing what you are doing, and you'll keep getting what you are getting. That's all i have to say.
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