A cult in disguise - Independent Contractor/Leader Appco Group Employee Review

1.0
Dec 1, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Positive atmosphere - Meet some cool people - No previous experience required - Basic sales training provided - A plausible stepping stone to real sales jobs

Cons

- ALL commission, no base rate -You will be expected/publicly guilt tripped into working 60-70 hours every week. - If you are talented AND lucky you can expect to occasionally break the $3000 mark in sales for the week. This amounts to $800 for yourself which means for a 60hr week you are earning ~$13 an hour (most weeks will be less, most people never reach 3000) - There is no sick leave, holiday leave, super-contributions, overtime rates, weekend rates. This stems from the fact you are only an 'independent contractor' which they try to sell to you as a benefit...Don't fall for the 'you're running your own business' mantra...It's a way for them to cut down on every possible overhead while they squeeze as much money out of you as they can. - No compensation for travel. You will on average spend 2-3 hours daily travelling between your home, the office and your allocated site. For all the drivers at the office, petrol was costing $100+ a week. - All the positivity is forced. Negative or realistic talk is strictly forbidden and is just a ruse to drag new recruits into the spiral. All the happy attitude and love bombing drops once you become a leader and see all the psychological ploys that are being engaged just to keep people in the cult..I mean job.... - You feel like a professional beggar having to approach and pester people and guilt trip them from the street to give money to a cause. I later learned that only 4% of the money I raised through the special Olympics gift voucher program actually went to the cause. - All the positive reviews are from people who are in management positions who benefit from the pyramid scheme, where there is hardly any room to expand. They just want to make money of you. Don't listen to them, crunch the numbers and think of your life goals. Selling gift vouchers and raffle tickets by manipulating and pestering the public should not be up there. - Even if you make it to team leadership or AO (very rare), it can crumble in an instant if members of your team quit and you no longer fulfil the criteria, I've seen this happen, 2 times in the 5 months I worked there. It's a sad sight.

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Appco Group Response
9y
We are disappointed that you are left with a negative perception of the Marketing Company to whom you contracted. We are glad that you did find some positives during the period. We hope that you took the time to present this feedback to the Manager of the Marketing Company whilst you were engaged as an Independent Contractor. The model of commission-based sales contractor does not suit everyone - although it is not a Pyramid Scheme or cult, despite your perceptions at the time. Thank you for the time to provide this feedback, it is appreciated and of value.

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5.0
May 24, 2021
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CEO approval
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Pros

Fun free to be around and that’s about it

Cons

Outdoor sales and no work life balance

5.0
Dec 21, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Let me start by sayung that I had a great career of 6+ years as a school teacher.. I decided I wanted more. That my core skils of communication and teaching people could be put to better use elsewhere.. After some soul searching I started applying for Sales and marketing roles, as I felt I was best suited for thAt. Fast forward less than two years later and I helped to build offices in two divisions of the company all while earning a healthy emough living to start a family and keep my wife home w our newborn son. This was a game changer for me, Id worked for the likes of Mcrosoft, Omnicon and in the DOE. Non of which offerdd me the personal and professional Developmentt and growrh potential Appco has. I am paid for my effort and results as any business should. Additionallly i have hyper developed communication skills(verbal & non) I have learned how to run and build a high level sales office. Oh and i have become a leader to those around me. Leadership is the paramount skill I'ive developed. I have worked in England, Scotland, Australia as well as California, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas as of now! All and all great income(well above my teacherrs salary), great people/enviroment, amazing development both personal and professional. Oh and benefits after 90 days, boom! Most important is the promotional structure of the company works. Im proof of that.

Cons

You may have to spend time with me

7
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Appco Group Response
11y
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave your feedback – we loved reading your story and that Appco has given you so many opportunities. It is true that this business rewards hard work, dedication and determination. Every success story is unique and special, and we’re proud that there are so many positive, life-changing journeys like yours across the Appco network. Thanks for being part of it!
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