Quixtar.com is an e-commerce business site where people can apply to become an IBO. IBOs make money through selling the site's various products, ranging from beauty to apparel to home care. Quixtar sells name brand products such as Levis, Dell and Adidas. Ranked No. 22 in e-commerce sites in Internet Retailer magazine, Quixtar's payment pattern is simple: the more you sell, the more you earn. The registration agreement states, "Sales to a customer are a requirement to receiving compensation."
"This is a valuable business opportunity for anyone who is willing to put the time into it," explained Anna Bryce, public relations for Quixtar.
Money is earned by directing customers to Quixtar.com to order products, or they can order products through the IBO. The IBOs buy the products at a special cost and then sell the products for retail price, keeping the difference. Monthly performance bonuses are also rewarded, which can range from a three percent bonus to a 25 percent bonus. According to a Quixtar independent survey, the average gross income for each IBO was about $115 per month. For a college student, an extra $115 each month is extremely helpful if he or she has the time to invest in Quixtar.
Because the business is completely based on how much time one wants to put into it, it is an opportunity for students to make some money without being required to devote any specific amount of time to Quixtar.
"(The time put into Quixtar) depends on what someone's goals are when starting a Quixtar business," Bryce said, adding that people put in "a wide variety of time."
Bryce stressed that Quixtar is not a pyramid scheme because the IBO does not earn money from sponsoring a new IBO. No "front loading" is involved, which is where an IBO would be required to stock mass inventory. If an IBO decides to discontinue his or her Quixtar business, Quixtar will buy back any leftover inventory.
"No one earns money until a product is sold," Bryce said.
There is a registration fee of about $60, with the option to spend about $80 more for a product intro pack. An IBO must re-register and re-pay a registration fee each year. Students can register on the Web site.
An e-commerce business could be a way for students to make money without having to work in retail or in an office. Because profits come from time put into the business, it can be a flexible way to earn money when you have time to spare. However, students need to be careful about which business to choose. There could be hidden fees or requirements to become a member of an e-commerce site. A pyramid scheme is illegal, so sellers are advised to watch for any requirements of recruiting others or having to stock mass inventory.
Quixtar.com made over one billion dollars in revenue in 2006, and students have the opportunity to be a part of it if e-commerce is right for them.
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