Is Network Marketing Safe? The Honest Truth for 2026

By Ady Jones (The Avon Man in a Hat)

"If you type 'Network Marketing' into Google, you will find a mix of glowing success stories and horror stories. It can be confusing. You might be asking yourself: is network marketing safe, or is it a risky scam?"

Ady Jones

I’ve written blog posts about this before, but as we head into 2026, I wanted to bring everything together into one honest, no-nonsense guide. I’m going to tackle the misconceptions, share the cold, hard facts, and give you my top tips for staying safe in this industry.

An Honest Opinion: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Let’s be real: The direct selling industry has a bit of an image problem. And honestly? Some of it is deserved.

We have all seen the "Hey Hun!" messages on Facebook from people trying to sell overpriced vitamins. We have all heard stories of people buying garages full of stock they couldn't sell.

But that isn't the whole story.

When done right—with a reputable company like Avon—Network Marketing is simply a way to cut out the middleman. Instead of paying a TV station millions for an advert, the company pays you for recommending a product to a friend. It is ethical, it is simple, and it puts money in the pockets of real families, not advertising executives.

Debunking the 3 Biggest Myths

Myth 1: "Only the people at the top make money."

Fact: In a corporate job, the CEO earns millions, while you earn a salary. That is a pyramid structure! In Avon, a new rep can out-earn the person who recruited them if they work harder and sell more. Your earnings are based on your effort, not your start date.

Myth 2: "It’s a get-rich-quick scheme."

Fact: Absolutely not. If anyone tells you that you will be a millionaire in a month, run away. It is a business. It takes time, consistency, and patience. But unlike a 9-5, you are building an asset for yourself.

Myth 3: "You have to bug your friends and family."

Fact: In the old days? Maybe. In 2026? No. We teach you how to use social media to attract customers who want to buy. You shouldn't have to pester anyone.

Is Network Marketing Safe? How to Avoid the Pitfalls

Not all Direct Sales companies are created equal. If you are looking for a side hustle, use this Safety Checklist to ensure you don't get burned.

1.    Check the Product: Is it a real product at a fair price? If the product is overpriced or doesn't exist, it’s a scam. (Avon products are award-winning and affordable).

2.    Check the Buy-In: Does it cost thousands to join? It shouldn't. A legitimate business has a low barrier to entry (like Avon’s £20 kit).

3.    Check the Exit Strategy: Can you leave? You should never be tied into a contract or forced to pay a penalty for quitting.

4.    Check the "Inventory" Rule: Are you forced to buy stock every month? Red Flag. You should only order what you have sold.

Why I Choose Avon

I chose to build my business with Avon because it passes every single one of those safety checks.

It has been around for over 135 years. It supports women’s charities. It has a 100% money-back guarantee. It is a "sleep well at night" business.

Don't let the myths stop you from finding a flexible, fun way to earn. Just make sure you pick the right partner.

👉 Ready to join a safe, ethical, and supportive team? Read more on our

[About Avon UK] page.

Chat soon,

Jackie & Ady x

[ Join Our Team ]