The 5 Waves of MLM – And Why Save Club Is the Future
Over the years, I’ve been involved in multiple network marketing opportunities—some good, some not so good. Along the way, I noticed something interesting: MLM isn’t just one thing. It’s evolved, changed, and reinvented itself again and again.
If you’ve ever wondered why some MLMs feel outdated while others seem built for the digital age, it’s because they’re part of different “waves” of MLM.
Let me break it down for you in plain language.
✅ First Wave: The Product Pushers (1950s–1980s)
This was where it all began. Companies like Amway and Shaklee were kings of the game. People sold cleaning products, vitamins, or cosmetics—usually face-to-face or door-to-door.
You had to be a hardcore salesperson.
There was no internet. No automation. Just you, your suitcase of samples, and hope.
✅ Second Wave: Sell the Dream (1980s–2000s)
In this era, the opportunity became the product. You started seeing huge hotel meetings, loud motivational tapes, and promises of six figures if you “just brought two who bring two.”
Companies like Nu Skin and Herbalife grew fast. But not everyone earned. This is when the “pyramid scheme” reputation really started to take shape.
✅ Third Wave: Wellness & Self-Help (2000s–2015)
This wave came with a softer touch. You didn’t need to be pushy. You just had to “live the product” and share your story.
It was the age of Beachbody, Isagenix, and doTERRA. Everyone was suddenly into essential oils, shakes, and personal growth.
It was better—but still heavy on inventory and autoship pressure.
✅ Fourth Wave: Social Media Hustle (2015–2020)
Then came Instagram, Facebook, and later TikTok.
Now anyone with a phone could become a “boss babe” or brand ambassador. MLM turned into lifestyle marketing. Monat, It Works!, and Young Living rode this wave.
You were selling the lifestyle more than the product. It worked—for some. But let’s be honest: a lot of people were pretending to win while secretly losing money.
✅ Fifth Wave: Tech-Based MLM (2020–Today)
This is where it gets interesting. We’re now seeing digital-first MLMs that use apps, Zoom webinars, AI, cashback, even crypto.
This is the wave that Save Club is riding.
You don’t need a garage full of products. You don’t need to fake a luxury lifestyle. You simply share a savings platform that helps people get real cashback on what they already buy.
It’s smart. It’s modern. And it’s global.
🚀 Why I Chose Save Club
When I saw what Save Club was doing—combining cashback rewards with income opportunities—I knew this was the future.
We’re not chasing people.
We’re not convincing them to buy stuff they don’t need.
We’re simply showing them how to save and earn with what they’re already spending.
That’s a win-win.
👉 Final Thoughts
MLM has come a long way. Some models worked for a time but don’t make sense in today’s world. The fifth wave is all about automation, scalability, and real value.
If you’re tired of old-school selling and ready for a smarter way to build income…
🔗 Join Save Club today using my link:
👉 https://www.saveclubsplash.com/ugomills 👈
This isn’t hype. This is next-gen MLM.