YTB is a Direct Sales Company, Not a ‘Pyramid’
YTB is proud to be admitted as a member of the Direct Selling Association, completing a one-year pending period required for full membership.
During this time, YTB's marketing and business plans were reviewed by the Direct Selling Association to ensure compliance with all provisions of DSA's Code of Ethics, which includes provisions requiring truthful disclosure of product information regarding price, grade, quality, quantity and availability.
The DSA Code expressly prohibits " pyramid schemes " and deceptive or unlawful consumer or recruiting practices, misrepresentation of earnings or sales potential, inventory loading and unreasonable entrance fees.
If a company is not part of the DSA, do you know if they are legitimate? Maybe these other companies are not members because they are pyramid schemes. You owe it to yourself to ask the question.
According to Webster’s Online Dictionary, “A pyramid scheme is a business model that involves the exchange of money primarily for enrolling other people into the scheme, without any product or service being delivered. There are numerous legitimate businesses which use the MLM business model such as Tupperware, Avon and Mary Kay Cosmetics, to name a few.
At YTB, our core business is to provide a travel web site to individuals who can earn travel commissions on the business they drive to their site. Our travel web site offers travel with the same or very similar pricing as sites such as Travelocity or Expedia. Income can be earned from travel booking commissions as well as from the sale of web sites. Our Rep compensation plan provides the same income opportunity for new participants that anyone currently involved in the company would enjoy.
Card Mill?
A company that sells travel perks without actually selling travel is a card mill. YTB sold over $414 million in travel for 2007. YTB is a legitimate travel company that is first and foremost about selling travel and travel products, and secondly, travel web sites.
Why do vendors like Carnival, Apple Vacations, Fun Jet and hundreds of others do business with us? Because we sell travel!
If you are looking at companies that just sell “memberships” or “travel clubs” beware. They might be a card mill!
Negative Information about YTB
As YTB continues to prosper, we expect that we will grow as a target by competitors and naysayers who will want to spread rumors, gossip, misinformation and lies. We consider this a “success tax” that many companies—from Wal-Mart to Microsoft to McDonald’s—have had to pay.
The Internet is a powerful resource and a tool for people that want to spread lies and rumors. Like you, we are concerned about any negative or incorrect information about YTB. That is why we are working with expert legal and communications teams to help us develop the right strategy to respond to these types of stories—including litigation.
We will correct the stories that we can. However, we know that we will never convert all of our competitors or detractors.
Franchising
We are convinced our current marketing system is the best ever created, and we are absolutely committed to continuing the use of this system with YTB. While there will be changes to the process as it relates to the sale of franchises, the downline genealogy and direct sales division will remain intact. We believe a franchise model of our existing business will be easier to comprehend and more readily accepted by the general public. Our commitment to becoming a world class travel company will be supported in the franchise system with additional tools and training for those who choose to actively pursue the travel business.
Please click on the link to read the press release.
YTB International Contemplates Implementation of Franchises
Source: PR Newswire (July 15, 2008 - 11:34 AM EDT)
Stock Prices
Regarding the sale of YTB stock as reported in Travel Weekly, due to SEC regulations, we are unable to comment on the sale of stock, trends or stock pricing.
Please visit our Investor Web site to view our FAQ regarding stock.
If you are interested in purchasing stock, we suggest you seek advice from a financial advisor. YTB is not allowed to sell stock directly to the public. If you need more information than what is provided on the site, please contact our Investor Relations firm: Garth Russell / Yemi Rose KCSA Worldwide 212-896-1250 / 212-896-1233.
You may view our SEC filings by using this link.
It is always our suggestion for investors to consult an investment advisor before making any investment decisions.
Better Business Bureau
BBB is a for-profit organization, not a government entity.
The Better Business Bureau has an established reputation as the " go to " place for the public to check out any business and find out if they are legitimate, operating legally and conducting themselves with the best interest of the public in mind.
The BBB has a revolving 36 month reporting cycle, and issues are considered unresolved if they are awaiting mediation or if the client refuses to sign the BBB declaration of resolution, even if they have agreed to the terms of the mediation.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offices nation-wide have recently adopted the A – F rating system. According to the BBB, YTB has a low number of complaints with favorable resolution rates, especially considering the high number of customers serviced. However, due to BBB practices, YTB will continue to have an unfavorable score until the pending litigation is resolved. At that time, the BBB will review YTB’s business rating.
Out of the hundreds of thousands of people who have participated in YTB programs over the past 36 months, we have had less than 110 complaints filed about YTB in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period.
Compare our track record with our online travel company competitors.
Orbitz receives 1670 complaints in the past 36 months with the BBB.
Priceline receives 1649 complaints in the past 36 months with the BBB.
Expedia receives 1169 complaints in the past 36 months with the BBB.
YTB received only 105 complaints in the past 36 months with the Better Business Bureau.