Yes, Vector Marketing is a legitimate company, but it has a controversial reputation due to its multi-level marketing (MLM) structure and sales tactics. While Vector Marketing is a real business that sells Cutco knives, many people have raised concerns about its recruiting methods, unpaid training, and commission-based pay structure.
What is Vector Marketing?
Vector Marketing is the sales division of Cutco Corporation, a company that manufactures high-quality kitchen knives. Founded in 1981, Vector Marketing recruits individuals—primarily college students—to sell Cutco knives through direct sales. The company operates across the U.S. and Canada, marketing itself as an opportunity for young professionals to gain sales experience and earn money.
Is Vector Marketing a Scam?
Vector Marketing is not an outright scam, but it has been criticized for using high-pressure sales tactics and misleading job advertisements. Unlike traditional sales jobs, Vector Marketing does not provide a fixed hourly wage; instead, representatives work on a commission-only basis, which means they only earn money if they successfully sell products.
1. Legitimacy and Business Operations
Vector Marketing is a real company that sells a real product (Cutco knives), making it a legitimate business. However, the company operates under a direct sales model, which is often mistaken for a pyramid scheme.
- Cutco knives are high-quality and well-known in the industry.
- Employees are independent contractors, not salaried workers.
- Vector Marketing has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but it has received numerous complaints about misleading job postings.
2. Recruitment Process and Job Advertisements
One of the biggest criticisms of Vector Marketing is how it recruits sales representatives.
- Many job ads are vague and do not clearly explain that the job is commission-based.
- The company primarily targets college students and young job seekers with little experience.
- Applicants often attend group interviews where they are given a sales pitch rather than a traditional job interview.
3. Pay Structure and Unpaid Training
Vector Marketing representatives earn money through:
- Direct commission from sales (usually between 10-30%).
- Bonuses for higher sales performance.
However, challenges include:
- No base salary or guaranteed income.
- Unpaid training sessions that require time investment without compensation.
- Sales are made through personal networks, leading to pressure to sell to family and friends.
4. Lawsuits and Controversies
Vector Marketing has faced several legal issues:
- In 2011, Vector Marketing settled a lawsuit for failing to pay sales reps for mandatory training.
- There have been numerous complaints about misleading job descriptions and aggressive recruiting tactics.
Should You Work for Vector Marketing?
If you’re considering a job with Vector Marketing, ask yourself:
- Are you comfortable with commission-only pay?
- Do you have a strong personal network for potential sales?
- Are you prepared for rejection and high-pressure sales?
Conclusion
Vector Marketing is a legitimate company, but it is not for everyone. While some sales reps have positive experiences, others find the commission-based structure and recruitment tactics misleading. Prospective employees should carefully research the company before committing and be aware of the potential challenges associated with direct sales jobs.
