Usborne Books is a company that’s very similar to the old direct selling businesses that used to sell encyclopedias. Do you remember those big books before we had the internet? When I came across Usborne Books, the nostalgia of encyclopedias took me back to my younger years (I feel old).
What I really want to know is whether this company offers a genuine opportunity to earn some money.
In this review, I’ll reveal everything that you need to know.
The fact that you’ve taken a moment to scrutinize this product before buying it should be applauded. You’ve done yourself a massive favour. Your due diligence will save you from wasting money and time.
A good bit of research always goes a long way in the fight against online scams. The good thing to know is that creating a sustainable full-time online business is not difficult. You just need to know where to look.
Before we proceed I’d like to let you know that I’m not linked to Usborne Books in any sort of way and I’m not trying to sell you this product.
Instead, I’d like to show you what Usborne Books is offering you and why it’s not worth your time to pursue this supposedly good opportunity.
Usborne Books Review
- Name of Product: Usborne Books
- Owner: Peter Usborne
- Type of Product: Children’s Books Direct Selling Multi-Level Marketing Business
- Cost: $75 to $125 for the starter kits
- Who Is This Product Best For? Absolutely Nobody
Usborne Books Summary
In summary, Usborne Books is an MLM business that specializes in selling kid’s books. The company has received several awards, however, if you’re thinking of partnering up with them to earn money, you might want to reconsider.
Usborne Books has not provided adequate proof that their members are making a decent amount of money, which leaves me skeptical of this opportunity. There are several red flags that make this an unworthy pursuit.
Product Rating: 50/100
Would I Recommend This Product? Not a chance!
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Usborne Books Explained
Usborne Books is a business that sells kids and adolescence books.
The company operates as a direct-selling business that utilizes a multi-level marketing (MLM) model and as a result of this, your earning structure will be similar to other MLM businesses.
The business was created by Peter Usborne over 45 years ago and diversified into a direct sales in 1981 as Usborne Books at Home.
Usborne Books Product Range
Usborne Books contains a vast catalog of kids books and the majority are catered to babies, toddlers, children and teens. The website groups their books based on age as follows-
- 0-2 years of age.
- 3-5 years of age.
- 5-7 years of age.
- 7-11 years of age.
- 11-13 years of age.
- Teens.
You will also find different categories on the following topics-
- First Picture Books.
- Phonics Readers.
- Farmyard Tales.
- Flip books.
- Discovery.
- Look & Say.
- True Stories.
- Fabulous Fiction.
- Things to Make & Do.
- Puzzle Adventures.
- Spanish titles.
- Season titles.
- Touchy Feely.
- History of Britain.
- Classics Retold.
- See Inside.
- Beginners.
- First Thousand Words.
- Spotter’s Guides.
- Usborne Reading Program.
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Does Usborne Books Work?
It’s not always easy to judge the quality of the content within the books as you would have to read them first.
But I’m confident that the books are of a high standard based on the number of awards Usborne Books has been given throughout the years. The books are presented beautifully and the illustrations are eye-catching.
Below is a list of the recent awards received by the company:
- Voted Independent Publisher of the Year (2014).
- Voted Children’s Publisher of the Year (2014).
- Voted Publisher of the Year (2012).
- Nominated for Children’s Book of the Year (2008) at the British Book Awards for Touchy-Feely That’s Not My Penguin.
- Received the UK Times Literary Supplement Award.
- Received the Practical Pre-School Gold Award (2006) for First Picture Action Rhymes.
- Received the Practical Pre-School Silver Award (2006) for Snuggle time Sleepy Baby.
- Voted Best Buy in the Toddler Book category of Prima Baby Reader Awards (2006) for Touchy-Feely That’s Not My… series
Profiting with Usborne Books
You can earn money through Usborne Books via two avenues-
- Making commissions from sales.
- Earning a bonus from recruiting a team under you and making money from team sales.
Where To Begin With Usborne Books
Partnering up with Usborne Books will require you to choose from 2 different packages to begin. For $75 you will get the new Consultant Mini-Kit and for $125 you will get the Regular Consultant Mini-Kit.
In addition to the above, you’ll be enrolled to an e-business package automatically for half a year, which provides you with a website to sell books at no extra cost.
What Is Provided With The New Consultant Mini-Kit:
This is what’s provided for $75-
- E-business package for half a year.
- Set of books to display including 2 leading titles plus 8 extra titles from several well-known series. A total of 10 books which retail for more than $100.
- 20 mini catalogs.
- A 5-pack count of Usborne Books catalogs.
- Order forms for your customers.
- Host guides.
- Monthly e-business package which provides a free website for half a year.
- A branded Usborne Box.
What Is Provided With The Regular New Consultant Kit:
- 3 leading titles and 17 extra titles, making a total of 20 books with a retail value of over $200.
- E-business package for half a year.
- A 5-pack count of Usborne Books catalogs.
- 20 mini catalogs.
- Order forms for your customers.
- Host guides.
- Monthly e-business package which provides a free website for half a year.
- A branded Usborne Box.
Usborne Books Compensation Structure
Usborne Book’s compensation structure is quite simple. I’ll point out the vital aspects that you to know. The video below gives you a walk-through of the compensation process-
You can achieve three different levels and you will make more money each time you step up a level.
Level 1: Consultant
The first level has commissions between 15% – 30% from your initial sale onward. Additionally, you can receive 3%-5% bonus if your monthly sales reach $350.
In addition to the above, there’s a 4% bonus if your team of recruits earn $350 in a month.
Level 2: Supervisor
To reach this level you’ll have to recruit at least 5 people and 5 active consultants. You will have to achieve $350 of sales for at least 2 months in succession.
Supervisor commissions are between 15% – 30% from your initial sale onward. Additionally, you will receive 3%-5% bonus if your monthly sales reach $350.
In addition to the above, there’s a 11% bonus if your team of recruits earn $350 in a month.
Level 3: Executive Supervisor/ Senior Executive Supervisor/ Director
To reach level 3, you have to achieve 3 first levels, 1 second level, and earn at least $25,000 per month from your total sales of the central group.
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Usborne Books Exposed!
(1) Costly To Get Started
To get started as a consultant, you have to spend a minimum of $125+ to receive the number of books required to grow a dependable catalog.
Keep in mind that you’ll also need to hold promotional parties, therefore, that will be an added expense just so that you can sell their books.
Usborne Books does not train you how to sell their products. Once you’re a member you are left to your own devices without any support on how to sell books.
(2) Customer Service Gripes
Although the quality of their books is top-notch, Usborne Book’s customer service leaves a lot to be desired.
The majority of complaints about this business are primarily about their poor customer service team. The reviews found on Glassdoor talk about the lack of an HR department and communication between departments could be improved.
Below is an example of a complaint on BBB from a customer:
The reality is that most MLM businesses prioritize profits over good customer services. Their aim is to keep you as a member for as much time as possible before you eventually throw the towel in.
(3) Low Chance of Success
The high cost to get started together with the absence of training or support means that your chances of success are minimal.
These are some examples of Usborne Books members complaining about the low success rate. According to them, the opportunity is not worth pursuing.
I couldn’t find an Income Disclosure Statement anywhere on their site which comes as a surprise considering that the company has been established for over 3 decades.
In light of the above findings, I’m confident in stating that the members at the lowest levels are not making much profit.
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Usborne Books Advantages
(1) Great Books
It goes without say that Usborne Books produce an excellent standard of children’s books and there are lots of positive reviews about the quality of their books.
The company has won numerous awards which this just goes to show that Usborne Books is a bonafide producer of books, therefore, their reputation should work in your favor if you decide to sign up as a seller.
Is Usborne Books a Scam?
Usborne Books is not a scam. Instead, this company is an authentic direct selling MLM business. I would not recommend using this company to make money.
The expensive startup costs and tireless work, for a small return, makes it an opportunity not worth pursuing. You might not even make back the money that you invest.
Unfortunately, there’s no training provided, therefore, you are left in the dark on how to sell books effectively. You will need to spend money and time organizing promotional parties to sell books. Personally, I think that there are better opportunities out there.
Naturally, this leads me to my next question…
How Do I Use The Internet to Make a Full-Time Salary?
Like with anything else, making money online is a skill that can be learnt, it only requires a bit of dedication and consistency but it’s totally worth it when you can one day walk into your boss’s office and fire him/her.
I’ve personally learnt how to generate a monthly income stream, with no previous knowledge. I can work where I want and when I want. You can do the same too. Find out more here.
