With its headquarters in California, SMC was one of the first companies to use a small army of independent “members” to sell its products, providing ordinary people with a business opportunity sans many of the onerous financial commitments usually involved in starting a business. 
The “SMC scam,” as some have called it, is in fact a working, time-tested system which continues to provide thousands of members with an independent income.  So what is the basis for the proliferation of complaints relating to SMC?

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The basic idea behind SMC’s operation is that members have access to thousands of saleable items at prices so low they can even sell wholesale and make a healthy profit.  SMC provides catalogs packed with its enormous range of products, ranging from jewelry, gift items and small, decorative objects to outdoor décor, tools and seasonal specialty items.  Members an sell at a retail price, and pay about one-third when they fill that order through SMC.  The difference is their profit.

The main complaint with many members is with the introductory pack that SMC sends out to explain how the business works.  Some unhappy former members claim that the trial period is shorter than indicated and that there are hidden fees charged by SMC once members sign on.  The reality is that all of the terms and fees associated with membership are clearly outlined in the SMC literature.  Eager members who fail to review this information carefully may find themselves unprepared to make a decision about SMC when the trial period expires.

It might be worth mentioning at this point that SMC recently had a very effective TV advertising campaign that featured the lovable dad in Happy Days, Tom Bosley (now sadly passed away).  Tom Bosley assured prospective members that this was a great way to make some extra money and achieve a degree of financial independence.  Mr. Bosley was a spokesperson for SMC from 1994 until his passing in 2010, and was personally aware of the integrity and honesty of the company he represented.

Some members who decide to end their relationship with SMC have complained that the process has left them disillusioned and frustrated.  Members claim that communication with the company for refunds and other issues is anything but a smooth process, and that ending the agreement drags on forever.  On closer investigation, these often turn out to be the usual administrative glitches of any large business, and others are exaggerations by disgruntled members.
SMC has received criticism for their sales model, but, again, these are largely exaggerated by members who were unsuccessful with the process.  Most of the former members who use the term “SMC scam” to describe the company’s business practices were simply unable or unwilling to devote the necessary time and effort to growing their business, or were under the impression that making money through sales is an easy practice.  SMC provides plenty of advice and suggestions to help their members reach new customers and increase their profits, including selling products to friends, family and co-workers, at flea markets and swap meets, or online.  No matter how a member chooses to sell SMC items, however, the key is that the business model requires the same level of dedication as any traditional money-making venture.  SMC products will not sell themselves.

To help its members establish an online presence for their business, SMC provides a start-up website at no cost for set-up.  This is a templated, duplicated site which offers limited customization, so the search engines and their spiders are not likely to rank them.  However, here is the point: members have to use some imagination and flair to advertise their websites and direct potential buyers to them, just as other businesses have to do.

Another issue about the SMC starter websites is that they are assumed to be free, and in fact the set-up of the site is free of charge with your membership.  However, the site carries a monthly hosting fee (as does any website from any provider).  Members should read the information about this when they order.

There are many SMC members who do well, but they tend to be entrepreneurial types who are willing to put forth some time and effort and do not expect “easy money”  with minimal input.  SMC provides the products to sell;ongoing support both online and via phone; proven marketing methods with step-by-step instructions; drop-shipping services at no extra charge; and beautiful catalogs available for its members.  Your responsibility, as a member, is to sell the merchandise any way you feel comfortable.

With the right attitude members can do very well working with SMC