Is Tupperware a Pyramid Scheme Or a Life-Changing Program?

is tupperware a pyramid scheme
Tupperware Homepage

Tupperware earns billions of dollars every year in revenue. They have millions of salespeople/distributors all around the world. The company has been around already for ~70 years. Still, many people ask on Google, “Is Tupperware a Pyramid Scheme?”

That’s a reasonable question because their system uses a pyramid form. Those who are on the top (less than 1% of all members) make the most money while most of the people spend more money on this program than they will ever earn.


Is Tupperware a Scam? – Video Review

Before we dive deeper into the article I would like to show you the video review where I answer your questions about Tupperware. I explain why I am not part of Tupperware even though their products are great. In the end of the video I show how you can make money with Tupperware. Enjoy!


Tupperware is one of the most popular network marketing companies in my hometown and even my mother has been involved in the system. I know also some other people who joined this opportunity but I haven’t done it myself.

In this review, I’ll explain why I didn’t join Tupperware and help you to evaluate whether it’s the right program for you or not. Are you ready? Let’s go!

Tupperware Review


Name: Tupperware

Founded: In 1948 by Earl Tupper

Type & Industry: Network Marketing System. Kitchen Industry.

Short Review: Tupperware has high-quality products and a 70-years of experience in the industry. We can honestly say they are one of the industry leaders in what they are doing. However, the other question is whether their program is the right business opportunity for you.

If you love their products, you have a hardworking character and you are persistent, this program may be the right opportunity for you. On the other hand, if you belong to the category of 99% people who fail in Tupperware business, then it’s not worth joining.

I recommend taking a look at my #1 recommended work from home opportunity. You can use that system to promote Tupperware or any other products. I don’t belong to Tupperware but that training has taught how I can make money online even while I’m sleeping.


is tupperware a pyramid scheme
A screenshot from Tupperware homepage gives you already an idea how you could use their products.

What Is Tupperware?

Tupperware is one of the oldest network marketing companies in the world. It was founded already 7 decades ago and now the business has spread all over the world.

Their products are very targeted for a specific niche (market) and they are mostly selling kitchen equipment, plastic containers, and blows. They have become famous for providing so-called “life-time-guarantee”. It means that Tupperware products should never break.

Tupperware wants to brand themselves as a high-quality brand that offers much better than supermarket products. That also explains why their prices are 2-5 times higher than similar products on Walmart or Amazon. You probably also know that usually network marketing systems just have more expensive products. That’s one typical characteristic of the system. I have reviewed almost 100 MLM-systems and there are only a few exceptions to this rule.

What do you think about systems like Amway, Mary Kay, Perfectly Posh, etc? Don’t they have quite expensive products, huh? At least Tupperware is quite unique because I don’t know many other MLM-programs that would solely concentrate on kitchen industry.

Let’s take a quick look at their products. Are they really worth the price?

Tupperware Products – Expensive but High Quality

 

is tupperware a pyramid scheme
Tupperware Top Sellers

You can quickly notice that prices are higher than in Walmart or another supermarket. You wouldn’t pay $12 for one round container for a normal product. Actually, I just checked on Amazon and realized that you can get 50 round containers for $12.

Anyway, this kind of kitchen stuff usually lasts forever so people don’t care to spend a few extra bucks. That’s probably one reason why Tupperware is doing so well. If you would sell a product that doesn’t last long for $40 while the counterpart costs $20, many people wouldn’t be so interested in buying.

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But when you say, “Here’s a Tupperware set. It will last for your whole life. It’s high quality. Do you still want to buy that cheap alternative from Walmart?”

However, around 80% of Tupperware products cost less than $50 in their online store. It means that you need to sell a big volume if you want to be successful or recruit a huge downline. That’s my sincere advice is that you must use and like Tupperware products before you consider joining the program. What’s would be the point of promoting something that you don’t like?

How to Make Money with Tupperware?

First of all, you need to join their program and buy a starting kit. Starting out costs $79-119 depending on which starter kit you want to buy. You’ll get a few of their products when you join. Here’s an example:

is tupperware a pyramid scheme
Tupperware Starter Kit

Then you are ready to get started. You can start selling their products right away. You don’t need to have an inventory of their products. You can just show the catalog to prospects and they can choose which products they want to buy. Then you bring them the products.

Another option (my #1 recommendation) is to sell online when you can reach hundreds, thousands or even millions people through your blog or a social media. This step-by-step training will teach you everything you need to know about reaching people online. I use it myself and reach tens of thousands of people regularly even without meeting them in person. I am not part of Tupperware but you can use same methods to promote Tupperware as well.

Because Tupperware is a network marketing company, you’ll also earn money for recruiting new members into the system. If you really want to make big money with Tupperware or any network marketing company you need to be ready to recruit tons of people. Otherwise earning big money is only a dream.

How Much Money Can You Make with Tupperware?

This short video 2-minute video explains how much commissions you could earn by selling Tupperware products. Notice that it’s a promotional and the lady wants you to join their program. Anyway, it’s still quite informative and simple.

The lady gives an important point. The success with Tupperware eventually depends on you. The more you sell and recruit, the more you will earn. Some people are able to make even millions with this kind of systems. On the other hand, it’s important to remember that +95% of members usually spend more on a starter kit and products than they ever earn in the program.

Tupperware Income Disclosure Statement

Have a look at real earnings of Tupperware consultants in Canada:

is tupperware a pyramid scheme
Notice that very few people earn any money with the system.

Above you can see Tupperware income disclosure statement for 2016  in Canada. It shows quite brutal statistics. Tens of thousands of people don’t earn almost anything. Less than 1% of members make any significant money.

So yes, you can make money with Tupperware like you earn with any other MLM-business. The failure and success depend on you. If you love Tupperware products, you have a hardworking and persistent character you can make a fortune. If you are like most people, you will probably spend more time and money on the products and system than you earn.

My mother bought the starter kit. Made some sales to earn the money back and then quit the program. Her hourly earnings weren’t anything significant with the system. That’s how it goes with any this kind of system. You need to work months and even years until you are getting paid well. It, of course, requires that you have worked hard during those years.

Is Tupperware a Pyramid Scheme?

If only a few people on the top are making big money and the company has a pyramid form, is it a pyramid scheme? Not always. Tupperware provides high-quality products and they don’t solely rely on recruiting. That’s why it can’t be considered as an illegal pyramid scheme.

A pyramid scheme is a system where almost all of your earnings depend on recruiting. In that kind of systems, products don’t have real value and they are just created to hide the pyramid scam.

I’ve heard people accusing Tupperware a pyramid scheme. Some people even said that affiliate marketing is a pyramid scheme (lol!). It only proves that those people haven’t really understood what is a difference between a legal MLM and an illegal pyramid scheme.

Tupperware is much better than most MLM-programs. Otherwise, they couldn’t have lasted for 70 years.

Conclusion – Is Tupperware Worth It?

Even though Tupperware isn’t a pyramid scheme the more important question is whether the system is worth joining or not. Facts and my experience clearly show that most people don’t earn almost any money with the program. Do you belong to that 1% who earn good money with Tupperware?

You need to answer that question yourself. I know that I could succeed with Tupperware but I have other projects at the moment so I need to focus on something and not to spread myself in 10 directions.

Another reason why I don’t join is that I am not a big fan of MLM-programs. I prefer buying the products that have the best price/quality ratio. Tupperware and other MLM-systems have quite a lot of “air” at their prices. Of course, you make more profit as a distributor when prices are expensive but do you provide the best price/quality ratio for your customer?

Anyway, if you have read this far I believe you are interested in making money from home. I have reviewed more than 300 work from home opportunities and Wealthy Affiliate is my #1 recommendation. They offer a step-by-step training that teaches you to earn money even while you are sleeping.

It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. As I mentioned before, making money requires work and persistence. Still, Wealthy Affiliate provides all tools you need to become successful: Training, community, tools, support and my 1-on-1 mentoring (a bonus for my website readers).

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What is your experience with Tupperware and other MLM-products?

Would you like to learn how make sales online even while you are sleeping?

Let me know in the comments below! 🙂

By Roope Kiuttu

Hello! I am Roope "Robert" Kiuttu, the founder and owner of YourOnlineRevenue.com. I created this website back in 2015 to help you to make money online. You can ask me anything and I'll be happy to help you out. I help people daily to make more money online and I love seeing people succeeding. If you want to get my 1-on-1 support and help to make money online as well, get started HERE.

34 comments

  1. Tupperware makes it’s own trademark as quality product satisfaction. My mother is a big fan of Tupperware. 70 years is not a joke. They worked hard to establish and known about their product. On the other hand, recruiting is sort of problem where people doesn’t really like it. People doesn’t mind about paying more with the same size, looks in cheaper price but QUALITY makes a lot difference.

  2. I wouldn’t be interested in working with Tupperware either. I wonder how difficult is it to climb to management and upper management at Tupperware. They cant make it easy and amicable.

    The whole process definitely weeds certain people out but I’m truly interested in the stories of upper management and their process to make it to the top, unfiltered. It’s basically the kitchen version of Avon and Mary Kay… or the other way around.

    1. That’s true. It’s interesting to listen to their success stories unfiltered. Sometimes they are quite sugarcoated and they don’t tell the whole story. But sometimes they may tell also about the struggle and years of hard work and discipline to reach the top of the pyramid.

  3. From all observation, it’s very obvious that Tupperware is a networking company with history and legacy. To having being in business dealings and transactions for the last 70 years is not something that comes easy. Tupperware have outlived several people in the world and is still functioning very well, I see that as a very good reason to enter into business with them. 7 decades is not 7 days.

    1. True! They have done good business for 7 decades. Many companies get wiped out of the business at some points because they become comfortable after reaching some success. Tupperware has kept on going year after year. They’ve been very consistent.

  4. Thank you Roope for this interesting article! It is nice to read some facts about Tupperware. I have been mostly just arranging the Tupperware evenings and visiting my friends at Tupperware parties. When my kids were young it was nice opportunity to see friends in those happenings: cosy way to get some new tips to kitchen and also opportunity to buy very expensive, but high quality items.

    I tried myself to sell Tupperware too, but only so that I earn my starting bag. Then I also had oppornity to buy container a little bit cheaper. Items are very expensive even with discount. The guaratee works (guite) well. If you use your container as you has told and it still gets broken-you get a new back. For example I got a plastic sport drinking bottle for many years. It got broken. So I get a new one, newer model. In this case it was worth to buy it.

    I don’t see myself as a seller of Tupperware, only user. Homeparties are evenings and weekends. I have quite a lot of Tupperware at home and I use those almost daily. Some containers also from my mother are still in use 🙂

    If you like to work with usually women and among hosekeeping, cooking things you can try Tupperware, but if you want to earn money and still have a time for yourself try someting else 😉

    1. Wow, Thank you for the detailed comment on Tupperware Eija! 🙂

      Great to hear that they gave you another one when their former product broke. That’s a good service from Tupperware. It’s also interesting that you are still using some products that your mother used. It tells that their products are extremely strong.

      In my opinion, Tupperware is one of the best MLM-programs. Hardworking people can make good money with the system and even achieve a financial freedom. However, it doesn’t happen overnight and it’s good to keep in mind that 95-97% of distributors fail to achieve it. You need to have exceptional and outwork the rest to make it.

      Nowadays probably the most effective strategy to market Tupperware products would be through the Internet because it allows to reach hundreds and even thousands of new prospects every day.

  5. Although there is a lot of incentive directed at consultants to venture out and recruit more consultants and generate income from them, I still wouldn’t think about this a pyramid plan.

    Tupperware does drive consultants to make revenue to everyone without hiring people. They provide the commission bonus deals if you sell a certain value of products monthly which pushes consultants to make revenue.

    So although consultants can generate income by recruiting other consultants which often does business lead to deceptive recruitment techniques, this just isn’t a pyramid structure. Because you can generate income this way doesn’t soon add up to it being one.

    And I assume the FTC will abide by this opinion because the corporation ‘s been around forever and they’re still running a business.

    One thing I would like to know however is if consultants generate income from the initial recruitment. Since when you interact you have to buy a business package (which range from $79.99-$119.99). And I’d like to learn if consultants generate income from these packages that can be purchased. Because if indeed they do that would boost the incentive to recruit and get this to whole thing slim a bit more toward the pyramid side.

    1. Yes, as far as I know you earn money right away when recruiting new people. In every MLM there is a big focus on recruiting new people and they give you incentives to do that.

      It doesn’t make it an illegal pyramid scheme but that’s just how network marketing works.

      1. Actually, we earn nothing on the sale of a starter kit. The only thing we earn is a recognition prizes depending on if you make the recruitment objective for that month. They tend to be exclusive items that we can’t buy in the catalog like Tupperware tshirts, tablecloths, grab bags worth x amount of dollars in new products coming out or older products that are being discontinued. Just as there are incentive bonuses to move up the ranks and make more personal sales like qualifying for trips or paid excursions over a certain period of time. These incentives are what most who want to advance aim for and work hard to achieve. The regular consultant who does it part time/ on the side usually has the objective to get quality products for personal use and to be kept in the loop for the monthly discounts and specials as a way to equipe ourselves with products cheaper than retail. Over the years( 2 years for myself), I’ve seen the company motto change and going forward with the changing times. Promoting sustainability, making new products out of recycled plastics…etc.
        But I do agree with you that it takes a lot of time and dedication to make any serious money or you luck out and recruit a few fantastic people who help grow your team. Most of the top are a combo of the two, 80% hard work, 20% lucky in recruiting the right people who will also work hard at advancing.

  6. I remember I join tupperware as a sales representative back in my college years. Well it was not voluntary since our prof in one of our business class subject urge us to join even in just in one semester for addtional grades in his subject.

    So here we are selling tupperware brands mainly to my family members first and yes it is quite hard to sell it since the prices are well not affordable but the quality is best as I can say it is indeed best. But just as you have said the lower your level in that company the lesser you earn. While our manager sit like a pro in his office in tupperware tower.

    1. Wow, that sounds like an interesting story. It sounds a bit strange that the professors wants his students to join to his downline so he makes more money. He for sure makes good money but I’m wondering how the college allows him to do that.

  7. Now that you mentioned it I guess this would have to be one of the first instances of MLM businesses ever, wouldn’t it?

    I guess they are at least a well-known brand with a lot of weight, but I think these days when there are so many other MLM businesses that you could choose, this might not be the most profitable anymore, especially when you consider that people rarely buy these products from individuals nowadays and probably just either ship them from Amazon or buy it from a big store like Walmart.

    1. You are right. Tupperware is one of the oldest MLM-systems out there. There are only a few older ones like Avon, for example.

      One strategy to sell Tupperware products would be to buy lots of them and resell on platforms like Amazon or eBay. However, I think it’s not the best business model out there.

  8. I remember back when I was kid, most of kitchen stuffs are of Tupperware brand because I can still recall my mom telling my dad that though it is quite a bit expensive than the usual stuff we can buy at the mall, they of better quality, which of course we have proven to be true since we can still use those up to now even after so many years. The quality of the products, for me, is unquestionable but the probability of a member actually gaining high income is.

    1. That’s an interesting story! It feels that Tupperware has really dominated their industry all around the world. It’s inspiring how one company has such an influence for millions of people everywhere in the globe. Imagine that all of it started just from an idea of people who founded it.

      It inspires me to think that anything is possible and even one man can make a huge positive impact on this world with his life.

      1. It truly inspires me how big business nowadays started from scratch too. I guess nothing really is impossible if people just keep on pushing for their dreams and drive themselves to have better and more innovative ideas. Who would’ve though that Apple and Facebook would be as big as they are now back then? These are really special kinds of people to have these ideas and the courage to fight its fruition.

  9. Tupperware is a classic brand that is also timeless and high quality. I personally believe the prices are fair. The amount of work the consultants go through to make a sale or to refer another under them, can be tough.

    We have to factor QUALITY of the product and the knowing that the mixing bowl we just bought can be used for your babies 2 year birthday party this year and for his 18th birthday again in 16 years. I would much rather pay $30 today for one bowl I’ll have forever than to spend $100 on multiple bowls over my lifetime.

    1. Hi Dawn,

      that’s completely true. For a person like myself who keeps on traveling all around some cheap alternatives are better but I can completely agree that Tupperware products are great. I just think that there is always that little “MLM-extra” in the prices 😉

  10. I had no idea they work as an MLM! I think that everybody has heard about the company and it is a company you can trust for sure. MLM marketing isn’t for everyone but if you want to work like that you’d better choose a company that is known for good quality. I don’t know if people can buy many Tupperware products though, it seems to me like one family may buy one or two containers, why would anyone buy more?

    1. When I was younger I didn’t either realize that Tuppeware is an MLM. I didn’t even really understand what MLM really is. It was always like some kind of a mystery. But during the last years afterwards I’ve got to know so many of them.

      You are right that Tupperware is extremely popular in many countries and almost everyone has heard about them. I think we can say that they have dominated their industry.

      Yes, a family most likely doesn’t buy so many containers. However, they have also many other kitchen products. Also, some families want to buy many containers to use them for different purposes: picnics, put berries in the freezer, prepare meals for several days in advance in boxes, etc.

  11. Once again, like some of the other similar sites, their products are priced way too high and that is a problem for us because people will just not want to buy these from us. $12 for a round plastic container is just ludicrous. You can probably find one that is even better than that for $1-$4. The fact that they do not offer anything special for that $12 either is just a joke really.

    1. Yes, Tupperware products are expensive. Still, I know many people who have bought them. Actually, we have their products still at our home. My mom bought some Tupperware products already 30 years ago and they are still working well. I think they were worth the price 😉

      But yeah, I also prefer buying usually cheaper alternatives. Especially now when I’m moving around. I need to get rid of the extra stuff because I want to fit all my belongings to my luggage.

    2. This has lots of similarities that reviewed here about selling products and all are too much expensive which is not a friendly for those who are about to join. Those people who can afford buying their products are rich people only. Can i ask Mr. Roope if how far did your mother been in this business? Does this helped changing the way of her living? Is she still selling their products? Well their experience of service and long time career period is really inspiring and captivating.

      1. Hi Jemuel,

        I think I mentioned in the text that my mother quit after she has earned the money back from buying the starter kit. So, she didn’t stick with it very long. She has first-hand experience with a few MLM-programs but has never been involved with them for a longer time. Some of her friends have been more enthusiastic about MLMs.

        There are so many MLM-programs that target women so I think they are more popular among women than among men. It would be interesting to see some statistic how many MLM representatives are men and how many of them are women in a larger scale.

        1. Glad to hear Mr. Roope that your mother got her money back. I can now imagine how difficult it is to try the MLM programs. Those only are for people who have time to spend that program longer and nothing to do aside from that what i mean is focused to selling of products and no one could bother them.

          1. She made the money back by selling enough products.

            I think that MLM-programs have gotten easier now because of the Internet. You can generate a huge amount of leads by leveraging social medias or search engines. However, for people who don’t use the Internet for marketing, these programs must be very challenging.

  12. One thing is that, with your review that I read, Tupperware can really pay, but the question is when will one earn that high? So, I think the business is not for people looking for ways they can start making money immediately for this is definitely going to take time to reach the top.

    1. Yeah, reaching the top takes lots of work and time. You must work most likely a few years to reach the top. I think the best way to try MLM is when you still have a full-time job. Then you could see how it will work out before going all in.

      On the other hand, it’s kinda challenging to see the full potential without going all in with a business. Succeeding in any business requires tons of commitment.

  13. Wow! Tupperware is a good company. They gives us services for almost 70 years and counting. But I don’t also like MLM. I want to earn online in different ways. It is hard for me if an online paying job focuses more on recruiting. And I am not good at recruiting. Maybe I should try to work on myself. I hope I can find an online job that suits my interest and ready to pay if I’m going to work with them.

    1. Yeah, with MLM-programs you need to recruit new members if you want to be successful. That’s why many people don’t like them so much.

      Have you already signed up to Wealthy Affiliate? You can earn money by doing things you enjoy. You can choose your interest and earn money with that. I recommend checking it out. 🙂

      I provide also 1-on-1 support and mentoring for all my website readers who sign up Wealthy Affiliate for free through my website.

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