ACN is called out as a pyramid scheme because of the fact that you recruit people. The definition of a pyramid scheme is "a form of investment (illegal in the US and elsewhere) in which each paying participant recruits two further participants, with returns being given to early participants using money contributed by later ones". ACN is NOT a pyramid scheme and is a fully-functioning business in the United States and worldwide. Since 1993, ACN has been providing products and services such as telephone service, tv service and most recently has jumped on board with Xoom Energy.
Bonuses are determined by customer acquisition and even greater bonuses can be gained by referring people to start up as an Independent Business Owner.
Mary Kay, has somewhat of the same setup - the more customers you get the more money you make. And, the more recruits you get...even MORE money you make.
There are people successful in ACN but it won't be easy. You'll want to make sure that you understand what goes into everything before you sign up. Just like owning a business, it's not easy but if you're determined enough you can see the returns.
If it wasn't legal, it wouldn't be functioning because it would be shut down. Also, when you sign up new customers, they provide charitable donations to Feeding Kids. If you want to learn more about ACN, check out this video here:
