One of Asia's leading direct selling companies has rubbished allegations of
business and financial misconduct, and reiterated that its operations in India are being conducted through an e-commerce platform in a completely transparent manner.
A spokesman for
QNET India, Ajay Chanam, said that while nothing could be done about the allegations and speculations in circulation, he could certainly clarify misconceptions surrounding the company's operations.
Emphatically emphasizing that QNET is not a money-laundering scheme, Chanam said: "We cannot control the allegations, but, we can tell you the truth."
"QNET operates through audited accounts with clear traceable history of the origin of money. It does not accept cash payment for purchase of products, and neither makes any cash payments to anyone, be it vendors or distributors," Chanam added.
QNET operates through third-party payment gateways or banking instruments such as a cheque or demand draft, he further said during his interview-cum-interaction.
The QNET India spokesman also said there was nothing fraudulent about pursuing multi-level-marketing schemes in a transparent manner, and added that what attracts illegality is rather using such schemes for activities that are banned as defined under the PCMCS (banning) Act 1978.
Chanam rubbished the view that the business model of QNET was actually an "Endless Chain" to snare new distributors.
"This is not true and very easily verifiable by anyone. In endless chains, people receive commission for recruiting other people in the chain, whereas QNET pays commissions only on the sale of its products," he said.
"Everyone has an equal opportunity to earn, and therefore, this is a sustainable business model. QNET's hybrid compensation plan is accepted globally as legitimate, and there is no question of deceiving anyone or anybody's trust," he added.
Chanam said that when developed countries like Singapore and Malaysia have accepted the QNET business model without reservations, he saw no reason why the same operation could not establish a presence in India.
"All products promoted through the company's e-commerce platform carry relevant information on product features and specifications as directed by statutory bodies and practiced in the market for that product segment. QNET publishes a strict code-of-conduct for this business. Unethical practices whenever reported are resolved swiftly. Punitive action is taken if the situation so merits," he said.
Chanam further stated that to describe Bio-Disc, a glass and plastic wellness product, as a sham item, is tragic.
He said QNET has never promoted Bio Disc as a medicine or a cure for any disease, including cancer, but rather promoted it as a harmonised energy and wellness product, and added that it is the consumers prerogative to share their personal or unique experiences in using Bio-Disc.
"Each BioDisc is made of high quality glass and technically engineered with natural minerals, structurally bonded at a molecular level using high heat fusion technology," Chanam said.
On QNET's educational courses, he said they are only for personality and knowledge development, and not certificate courses linked to an academic degree or a diploma.
Chanam said it was preposterous to charge QNET of emotionally blackmailing to sign up new distributors.
"QNET does not advocate or promote use of any coercive tactics to sign-up new distributors," he firmly said
"It is a lucrative opportunity to own a businesses, network with like-minded entrepreneurs and collaborate with one of the fastest growing direct selling companies in Asia," he added.
"In a large, geographically and culturally disparate network of entrepreneurs, one naturally expects some bad apples. No one can portray these few occurrences as indicative of what the entire company and its distributor network stand for collectively," he said.
Chanam said Vihaan and Transview were not front companies of QNET, but actually independent entities.
He said Transview Enterprise (India) Pvt. Ltd. is a fully owned subsidiary of Transview Singapore Pte. Ltd. - an FDI company and Vihaan Direct Selling is an Indian company with Indian directors and shareholders.
"Perhaps this confusion stems from the fact that up to March 31, 2013, QNET operated through a master franchisee arrangement with Transview. Vihaan was only a sub-franchisee of Transview, and was responsible for managing the networking business viz., product delivery, customer support, commissions' payment; network database management etc. Transview handled imports, product development, marketing and Brand communications. However, starting April 2013, Vihaan entered into a direct contract with QNET (Hong Kong) for managing the networking business for QNET in India while Transview continued as an independent importer and exporter of products while sustaining its role in product development and marketing. It is currently only a "supplier" to Vihaan," he concluded.
