Asian direct selling giant QNET comes to Europe

JR Mayer, QNET Managing Director and Joachim K Steffen, QI Director for Research & Development

 

Dr. Vijay Eswaran, founder of the international network marketing company QNET and according to Forbes one of the 25 richest people in Malaysia, came to Frankfurt with his German-speaking management -- JR Mayer, Bernhard Mayer, Joachim Steffen and Sheena Flannery -- to present the official start of QNET in Europe to 400 top networking leaders.

Network Karriere editor Bernd Seitz said: “Dr. Eswaran has an impressive charisma. He speaks humbly about the build-up of his international conglomerate and everyone can feel the love and passion for the international marketing business that he built with success 15 years ago. With 6.3 billion dollars in revenue over the last 15 years, QNET is one of Asia’s main network marketing companies.

In Europe QNET is almost unknown. But that is about to change quickly. “We are an open and communicative company and provide information to whoever requests it,” says Managing Director JR Mayer, a true Pforzheimer who has lived in Asia and worked with QNET for over 12 years.

NK: Mr Mayer, apart from Europe and the US, QNET is successful all over the world. Now QNET is officially entering the European market. Can you build a successful network in Europe in exactly the same way as in Asia?

JRM: Of course not. The differences are already evident when you look at the distributors: in some Asian countries, approximately one-fourth of the population is working in network marketing. With an average salary of 30 euros a week, the people have to and want to earn additional income. Network marketing is seen as a prestigious undertaking that is supported by governments. Our distributors earn a regular additional income that helps alleviate their country’s poverty. And it doesn’t cost these governments anything: on the contrary, this additional income is subject to taxes.

In Europe it’s different. The distributors have buying power themselves, which makes them interested in, and interesting for, network marketing. With our wide range of products, distributors are bound to find a client in every household, and through our hybrid compensation plan distributors can earn a solid income and make nearly 50-percent commissions. The product portfolio will be adapted to the desires of European customers; a lot of it is already produced in Europe, our cosmetics line, for example. In addition to the quality and innovation of these products, the “made in Europe label” means we do not require separate registration for the European Market, and logistics are faster and easier.

However what we bring with us from Asia, and what we would like to maintain is our culture of giving a heartfelt hug to our IRs when we meet them.

NK: QNET has a wide range of product lines, starting with energy, weight management, nutrition, personal care, water filters, luxury watches and jewelry, holiday packages, and e-learning. Can an IR actually present all these products to a customer?

JRM: Of course our distributors may choose to offer every product line, but they don’t have to. Most of them specialise on one or more product groups that they prefer and enjoy selling. QNET supports our distributors with professional development, tours and product training, networking seminars, business education and other events and exhibitions around the world. QNET focuses on a face-to-face strategy and emphasises the concept of service; at the same time we connect people to the global online community. Product delivery and customised, personalised services are the heart and soul of our e-commerce platform and network.

NK: Will QNET have an office in Europe?

JRM: Definitely. Such a huge and important market cannot be managed from thousands of kilometers away. We are establishing a presence here. The general manager for Europe, Rudi Neidhardt, has already started working with us. More country managers and regional directors will follow. The goal is that our future distributors will be in close proximity to the company.

NK: And now to Joachim Steffen, who is Director of Research and Development and responsible for QNET Holiday Packages. QVI represents a new concept in the international tourist industry, where there is no longer a need for cash while on vacation. Holidays without cash? Will that really work?

JKS: Well, totally without cash is not possible of course, but we approach the holiday experience from a different angle. Our clients think about how much they would be willing to pay for their holiday or weekend getaway. For that amount they buy QVI points, which gives them privileged access to a QVI website with fantastic discounts, services and special offers. The choice is almost endless, with more than 140,000 luxurious holiday possibilities in hotels, resorts, apartments and villas. They also have access to 6,500 cruises in 30 regions and thousands of excursions and activities. You can rent a car, buy theme park tickets, etc. We even own some luxurious hotels ourselves, for example in Antalya, Turkey, or Koh Samui, Thailand, and other countries. These hotels can be booked under special terms, and we have more control over quality because we own the properties.

NK: QNET is also strongly involved in the Formula 1 and is also involved in other sports.

JKS: Yes, we are very proud of our engagement with sports. Our sponsorships are intended mainly to support sports in general, and at the same time bring our clients closer to what QNET does. Sometimes we get the chance to bring our most active distributors to professional sporting events to thank them for their passion and drive.

NK: QNET is known as a very socially engaged company that helps people all over the world through the RYTHM  foundation. QNET founder Dr. Vijay Eswaran, explains the RYTHM foundation stands for a sustainable future. Can you elaborate?

Bernhard Mayer: Our projects and initiatives under the RYTHM foundation are focused on four main areas.

1. Education. Children are vulnerable and need the best protection. Education frees them from the grip of poverty and enables them to be responsible and independent citizens.

2. Community development. We support needy communities around the world by giving them necessary resources to improve their quality of life.

3. Arts and culture. We promote the participation of local people to preserve their natural and cultural heritage: these are irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.

4. Environment. To preserve and protect the Earth and its natural resources we only sell environmentally friendly products. Our care for the environment is not just a part of our company culture; it’s the legacy that we leave our future generations.

NK: With so much social engagement, we feel the need to end with a quote from Dr. Vijay Eswaran’s book, In the Sphere of Silence: “Improve yourself as human being and the world will improve with you.” 

Note: Original article in German was published in the trade magazine "Network - Karriere".