The direct sales firm is bringing salespeople here as a reward. The trip is expected to generate a $10-million infusion into the local economy. The buses full of Chinese tourists started moving through Southern California last weekend, heading to Disneyland and outlet malls in convoys of as many as 100 at a time.
Behind this economic boon is the direct-selling company Amway, which has a sales force of 3 million people in 80 countries and territories around the world.
China is now its biggest market, with 200,000 "independent business owners" selling its products door to door and recruiting other salespeople.
Amway, Michigan-based firm, had a rocky start in China, where it set up shop in 1995. In 1998, the Chinese government banned direct sales, calling the business model an illegal pyramid scheme. The company turned things around by opening retail stores and hiring some employees. Its Chinese sales soared. (Source: Los Angeles Times, Jun 1. 2010).