As they prepare to go off to college and begin independent lives, many young women would do well to give some thought to self-defense.
20% of female respondents asked if they’ve ever been compelled to submit to sexual intercourse against their will said yes, according to research conducted by the “United States Centers for Disease Control” on 5,000 female students at over 100 universities.
The importance of these statistics is that it has a significant impact on why women should learn self-defense.
On top of rape, human trafficking has also been on the rise.
People (men, women, and children) are being kidnapped daily by the human trafficking industry.
Self-defense is becoming more and more important in today’s world.
But did you know that you can make money by selling self-defense products?
You most likely did, which is why you’re looking for Damsel in Defense reviews to see if they’re legitimate.
This Damsel in Defense review will examine the network marketing company more closely to determine whether it’s a legitimate business opportunity or a scam.
You’ll learn whether Network Marketing (MLM) is the right online business for you.
MLMs like Damsel in Defense are a bit of a mixed bag. They CAN be a legitimate way to make money, but some have a reputation for literally ruining people’s lives – so it’s important to know what you’re getting, since each one is unique.
Like most of my readers, you were probably introduced to this one via a friend or some influencer you trust online.
And it makes sense why so many people recommend them:
Making money outside of a 9-5 can be… life-changing, to say the least.
So in this article, I want to help you explore two things:
- If MLMs are actually a worthwhile business to pursue
- If Damsel in Defense is a worthwhile MLM
Before that, I want to clear the air on something.
There are A LOT of people out there who bash all MLMs in any form. However, I’m not one of those people.
Instead, I want to genuinely educate you about them so you can make an informed decision on how to proceed.
If you’re unfamiliar with what MLMs actually do:
They’re businesses in which you pay money to a company for the ability to sell their products.
Sometimes the products are actually kind of decent (I still remember my mom throwing Pampered Chef parties when I was younger).
Other times the products are really poorly made and come with a high price tag.
Typically, the only way to really make money is to get people (mostly friends & family) to sign up with you for a recurring subscription.
If the product is 100% legitimate & valuable, it’s entirely possible to get people to sign-up and continue paying you.
If the product is subpar, you’ll usually burn those bridges kinda quickly and end up with $0 coming in each month.
The biggest issue I’ve seen is that this puts significant stress on your personal relationships, as you’re reliant on selling to your “network.”
Think about it: if you KNEW that every time your friend Sally called, she’d be trying to sell you on one of her products… you’d eventually stop answering Sally’s calls.
Now, this doesn’t mean MLMs are outright bad… it means you need to know what type of MLM you’re getting yourself into before you sign up.
Again, some MLMs provide real value to people, but MOST don’t – and so in this article, I’m going to explore the case with Damsel in Defense.
But before that, I want to ask you a question: what if there was a way to build actual recurring, semi-passive income?
Income that:
- Doesn’t have inventory
- Doesn’t make you sell to your friends & family
- Doesn’t force you to recruit people onto your “team”
Something that you could make anywhere from $2,000 – $10,000 consistently, month after month?
A stream of income that you can build as high (or low) as you feel like building it?
If that sounds interesting, you might want to think about using the Digital Rental Method.
If you wanna see what Damsel in Defense looks like on the inside, keep reading.
What Is Damsel In Defense?
Damsel in Defense is an MLM business that sells self-defense tools and protection items (such as stun guns, pepper spray, and concealed carry handbags) to women via in-home product parties. In 2011, Damsel in Defense was founded by Mindy Lin and Bethany Hughes.
Damsel in Defense is one of the more unusual multi-level marketing companies I’ve come across. Not because of their business model but because they’ve combined direct sales with civilian-grade less-lethal weapons, a category of protection products designed to inflict temporary harm on another person without causing death or permanent injury.
These protection products have also been referred to as non-lethal weapons. Still, the term less-lethal appears to be gaining traction, especially when discussing military-grade versions used by police.
However, most would say that the possibility of a fatality exists when using these weapons. So calling them non-lethal is not very accurate.
Manufacturers prefer to use the more accurate term “less-lethal” because they don’t want to misrepresent their products, especially those intended to cause injury, even if temporary or minor, to others.
Over the next few years, this segment of the civilian self-defense industry is expected to reach $80 million in North America (Source: PRNewswire – June 10, 2016).
Damsel In Defense History: How It All Began
Two families run Damsel in Defense.
Mindy Lin (CMO) and Bethany Hughes (CSO) co-founded the network marketing company, which they operate with Jimmy Lin (CFO) and Chris Hughes (COO).
Their company aims to arm, empower, and educate women to defend themselves and their families.
Bethany and Mindy first met in 2010. With a background in self-defense products, Bethany suggested they sell them at swap meets to make some money.
Mindy’s direct-selling experience, on the other hand, quickly shifted the focus of swap meets to women’s living rooms, and Damsel in Defense was born in September 2011.
Bob Hipple serves as CEO of Damsel in Defense.
What Are The Products Of Damsel In Defense?
Products from Damsel in Defense include anything from shock guns to pepper spray to conceal-carry purses.
- Stun Guns
- Pepper Sprays
- Security On The Go
- Concealed Carry Purses
- RFID Protection
- SAFE Hearts Family Education
- Digital Defense
- Apparel
- Protect and Fortify Wellness
What Is Pepper Spray?
Pepper spray is a non-lethal weapon that may be sprayed in an attacker’s face to stop them in their tracks.
This condition affects the mucous membranes and causes rapid dilation of the capillaries in the eyes, resulting in temporary blindness.
The bronchial tube’s lining swells as well, making it difficult for the attacker to get extra oxygen.
The effects of a burst of spray can last up to 90 minutes and affect the eyes, throat, nose, and lungs.
Because pepper spray is an inflammatory substance, it can affect people who don’t feel pain, such as psychotics, drug addicts, or people who are inebriated.
Many mail carriers carry it because it’s effective against an attacking animal.
As newly developed neighborhoods encroach on rural land, causing conflicts between people and wildlife, this benefit has become more relevant.
Joggers who run on rural trails near their homes can also benefit from the spray.
Pepper spray contains the active ingredient oleoresin capsicum (OC), derived from hot cayenne peppers.
Sprays containing 2-10% OC incapacitate faster than those containing higher concentrations.
Some sprays also contain an indelible dye that can be used to identify the attacker.
Is Damsel In Defense A Legit MLM Or A Pyramid Scheme?
Legally speaking, they do not constitute a pyramid scheme.
This company is legal, and it offers guns for personal protection.
It’s a company structured on the principles of multi-level marketing.
It’s also a Direct Selling Association member.
DSA members are required to follow a strict code of ethics, so it’s quite impossible for a pyramid scheme to be accepted as a member.
Can You Make Money As A Salesperson With Damsel In Defense?
Yes, you can!
But…
There’s a lot that comes along with Network Marketing that many people struggle with.
In fact, check out these Top 5 Reasons Why Most Network Marketers Fail.
Now, don’t get the wrong idea…
It’s not impossible to make money with MLMs, but if you’re gonna put in the amount of grueling work to do this business (which, trust me, isn’t easy), you might as well bring in some REAL money while you’re learning the ropes.
The program that helped skyrocket many online business to over $40,000+ per month is so simple that making money really does become second nature.
Nevertheless, to give you a better knowledge of the company to be able to make an informed decision, let us discuss their compensation plan.
Damsel In Defense Compensation Plan
Damsel in Defense is a hybrid direct sales company and multi-level marketing (MLM) organization, so its compensation structure is complex. If you want to make money, you’ll need to hit personal sales goals and those for your team, group, and recruits.
Damsel in Defense uses a three-month average of your volume to determine eligibility and requires that at least half of your volume come from physical goods rather than digital ones.
Recruits earn 25% commission until they reach $1000 in accumulated volume, at which point they advance to the rank of Protege, where the commission rate jumps to 30%.
You earn the rank of Junior Mentor if you recruit another member and earn 30% commission on your own sales and 4% commission on their sales.
A $150 sales volume must be maintained over a three-month rolling period.
You join groups and teams as you progress, each with a volume requirement, and you earn commission on your first, second, and third-generation recruits.
We don’t blame you if this compensation plan makes your head spin. The majority of MLM plans are complicated.
MLM Review: How Much Does It Cost To Join Damsel In Defense?
You may become a member of Damsel and a distributor of Damsel in Defense goods in two ways.
Damsel in Defense offers the opportunity to become a professional distributor, as well as the chance to organize parties and receive hostess incentives and presents.
Party Hostesses
Party hostesses are expected to pay taxes and shipping on all items, and their rewards are based on the total sales at the event.
They receive a product discount and have access to a number of half-priced items.
However, the discount does not apply to half-priced items.
Independent Damsel Pro (Independent Distributor)
You must purchase the $99 starter kit to become an IDP (Independent Damsel Pro).
It includes business cards, hostess guides, invitations, receipts, and other Damsel in Defense-related items.
MLM Scam Review: Damsel In Defense Employee Reviews
Employee satisfaction is critical in order for employees to stay happy and perform at their best.
Employees who are satisfied with their job are extremely loyal to their employers and will stay with them even in the worst-case scenario.
They don’t work because they have to but because they want to take their company to the next level.
Employees must be enthusiastic about their job, which can only happen if they are happy with their job and the organization. Employee satisfaction contributes to a positive work environment.
I found 18 employee reviews for Damsel In Defense on the Indeed Facebook page.
Damsel received a 4.2 general average star rating out of a 5-star perfect rating for employee satisfaction.
Based on the 18 employee reviews:
5-star rating – given by 8 employees
4-star rating – given by 5 employees
3-star rating – given by 5 employees
2-star rating – given by 0 employees
1-star rating – given by 0 employees
Ratings by category:
4.4-star rating – Work/Life Balance
3.4-star rating – Compensation/Benefits
3.7-star rating – Job Security/Advancement
4.0-star rating – Management
4.1-star rating – Culture
Damsel In Defense Review: What Are The Customers Saying?
I only found 1 customer review on the internet for one Damsel In Defense product, Get A Grip Stun Guns.
The customer gave it a 1-star rating, saying it’s not dependable:
The issue with this stun gun is that it only works if the pin is inserted. Great idea: pin it in, then wrap it around your wrist so it doesn’t work if you take it away from you.
The issue is that the pin constantly falls out. So it doesn’t work when you need it.
You take it out if someone is approaching you, or in my case, a mountain lion, and you don’t have time to constantly be putting it back in.
This is my second model, and both of them have the same flaw. It’s not worth putting your life on the line.
- Leslie
Damsel In Defense Review: Pros And Cons
Pros:
Lifetime Warranty And Incident Replacement Policy
If you ever use or lose your product in self-defense and provide a police report, Damsel in Defense will replace it for free.
They Have a Very Appealing Cause
Damsel In Defense products may not be the best available, but selling a cause on top of selling a product is good. A woman no longer has to be a damsel in distress nowadays. Their products are a good tool for women’s power.
Reasonable Prices
Unlike some network marketing companies which sell products at double or even triple the price of their non-MLM competitors, Damsel In Defense prices are comparable to similar products and competitors.
Affordable Starter Kit
Starting out at Damsel in Defense is inexpensive, and you get a lot of bang for your buck when you buy the Starter Kit.
Damsel in Defense does not brag about lavish lifestyles or false freedom fantasies (at least not on the internet). These other network marketing companies rarely, if ever, deliver on their promises. Most believe that even a few hundred extra dollars or even a couple of thousand extra dollars per month in earnings from those business opportunities would be life-changing.
For their freedom and independence, people don’t need Ferraris and Yachts. A little can go a long way, and Damsel In Defense hasn’t fallen into that trap, at least not yet.
Cons:
No Income Disclosure Statement
Damsel in Defense, unfortunately, does not provide an income disclosure statement. This alone should raise some red flags.
Why aren’t they being as open about how much money you can make as other MLM companies?
It’s anyone’s guess how much money you’ll make in the end.
Plenty Of Recruiting
To earn more in Damsel in Defense, you’ll almost certainly need to recruit a large number of people into your downline in order to earn a percentage of their sales.
This entails throwing in-home parties and attempting to recruit new members to expand your network.
Are There Alternatives To Damsel In Defense?
Yes, there are plenty of other business models to choose from if you want to pursue this making money online. Here are just a few:
Is Damsel In Defense A Scam?
So, time for the $1,000,000 question: is Damsel in Defense a scam?
No, not technically. They aren’t going to run off with your money and not give you what you paid for. It’s 100% possible to make money with this program.
That being said, it’s not nearly as simple as they want you to think it is.
There’s A LOT of work to be done upfront, and no guarantee that you’ll be successful. The commissions are also fairly small.
Read Our In Depth Breakdown Of The Top 5 OppMLM Courses For 2024
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for doing hard work now, so that I can reap the benefits later.
But if you’re going to work really hard for 3 months, and your reward is a $100 check… it’s not really a great opportunity.
If I’m gonna do that, I want the rewards to be HIGH and virtually guaranteed.
I’d rather put in that same 3 months of work (in my spare time) & build a handful of Digital Rental Properties that each produce $500-$2,000 checks every single month afterward (AKA recurring income).
And the cool part is that you can do it in a lot less time than 3 months (I personally did it in my first 2 weeks of using the Digital Rental Method).
Unlike MLMs, you can do it from anywhere in the world, so it’s a genuine “laptop-lifestyle” business.
All you need is an internet connection.
Some of my friends are Digital Rental Method that run their 6-figure businesses from:
- Camping trips at national parks
- Beachfront in Hawaii
- On the road in a camper van (with a pet pig!)
They focus on living an enjoyable life first, and focus on income second. All thanks to this program.
They can take weeks or months off, and money keeps rolling in.
Living happily is the top priority.
If the thought of living perpetually at your dream vacation spot interests you, using the Digital Rental Method might be for you!
What Is My #1 Recommendation For Making Money Online In 2023?
I’ve personally tried all of the major online business models:
- I’ve sold fidget spinners through Amazon FBA
- I’ve drop-shipped a toilet bowl putting green on Shopify
- I’ve sold women’s health supplements via Clickbank affiliate marketing
And I made money with all of them, so trust me when I say: there is no “perfect” business model.
I’ve also been on the other side of old friends trying to sell me their fancy new MLM products.
That being said, my #1 recommendation for making real money online is, hands-down: being a Digital Landlord.
Whether you’re a complete newbie, or you’ve been around the block before but have never had that “big win” to propel you forward, using the Digital Rental Method is for you.
Why?
Time: If you’ve got a spare hour or two each day, you can do this. If you want to drop everything and go all in, you can do this. More time obviously means faster results, but even putting in a few hours per day is enough to see real success.
And because of that flexibility, you don’t need to trade your time for money. Once the income starts, it’s recurring.
That means you can take a month off, travel the country, pursue a passion project, chill on the beach, or charter a boat across the world.
But you can only do that once you’ve created an income stream that doesn’t require YOU to be there all day, every day.
Ownership & Control: With MLMs, you don’t really “own” anything – everything belongs to the MLM.
If you read the contracts, they can kick you out or change your commission at any time (it’s happened recently in a few high-profile MLM cases).
Why pour your soul into a business that could be taken away from you at the drop of a dime?
With the Digital Rental Method, you literally own all of the assets, which means you have ultimate control.
Big Margins: With MLMs, you’re often going to have really slim margins. That means you need to have a VERY large network to make serious money. This usually entails spending A LOT of money on ads and other methods for recruiting members.
using the Digital Rental Method, your profit margin is nearly 100%. Watch here to learn how.
Just a reminder: these Digital Rental Properties are worth (at a minimum) $500/mo in semi-passive income. And each time you create another one, your income increases, and the effort put into creating the next property decreases.
Best-case scenario, you have properties bringing in over $3,000+/mo on auto-pilot.
It’s Effectively Copy-Paste: Here’s my favorite part: once you have your first Digital Rental Property up, you can literally copy-paste another version of it and find another willing “renter” in a few days. DOUBLING your income doesn’t get much easier than that…
If you wanted to double your income with an MLM, you would need to sell twice as much inventory. And I can guarantee you, that’s a lot harder than a few clicks & a phone call.
You’re Helping REAL People: My biggest gripe with MLMs is that you’re likely going to ruin your personal relationships.
The MLM may have convinced you that you’re actually helping people, but it’s often not really true.
But With the Digital Rental Method, you’re helping solve REAL problems that people are ASKING for help with:
Small local businesses around the world need one thing: customers. Without them, their business would fall apart. If you can provide those customers, they’re going to be really happy – and they’re going to pay you for it.
You’re helping a struggling mother or father put food on the table for their families, put their kids through college, or simply live life a little bit more comfortably.
Having this type of impact on the world is what will help you sleep soundly at night.
So, the rest is up to you. You could keep looking at other MLM programs like Damsel in Defense, which might make you money 12 months from now.
You could keep researching and researching for the next few months (or few years), never making a concrete decision.
OR, you can look deep inside, think about those dreams, hopes, & desires, and make the decision to ACTUALLY make it happen, just like it has for thousands of other students before you.
Making a fortune while actually helping real people that need it.
If this sounds like you, click here to see how it all works.
