First Vita Plus

We are not privy to whether FVP applied or didn’t apply. All we can clearly see is that FVP is not listed as a member of the DSAP.

Please note that there are other network marketing companies which claim they are members of the DSAP, yet are not listed in the online directory of the DSAP.

Kindly review the companies listed in the DSAP directory, and get feedback from those who have joined those companies to give you a better idea of how exactly a DSAP membership strengthens an MLM company’s position.

Is the DSAP a government body?

Let’s see what the DSAP says in their “About Us” page:

The Direct Selling Association of the Philippines started in the late 1970’s with only 7 companies composed of Encyclopedia Brittanica Phils., Grolier International, Inc., Felta Book Sales, Mondragon Industries, Time Life Books, Avon Cosmetics, Inc., and Phoenix Educational Systems, Inc.

In 1983, it was officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Among the incorporators were Consolacion Rogacion, Jose Mari Franco, Jose Antonio Gonzales, Delfin Campos Jr., Emmanuel Sibal, Felicito Abiva, and Macario Borromeo.

…

Currently, the DSAP has a total membership base of 26 companies with more than 2 million direct sellers and network marketers nationwide. The associations (sic) main thrust at present is to create more awareness about the endless opportunities present in the industry, promote entrepreneurship, and enhance the image of direct selling.

From the DSAP website we can read that they’re not calling themselves a government body, and neither are they confirming the legality of MLM companies.

We also read the following in the DSAP website:

In the early 90s, DSAP established a close working relationship with the Department of Trade and Industry. It has participated in the deliberation and hearings for the Consumer Code, assisted in the drafting of the Administrative Order No. 8 regarding pyramiding, organized the Tri-sectoral Conference and Asia Paciifc Economic Cooperation Consumer Education and Protection Initiative (APEC-CEPI) together with the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) and World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA), offered support by reviewing and evaluating the compensation plans of other direct selling companies, and carried out the joint Anti-pyramiding Education Campaign.

What does it take to become a member of the DSAP?

The requirements of Ordinary membership are as follows:

(a.)That the applicant has a capitalization of not less than P2,500,000 or that the Annual Sales Volume is not less than P10,000,000.

(b.)That the applicant has been established in the Philippines or elsewhere for a period of not less than one year.

(c.)That the merchandise or service distributed by the applicant is of merchantable quality.

(d.)That the applicant is involved in ethical sales practices.

(e.)To abide by the Constitution and Code of Ethics.

Notwithstanding the above, any member shall have the right to object to the admission of any applicant for membership with the Association on the ground(s) that the applicant, though complying with the requirements set forth, can produce additional reasons and/or evidence to substantiate that the admission of the applicant may be contrary to the furtherance of the objectives of the Association.

The requirements of Associate membership are as follows:

(a.)That the applicant has a capitalization of not less than P250,000 or that the Annual Sales Volume is not less than P2,500,000.

(b.)That the applicant has been established in the Philippines or elsewhere for a period of not less than one year.

(c.)That the merchandise or service distributed by the applicant is of merchantable quality.

(d.)That the applicant is involved in ethical sales practices.

(e.)To abide by the Constitution and Code of Ethics.

Notwithstanding the above, any member shall have the right to object to admission of any applicant for membership with the Association on the ground(s) that the applicant, though complying with requirements as set forth, can produce additional reasons and/or evidence to substantiate that the admission of the applicant may be contrary to the furtherance of the objectives of the Association.

REQUIREMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED TOGETHER WITH THE APPLICATION FORM

I. Articles of Incorporation/ Memorandum of Association
II. Audited Statement of Accounts for the past 2 years
III. Details of Directors of Company
IV. Sales and Marketing Plans/Compensation Plans/Sales Contract
V. Dealer/Distributor/Salesman Agreement(s)/Contract(s)
VI. List of Products, Product Description, Warranty/Guarantee Cards, Catalogs, etc.
VII. Organizational Chart of your sales force
VIII. ONE set only-Starter Kit, inclusive of contents (if any)

We hope the above helps present a clearer understanding of what a DSAP membership means.

If FVP were a non-legal company, shouldn’t it have been shutdown by now? Especially given the fact that so many people talk about First Vita Plus on the internet.

It’s not exactly a low profile company, and since it is easy for people to run to Media or to blog about any fraudulent experiences with any company, how can we automatically assume that non-members of DSAP are illegal?

Jack, if FVP gets listed in the DSAP Membership Directory, will you join FVP?