Is QNET Legal in India?
QNET is a global e-commerce company & a subsidiary of Qi Group of Companies. QNET is a part of the Network Marketing Industry, which is 75 years old & $170 billion industry. The company has operations in over 30 plus countries, as per its official website and offices in Indonesia, Malaysia, Honk Kong, Philippines, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, and Rwanda with franchise companies in India, Singapore, and Turkey.
QNET deals with high-quality products such as air purifiers, personal care, health care etc. and is known for its variety of distinctive products. It is a well-known MLM company that works legally in over 180 countries.
The company has been alleged of running a Ponzi scheme in India when that is not the case. In India, QNET operates through its local sub-franchisee Vihaan Direct Selling (India) Pvt Ltd with its registered office in Bengaluru. Vihaan is incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956, and possesses all valid licenses required to operate its business. The company adheres to all statutory mandates and the direct selling guidelines issued by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs in 2016.
Is QNET banned in our country?
QNET has been working legally in all the countries it operates its business. People have been claiming that QNET is banned in various countries like Saudi Arabia, India, Egypt, and Sri Lanka. These rumours have been ruining the company’s business and its image in numerous ways. The truth stands that QNET is not banned in any country. In Saudi Arabia, the government issued a ban on the direct selling and network marketing industry as a whole; QNET is not singled out. There are many people out there trying to leech off a company that is right and is operating legally.
QNET has helped a lot of people in various ways. They have helped many people achieve the dream of starting their own business I don’t understand how spineless can someone be to sink to such a level and ruin the name of a company that is trying to do good work.
The Real Story
Gurpreet Singh Anand, the person who has been trying to malign QNET’s name claims that his wife bought a bio-disc, whereas, in QNET’s records, it shows that she ordered an e-learning course, for which no money ever was paid to the company. The cheque was stopped before it could be processed and hence, the transaction was nullified. All these allegations of QNET having sold his wife a ‘cancer-curing’ product are completely false. I don’t know how and why Gurupreet brandishes a Bio-disc on TV that he claims his wife brought.
As it shows on the records, the complaint involving Gurpreet Singh Anand was officially closed on May 18, 2013. Gurpreet’s wife, Parmeet Kaur, withdrew the complaint vide a letter dated May 18, 2013, and submitted a letter to the Police Sub-Inspector of Oshiwara Police Station (in Northwest Mumbai) giving an undertaking in writing that the matter has been resolved. Gurpreet Singh Anand then went on to file the same complaint three months later after the case had been closed, and the complaint was withdrawn, in the same police station. In an even stranger development, a consumer complaint involving an alleged transaction of Rs. 30,000, was transferred to the Mumbai EOW (Economic Offences Wing). There are so many things that just don’t add up about this entire case.
This person, who has been claiming that he has been “cheated” by QNET, has been arrested for assaulting his own father. His father had alleged that Gurpreet beat him up in the house and would have frequent fights with him. He was arrested on January 23rd, 2014.
QNET and Cyberabad
Police is said to be unbiased, for they are there to protect us and abide by the truth. The police of Cyberabad seem to have taken some other oath that doesn’t fall under the motto of Cyberabad Metropolitan police, “Your Safety Our Concern.”
Based on mere allegations, Cyberabad police have been arresting innocent IRs of QNET. They arrested 60 IRs at once.
When Vihaan and QNET filed a complaint on these harassments, the honorable High Court of Andhra Pradesh issued an “Interim Order” on March 8th, 2019, that stated, “Commissioner of Police (AP), Andhra Pradesh Home Department and Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Civil Supplies Dept. (AP) to act in accordance with the law and refrain from interfering in the business of Vihaan Direct Selling India Private Limited and its distributors.”
The police were also ordered not to register any criminal cases against the IRs of QNET/Vihaan who are just doing their business. Vihaan is doing business as per Andhra Pradesh Direct Selling Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Andhra Pradesh Consumer Affairs.
Despite the apex court’s direction, independent representatives of the company were arrested by the Cyberabad Police on alleged charges of running a Ponzi scheme. The QNET Distributors Welfare Association had filed a petition before the Telangana High Court alleging that state police authorities were not following the state’s notification on the Direct Selling Guidelines, 2017, and were indiscriminately registering criminal cases against the independent representatives of QNET’s Indian sub-franchisee Vihaan Direct Selling (India) Pvt. Ltd.
The latest news in this scenario is that there has been a winding-up petition filed against Vihaan Direct Selling, but as we know, what is true will always be true, and I know this too shall pass.
Media: Public or Personal?
Media is said to be the watchdog of our society. Anything that goes wrong will never miss the keen eyes of our media, or at least that’s what I thought. Media should base their news on all facts and pieces of information and not do anything for their personal benefit.
When QNET faced all of these false allegations, the media was brutal. They started calling it a “Ponzi Scheme,” without any facts or figures. Leading channels showed debates that were all one-sided, meaning there was no counter argument, just a bunch of half-witted people sitting and condemning something they don’t fully understand.
If it’s one-sided, it’s a discussion, not a debate. They never really bothered to hold forth the other side of the story upfront. Media is supposed to provide people with all the information and not channel their opinion and influence the judgment of the common people. That is the first lesson of journalism.
The Setbacks
Some people have misused the policies of QNET and have tried to benefit themselves wrongly. As we all know, the story of the duck who laid golden eggs and how that greedy man killed her thinking he’ll get all the eggs at once. He didn’t get any eggs and was left poor with a dead duck.
QNET has been suffering because of some such greed-ridden humans. But that doesn’t make the company bad. The company does all its operations legally.
When you are joining something, you should be aware of what you are getting into.
The Hon’ble Supreme Court order
As per the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the FIRs are being stayed on the grounds mentioned in the Writ Petition. The petition explains that the business model followed by Vihaan Direct Selling (India) Pvt. Ltd is not a money circulation scheme as alleged and does not fall under the purview of the Prize Chits and Money Circulation (Banning) Act 1978. The petition further states that the business of Vihaan is compliant with all legal requirements of conducting business in India.
When joining QNET, you should know these key five steps:
1. Always make an online transaction.
2. As an e-commerce business, QNET provides you with a digital receipt at the end of your transaction. The receipt number is displayed on the screen when the order is completed in the e-store. This number is your confirmation that the transaction is finished. Please make sure to note the receipt number or save it safely on your computer.
3. Read all the terms and conditions carefully.
4. Understand all the steps carefully of the process relating to your product.
5. Know what you are buying. While this may sound obvious, it is surprising that a lot of people don’t understand what they have bought. It’s no fun buying a product simply to avail of the opportunity to become an Independent Representative. That is not what QNET is about.
The Grievance cell
If you feel that you have been duped in any way and are looking for a refund on a product you actually bought, if you are unhappy with the product or not fully satisfied, then there are places where you can ask for a refund. QNET has a very straight 30 days refund policy. If you have bought a product from QNET’s Indian portal, you can claim a refund within 30 days of purchase.
If you have bought a product from QNET’s global portal, you can claim a refund within 7 days of purchase.
You should know your IR id before claiming for refund. If you don’t know your IR id, try to find it. IR id will be like “IN12345”.
Procedure of Refund
1. Send an email at [email protected]. Write an email to QNET and mention “Refund” in the subject of the mail. Mention your IR id, the reason why you need refund and product details in the mail. Don’t forget to attach a scanned copy of your pan card.
2. Getting approval: You will get a reply or approval from the company. You will get a CRF number in this mail. Since CRF number can play a major role in your refund, do save this number for future reference. They will ask you whether you need refund in e-card or in account. E-card means they will refund you points, by which you can buy other QNET products. You will not get money back from this method. It is a kind of exchange of products. Another method is getting the refund in the account. By this method, you can get your money back in your account. You need to give your bank account details if you opt for this method.
3. Sending second mail: After getting approval, you have to send another mail as a reply. In this mail, you have to tell them the method by which you need a refund, i.e. either e-card method or account method. If you want the money back in your bank account, mention your account details in this mail. Also, attach a scanned copy of a check from the check book of the same account.
4. Stay connected: You can check the status of your refund application. Stay in contact with QNET. QNET’s customer care number is 8880632532.
Ask yourself: Is QNET Legal?
QNET is a part of the 200 billion dollar network marketing industry with an army of 11 million people. It works legally in over 180 countries and has offices in over 50 countries.
QNET sponsors Fifa, MasterCard, and formula1 racing. Do you really think that a company that is alleged to be illegal would be sponsoring such big worldwide events like Fifa and formula1 etc?
QNET is a part of the Qi group of companies. QNET has partners like the UN. Yes! The United Nations. Microsoft does the tech support for the Qi group, and HSBC, a leading international bank, does its financing. So now question yourself. If a company was illegal, would the United Nations have partnered with it? Would Microsoft provide any service to a company that does anything remotely unethical? I am sure, you, the reader know enough to judge correctly.
Partnership with Manchester City Football Club
QNET has recently signed a partnership with Manchester City Football Club, London. If you are a football freak, you’d know how big this is. Becoming a partner with such a well-known football club is definitely a slap in the face of all those people out there who calls QNET a scam.
In 2014, QNET securely marked its place in the sporting world with its historic move into the realm of football, the world’s most-watched sport. QNET’s role as the Official Direct Selling Partner of Manchester City Football Club is to become one of its most high-profile sports sponsorships ever. QNET has had a connection with football before as it has been a sponsor for the International Federation of Association Football or FIFA as you call it. Partnering with Man City football is big for QNET as it opens up doors for new ventures in all arenas.
Partnership with Formula1 Racing
In 2010, QNET formed a significant partnership with Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Racing and became the first direct selling company to sponsor a formula one team. 2011, QNET again supported the team throughout the whole season, and in 2012, with the new team name of Marussia F1 team and new team driver Charles Pic, QNET became the only direct selling company in the race.
F1 is all about teamwork and so is direct selling. QNET showcases this along with educating the general public on the wonderful sport of Formula1. Not a lot of people are aware of the amazing world of Formula 1 racing. As an entrepreneur, you know that your business and your brand need effective promotion; what could be more attention-grabbing than having your company’s name on show in the highest level of motor racing and one of the most-watched sports in the world? A very limited number of brands promote themselves on such a prestigious and thrilling platform, and do you still feel that a company that is illicit or banned would be able to do something like that?
QNET Code of Ethics
QNET follows a certain code of ethics that all independent representatives have to follow. Like any legal company, QNET has a set of rules and regulations for all the IRs. Under those rules and regulations, a QNET IR is supposed to:
• Inculcate the principles of the Code of Ethics in his/her team and practice them at all times.
• Conduct his/her business in a lawful manner, with courtesy, integrity, and in accordance with the Code of Ethics.
• Make sure he/she is well informed on the laws applicable to their business and their duties as an IR.
• Never unethically use information that may be of detriment to another IR’s business.
QNET and Social Service
QNET has partnered with the Lions club in India for various charitable causes. In 2018, QNET in association with Lions Clubs, held an event in Hassan, Karnataka, to provide prosthetic limbs, Jaipur Foot, to 50 disadvantaged people who had lost a limb in tragic accidents. Every Diwali, QNET entrepreneurs in India come together and help spread the festive cheer among the underprivileged communities across the country. In 2018, around 1500 entrepreneurs joined forces under the ‘Spirit of Giving’ banner to carry out nationwide voluntary programmes aimed at giving back to the society. QNET has been trying to do good by believing in the thought of Raising Yourself To Help Mankind.
QNET has struggled enough to prove that it has done nothing wrong. Now you, the people, should decide if a company that has done nothing wrong and is genuinely working towards helping people like me achieve their dream is at fault. QNET has helped millions in various ways. If you still think that QNET works illegally, you should know that QNET India has nearly 6 lac. IRs at present. So many people believe in QNET. I’m sure others will see the truth soon, and people who are really responsible for all of this would be put behind bars, and justice will be served.
What is QNET?
As we discussed earlier, QNET has been going through a lot of backlash in India because of some people trying to leech off the company. Let us discuss the myths and misconceptions around QNET and let us clear it all once and for all.
MYTH 1: GET RICH SCHEME
No direct selling or MLM company is a ‘Get rich scheme.’ MLM requires patience, hard work just like any other business. You need to be driven to walk on the path of any entrepreneurial business. To grow in the direct selling business, you need to have exceptionally high motivation and the will to grow in this business.
When people think direct selling is a scheme that will help them get rich quick, they will not put in the required effort, which will, in the end, leave them with products and not money that they did not bother selling. In such cases, people tend to blame the company for something that isn’t the company’s fault.
MYTH 2: PONZI SCHEME/ INVESTING SCHEME
“QNET IRs take your money saying it is an investment scheme and you’ll get its double in a few weeks.”
Nothing in life ever comes that easy. I remember my math teacher telling me that if you get the solution very easily, there’s a high chance that it isn’t correct. QNET isn’t a Ponzi scheme or an investment scheme.
QNET gives you a chance to join a group of highly motivated people to start a business. It provides you with a platform to become an entrepreneur and get a step closer to achieving your dream.
If you feel you have been wronged and you need to address it, you are free to go to QNET’s grievance cell, and they will help you.
MYTH 3: QNET SELLS FAKE PRODUCTS –
QNET has a series of high-quality products ranging from home appliances to personal care to health care and many more. These products are made of the highest quality to bring you the very best. The ayurvedic range of personal care products in particular is very helpful. People in my family have been using Diaba health for a few years now and I have seen changes first-hand. The products are all of superior quality and are known to work for a lot of people.
Are QNET products good?
There are some revolutionary QNET products that I would recommend as an individual, not as a QNET IR. Diabetes is an increasing cause of health concern in most countries. Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. When you are diagnosed with diabetes, you are exposed to a lot of other diseases as well. Diabetes can ruin your immunity system.
In my family, my father- in- law is struggling with diabetes for several years now. He had a stroke a few years ago and that’s when we discovered that he has diabetes, and it came as a shock as he takes care of himself very well.
AYURVEDA TREATMENTS
My family is a pro -Ayurveda. So, when we faced diabetes, their first go-to was Ayurveda. We consulted our Ayurveda doctor, and he said we should try the basics first like Jamun and fenugreek seeds, which will help maintain blood glucose levels. It did work but later, my father-in-law started having adverse effects of Jamun, so we had to find something that would show some results.
Diaba Health and Natose
I was using QNET’s products like Power protein for my kids and nutriplus fiber fit for my family. I brought Diaba Health and Natose by QNET for my father- in- law. We all replaced sugar in our family with natose nature as it was so much better than sugar. Sugar is extremely harmful to our bodies. Whereas, Natose is made from a plant called stevia. Stevia is a sweetener and sugar substitute made from harvesting the leaves of the plant Stevia rebaudiana, which are then dried and steeped in hot water to extract the incredibly sweet liquid within. The compound’s uniqueness lies in the fact that it’s 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar for a given quantity and contains virtually zero calories. Stevia is 100% natural, offering a significant advantage over chemical-based artificial sweeteners. Stevia is a healthier option than sugar.
We started to see a change in my father after the continued use of Diaba Health. Diaba health contains all the Ayurvedic components that our doctor had suggested for use. It has Bitter gourd, Methi, Neem, Kino etc which are proven to boost healthy blood sugar management.
Zensational Air Purifier: Breathe fresh
This is yet another revolutionary product that we have been using in our family. We live in Pune, but my in-laws are from Delhi, and we are all aware of the air quality of Delhi. So, my husband and I decided to gift them QNET’s Zensational Air Purifier. It has been amazing. They feel fresh and you can feel so much less dust in the air at home.
Our homes are filled with small dust particles that are enough to make us really sick. In such cases, air purifiers work wonders. They provide you with clean air at home and helps you breathe fresh. This reduces your chances of getting sick because of the bacteria present in the air.
I have been a QNET IR for years now, and I have been using these products myself. I have found that these products have actually changed my life and so I want people to know about them. If they have helped my family so much, chances are they will be good for your family too.
QNET has various other products, ranging in manufactured goods in health and wellness, personal care, home and living, watches and jewellery etc.
Some of the revolutionary products are:
Argan Care
Argan is an age-old skin and hair rejuvenating oil. It will keep your skin hydrated and help your hair build elasticity that in turn will lead to less breakage. What else do we wish for right? It’s a magic oil, and is called “Liquid gold” for a reason.
Argan care is a product filled with 95% of the pure goodness of argan oil. It is non-greasy, and it is made with no parabens, no artificial colour and is good for all skin types. It combats anti-ageing, improves skin elasticity, antiwrinkle etc. Just 2-3 drops daily on your face in the morning and at night can actually do wonders. You can also use it on body 2-3 times a week after shower.
Celestial Tea
For all the tea lovers out there QNET has a Premium Tea Blend called – Celestial. It has 3 variants namely, Revive and Renew
Revive is a premium green tea blend that contains green tea, cardamom, red pepper, ginger, clove, lavender and Marigold. It has detoxifying agents that will promote skin and hair health. It also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It also has medicinal properties as it helps relieving cold, cough and flu.
Renew premium green tea blend contains green tea, star anise, cardamom, fennel and jasmine. It is known for its calming and soothing effects and helps prevent bloating, acidity and indigestion. The special blend of spices in the tea work towards relieving stress, cough and hiccups.
These are both loose tea’s and gives out the best aroma’s that I have ever experienced. Revive is best when you have it after a long and tiring day of work. It will re-energize you and will help you getter better sleep and stay well rested. Whereas, renew works best when you’re experiencing a case of acidity or feeling bloated.
Monofloral Honey
Monofloral honey is of supreme value; it is collected by the bees from single species of flowers, as it has a richer flavour with increased useful properties and nutritional benefits. Additionally, monofloral honey contains the lowest glycaemic index and is a much better substitute for sugar.
It comes in three variants, Jamun, Eucalyptus and Indian Laural. All the variants have their own special unique qualities. They possess the qualities of the particular flowers that they are made from with all the attributes that makes honey a super food. Also, all of them have a little flavour from the flowers.
WHY YOU SHOULD BE A PART OF QNET?
QNET is not just a company, it is a one giant family; people who join QNET become a part of this huge family. It has been helping a lot of people in a lot of ways by allowing them to grow and achieve their dreams.
With QNET you can power through life. You get to be a part of VMALASIYA, one of the biggest events organized by any direct selling company. You get to meet people from different walks of life, and you get to experience new cultures. You learn a lot and you expand emotionally and mentally.
Direct selling is a field full of opportunities for people who have the potential to put their best in everything they do and are willing to take the risk. It is very beneficial for people who want to stand out and do something worth taking the risks.
In direct selling, it matters how you want to make use of it. You can get into direct selling for any reason. I got into this when I was in college and was looking to make some extra money on the side as my parents at that time couldn’t afford the expenses. I always wanted to be able to afford my own expenses, so I got into direct selling in my second year. It was tough but I survived.
Flexible timings
Direct selling, gives the liberty of flexible timing. I was able to focus on my studies and my work. I took my work (direct selling) very seriously too. It wasn’t just something part time. I wanted to grow in it. It is beneficial for college students as it doesn’t require to be given a specific amount of time. You should just know your goals and work to pursue it. Even when you are working full time, you can get into direct selling on the side, that is only if you are good at multitasking and are willing to put in the effort.
Balancing social and work life
I’ve always seen my corporate friends’ crib about not having enough holidays, or not being able to spend time with their families. Some even say that they have missed important days of their kids, like birthdays, recitals etc. In such situations, I feel so bad for them and also a little blessed that I chose a line of work that gives me the freedom to be there for my family and friends when they need it. It saddens me to know that people are still stuck at jobs that are clearly draining them out, all the while when there are options like direct selling available. Anyhow, it’s all about choices.
Direct selling also gives you the ability to maintain all relations. In direct selling, it’s very important to stay connected with your co-workers, both your uplines and downlines. It teaches you how to maintain healthy relationships with people, how to keep in touch and how to converse.
Recognition and incentives
Getting recognized for your work or getting praised is something that psychologically motivates us all to work better. In direct selling, you are continually recognized for your achievements, from the smallest shout-outs on your Facebook page to the product rewards in your Fast Start program — plus the many ongoing programs throughout the year. QNET’s VMalaysia is the event of the year, with more than a million people flocking at there with nearly 15,000 to 20,000 Indians every year.
Personal and Business skills
Direct selling helps you grow in various aspects of life. There really is no better training than direct selling for someone looking to develop multiple skill sets like, time management, speaking skills, organizational skills, sales skills, customer approach etc.
Direct selling also helps improve personal skills such as increased self-esteem, self-belief, patience, empathy, and being an encourager of others. I have seen people change in front of my eyes. I’ve known a lot of people who were introverted and couldn’t talk to people openly, and now they can speak publicly without hesitation. Your direct selling business can help you become more well-read and well-travelled through the many incentive trips you can earn. All of this allows you to connect, engage, and increase your circle of influence.
There are many reasons to join QNET and start a new phase of your life. Like I did and millions like me, this company has been inspiring people for 21 years now, and in all this while it has always made sure it does its share and gives back to the society in all ways possible. Going by the words of many great leaders, you can either follow the blind rat-race or make your own decisions and follow it through.
My mother always asked me to believe my own eyes and not the words of others. I have followed this all my life and it has definitely helped me make some rational decisions and saved me from some of the biggest mistakes of my life. When I was about to join QNET, I was a little hesitant too, after reading all the false negativity on the internet. But I chose to believe my eyes, I read through it all, the policies and procedures, code of ethics with all the materials that were provided. Then I read about the working of the company in other countries and the IDSA (Indian Direct Selling Association) policies with the government approved guidelines. All seemed to match; I did my homework and I found that QNET manages all its operations legally in India and there was no harm in joining QNET. It was one of the best decisions of my life and I’m happy I listened to my mother and didn’t fall for all the lies. Joining QNET has changed my life, if you go through my previous articles, you’ll know. I am a proud QNET IR and I will always stand by my company. We know the truth and we know what is right, now it is your turn to find out the truth and believe what you see and the reality and not the widespread lies of people who have nothing better to do.
