Welcome to my Cutco review. So, is Cutco a pyramid scheme? No. And they are not a multilevel marketing company either. They have a legit homebased business opportunity providing genuine products to consumers.
Ok, if they have a legit opportunity is this the best opportunity for you? And is this the opportunity that’s going to be your path to financial independence?
Let’s find out.
Just a heads up, I’m simply here to show you the pros and cons of Cutco and give you my personal opinion. What you decide to do after reading my review is up to you.
And with that said, let me first say, good on you for taking the time to do your own research before getting involved with any business opportunity. That alone tells me your serious about finding a legitimate way to make money online.
Disclaimer: I am not a member or an affiliate of Cutco. All the information researched for this review is available online within the public domain. This review is my personal opinion and any recommendations/conclusions are my own which you may or may not agree with. What you decide to do after reading my review is up to you. You can see the full disclaimer here for more info.
Alright, let’s see what Cutco is all about.
Ok, So Who Is Cutco?
Cutco is a one of the largest manufacturers of kitchen cutlery in Canada and the United States. The company was founded in 1949. With its factory headquarters located in Olean, New York.
So why is it known as Vector Marketing today?
When the company was formed it was a joint venture between Alcoa and Case Cutlery to manufacture knives. And then in 1972 Alcoa purchased Case’s share in the company. And then in 1982 Alca’s management purchased the company from Alcoa.
And then in 1985 Alca’s purchased Vector Marketing. And then in 2009 Alca’s changed the company name to Cutco. Long story Vector Marketing is Cutco.
Now over the years Vector Marketing has had its share legal troubles in the form of several lawsuits. Beginning in 1990 and the most recent lawsuit being in 2017.
With one lawsuit having Vector Marketing having to pay a $6.75 million preliminary settlement for violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act in California, Florida, New York, Illinois, and Michigan.
The Products Cutco Offers
Cutco product line includes a wide range of kitchen knives, kitchen knife sets, utensils, shears, tableware, cookware, sporting knives, gardening, and accessories.
You’ll find their products listed under the following categories:
Knives
Here you’ll find Utility knives, Chef knives, Paring knives, Cheese knives, Carving & Slicing knives, Table & Steak knives, and Santoku knives, etc.
Sets
Here you’ll find Knife sets, Homemaker sets, Gift sets and Table and Steak knife sets.
Accessories
Here you’ll find Shears, Gadgets, like can openers and vegie peelers. There’s Tools like a knife sharpener and ice cream scoop. and also a line of Cutting Boards.
Tableware
Here you have a selection of Table knives, Steak knives, Flatware and Table & Steak Knife sets.
More
This where you’ll find Storage solutions for your knives, Gardening, Cookware. As well as gift cards and a Wedding & Gift Registry.
So, How Much Is It To Get Started With Cutco?
The startup cost to become a Cutco representative is ZERO. Which is great because with some other direct selling companies you need to pay for your sample set.
The sample set you’re given to do in person presentation with has a retail value of $425. And you can continue to use this kit as long as you remain active in the business. If you decide not to be involved with Cutco anymore simply return the kit and you’re good to go.
How Much Do You Get Paid Selling Cutco?
This is a direct selling job. So, this means you’re an independent sales rep for Vector Marketing selling Cutco products. So, your income is directly related to how well of a salesperson you are.
Now they do provide their sales reps guaranteed pay. And this is a guaranteed $15 to $18 every time you show Cutco products to a qualified prospect. And that can be an in person presentation or a virtual presentation.
Now do not mistake this pay for per hour income. Because it’s not. It’s per qualified appointment given.
As for the commission you’ll earn that’s based on your overall sales.
$0 -$1000 – 15% commission
$1001 – $3,000 – 20% commission
$3001 – $6,000 – 20% commission
$6001 – $10,000 – 25% commission
$10,001-$20,000 – 30% commission
$20,001 – $30,000 – 30% + 5% bonus
$30,001 – $50,000 – 30% + 10% bonus
Once you reach a certain level you stay at this level until you make it to the next level. Even if you take a break from working you will never earn less than the percentage level you’re at.
How Does It Work?
This is pretty straight forward. It is up to you to find your prospects. Now the best place to start is by doing demonstrations for friends and family.
This way you can get comfortable with how to do a demonstration. And if you screw up its no big deal because you’re doing a demonstration to people you know.
Now when it comes to direct sales. Referrals is the way to find new potential customers.
So, you always ask the people that you’ve done a demonstration for if they would know of anyone who would be interested at taking a look at Cutco. And to increase referrals you can offer these people some sort of compensation if one of their referrals makes a purchase.
And then you simply repeat this process over and over again. Besides in home demonstrations you can also book virtual demonstrations.
Is There Training?
Yes, you are provided training. As a new rep you will attend a 2 to 3 day unpaid training session at your local Cutco office. In this training you will learn business strategies and demonstration techniques.
You also have access to year round training which includes team meetings. Attending regional conferences and having the opportunity to meet with your local manager on a regular basis.
Is Vector Marketing (Cutco) A Pyramid Scheme?
No not at all. Cutco is the sales and marketing division of Vector Marketing. With independent sales reps selling genuine products.
As a sales rep you’re not responsible (required) to recruit new reps or buy any product or service in order to earn income.
Is Vector Marketing (Cutco) A Multi Level Marketing Company?
No. Vector marketing (Cutco) is a direct to consumer marketing company. With a MLM company sales reps (distributors) earn money by recruiting additional sales representatives into their business (downline).
As a Cutco sales rep you’re going to earn money by selling Cutco products directly to consumers.
So, Can You Expect To Make Money With Cutco?
Yes, you can make money with Cutco. But this is all going to depend on how well you can cultivate new prospective customers and your sales skills.
What Are People Saying About Cutco?
You can find plenty of reviews raving about the quality of their knives. But you’ll also find a lot of complaints when it comes to their recruiting practices.
Which consist of unsolicited calls and text messages that are focused on high school and college students. In fact, Vector Marketing boosts about being the largest student recruiters in the nation with 85% of their sales rep being students.
Cutco is offering people a legit business opportunity. If you’re a go getter with great network marketing and direct sales skills this could be the business for you.
#2) No Startup Cost
It costs nothing to get started with Cutco. Pretty sweet deal especially when other companies can charge thousands to get started.
#3) Return Policy
As a customer if for any reason you’re not satisfied with your purchase. You can return your items within 15 days for a full refund.
#4) A+ BBB Rating
Vector marketing has been accredited with the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating since 2014.
5) Long Track Record
Vector marketing has been around in one form or another since 1949. And you don’t stay in business for that long unless you’re doing something right. So, if you do get involved with them, you’re getting involved with a very stable company.
What I Didn’t Like About Cutco
#1) Direct Sales Model
The in home demonstration sales model is an outdated sales model. And it’s a lot harder now a days. People are not so keen on having a stranger come into their home. Especially with a hand full of knives.
#2) Prey On Students
They way they go about targeting students to become reps is pretty sleezy.
#3) Expensive Knives
To really make any decent money you’re not going to do that selling one knife at a time. You’re going to have to focus on selling knife sets. But these knife sets aren’t cheap. Some being over $1500,00. So your prospects better have deep pockets.
#4) Low Success
Being this is a direct selling business. This type of sales opportunity is not going to work out well for the majority of people. Yes, sales is a skill that yes can be cultivated. But not everyone wants to be a salesperson.
And I firmly believe once someone gets involved, they are going to get a reality check when it comes to this opportunity. And quit in record time.
#5) Time For Money
Just like a similar opportunity from a company called Pampered Chef you’re exchanging time for money. Not the most efficient way of making money. Especially with the opportunities that are available online.
My Final Opinion Of Cutco
No matter how you look at it this a flat out sales job. And a tough one at that. So, it’s definitely not the best business opportunity for everyone.
The only people that are going excel at this type of business are people that have exceptional prospecting skills along with outstanding face to face sales skills.
Personally, getting up every day scrambling to find new prospects so I can do an in home demonstration does not sound like a fun way to build a business.
And I’m pretty sure it’s not that appealing to a lot of people either. Seriously do you want to become a door to door salesperson?
Even though there is a legit business opportunity here. I would not feel comfortable recommending this type of business to anyone.
Especially when there are far EASY ways to make money without having to become a door to door salesperson.
Take me for example, I make a full time income online as an Affiliate Marketer. And throughout my entire online career I have not had to sell anything to anyone to make money online.
And the great thing about affiliate marketing is that you can build a thriving online business around any interest, hobby, or passion you have.
So, let’s say you’re a foodie and you’re into kitchen gear. Knives and such. You can have your own website talking about food and everything food related including kitchen tools and cookware.
And as an affiliate you can join for free any one of a hundred kitchen affiliate programs such as the one from Kitchen Universe. And being an affiliate for kitchen universe, you will earn commissions from any sales generated through your affiliate link.
And as an affiliate…
There is no face to face sales
You don’t have to deal with customers
You don’t have to stock or ship anything
You can build your business in any market
You’re business makes money 24/7
And there is NO prospecting or networking required
Now if that sounds better than what Cutco is offering and you want to learn more about how you’ll go about building your own affiliate marketing business.
Then you should take a moment and look at Wealthy Affiliate. They are the #1 resource when it comes to providing everything needed to build thriving affiliate marketing businesses.
Step by step training
Online tools
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Personal 24/7 live one-on-one support
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I hope you found this review helpful and I hope I answered any questions you may have had about Cutco and its business opportunity.
Of course, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below and I’ll get back to you right away.
And if you did find this review helpful and enjoyed it please feel free to share it with your audience. And as always anytime you need a hand don’t hesitate Emailing Me anytime.
Hey it’s Leo. I’m the founder of Netwise Profits, and I’ve been making a full-time online income as an affiliate marketer since 2005. And as of 2012, I’ve been personally helping people turn their hobbies, passions, and interests into online incomes through affiliate marketing. And I can help you too.
