Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

The ACN Story

What was the motivation behind starting ACN?

ACN was the vision of four entrepreneurs - Greg Provenzano, Robert Stevanovski, Tony Cupisz and Mike Cupisz. These Co-Founders had countless years of direct sales experience between them, but were dissatisfied with other companies and job opportunities they had encountered. They realized that the only way to find a company they wanted to be a part of was to create that company. So with a yellow legal pad in front of them, they formulated a business plan. On one side of the page they wrote down everything that they knew worked well, and on the other side everything that didn’t. They ripped the page in half and only kept the side that contained what would become the governing principles behind ACN - integrity, solid business practices, and a commitment to always putting the needs of the masses above the needs of themselves.

Who are the people behind ACN?

ACN was founded by four entrepreneurs - Greg Provenzano, Robert Stevanovski, Tony Cupisz and Mike Cupisz. They still drive all day-to-day operations at ACN.

President and Co-Founder Greg Provenzano has a deep commitment to personal growth, and he inspires others to work on their personal lives as hard as they work on their businesses. Greg is a leader and motivator to ACN’s Independent Business Owners. He shares the company’s vision with them, as well as ways to improve their businesses and their lives. Greg communicates with Independent Business Owners daily, encouraging them and helping them stay focused on their goals.

Chairman and Co-Founder Robert Stevanovski focuses on ACN’s product portfolio. He makes sure the company is always providing the best products and services to its customers, and that the ACN home-based business is leading the direct-selling field in offering essential home and small business services. Robert consistently monitors ACN’s portfolio, ensuring that the company stays on the cutting edge of technology and offers a balance of options for every customer’s lifestyle.

ACN Vice President and Co-Founder Tony Cupisz works to ensure that every Independent Business Owner who joins the business has the tools they need to excel, to include, but not limited to: innovative technology, VIP-style training, as well as staying ahead of the ever changing social media landscape. A natural coach with enthusiasm for direct selling, Tony shares the ACN vision with leaders throughout the world.

ACN Vice President and Co-Founder Mike Cupisz and his prowess at building relationships has helped ACN expand across four continents, and made it possible for those joining ACN to immediately access a global business. When he is not devoting his time to evaluating new countries for ACN’s continued global expansion, Mike is meeting with ACN’s international leaders to support them in their daily lives.

What markets does ACN serve?

ACN currently operates in 27 countries across North America, Latin America, South America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For a complete list of countries, visit www.acninc.com.

How long has ACN been in business?

ACN began in January of 1993 and is celebrating more than 25 years of success…and counting.

What does the ACN organizational structure look like?

ACN is run by its 4 original Co-Founders with over 1,500 employees worldwide in offices in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Amsterdam, Poland, Sweden, Japan, Tokyo and Australia.

Who is ACN

What makes ACN different?

From Traditional Business: Traditional businesses spend millions of dollars on marketing and advertising to try to attract and retain customers. Through the direct selling business model, ACN’s Independent Business Owners, or IBOs, bypass traditional advertising and instead go direct to the consumer. This results in an incredible home-based business opportunity for individuals and a great value for consumers.

From Other Direct Selling Companies: ACN is the world’s largest direct seller of telecommunications, energy and essential services for home and business. Unlike most traditional, product-based direct selling companies, ACN’s IBOs offer services people need and use every day – services that wouldn’t require anyone to change their buying habits or purchase products they don’t need or can’t afford. There’s never any inventory or products to stock. ACN IBOs earn residual income month after month, year after year for as long as their customers remain on the ACN service or for the term of their agreement.

What is residual income?

Imagine getting paid like an actor or a musician. Every time their movie or song is played, they earn a percentage, month after month, year after year. That’s residual income, and that’s how ACN’s IBOs get paid. Every time they acquire a customer, or someone on their team acquires a customer, and those customers pay their bills, the IBO gets paid, month after month, year after year for as long as the customer remains on the service or for the term of their agreement.

What services does ACN offer?

ACN markets essential services for home and business – services consumers are already using and spending money on, and services most people can’t live without. The services suite includes Identity Theft Protection, Digital Phone Service, High Speed Internet, Wireless, Gas and Electricity, Security and Automation, Television and Payment Processing.

Are there any ACN success stories?

At ACN, Independent Business Owners (IBOs) have found success offering the people they know more options on the services they already need and use every day. The first step is deciding to give something new a try and then committing yourself to putting in the time and effort to become successful.

The best-of-the-best in ACN are referred to as the Circle of Champions. This elite group consists of the top producers and income earners at ACN. They are selected on an annual basis, at the beginning of each year. Meet ACN’s Circle of Champions.

What are the associated costs with becoming an IBO?

Your ACN Independent Business Owner Start-Up Fee ($199) covers the cost associated with establishing and servicing your business, and enables you to conduct business for one year in any country in which ACN operates.* In addition, the $25/month Business Support Fee allows you to maintain your business status with ACN. In return, ACN covers a full range of extensive IBO and customer support services, so you can focus on what matters most - building your business! Below is just a sampling of some of what we will provide at no additional charge to you:

IBO Support

Business Tracking + Commission & Reporting System
Personal Customer List
Personal Online Storefront Where Customers Can Learn More & Sign Up
Personal Website So You Can Share the Business
ACN Social Networking Sites
Training Material & Marketing Tools
Personal Development Center (Success On Demand)
The Benefit of ACN's Product Development and Market Analysis
Quarterly Subscription to Success Magazine
IBO Alerts
IBO Services (Chat and Text Messaging)
Conference Calling and Video Web Conferencing Services
Recognition Programs, Product Reports, Bonus Program & Incentive-Based Trips

Customer Support

Customer Care in multiple languages
Customer Provisioning, Activation, Billing Maintenance
Customer Incentive & Retention Programs
Product Development, Information, Support & FAQs
Online Account Access

IBOs wishing to remain active in the ACN business are required to pay their monthly Business Support Fee of $25 and an Annual Renewal Fee of $49, which covers the cost of servicing their business on an ongoing basis. There’s Never Any Need to Buy Inventory, or to Pay Additional Overhead Costs or Employees!*

*Subject to applicable taxes and law, and the applicable IBO Terms & Conditions, the ACN Policies and Procedures, and the ACN Compensation Plan.

ACN and Integrity

What are ACN’s core values?

ACN was built on principles that will not be compromised: Integrity, a commitment to giving back and the promise to put the needs of the IBOs and customers above all else. These are ACN’s core values, the foundation on which the company was built. And despite its incredible growth, these values continue to drive every decision ACN makes. Additionally, ACN has policies and procedures in place to help ensure its Independent Business Owners operate with the utmost integrity, adhere to the highest possible ethical standards, and perform under a marketing plan that complies with all applicable laws while operating their home-based businesses.

Is ACN a member of the Direct Selling Association?

Yes. ACN is a proud member of the Direct Selling Association in the U.S. and the Direct Sellers Association in Canada, and has been recognized by the Direct Selling Association as going above and beyond to promote the industry’s Code of Ethics.

Is ACN a scam?

No, ACN is not a scam. A scam or illegal pyramid scheme, compensates based on recruitment, and in most cases no actual real products are sold or real customers acquired. At ACN, compensation is based 100% on the sale of real products and services to real customers. If no customers are acquired, no money is earned. ACN has provided a legitimate business opportunity for more than 25 years and is a respected industry leader in direct selling – as well as all the other service-based industries they represent.

How is ACN working to end childhood hunger?

17 million children right here in the North America don't know where their next meal is coming from. At ACN, that's just not acceptable, so they’ve joined the fight against childhood hunger. Every time someone becomes an ACN customer with one of our select services, a child gets fed. And every time customers pay their select ACN bills each month, another child gets fed. ACN has already provided over 2 million meals and will provide another 1.5 million meals this year.

Has ACN received any awards?

In addition to being the world’s largest direct seller of telecommunications, energy and essential services for home and business, ACN was recognized by Direct Selling News as being the 26th largest direct selling company in the world, and the 15th largest in North America.

ACN is a proud member of the Direct Selling Association in the U.S. and has been recognized by the Direct Selling Association as going above and beyond to promote the industry’s Code of Ethics.

ACN is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and holds an A+ rating.

ACN has earned over 120 awards (and counting) in the industries of business, marketing, creativity and community outreach. View our industry awards.

The Direct Selling Industry

How big is the direct selling industry?

Direct selling is a retail channel used by top global brands and smaller, entrepreneurial companies to market products and services to consumers. The direct selling channel differs from broader retail in an important way. It isn’t only about getting great products and services into consumers’ hands. It’s also an avenue where entrepreneurial-minded individuals can work independently to build a business with low start-up and overhead costs. In fact, direct selling is one of the most accessible paths to entrepreneurship.

Direct selling consultants work on their own, but affiliate with a company that uses the channel, retaining the freedom to run a business on their own terms. Consultants forge strong personal relationships with prospective customers, primarily through face-to-face discussions and demonstrations.

What does the ACN organizational structure look like?

Direct selling is a global business across numerous countries and continents. More than 18 million Americans are involved in direct selling either on a full or part time basis – that’s about 1 in 7 U.S. households. The direct selling industry contributed $36 billion to the U.S. economy and $183.7 billion worldwide in 2015.

Can you really make money with direct sales?

Absolutely. Millions of individuals around the world are earning money through direct sales. While most work the business to supplement their income, some work the business to fulfill long term goals and create an incredible lifestyle. Success in direct selling – just like in any other business – isn’t guaranteed. There are many factors that influence success, but part of it comes down to an individual being willing to work hard, stay focused for the long term and build a business of their own.

Misconceptions About Direct Selling

What are some common misconceptions about the direct selling industry?

Myth #1: Direct Sellers Make Money for Recruiting People Truth: In direct selling, no compensation is paid for recruiting people on your team. Compensation is only paid when customers are acquired and use the products and services.

Myth #2: Direct Selling is a Pyramid Scheme Truth: Pyramid schemes are illegal. Yes, there are pyramid schemes out there, but direct selling is a legitimate and legal way for entrepreneurial-minded people to build a business for themselves but not by themselves. The main difference in a legitimate direct selling company as compared to a pyramid scheme is how the company compensates its sales force. Direct selling companies compensate based on the sale of real products and services to real customers. A pyramid scheme compensates based on recruitment, and in most cases there is no real product and no actual customers are acquired.

Myth #3: Direct Sellers Are Not Serious Entrepreneurs Truth: While many people begin a direct selling business on a part time basis with the hope of supplementing their income each month, a number of direct sellers operate their business in a full-time way to support their family. Both are Entrepreneurs; someone who organizes and manages a business, usually with considerable initiative.

Myth #4: Direct Selling is Outdated Truth: Direct selling was the original social network, way before Facebook. What retailers and big box stores lack in customer service and relationship building, direct sellers excel at, providing a personal one-on-one shopping experience. With the rise of social selling and social media, direct sales are more relevant today than ever before.

Myth #5: Direct Sellers Are All Work-At-Home Moms Who Lack Education & Skills Truth: Direct selling provides an opportunity for individuals from all walks of life and all backgrounds to build a business of their own. While many stay at home parents start their business on a part time basis to help bring in some extra income, a number of direct sellers work the business full time. The industry is filled with former business professionals, traditional business owners, former professional athletes, doctors, lawyers and much more.

Myth #6: If You Don’t Get in on the Ground Floor, You Won’t be Successful Truth: Direct selling provides a level playing field. It doesn’t matter when you start a direct selling business, you have the same opportunity to build a successful business as someone who started years prior. In fact, most direct selling companies improve over time, making the products, services and business opportunities better today than ever before.

What is a “pyramid scheme"?

Pyramid schemes are illegal. The main difference in a legitimate direct selling company and a pyramid scheme is in how the company compensates its sales force. Direct selling companies compensate based on the sale of real products and services to real customers. A pyramid scheme compensates based on recruitment, and in most cases there is no real product or actual customers acquired.

Getting Started with ACN

How do I know if this opportunity is right for me?

While it’s up to an individual to determine the right business opportunity for themselves, if you can answer yes to any of the following questions, then ACN may be right for you.

Are you interested in earning money off the essential services consumers use and pay for every day?

Are you interested in earning extra income on a part time basis, with the potential to earn full-time income?

Are you entrepreneurial minded?

Are you interested in starting your own business without the costs and overhead of traditional businesses but with the support of an industry leader behind you every step of the way?

Are you looking for a way to help make a difference in the lives of other people?

Are you tired of working toward someone else’s dream?

Would you like to have more time to do the things you enjoy most?

Are you interested in working with a company with a 25-year track record of success across 4 continents?

Why should I join ACN?

ACN provides an opportunity for individuals to build a business of their very own with the total support of ACN behind them every step of the way, but without the large traditional cost or risk most entrepreneurs have to take. By offering essential services to people you know – services they are already using and paying for – you can earn residual income month after month, year after year for as long as they remain an ACN customer. Whether it’s more time with family, an extra income stream or an opportunity to be able to help others, the ACN Opportunity can be the business so many people are searching for.

Is this business difficult?

Building a business with ACN isn’t easy, but the system is simple, and by acquiring customers you can build a business of your very own. Additionally, an ACN IBO can enhance their business by showing others how to duplicate the process. Just like anything worth doing, it takes time and effort.

What type of training and support is available?

ACN provides a robust training and support system to guide IBOs every step of the way in building their businesses, because ACN believes that anyone can succeed no matter who they are. ACN provides its IBOs access to numerous tools that they can use to start and grow their business, from local, regional and international training events, to business building, support and management tools, to customer acquisition tools and customer care, to some of the world’s best personal development – and literally everything in between. Think about everything it takes to run a successful business – and that’s what ACN Provides. (Note: Some of these tools may be part of a subscription-based package.)

How much time should I expect to dedicate to this business?

It’s up to you. Most people start ACN on a part time basis, building the business in between the cracks of life and only dedicating a few hours a week. However, those who want more out of the opportunity, spend more time and effort producing results.

How do I make money with ACN?

You can make money based on the customers that you personally acquire and you can also build a team of other people who also acquire customers. ACN pays bonuses for the acquisition of customers and pays commissions for as long as those customers are on the service or for a defined period of time, depending on the type of service. There are no amounts paid for recruiting new IBOs to join ACN but you can earn bonuses and commissions when those IBOs acquire customers. See the ACN Compensation Plan for complete details.

Is more money gained by selling ACN services or recruiting new IBOs?

With a low start-up cost, and the ability to put in part-time effort, Multilevel or Network Marketing allows individuals the opportunity to build a business without the traditional costs or risks most entrepreneurs have to make. If you’re considering participating in ACN or any Multilevel or Network Marketing plan, get the details.

Consider the products. Find out what you will be selling. At ACN we offer products and services people need and use every day – services that wouldn’t require anyone to change their buying habits or purchase products they don’t need or can’t afford.
Learn more about the Company. Find and study the company’s track record. ACN started in January 1993, currently operates in 27 countries across North America, Latin America, South America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific and is c elebrating 25 years of success.
Evaluate the Plan. How do representatives of the company get paid? Do they get paid on recruitment (Pyramid Scheme) or paid on the sale of real products to real customers? ACN was built on principles that will not be compromised. The Founders put the needs of the IBOs and customers above all else. ACN IBOs are paid based upon the sale of real products and services to real customers.
Find out about refunds. Do they offer refunds? If you sign up for ACN and decide the business isn’t right for you, you can cancel your agreement and receive a full refund within 10 business days of enrollment.
Think about whether this kind of work suits your talents and goals. Would you enjoy selling the products or services? Are they products or services you would use personally? ACN markets essential services for home and business – services consumers are already using and spending money on – services most people can’t live without (Local and Long Distance, Digital Phone Service, High Speed Internet, Wireless, Gas & Electricity, Security & Automation, Television and Payment Processing).

Ask Questions. ACN stands behind its years of experience, dedication and integrity to do the right thing at all times. Ask the tough questions, ACN is here to answer them.

How can I learn more about working with ACN?

Reach out to the person who shared this website with you or visit us online and on our many social media channels. We’d love to hear from you.