Surge 365 Reviews: Unveiling the Truth Behind the Travel MLM Phenomenon

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Surge365, a name that resonates within the travel MLM landscape, promises a unique business opportunity intertwined with the allure of discounted travel. Founded in 2014 by travel agency veterans Lloyd (Coach) Tomer, Scott Tomer, and Chris Cokley, this Birmingham, Alabama-based entity has sparked widespread curiosity and debate. This exhaustive review delves into the core of Surge365, dissecting its offerings, scrutinizing its history of legal entanglements, and ultimately, shedding light on the pivotal question: Is Surge365 a trailblazer in the realm of travel MLMs or merely a facade for a pyramid scheme?

Founding of Surge365

Surge365 was launched in 2014, born from the vision of Lloyd (Coach) Tomer, his son Scott Tomer, and Chris Cokley. These individuals brought a wealth of experience from the direct selling and MLM sectors to the venture. Lloyd and Scott Tomer, in particular, were seasoned veterans in the travel MLM space, having been pivotal figures at YTB International (Your Travel Biz), a company that similarly operated in the travel industry and faced its share of legal challenges.

The Visionaries Behind Surge365

  • Lloyd (Coach) Tomer served as the guiding force behind Surge365’s strategic direction. His extensive history in MLM and direct selling, with leadership roles in companies like Herbalife and World Financial Group, endowed Surge365 with a wealth of industry knowledge and experience.
  • Scott Tomer, as the company’s President and COO, brought over two decades of direct selling expertise to the table. His tenure at World Financial Group and involvement in other MLM ventures like Vemma and Herbalife provided a solid foundation for Surge365’s operational and sales strategies.
  • Chris Cokley, taking on the role of Chief Visionary Officer, contributed his marketing acumen to the enterprise. His background with World Financial Group and other MLM companies enriched Surge365’s marketing and recruitment strategies.

Historical Context and Legal Scrutiny

The launch of Surge365 was shadowed by the legacy of YTB International, which faced legal action on allegations of operating a pyramid scheme. The legal battles against YTB, particularly the lawsuits filed by the states of Illinois and California, highlighted the fine line MLM companies walk between legitimate business models and practices considered to be pyramid schemes. These historical challenges set a backdrop of skepticism and scrutiny for Surge365 from its inception.

Legal Challenges Faced by Surge 365

  • Florida Lawsuit (2015): Surge365 encountered early legal trouble when the state of Florida accused it of being an illegal pyramid scheme. The lawsuit centered on the premise that Surge365’s earnings were primarily derived from recruitment rather than the sale of tangible products or services. Surge365 contested these allegations, and the case was eventually settled out of court, allowing the company to continue its operations.
  • Former Member Litigation (2016): A lawsuit filed by a former member accused Surge365 of operating as a pyramid scheme, alleging that the promise of substantial profits through recruitment was misleading. The plaintiff claimed a significant financial loss, highlighting the risks associated with the company’s business model. The case was dismissed, but it contributed to the ongoing debate about the legitimacy of MLM practices.

Surge 365 Response and Adaptation

In response to these challenges, Surge365 has consistently defended its business model and the legality of its operations. The company emphasizes the value of its travel discounts and the income potential through its structured compensation plan. Surge365 has also sought to distance itself from the controversies of YTB International by focusing on compliance and transparency in its business practices.

Moving Forward: With a Travel Agency Business Model Lessons and Growth Reviews

The history of Surge365 is a testament to the complexities of operating within the MLM industry, especially in the travel sector. The company’s journey reflects a continuous effort to balance ambitious growth with legal compliance and ethical business practices. As Surge365 moves forward, the lessons learned from its legal scrutiny and the experiences of its founders remain central to its strategy, aiming to redefine the MLM model in travel and beyond.

How Does Surge365 Work?

Surge365’s business model is intricately designed around offering discounted travel services including for business travel and an opportunity for individuals to earn income through a multi-level marketing (MLM) structure. This dual approach aims to appeal to both travel enthusiasts looking for affordable travel options and entrepreneurs seeking a business opportunity. Let’s delve deeper into what Surge365 offers, how one can join the company, and the intricacies of its compensation plan.

Surge365’s Offerings

At its core, Surge365 markets memberships that grant access to discounted rates on travel-related services, including hotels, rental cars, cruises, and airfare. These memberships are structured into several tiers, each with its own set of benefits and price points:

  • Basic Membership: Offers the foundational layer of travel discounts and is designed for casual travelers.
  • Silver Membership: Builds upon the Basic tier by adding more discounts and benefits, catering to more frequent travelers.
  • Gold Membership: Provides extensive travel benefits and discounts, targeting avid travelers.
  • Platinum Membership: The highest tier, offering the most substantial discounts and exclusive benefits for serious travel enthusiasts.

These membership packages are central to Surge365’s value proposition, promising members significant savings on travel, which can enhance the appeal of the business opportunity on offer.

The Path to Joining Surge365

Joining Surge365 is a straightforward process that begins with selecting one of the membership packages. The cost of these packages ranges from $199.95 to $999.95 annually, reflecting the tiered structure of membership benefits. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the joining process:

  1. Select a Membership Package: Prospective members choose a package that best suits their travel needs and budget.
  2. Sign Up Online or Through a Distributor: Registration can be completed on Surge365’s website or through an existing member who acts as a distributor.
  3. Access to Member Benefits: Once registered, members gain access to the Surge365 portal, where they can start utilizing their travel discounts.
  4. Engage in the Business Opportunity: Members interested in the MLM aspect can begin recruiting others and selling memberships to earn commissions.

This model is designed to facilitate entry into the Surge365 ecosystem, providing immediate value through travel discounts and the potential for income generation.

Surge365’s Compensation Plan

The compensation plan is a critical component of the Surge365 business model, offering multiple avenues for income through retail sales, recruitment, and bonuses. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:

Retail Commissions

Members earn commissions on the sale of membership packages to non-member customers. The commission rate varies by the level of membership sold, with rates typically ranging from 10% to 20% of the membership price.

Recruitment Commissions

Members can earn additional commissions by recruiting new members into the Surge365 network. This includes a percentage of the membership fees from recruited members, incentivizing the growth of the distributor’s network.

Bonuses and Incentives

Surge365 offers various bonuses tied to recruitment and sales milestones. These can include one-time bonuses for reaching certain recruitment thresholds, as well as ongoing incentives for maintaining an active and growing network.

Ranks and Advancement

The compensation plan also features a ranking system, with members able to advance through ranks based on their sales and recruitment achievements. Each rank comes with its own set of benefits, including higher commission rates, bonus eligibility, and recognition within the Surge365 community.

Maintenance Requirements

Members must meet certain sales and recruitment targets to maintain their rank and eligibility for commissions and bonuses. This encourages continuous engagement and growth within the Surge365 business model.

The Surge365 compensation plan is designed to reward both the sales of travel memberships and the recruitment of new members, aligning with the MLM model’s emphasis on network growth and sales performance. This plan offers a potentially lucrative opportunity for those who excel in sales and recruitment, though, like all MLM models, success requires significant effort, dedication, and skill in networking and marketing. 

Ratings on Surge365: Pros and Cons

Surge365, like any multi-level marketing (MLM) business, presents a mixed bag of advantages and challenges for those considering its membership and business opportunity. The company’s unique positioning in the travel industry, combined with its MLM structure, creates specific pros and cons ratings that are important to weigh before joining. Here’s a detailed look at the benefits and drawbacks associated with Surge365.

Pros of Surge365

Access to Travel Discounts

One of the primary advantages of Surge 365 is the access it provides to discounts on a wide range of travel services, including hotels, rental cars, cruises, and flights. These discounts can be significant, offering real value to members who travel frequently.

Potential for Passive Income

Surge365’s compensation plan offers the potential for passive income through commissions on membership sales and bonuses from recruiting new members. For individuals with strong sales and networking skills, this can be an attractive opportunity to build an income stream that grows over time.

Flexible Business Opportunity

As with most MLM opportunities, Surge365 offers flexibility in terms of how and when members work. This can be particularly appealing for those looking for a side hustle or a business they can grow without committing to a traditional 9-to-5 schedule.

Support and Training

Surge365 provides training and support to its members, aiming to equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in selling memberships and recruiting new members. This can include marketing materials, training webinars, and access to a community of fellow members.

Cons of Surge365

Recruitment Focus

A significant portion of the potential income from Surge 365 comes from recruiting new members, a common trait in MLM models that can be controversial. This focus on recruitment over product sales can make it challenging for members to earn income solely through membership sales, especially if they are not adept at or comfortable with recruiting.

Monthly Sales Requirements

To remain active and eligible for commissions and bonuses, members need to meet specific sales and recruitment targets. These requirements can create pressure to continuously sell and recruit, which may not be sustainable or desirable for all members.

Initial and Ongoing Costs

The cost of joining Surge365 can be a barrier for some, with membership fees ranging from $199.95 to $999.95 per year. Additionally, maintaining membership and qualifying for commissions may require ongoing purchases and fees, which can add up over time.

Market Saturation and Competition

The travel industry is highly competitive, and the market for MLM travel memberships can be saturated. Members may find it challenging to sell Surge365 memberships or recruit new members in a market where many similar opportunities exist.

Legal and Reputational Risks

As noted, Surge365 has faced legal challenges and scrutiny in the past. The potential for legal issues and the stigma sometimes associated with MLMs can pose reputational risks for members, affecting their ability to sell memberships and recruit.

Final Verdict: Navigating Surge 365 Reviews and MLM Waters

Surge 365 stands as a legitimate entity within the MLM sphere according to our Surge 365 review, yet its reliance on recruitment and the shadow of its legal history invite caution. For those considering Surge365, thorough research and a critical evaluation of the MLM model’s fit with one’s goals and values are paramount.

As the discourse around Surge365 and travel MLMs continues, perspectives will vary, but informed decision-making remains the cornerstone of navigating this complex domain. Whether Surge365 represents a genuine opportunity or a cautionary tale depends on individual analysis and the evolving landscape of MLMs in the travel industry.

As we always recommend, it’s crucial that you thoroughly research any multi-level marketing company that you’re looking at joining. This research should include reading reviews, checking out the company’s website, and speaking with current and former members of the opportunity. This will help you make an informed decision about whether or not an MLM is the right company for you.

I Buy I Review is one of your best sources of information on MLMs and other online programs and courses that claim they’ll make you rich. Our goal is to provide you with honest, unbiased reviews that will help you make the best decision for your financial future.

Frequently Asked Questions about Surge365

What is Surge365?

Surge365 is a multi-level marketing (MLM) company that offers discounted travel services and a business opportunity for individuals to earn income through sales and recruitment. It provides access to discounts on hotels, rental cars, cruises, and flights through various membership levels.

How does Surge365 work?

Members join by purchasing one of several membership tiers, which grants them access to travel discounts. They can earn income by selling these memberships to others and recruiting new members to join the business, earning commissions and bonuses based on their sales and the sales of their recruits.

What are the membership levels in Surge365?

Surge365 offers several membership tiers, including Basic, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each level comes with its own set of benefits and discounts, with higher tiers offering more extensive travel discounts and benefits.

How can I join Surge365?

Joining Surge365 involves selecting a membership package and signing up either online through the Surge365 website or through an existing member who acts as a distributor. The cost of membership ranges from $199.95 to $999.95 annually.

Are there any requirements to earn commissions in Surge365?

Yes, members must meet specific sales and recruitment targets to qualify for commissions and maintain their rank within the company. These requirements encourage continuous engagement with the business.

Is Surge365 a legitimate business?

Surge365 is a legitimate MLM company offering real travel discounts and a structured compensation plan. However, its business model, like that of many MLM network marketing offerings, requires careful consideration due to the focus on recruitment and sales targets.

Can I make money with Surge365?

Yes, it is possible to make money with Surge365 through the sale of memberships and recruitment of new members. However, success requires effective sales and networking skills, and income levels can vary widely among members.