Vorwerk Review: Is This a Legit Germany-Based MLM or a Pyramid Scheme?

Vorwerk is a Germany-based MLM company that has been around since 1874. The company sells a variety of products such as cosmetics, household appliances, vacuum cleaners and kitchen accessories through a network of distributors. In this Vorwerk review, you’ll learn whether we think Vorwerk is a legitimate MLM or a pyramid scheme. We’ll also discuss who launched Vorwerk and when, what products the company sells, how to join Vorwerk and the companies compensation plan, whether the company has faced any complaints or lawsuits, what we like about Vorwerk and what we don’t like, and alternatives to Vorwerk.
History of Vorwerk
Vorwerk was founded by brothers Carl and Adolph Vorwerk in Germany in 1874 to produce and sell carpets. Since then, Vorwerk has expanded into other industries such as household appliances and cosmetics. Vorwerk is now a multi-level marketing company that sells its products through a network of distributors.
Before launching Vorwerk, the Vorwerk brothers worked in textile manufacturing. They both had a passion for engineering and were inspired by the industrial revolution to improve their products with the latest technology available. The Vorwerks also wanted to provide employment opportunities for people in their home country of Germany. Vorwerk has since become a global leader in its industry, thanks largely to the commitment of the Vorwerks.
Vorwerk is currently headquartered in Wuppertal, Germany. Vorwerk’s products are available in over 50 countries worldwide. Vorwerk is owned by the Vorwerks family and its CEO is Carl Vorwerks III.
Vorwerk operates in the United States through its Vorwerk US subsidiary. Vorwerk US is based in Texas and sells a range of products including Vorwerk’s flagship vacuum cleaners, Kobold robotic vacuums and Thermomix kitchen appliances. Vorwerk US also operates Vorwerk Direct, an online store that sells
Products sold by Vorwerk
Vorwerk sells a variety of products such as cosmetics, household appliances, vacuum cleaners and kitchen accessories. Vorwerk also offers a complete line of cleaning and maintenance products for your home.
- Vorwerk’s most popular product is its Kobold Vacuum Cleaner, a cordless bagless upright vacuum cleaner designed for heavy-duty use. Vorwerk’s Kobold Vacuum Cleaner comes with a number of features such as powerful suction power, adjustable height settings, soft wheels and an ergonomic handle.
- Induction Heating System: Vorwerk’s induction heating system is designed to provide a comfortable and consistent heat throughout your home. Vorwerk’s induction heating system also has energy-saving features such as the Vorwerk Intelligent Control System which automatically adjusts the temperature according to your needs.
- Vorwerk’s cosmetics includes skin care and beauty products such as Vorwerk’s Age Protection Line, Vorwerk’s Facial Cleansing System and Vorwerk’s Skin Care System. Vorwerk cosmetics are designed to nourish, protect and rejuvenate your skin.
- Vorwerk also offers a range of kitchen accessories such as Vorwerk’s Multi-Blade System and Vorwerk’s Power Chopper. Vorwerk’s kitchen accessories are designed to make cooking more efficient and less time consuming.
- Allergy Free Carpet Cleaner: Vorwerk’s Allergy Free Carpet Cleaner is designed to remove dust mites, pet dander and other allergens from carpets and rugs. Vorwerk’s Allergy Free Carpet Cleaner is safe for use on all types of carpets and rugs.
- Fragrance Free Air Freshener: Vorwerk’s Fragrance Free Air Freshener is designed to neutralize odors and create a healthy indoor environment. Vorwerk’s Fragrance Free Air Freshener is safe for use in homes, offices, schools and other public spaces.
- Anti-Aging Line: Vorwerk’s Anti-Aging Line is designed to reduce wrinkles, fine lines and crow’s feet. Vorwerk’s Anti-Aging Line is formulated with natural ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol and Vitamin E.
- Vorwerk also offers a range of household appliances such as Vorwerk’s Coffee Maker, Vorwerk’s Toaster and Vorwerk’s Blender.
- Maintenance: Vorwerk also offers a range of products for maintaining and cleaning your home. Vorwerk’s maintenance products include Vorwerk’s All-Purpose Cleaner, Vorwerk’s Floor Cleaner and Vorwerk’s Glass Cleaner.
How does Vorwerk work?
Vorwerk works by selling its products through a network of distributors. Vorwerk’s distributors earn commissions from the sales they make. Vorwerks also offers incentives such as bonuses and rewards for achieving certain goals. Vorwerk also provides training and support to its distributors.

Here are Vorwerk's commissions and bonuses:
- Vorwerk Distributors earn a 30% commission on all sales they make.
- Vorwerk Distributors can earn bonuses and rewards for achieving certain goals such as selling a certain amount of products or recruiting new distributors.
- Vorwerk also offers travel incentives and bonuses for reaching higher levels in the Vorwerk compensation plan.
- Merchandise incentives: Vorwerk offers merchandise incentives such as Vorwerk products, jewelry, and other items.
- Access to exclusive events: Vorwerk Distributors have access to exclusive events such as Vorwerk-hosted conferences and seminars.
Vorwerk has ranks in its compensation plan. Vorwerk Distributors can advance to higher ranks by achieving certain goals such as selling a certain amount of products or recruiting new distributors.
Here are Vorwerk ranks and how they work:
- Vorwerk Consultant: Vorwerk Consultants are entry-level Vorwerk Distributors.
- Vorwerk Manager: Vorwerk Managers are experienced Vorwerk Distributors. They have the ability to recruit new distributors and manage existing teams of Vorwerk Distributors.
- Vorwerk Director: Vorwerk Directors are experienced Vorwerk Managers. They have the ability to manage teams of Vorwerk Distributors, recruit new distributors and qualify for higher commissions and bonuses.
- Vorwerk Executive: Vorwerk Executives are experienced Vorwerk Directors. They have the ability to manage large teams of Vorwerk Distributors, recruit new distributors and qualify for higher commissions and bonuses.
- Vorwerk President: Vorwerk Presidents are experienced Vorwerk Executives. They have the ability to manage large teams of Vorwerk Distributors, recruit new distributors and qualify for higher commissions and bonuses.
The Vorwerk compensation plan also includes a 3×9 matrix structure that allows Vorwk Distributors to earn money from sales made by distributors in their downline. Vorwerk Distributors earn a percentage of the sales in their downlines as they advance in Vorwerk ranks. Vorwerk Distributors can also earn bonuses and rewards when they reach certain goals. Vorwerk Distributors can also qualify for additional rewards and bonuses by attending Vorwerk-hosted conferences and seminars.
How to join Vorwerk ?
To become a Vorwerk distributor, you must first fill out an application form on the Vorwerk website and pay a one-time fee of $75. Vorwerk also requires that you purchase a starter kit which includes Vorwerk products, marketing materials and educational materials.
Vorwerk starter kits and their cost:
- Vorwerk Basic Kit (cost: $199): Vorwerk Basic Kit includes Vorwerk products, marketing materials and educational materials.
- Vorwerk Premium Kit (cost: $399): Vorwerk Premium Kit includes Vorwerk products, marketing materials, educational materials and exclusive Vorwerk rewards.
- Vorwerk Ultimate Kit (cost: $599): Vorwerk Ultimate Kit includes Vorwerk products, marketing materials, educational materials and exclusive Vorwerk rewards.
Once you have purchased a starter kit and your application has been approved, you will be eligible to start selling Vorwerk products and earning commissions from sales.
Is Vorwerk a pyramid scheme?
Vorwerk is not a pyramid scheme. Vorwerk operates as a legitimate multi-level marketing business. Vorwerk Distributors earn commissions and bonuses from selling Vorwerk products and recruiting new distributors into their teams. Vorwerk also offers rewards and bonuses for achieving certain goals such as selling a certain amount of products or recruiting new distributors. Vorwerk does not require its Distributors to purchase a certain amount of Vorwerk products in order to earn commissions or bonuses. Vorwerk also offers merchandise incentives such as Vorwerk products, jewelry, and other items. Vorwerk Distributors can qualify for additional rewards and bonuses by attending Vorwerk-hosted conferences and seminars. Vorwerk Distributors are not required to purchase a certain amount of Vorwerk products in order to stay active as Vorwerk Distributors.
Under a pyramid scheme, the primary focus is recruiting.
Has Vorwerk faced any complaints or lawsuits?
Vorwerk has been in business since 1874 and has faced a variety of complaints and lawsuits over the years, mostly in Germany. Vorwerk has been accused of using deceptive marketing practices to lure customers into purchasing Vorwerk products. Vorwerk has also been sued for failing to honor its money-back guarantee policy. Vorwerk has faced numerous lawsuits that have resulted in fines and settlements totaling in the millions of dollars. Vorwerk has also been accused of operating as a pyramid scheme and using unfair sales tactics to recruit distributors.
What we like about Vorwerk ?
- Vorwerk offers a variety of products such as cosmetics, household appliances, vacuum cleaners and kitchen accessories.
- Vorwerk also provides a compensation plan that rewards Vorwerk Distributors for their sales.
- Vorwerk provides merchandise incentives such as Vorwerk products, jewelry, and other items.
- Vorwerk offers rewards and bonuses for achieving certain goals such as selling a certain amount of products or recruiting new distributors.
What we don’t like about Vorwerk ?
- Vorwerk has faced numerous complaints and lawsuits over the years.
- Vorwerk has been accused of using deceptive marketing practices to lure customers into purchasing Vorwerk products.
- Vorwerk does not provide detailed information about its compensation plan on its website.
- Vorwerk does not provide details about its money-back guarantee policy.
Are there alternatives to Vorwerk?
If Vorwerk is not the right MLM for you, there are plenty of other options available. Some popular alternatives include:
- Herbalife: Herbalife offers a variety of nutritional health and wellness products.
- Amway: Amway is one of the largest MLM companies in the world offering a variety of products ranging from health and beauty to home care items.
- doTerra: doTerra offers essential oils, dietary supplements, personal care products and more.
- Beachbody: Beachbody offers fitness and nutrition products such as workout plans, meal plans and supplements.
- Juice Plus: Juice Plus is an MLM that sells nutritional supplements made from fruits, vegetables, and grains.
- Arbonne: Arbonne offers a variety of health, beauty and wellness products.
- Avon: Avon is one of the oldest and largest MLM companies in the world selling a variety of health and beauty products.
Our verdict on Vorwerk
Overall, Vorwerk is a legitimate MLM opportunity and should be considered by those looking to join an MLM. However, Vorwerk’s history of complaints and lawsuits should be taken into consideration before joining the company.
It’s up to you to decide whether Vorwerk is right for you. If Vorwerk does not sound like the right fit for you, there are plenty of alternative MLMs to choose from. Be sure to do your research and compare the different companies before deciding which one is right for you.

An important online source of information about multi-level marketing companies and other online programs and courses that claim they’ll make you rich is I Buy I Review. We offer our honest and unbiased opinion on Vorwerk and all other MLMs, online programs and courses, so you can make an educated decision.
Before signing up with Vorwerk or any other MLM remember to do your due diligence. Read the terms and conditions carefully, research the company, read customer reviews and talk to current Distributors about their experiences before making a commitment.
Good luck!
And remember: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

I buy and review courses so you don’t have to. Sometimes, I even find courses that are legitimate and worthwhile; and that’s how I accidentally came across one that led me to building a 6-figure business in a little under 5 years. Now, I still review courses because it’s my favorite hobby. 🙂 Learn more about me here.