ScamTelegraph has examined "That Free Thing," a company that combines a multi-level marketing (MLM) compensation plan with access to aggregated "free products and services" sourced from the internet. The model requires members to pay annual or monthly fees to access these non-exclusive offers, prompting scrutiny of its fundamental value proposition.
Individuals looking to join That Free Thing appear to have two primary membership pathways. One option allows participation as a non-active representative, granting access to the company's compilation of free offers for an annual fee of $199. The alternative is to enroll as an active Independent Representative, which waives the $199 annual fee, but requires a monthly payment of $9.95. This monthly fee amounts to approximately $119.40 per year, making the $199 non-active membership option seem less advantageous given the information provided by the company itself.
According to That Free Thing's own descriptions, the $199 administration fee for one year of Independent Representative status is non-commissionable. However, this fee is explicitly waived for members who opt to become customer/distributors by signing up at the $9.95 monthly level. This monthly membership confers all the rights of an Independent Representative along with full access to the company's product line. The clarity of these membership tiers has been noted as ambiguous.
The central premise of That Free Thing's product line is to "provide thousands of Free Products & Free Services to our members from companies all over the world." This concept raises an immediate question: if That Free Thing is not directly providing these free items, what is its role? The answer, as indicated by the company's operations, is aggregation.
That Free Thing essentially compiles and presents information about various free offers found across the internet. This model does not involve exclusive deals or direct negotiations between That Free Thing and other companies. Instead, it functions as a portal for existing public offers. This aggregated content is then funneled to its paying members, representatives, and affiliates. Given the existence of numerous free, established, and popular online portals that already offer similar compilations of "free stuff," the rationale for paying a fee to That Free Thing for this service becomes a significant point of inquiry.
What is That Free Thing's core business model?
That Free Thing operates by aggregating publicly available "free products and services" from the internet and offering access to these compilations through a paid membership structure, integrated with an MLM compensation plan.
What are the membership options available through That Free Thing?
Members can join as a non-active representative for an annual fee of $199, which provides access to the free offers. Alternatively, they can become an active Independent Representative by paying $9.95 per month, a choice that waives the $199 annual fee and includes full product access.
How does That Free Thing source its "free products and services"?
The company sources its "free products and services" by aggregating information from various internet sources. It does not appear to offer exclusive deals or directly negotiate with companies providing these free items.
Why is the value proposition of That Free Thing being questioned?
The value proposition is questioned because the company charges fees for access to information about "free products and services" that are widely and freely available on other established internet portals, raising doubts about the unique benefit offered by a paid membership.