Century 21 is a real estate franchise and MLM company founded in 1971, headquartered in Madison, NJ. They operate a party plan compensation model, allowing independent distributors to earn income through retail sales and team-building commissions.
Their product offerings focus on real estate services, and distributors start by purchasing products at wholesale prices. As they build their sales and grow their teams, they can advance through rank levels for higher commissions and bonuses.
Century 21 has a solid reputation, with a BBB rating of A and a Trustpilot score of 4.0/5. Some risks include a concentration of earnings among top earners and monthly purchase requirements for full commissions, but overall, their risk level is considered low.
Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- Established Brand
Century 21 has been around since 1971, so they’ve built a strong reputation in the real estate industry.
- A Rating with BBB
They have an A rating with the Better Business Bureau, which often indicates a commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Decent Trustpilot Score
With a 4.0 out of 5 on Trustpilot, many customers seem to have a positive experience with their services.
- Flexible Sales Approach
The party plan model allows distributors to sell in a more social and engaging way, which can attract more customers.
- Potential for Team Commissions
You can earn additional income through team-building commissions, which can increase your earnings if you build a solid team.
✗ Cons
- Top Earner Concentration
The income disclosure shows that a small percentage of distributors make most of the money, which is typical in many MLMs.
- Monthly Purchase Requirements
To qualify for full commissions, distributors must meet monthly purchase requirements, which can be a financial burden.
- Initial Investment Needed
New distributors have to buy products at wholesale prices upfront, which can be risky if sales don’t pan out.
- Income Variability
Earnings can be highly variable, and many people might not make enough to cover their costs.
Verdict: Century 21 has some solid pros, especially with its established brand and decent customer ratings. However, the income structure raises red flags, particularly with the concentration of earnings among top distributors and mandatory purchases. Proceed with caution and do your homework.
Best for: This could be a good fit for outgoing people who enjoy sales and networking. If you prefer stable income without the risks of upfront investments, this might not be for you.
Risk Analysis
Century 21 has a low risk profile due to its established reputation and solid customer ratings. However, potential recruits should be aware of the earnings concentration among top distributors and monthly purchase requirements.
Key Concerns
- High earnings concentration among top earners moderate
Income disclosure shows that a significant portion of total commissions is earned by a small percentage of distributors.
- Monthly purchase requirements for full commissions moderate
Distributors must meet certain purchase thresholds to qualify for the highest commission rates.
Positive Indicators
- Strong BBB rating and customer trust
Century 21 holds an A rating from the BBB and a 4.0/5 rating on Trustpilot.
- Long-standing company with established presence
Founded in 1971, Century 21 has over 50 years in the industry.
Consumer Advice: If you’re considering joining Century 21, do your homework on the income potential and be mindful of the monthly purchase requirements. It’s a well-rated company, but success often depends on sales skills and recruiting ability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Century 21
Is Century 21 a legitimate MLM company?
Yes, Century 21 is a legitimate MLM company. Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Madison, NJ, it has a solid reputation with an A rating from the BBB and a 92/100 trust score.
What products does Century 21 sell?
Century 21 primarily focuses on real estate services rather than physical products. They offer a range of tools and support for real estate agents to help them succeed in their business.
How much can you make with Century 21?
Earnings with Century 21 can vary widely. Their income disclosure shows that a majority of earnings are concentrated among top earners, meaning that while some do well, many others might not earn as much.
What are the complaints about Century 21?
Some complaints about Century 21 revolve around the income potential and the monthly purchase requirements for full commissions. It’s crucial to do thorough research and manage expectations.
What is the compensation plan for Century 21?
Century 21 uses a Party Plan compensation structure. Distributors earn money through retail sales and team-building commissions, advancing through ranks as their sales volume grows.
What does it cost to join Century 21?
To join Century 21, you typically need to purchase products at wholesale prices. The exact cost can vary depending on what you choose to buy, but be prepared for an upfront investment.
What is Century 21's BBB rating?
Century 21 has an A rating from the BBB. This reflects their commitment to addressing customer complaints and maintaining a positive reputation.
Is Century 21 worth joining?
Whether Century 21 is worth joining depends on your goals and expectations. With a low risk level and solid support, it can be a good fit for some, but be aware of the income concentration among top earners.
What are some alternatives to Century 21?
Some alternatives to Century 21 include companies like Keller Williams and RE/MAX, which also offer real estate services and independent distributor opportunities. Each has its own compensation plans and company culture.
