Recently, I've been trying to help a friend do some research into a couple different MLMs that friends or family have fallen into. And in breaking down doTerra's earnings disclosures from the past few years, I found an interesting little company by the name of Verify Markets.

Now, you've probably never heard of VM before, or any of the reports or research that they've put out, but their services have been used by both Amway and doTerra in the past. Services such as:

1. Custom Market Research

Verify Markets can acquire any sort of market data or intelligence to support your company and aid you in your strategic planning process. Our capabilities are not limited by industry. Verify Markets has contacts across market verticals. Any type of data-set is attainable and we will structure an appropriate methodology to address your goals and accommodate your budget. Our custom market research services will address your business needs.

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How do they conduct this research? Well, from their own Methodology page:

Our primary research methodology involves the collection of information from supply-side participants. This collection encompasses interviews with market participants, manufacturers, the distribution-channel and key end-users. After information is gathered from the market, it is supplemented and tested from a variety of secondary databases and published sources. We are also able to use different methodologies to accomplish a project objective. If there is a specific requirement, we can modify our process accordingly.

Basically, VM is happy to research your company's market to determine just how good you really are. If the market trends don't work for you, that's fine too! They can find data that fits your needs and makes you look good. And don't worry about curious consumers reading this cherry-picked data - the cheapest report available on their site is still priced at $499, while the most recent are 5x that or more.

2. Verified Leader Awards

Verify Markets identifies companies that are leaders within a respective industry. These companies are given awards, which are selected by the consultant writing the report. Companies can promote their award publicly to boost brand awareness and confidence.

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You may be wondering how VM "identifies" the companies they give awards to. Well, it's simple! You have a company, you contact them saying you're really great, and they have now identified you! Congratulations!

3. Claim Validation

Is your company or brand the leader in an industry? Be heard! Use our Claim Certifications and Industry Leader Interviews for more exposure and legal claim backing. Our custom research allows Verify Markets to quantify market positioning for any company, product or service. We provide third-party confirmation regarding your brand's positioning and your customer's opinion. Marketing claims can be used to convey product and company strength, as well as value. Verify Markets' claim validation services and market advertising campaigns are effective at building a positive brand perception.

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They're not even subtle about this one. VM offers to use their custom market research to make claims about your company that you can use and pretend that they actually mean something! Sure, your products may make dozens of false claims and be inferior to other brands in the same market, but now you can say that you're #1 in other ways!

It's no secret that companies find all sorts of ways to make themselves look good, and it's important to know what to look for when you're reading through press releases, blog posts, earnings disclosures, etc. I have no doubt that there are other companies that offer services similar to what Verify Markets offers, but being able to call out these bought-and-paid-for claims and awards is another piece of ammunition in the belt when trying to help people see the light.

If anyone has heard of or seen a similar company being used, don't hesitate to call them out. Every little bit of information helps.