Dear Friend Who Sells Stuff on Facebook,

Hi, how’s it going?

I’m so glad you reached out the other day to check in. It has been awhile, hasn’t it? Two years since we’ve hung out – wow, how the time passes. We have so much to catch up on!

What’s that you say? You want to tell me about some unique products I might be interested in? You have an exciting business opportunity for me? Oh, I see you’ve added me to your virtual Facebook party. And your secret group. Oh look, and there’s another post on my newsfeed and a few pings sitting in my messages from you…

I’m so elated you’ve found an opportunity to grow yourself both personally and professionally. I can tell the products you’re selling make you happy, and I see how passionate you are about them. I’m so jealous of your flexible hours and your ability to work from home! On top of that, you’re earning unlimited income, meeting new people, and rekindling with old friends. How very cool! I can see why you want to spread the news.

Before you start your pitch, I must sadly inform you that I’m not interested. If I’m being completely honest, I’ve heard the spiel before. Multiple times, actually. I probably get close to six Facebook party invites, business page group requests, and private messages a month from friends, co-workers, family, and other acquaintances. I’m so flattered that you thought of me, but I have to respectfully decline. It’s not that I don’t want to support your growing business or that I’d rather buy from someone else; I don’t want to feel guilted into buying, period. It’s not you, it’s me.

It takes hard work, courage, persistence, and some serious research to do what you do, and for that I’m so proud of you! Please know that I’m not anti-MLM, I’m just not a fan of being treated like a customer more than a friend.

I’m a super savvy shopper. I like to research, find the best price, and look, smell, touch, and try the product before I buy. I’m not an impulse buyer and strive to not buy things I don’t need (unless I’m in Target!). As cool as your essential oils, lotions, nail stickers, cooking accessories, wraps, jewelry, leggings, embroidered bags, protein shakes, make-up, and cleaning products are, I simply can’t force myself to buy on the spot – and truthfully, I can’t justify the paying the price.

I don’t mean to come off as unsupportive or to offend you. I wish you only the best for you and your growing business. Facebook may seem like a great vehicle to spread the word and invite friends, but I must tell you, I don’t like feeling like a prospect. Also, I’m really bummed that the only reason you’re connecting with me is to see if you can sell me something. I feel duped, betrayed, and a little taken aback. When I’m added to secret groups and virtual parties (along with your other “closest” 422 friends), it kind of loses its authenticity for me. Was I added because you knew I’d love the product and you wanted to share your knowledge, or because I’m just someone to make you a few bucks? I really hope it’s not the latter.

I still want to be your friend, so please don’t take my decline as a jab toward you personally. I just don’t want to be used for your financial benefit or feel pressured into something I’m not interested in, that’s all. I know you have good intentions when pitching your products, so I’ll be polite and listen. But, I want you to know how I feel so we can move on from this awkward encounter. I don’t want this to damage our relationship, and I don’t want there to be animosity or resentment.

Owning your small business and being successful is never an easy feat. It takes hard work, courage, persistence, and some serious research to do what you do, and for that I’m so proud of you! Please know that I’m not anti-MLM, I’m just not a fan of being treated like a customer more than a friend. If or when I become interested in your products, I will certainly contact you before anyone else. But until then, I hope you respect our friendship enough to keep your business pitch separate.