The company basically exploits the low level sales agents that they hire. There are no benefits (401K, retirement, housing, terrible healthcare plan, PTO, etc). You also have to work 6 days a week, standing outside "prospecting" for sales leads. Essentially you stand outside, regardless of weather, and solicit people for business. The program itself is great, but the way the company operates is very unethical. Essentially if someone has below average credit, even though you want to sell them an affordable vehicle, they really only care about the deal.
The other problem is that if you become ill, you are still expected to work. You are only given one day off to take care of any obligations you have. Essentially you're not able to really experience living overseas.
You are also expected to pay for every expense work related on your own. There is a reimbursement system, but its ridiculous that you are expected to pay for things such as paper, ink jet cartridges, fuel for the show cars, computer equipment, and advertising materials. You're also expected to pay for the company uniforms, which fell apart after one washing.
There is also no support after the first three months of moving. Japan, for example, makes it very hard for foreigners to find housing, open a bank account, etc. The company essentially wants you to stay in their housing and pay a ridiculous sum of money for what is really worth only half of what they are asking for. Every other contractor company will pay for housing, benefits, etc. It is insane that this is the only company that doesn't. Its a cycle that is planned since you are dependent on the company for housing (if you're not lucky enough to get out of it).
I was also living and working on a tourist visa for almost six months. The company sent me to another country and flew me back to renew it. The problem with this is that holding a US Passport, you need a "return ticket" back to your home country. I had to lie in order to get back on my flight.
The company also hires people who probably wouldn't pass an interview at a conventional company in their home country. I worked with people who clearly had alcohol and drug problems, people who had hygienic issues, and people who openly speak about prostitution when they travel to third world countries. It is a very degrading feeling to know that they are even on the same level as you. These people clearly would not pass the EQIP and background checks for a SOFA visa, however the company purposely keeps them on 90 day contractor ID's so that they can sell as much as they can.
During my initial interview process, I was lied to in terms of the "benefits" of working for this company. I asked about a retirement plan and 401K, however the hiring manager simply said "We will get to that later." It was a red flag, however the opportunity to live and work abroad overshadowed it.
Even the person that does the hiring admitted that if you have a family and is married, you are asking for a divorce. The reason is simple, working 6 days a week and if sales aren't enough to cover your expenses, do not expect help from the company. There is no draw, so if you don't sell enough cars, then you're not going to be able to keep going.
Anyone with a college education, avoid this company at all costs. This is great for people who have no other options professionally and who have no life. There is a reason why this company goes through people so quickly. You get burnt out from having no time off, the stress of possibly having a poor or even negative paycheck, and the threatening letters the company sends about revoking your SOFA visa (if you even get it) is just the tip of the iceberg.
The job in itself is not exactly hard. You read a scripted sales presentation and you advise a customer on their financial picture and what realistically they can afford. Its the pressure of management, the company, and the many days of standing outside with usually no one to talk to that really drives people to quit. It's mentally draining, especially for people who have professional backgrounds and have an education.
Another thing to note. Even though the HQ is in New York (also unreliable), the company is listed to be in Switzerland. Clearly a way to dodge taxes.
I highly suggest not taking this job if you see it on websites such as Gaijinpot. Sure, it pays a bit more than other occupations as say, teaching. However the training pay can be revoked at any time, even though it is stated that you earn it for one full year. It's not worth it.
