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Mind you I am not trying to say having a downline is a bad thing, but you have to be ready for things like the above.
Then let me say it for you. Having a downline can indeed be a bad thing.
I had a nice override from a MA carrier. I felt it my obligation to teach agents how to sell MA plans by going to appointments with them, sell the product and have the commission go to the agent. My override was what paid for my time.
I did just this with several agents and recall one agent that completely soured me on the idea. After going out with him (and this jerk was an experienced agent who had failed in life insurance/annuities over the years) he declared he was ready to go out on his own.
So he use the mail piece I designed and started writing business. My FMO called him and offered a $50 override so he requested a release. I told him to basically drop dead and refused the request. Even though I insist on free releases this guy owed me plenty for my time.
Fast forward. My FMO lost his contract and along with my downline went under another FMO. He is the one who told me not to release even though he had never refused one himself.
A month or two later I find that this *** agent had called clients telling them that Medicare wanted them to enroll and wound up losing his appointment. He should have lost his license.
I rarely will offer contracts and when I do it's only to people I know and when I'm sure I won't get chargebacks.
BTW, this dishonest agent still occasionally posts here and gives advice. I have refrained from responding to him. Right Mickey?
Rick