Posted: Apr 11, 2021 6:00 AM AT | Last Updated: April 11 The Direct Sellers Association of Canada estimates about 10 to 15 per cent more people joined its member companies in 2020 than in 2019.(S_L/Shutterstock) The COVID-19 pandemic could be leading more people to join multi-level marketing companies, a controversial business practice that can result in sellers making negligible amounts of money, or none at all. Multi-level marketing companies rely on person-to-person sales, often with salespeople buying their own inventory and selling products to their friends, family and other acquaintances. Sellers are encouraged to recruit new salespeople — also known as downlines — to begin selling products as well, with a percentage of their sales going to their uplines.