Voluntary Slavery, Is This The Best Business Concept Ever?

[Roli]

I have just been made aware (by my 11 year old no less), of a business that utilises a labour force which pays it to work!

We all (hopefully) agree that slavery is wrong, forcing someone to work for you for no money so that you may profit is immoral right? Well how about getting someone to work for you and then getting that person to pay you for the privilege, and what's more, they're more than willing to do so and even thank you for the opportunity, or rather "experience".

I'm talking about truffle hunting. A business whereby you invite people along to come and hunt truffles, they pay you a couple of hundred pounds or dollars depending on your location, they find your product for you, which you sell (mainly to them) and then they go away with a tiny sample and a huge smile on their faces.

It's incredible, you get people to work for you, dress it up as an experience and they pay you!!!

Of course the problem with starting a business like this, is you'll need some land, so it got me thinking; are there any other areas we could apply this "voluntary slavery" model?

Let the brainstorm begin!

 

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[BizyDad]

I knew a farmer who got paid to pick up natural waste byproducts (like lawn clippings or food that won't sell) from restaurants, food factories, landscapers, etc. He turns it into high grade compost and sells that to the landscapers. Sometimes, he didn't even have to pick it up, people drop off waste to him and he charges them (a discounted price) for the privilege.

It's not quite "slave" labor, but its the same principle. Make money on your inputs and simply add profit to the bottom line.

 

[Niptuck MD]

Well how about getting someone to work for you and then getting that person to pay you for the privilege,

This is the norm in many asian countries. Especially in india.. Getting a job is bloody insane and tenders for highest bidders meaning you pay for your job up front. Many times you pay just to interview!
Obviously this model exists due to othrr reasons but its commonplace unfortunately due to competition

Now on the other hand truffles is another story haha. Not too big of a fan

 

[Mikkel]

Growing up, my sister paid to join a club called 4-H where she would spend multiple hours a week literally shoveling cow shit and taking care of "her cow."

Granted, this paid off for her as she is now one year from being a veterinarian.

Myself, I went to school to become a physical therapist. I paid my school ~$10,000(x4) to work 40 hours a week for 6-8 weeks at a clinic where I made the company a bunch of money. Some of the physical therapy clinics required money from the school(my money) so they could "allow me" to make them money.

I know. I know. I'm an idiot. I was pissed off every waking moment. Huge scam, but this is another example.

 

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[Kirk84]

I was thinking: Why not have a paid school for html, css and other web dev stuff and have the participants develop web pages for paying customers (local businesses for example).

 

[Roli]

I knew a farmer who got paid to pick up natural waste byproducts (like lawn clippings or food that won't sell) from restaurants, food factories, landscapers, etc. He turns it into high grade compost and sells that to the landscapers. Sometimes, he didn't even have to pick it up, people drop off waste to him and he charges them (a discounted price) for the privilege.

It's not quite "slave" labor, but its the same principle. Make money on your inputs and simply add profit to the bottom line.

I've heard of a few of these waste product businesses over the years, I do love that idea. It is a similar concept, people paying you and giving you your main product for free. Love it.

 

[Roli]

Growing up, my sister paid to join a club called 4-H where she would spend multiple hours a week literally shoveling cow shit and taking care of "her cow."

Granted, this paid off for her as she is now one year from being a veterinarian.

Myself, I went to school to become a physical therapist. I paid my school ~$10,000(x4) to work 40 hours a week for 6-8 weeks at a clinic where I made the company a bunch of money. Some of the physical therapy clinics required money from the school(my money) so they could "allow me" to make them money.

I know. I know. I'm an idiot. I was pissed off every waking moment. Huge scam, but this is another example.

Yeah that's one, but at least you came away with something at the end right? Did you ever make money being a physical therapist after that? Was it a well recognised qualification?

Still though, paying someone to work sucks.

 

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[Mikkel]

Yeah that's one, but at least you came away with something at the end right? Did you ever make money being a physical therapist after that? Was it a well recognised qualification?

Ya. I make decent money, but I hate the job. I got a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, but it is just an expensive piece of paper. My diploma says I am a doctor, the cost of my education is that of a doctor, and I get paid far less than a doctor.

I only found MJ's book mid-college. I could either drop out of college with serious debt and no degree or take on more debt and get a degree. I chose the latter.

I'll be switching lanes soon, currently working on a Fastlane business. Hoping to throw that diploma away.

 

[heavy_industry]

Jesus Christ.

Slavery means forcing people to work and threatening them with violence. And it's not just "wrong", it's a crime against humanity.

People pay for labor intensive hobbies all the time: fishing, hunting, skiing, hiking, alpinism etc. That doesn't make them slaves in any shape or form.

Business is all about solving problems, helping people, and providing value. It's not about finding "voluntary slaves" or tricking people into working for you. Having this view is not only counterproductive, but it's also a very psychopathic approach to business and life.

 

[alexkuzmov]

I got a good one for you.

Get people excited to learn building techniques, how to use tools, how to work with concrete, pipes, house wiring etc.

Then organize a "workshop" where they get to put said skills into practice, all the while buying their own materials and fixing your own property while paying you.

If thats not a killer deal, I dont know what is.

 

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