I have seen the old 'home party' (supposedly not MLM) companies sometimes have good products, which are hard to come by in the standard store..but hard is not impossible, just a royal PIA for anti shoppers like me
As for making money, the only way a tupperware, pampered chef, mary kay, cutco, or avon rep is going to make money is if they invest TONS of time and money. and if they have a few good chances lots of rich contacts. Oh plus the right 'selling' personality. For the rest of us...I'll pass.
Unfortunatly I found not all companies stay decent, I used to have discovery toys when I was a kid, I loved them, and my kids now play with mine, well the company went 'mainstream' meaning they dumbed down the toys, comprimised standards on quality, and after sending back half a dozen things my kids broke, I decided to quit (though I still buy the three origional wonderful toys for my friends when they have kids)