It's been just over a year since I first discussed my experiences with Arbonne, the multi-level marketing skin-care company. Since that time, over 600 comments have been posted to that single entry! Diehard Arbonne supporters and vehement detractors have enjoyed spirited discussion and debate via my blog. Isn't the Internet great?
My take on the company remains the same. They have good product, albeit overpriced... and an unfair Internet marketing model that favors those who joined the company early and stymies those who would otherwise succeed online.
Anyhow, I was just perusing their official company website and came across some interesting numbers.
According to their site, the company paid out over $147 million in overrides and bonuses to independent consultants in the US.
They state that the average override and bonus paid to all registered Consultants in the United States was $101.16 per quarter and $404.63 on an annualized basis.
During the four quarters in 2005, an average of 12,798 registered Consultants (3.50% of all registered Consultants) received an override or bonus check from Arbonne.
The average quarterly override and bonus paid to registered Consultants in the United States that qualified for an override and bonus check was $2,887.74 or $11,550.94 on an annualized basis.
They also note that these numbers do not represent total profits as expenses are not considered.
In other words, the majority of the consultants don't make anything worth noting. A very small percentage make the major moolah. And of those at a managerial level, approximately 6% earn what I would consider to be a good income.
I still think there is plenty of opportunity with Arbonne, especially for someone who is highly motivated and fits the Arbonne model. Youthful... pretty... outgoing... But for the majority of people who get involved, it's just another MLM sinkhole.
I just wanted to thank you for the information. I am being courted by my Arbonne consultant now, and could not see just how this was going to profit me to the extent that I could become a stay at home mother (as she is trying to do). You have backed up my own suspicions and finds. Although, I must say, I do absolutely love the products and will continue to buy them for my own use!! However, the only people making money are a very small percentage of Regional VP's and the corporation themselves.
Although the numbers are true there are some things that you should understand. Those numbers reflect all consultants, these include the individuals that sign up to receive the 35% discount and don't want to build the business. This is not a business where you can sit at home and expect the money to roll in, you have to work it just like any other business. However, the time and effort that you put into it is well worth it. I have been involved in other Home based businesses and I can honestly say that this one is a different experience. My upline is commited to helping me succeed. The team I am on is the fastest growing and most profitable team throughout the company. They are dedicated to helping each other succeed. I've been involved one month and I've already made it to 1st step district manager and am on my way to the next level. All this is due to the help of my upline. With any MLM if you don't work it then it will become a sinkhole. However, if you are commited and have a good support team you can be a success. If anyone would like additional information regarding our team please send me and e-mail at elizabethpmorales@yahoo.com
IN IT 2 WIN IT!!! That's what I am!
The more folks sit back complaining and regurgitating on their own negativity and self proclaimed inadequacies, the more money I can make! Keep up the good work! I have been given the gift of potential! I shall not waste it!
The fact that only 13,000 recieved override checks in 2005 excites me because that tells me that that is about how many consultants are actually doing this as a business, and that meants there is still PLENTY of room for growth in this company.
Joel (and other Arbonne detractors). Your statements regarding the average commission check paid per consultant is probably true, you fail to tell the compete story. I will speak of my own personal experience. I have been a consultant for 3 months, have worked hard and have made area manager. My check for March (2 months in) was $995. My check this month (April) will be $1500+ (month isn't over yet). I have 51 people in my group with only 8 of those chosing to and actively building a business at this time. All the rest chose to become a consultant so they could purchase the fantastic products at wholesale. So it is not that they tried and coudn't make it, the fact is most have chosen not to build a business. Of coarse this will skew the numbers you are using. If you use the retail price of Arbonne product and figure it's per use cost it is comparable with other top of the line skin care products out there. When you figure it such wonderful incentives like the $100 for $20, ect, it gets even better. It is true that you have to be motivated. You have to come to believe in yourself as a person who can succeed. The products are absolutly wonderful as even many of the detractors on this web site will attest to and the Arbonne Success plan works for those who are willing to work. My point of view.
I don't see what the problem is with Arbonne. It's pricing is comparable for the product (think Lancome, Estee Lauder, I've used both and believe me Arbonne is actually cheaper.) Also I am a registered nurse that actually works in the profession in a clinical position. I've worked 22yrs as a nurse, and over 15 of those in the operating room. Guess what? People pay good money for extreme makeovers... Arbonne is a natural, inexpensive way to look good. As for the opportunity to become a part of the business (as a consumer/business builder/consultant) more power to the free world. Why can't the average joe (or joetta) have a chance at making money. It takes time and a willingness to work, but Arbonne doesn't discriminate, if you are willing to follow the lead then you can make money. Is that so bad? It's not a scam, it's an opportunity. No one forces you to be a part of it. If you don't want to take part in the wonderful opportunity - then Just Say No. What is overpriced in this society is oil/gasoline, and healthcare and medications. That's where the real scams are. As for mlm/pyramid scams - think corporate. Think - the big guy's salary and those under him all the way to the cleaning crew... the difference is unbelievable, it's greed in it's purest form. There are a few exceptions to the corporate greed rule, they stand out. For example, Starbucks. The big guy has made sure all employees get a fair shake, it's a whole story in itself and worth the time to check it out. I have a real problem with people that never want the regular guys to get ahead or actually be able to be successful. Arbonne offers that. You don't have to take the offer. For those of us that do, more power to us. No one criticizes Mary Kay, or Avon or Pampered Chef and their direct marketing offers, why Arbonne? Is it because if you actually work it, you make real money? If you don't want to purchase their products or have anything to do with them, then just don't do it. However, if you want a chance at making money with a reasonable investment ($2000 is the MOST you have to invest, if that much) then Arbonne is a great opportunity. You don't get something for nothing...you have to make an initial investment with $$ and an ongoing investment of time to make it work. That's any business that's successful. To all you negative folks - Get over it already, and mind your own business ,no pun intended. GO ARBONNE!!
It appears Joel is offering you guys a chance to make money blogging. Sounds like a scam? I don't know, check it out for yourself and form your own opinion.
What an idiot. Obviously, you do not know many consultants who are in this business to actually BUILD a business, nor do you understand fully how this system works. Nor do you have much knowledge of how much products such as these cost in the retail market. I have only been in this business for 3 months and I am already seeing results. Does it happen overnight? Of course not, if you are looking for a get rich quick scheme, this is not for you. In the 3 months I have been with Arbonne, I have met at least 25-35 people who ARE making the big bucks. Some within as little as 2 years. Perhaps you need to go back and go over Arbonne's compensation plan to fully understand that everyone has a chance to make it to the top in this business, not just the select few. So while you say, �the majority of the consultants don't make anything worth noting�, you may be right, but they are not BUSINESS BUILDERS and there is a difference you conveniently leave out! Anyone who signs up to purchase products at the discount is considered a consultant, however, they are not building a business and not making a profit by CHOICE.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion. That's for sure. Whether or not your opinion is based on fair, true, and complete information is another thing.
I was a network marketing-phobe. I had seen enough people struggle with Amway and Quixtar, Noni, Reliv, Herbalife, Usana, and other MLM schemes to be wary of a "direct selling" model.
The person that introduced me to Arbonne products had done MLM/network marketing since she was in her early teens and she had a clear understanding of the pitfalls and scams that exist. However, the convincing factor for her was that the products WORKED - amazingly - for skin problems that she and her family had suffered through for years and through all sorts of different "cures" and treatments. She found a solution to her severe eczema problem and shared the information with her naturopathic physician - including bringing him all the product information and ingredients lists to review. He now sends people to my friend for the products she used.
Secondly, the Arbonne model IS different: there is a real spirit of magnanimity at all levels - and that is encouraged at all levels. Uplines don't just sit back on their heels and reap the rewards of their downlines' "toil". Everyone works. But you are rewarded for having stuck it out, worked on it and so you get bonuses. There is nothing wrong with rewarding dedication and hard work. When I worked for a huge company as an Executive Assistant to the CEO, HIS quarterly bonus was based on his performance - but THAT performance was greatly supported by work that I did for him. In fact, I had to help him achieve his goals in order for him to achieve his bonus while still trying to achieve a different set of management-determined tasks in order to attain MY own bonus. His bonus worked out to 5% of his salary and mine was 5% of my salary. Needless to say, his salary of $200,000/yr translated into a huge bonus while my salary of $40K/yr translated into a pittance... yet I KNOW I was doing much more work. This is acceptable corporate practice. Why is it that when Arbonne VPs who have built teams and helped their teams grow are rewarded in some way by the work of their team members it is considered a "scam"?
I used the products for just over a month - signed up as a consultant to get the discount with no intention of being an active business builder... but when I saw (1) that the products really worked and their value was comparable to retail brands like Clinique, Shisheido, Christian Dior, and Estee Lauder products. The Arbonne formulation is very concentrated and a little goes a long way - one of the RE9 for Face bundles actually lasts about 6 months of twice-daily applications!
Frankly, your site and "money-making scheme" of Blogging for Dollars, killed whatever credibility you hoped to use in the Arbonne argument.
My wife started actively doing the Arbonne as a Business Builder at the end of December, 2005. Her over-ride check from the company for the month of April (4 months work) will be over $2,000. Our family over-ride income is approaching $3,000 per month because, after watching her success and seeing the benefits of the products, I also signed on to do the Arbonne business.
I was impressed with how the products sold themselves. I was impressed with how effective they are.
Since I am a pharmacist, I felt I needed to associate myself with skincare products that actually accomplish what they say they do. They are superior to any product I have seen prior to this. As has already been stated...the vast majority of 'consultants' are 'wholesaler purchasers,' which Arbonne International
has to include in their figures.
If you want to see what is really happening with the business and what the opportunities are...take a look at how many people are successfully advancing to the higher levels (and incomes) of the business each month.
Joel, you need to do more than superficial research if you are going to maintain credibility. Joel, if you really want to participate in a good business opportunity...my wife and I would be happy to show you the way.
Arbonne is about team-work.
Those who put forth the effort are helped greatly by the other members of the team. We work on the concept that helping other succeed will in turn bring success to us. It seems to have worked for my wife's sponsor...as she just earned her Mercedes and has over-ride checks exceeding $4,000 per month and she has actively worked the business only a few months longer than my wife. These are small checks compared to those that have been actively working the business for longer periods of time.
I became an Arbonne consultant, spent the $2500 worked my tail off and now, extremely burnt out! When you are Area manager, in your central area, their central area has to obtain $2500 if not, you only get paid 4%. This is a totat AmWay scam. The only people getting rich is the people on top!!! Come on folks, open your eyes....
What amount do you have to make to get this Mercedes??Does anyone know what happens with the Mercedes if you don't keep hitting the goal? do you have to take over the lease payments if you don't reach it? that would be a pain to have to pay at least $600 a month jsut because you don't keep hitting the goal to keep the Mercedes.
I'm pretty sure that if you don't earn your bonuses that they give out every month, which ranges from $5-800, I believe, then you are stuck with the car payments! You have to go and buy the Mercedes yourself, that I know. You can choose to buy one or not to buy one, but if you choose not to then you don't get the bonus. A little fishy...
Hey, I know this is a little off topic but I was wondering if anyone has compared Arbonne products to say Shaklee products: their vitamins & skin line, in particular. I'd be interested in anyone's comparison who has worked for both companies or even just used both of their products. Thank you ;-)
So the how long before the Mercedes is paid off. 4 years, 5 years?? What are the chances that someone can consistantly sell enough for 4 or 5 years to keep making the goal to pay off that monthly lease payment?? Just wondering. if they are so goal oriented why not let the person WIN a Mercedes, why disguise it?
Arbonne is NOT about consistently selling anything. Arbonne is about building a team of consumers as well as business builders that LOVE the product. No one person is expected to maintain thier goals for bonuses; teams work together to achieve this. By helping consulants in your successline, you naturally move ahead. It is an inspiring way to work!! I have been with Arbonne just over 1 year and have replaced my corporate income and am now able to work from home. I have met wonderful people through this business and have formed a fabulous team that I am devoted to helping them achieve their goals and their dreams. I am excited and passionate about the changes that this company, it's products and my team have brought about in me. My story, however, is not unique; I am surrounded by my upline, successline and crosslines who are successfully accomplishing their goals. What "JOB" allows you unlimited salaries and bonuses all in under a year!? I am working toward becoming a Regional Vice President and obtaining the coveted white Mercedes. I will have worked consistently (but not my "butt off"), effectively, energetically and with passion and I will be rewarded. This is the Gift of Arbonne.
As I am reading these blogs it amazes me how everyone has an opinion and they really don't know the first thing about the subject. As with any direct selling company, do your research thoroughly and then make an educated decision. I believe if you have to bash something that you clearly don't know anything about then you probably wouldn't succeed in any line of business let alone network marketing.
I'm in Shaklee, but not working it much as I have another business - I was pushed up a rank pretty quickly then had a downline taken away when I didn't outperform her - now my upline is trying to talk to another customer of mine to make her a distributor - it's either work or have your potential distributors taken from you - so I can never get any "meat and potatoes" people if they look competent enough to start a business - love the product - hate the method!
V
An answer for Kimberly Schwender: My in-laws are avid Shaklee users and used to do the business, but do not believe in it either. I have done some research on comparing the products and Arbonne products are much, much better WITH results.
Skincare: Arbonne is cold-pressed botanical-based formulated in Switzerland. They contain no mineral oil (a form of crued oil--serves as an occlusive which clogs the pores), lanolin, petrolum, animal by-products, fragrances, etc.. Arbonne is Vegan certified. Shaklee does contain some of those products. Though I like some of their body washes, they do contain fragrances and can't be used by everyone. Arbonne products can be used by the most sensitive skin. I have seen a huge difference in my skin since I've used Arbonne. It is quality.
Vitamins: I have spoken with my chiropractor about Shaklee vitamins. He used to speak at their training conferences and he said that Shaklee does not use the highest quality of minerals. I know with Arbonne they use Pharmaceutical grade (which is the highest quality minerals you can use). They pass the 30 minute soluble test, which means it disolves in your body in 30 mins. You take the vitamins twice a day because Arbonne realizes a person can only digest a certain amount of vitamins at a time. Arbonne also is age and gender specific. This is very critical because a child needs something different then a teen; as well as; men differ from what women need.
I have also compared the Arbonne chocolate shake with the Shaklee Bavarian shake. Shaklee contain 18 grams of sugar and only 7 grams of protein. They are whey protein-based (milk--not easily digested by alot of people). Arbonne shakes only have 4 grams of sugar (sweeted also by two plants-Lo Han and Stevia). They have 18 grams of protein from peas. Arbonne products are not milk-based. They are easily digest and they work!
I have done a lot of research on other companies and when it really came down to it, Arbonne products are awesome! People don't realize how comparable the prices are. They last a long time and you feel better. The thing that I remember the most is that whatever you put on your skin, it only takes 60 seconds for it to reach all your main organs in your body. So, would you put mineral oil or would you spend a little more to put safflower seed oil on your skin??? Crued Oil or plant?
The Arbonne business is a gift! I am the CEO of my own company and I get the privledge of blessings others with this same opporutnity!
Kim if you have any other questions, please feel free to email me. My website is: www.journeytothetop.myarbonne.com
All I got to say is you arbonne reps and most MLM reps are a pain in the you know what. Its not about anything but pushing and shoving your products down our throats and making it so uncomfortable to say no to buying your products. I know whenever I hear any talk about it I'm running in the other direction. Products are good but when I want to buy something I will. Please try and talk about something else in life. It sure is a good way to scare friends away. Some of us have other things more important in life then talking about how great Arbonne is.
I'm considering Arbonne International as a way to make a supplemental income - not a fortune. Can anyone tell me if it is possible to do this business without talking to every friend and passer-by? Is there a way to generate interest and have people who are actually interested in making a second income without eating, sleaping, breathing Arbonne? Also, a main concern is this: the sample packet contains six bottles to open and apply every night and six bottles to open and apply at daybreak. I don't know very many people willing to do a six-step process twice daily. So these are my two reserves. Will I allienate friends and family and is it realistic to expect people to want to apply a six-step process twice daily? HELP, SOMEONE, PLEASE.
Kimi,
Arbonne is not about loosing family or friends. It's about giving people hope again and an opportunity to make a residual income so they can do the things in life they want to.
I approach each person differently. But generally I give a person a kit to sample and then I sit down and talk to them about the company and products. At the end I ask them to give me a number 1 through 10 in their interest in the products and/or business because my relationship with that person is more important to me than to loose it. My team and I are not in this business to ruin relationships. We know that Arbonne is not for everyone, but can be a vehicle for time and financial freedom. So, I KNOW you can do this buisness w/o making enemies.
To answer your other questions and/or concerns:
1. Time: Arbonne is your own business. You set the hours. For me, I want to reach certain levels by certain dates; so I've paced myself. One week I'll put in 5 hours. Another week I'll put in 15 hours. I try to do 3-5 activities a week (training my team, dropping off a kit, doing a buisness presentation, etc...). It doesn't take that much time at all. That's the point of the business. I set Arbonne time, so that I can be with me family. Arbonne should not define you. Some people take it to the extreme. I do not. I keep my ears open for people that want a change in life style and don't want to work 6 days a week.
2.Regarding sample packs: You will be surprised how many people will use all those steps to look better. There will also be those that won't. I have found that people don't have to used every step if they don't want to. They might not get the results they are looking for, but they will be using a beneficial product. You might want to also try the intelligence. It's not anti-aging but it's 2-3 less steps. I love both. I would let people make their own decision if they want to use the steps or not. I have only come in contact with 2 people, out of 50 that will not do the steps.
I can not speak for other teams out there, but the team I'm on promotes this opportunity for those who are LOOKING and DESIRING a change in career. So, when you choose your team and especially your sponsor; make sure they will give you the freedom to make this YOUR OWN business. My team does not do parties. Why? We have other things to do and find them not effective in CA, however, I will support anyone of my team that wants to do one.
So, if you have any other questions please feel free to email me: journeytothetop@myarbonne.com or call me 949-413-5212. I know it's scarely to make a leap of faith into this journey; but the rewards are awesome!
Just so you know, Arbonne is not a MLM. Those are illegal and only the top get rich. Arbonne's compensation plan is awesome!
After 9 months of hard work and several thousand of dollars in samples and expenses, I have quit Arbonne. After urging from a relative, I signed up last year. My upline said ... work 10 hours a week to make "gangster money" and "win" a "free" Mercedes. Since joining Arbonne, every monthly meeting I attended presented a "new and improved" approach to building your Arbonne business. I found myself on a first name basis with the staff at Staples having the "new approach" printed and copied! We were asked to buy/stack inventory to "help" our upline "win" their Arbonne car. And, "winning" the car is quite another trick! What a "spin"! The current sales/marketing rage is dropping off "puppy-dog" RE9 Sets. Not only is this unsafe/unsanitary, six of these dogs cost you over $1,000! Some are making money ... mostly the company and some who signed up first. The company inflates the sales tax on orders, has now added warehouse handling charges and makes money overcharging freight costs. All this in addition to the profit margins on their overpriced products! What a deal for some! My advice, stay away! Invest you time and money in smarter, better ways!
I signed up as a Business Builder back in June 2006. I like the product and I have been promoting it to my friends and family. It is slow in starting for me as I am not the agressive type. I am restructuring my strategies and doing more one on one consulting and I think this will work for me in the long run. I am here right now, telling you that "nothing venture, nothing gained".
Sherry - Sorry to hear that you dislike Arbonne so much. Unfortunately your upline misled you. And that is a travesty. Because being part of a team is what is important with this business. My upline has done nothing but encourage and help me do my best. You "win" nothing in this business, you get an opportunity. I signed up July 1 and my team that I have put together, made over $12,000 in volume my first month. I am sorry you were lied to. Every Regional VP I have met has been doing Arbonne for less than 18 months and all have the "white mercedes". So, it's just not the people who have been around a long time. Don't quit, keep at it and YOU build a team of integrity and hard work.
I agree with Katie, Sherry. I wouldn't give up. I think you haven't been given the right vision about Arbonne. I do want to assure you that Arbonne does have great integrity, especially about sanitation. A couple of weeks ago, I listened to a manager's call and we are suppose to change the "results" approach to maintain a higher level of sanitation. A letter was given to all NVP's and they were suppose to pass down this information. We are now suppose to give a potential cliente a sample demo kit (unopened) along with the smaller sample handouts. The person is suppose to try the handout and then, if they like it, can open the new kit right in front of them. You are definitely right and Arbonne knows that sanitation is important. I also look at all my kits as "employees". They are out there working for me. It seems a lot cheaper than actually hiring someone. Besides, Arbonne doesn't make you purchase anything, it's entirely every person's decision. This is a business and it is not a "get rich fast", but "build long-term wealth". I know that Arbonne is not for everyone, but can be a great vehicle to time and financial freedom. My team has also done nothing but encourage and empower me in this business. I'm sorry you didn't have a great experience. :( I give my best to you!
I was wondering about something that was touched on earlier. Why are the shipping charged based on the 'order dollar amount' rather than regular postal rates based on weight? Many of the make-up products are very small and don't cost that much to mail. Thanks.
Let's just cut to the quick here. Good product, but sounds a lot like Amway in the 80s. New spin on an old format.
If you are not an aggressive salesperson, don't do this. If you cannot stand grinning Americans singing the party line then do not do it. Keep selling Johnny and some day you can have a white Mercedes. But Mr. Vice President person, I don't want a white Mercedes. I would like a nice practical hybrid vehicle that gets good gas mileage and is environmental friendly.
Arbonne is not a scam, but it is beneficial to be in it early. Like everything in life, the people who take the initial risk get super rich. The people who follow on the coattails make some money but not enough and, in effect, they are working for the people who took the initial risk.
I have been asked to do this by some friends, but I will turn them down because I am not the aggressive salesperson type and do not want to invest my hard earned money in something I may have to carry for a few years and sink many hours into it before it comes to fruition.
And one last thing...
It seems funny that Arbonne does not make readily available it's ingredients on consultant websites or it's main site and Shaklee does...why is that?
I do not know what happened to my first message, but I am hoping the administrator will allow it to go through because someone here is spreading misconceptions about Shaklee and I am hoping the post I made will clear up those misconceptions.
Wait a sec...
They charge shipping based on the PRICE (aka order dollar amount)of the product...not the WEIGHT?
HUH!?!?!?!?
Since when did USPS, FedEx, and UPS determine shipping based upon the PRICE of what's in the box?!?!?!?!
Oh wait...they DON'T!!!!
Who else sees a problem with this?
DD
To John XXXXXX--You do not have to be sales person. There are elements of sales and it might take you longer to build a buisness. Alot of gentlemen tend to focus mainly on the vitamins and weight loss system. I know Arbonne isn't for everyone and I appreciate your process. The way I look at the business is that we network daily. People go to places or buy a product because someone else likes it, and they had a good experience. That is what Arbonne is. They are trying to build consumer not distributors. Lastly, Arbonne does not require you to buy anything. You pay $29 and that's it. I do have to say that they more samples you have the less you have to promote. You just drop off the product and then meet with them after-if they agree.
To Jenna--As for the Arbonne ingredients--they are on the consultant web page. It's under product knowledge on the right side. You can view every product and it will show you every ingredient they use. If there is a specific ingredient you can't use, you can find the ingredient and it will tell you what products have that specific ingredient. It's really cool. Arbonne is VERY open about what's in their products.
As for the Shaklee comment--I don't know if you were talking about the comments I made--but I really want you to know that I'm not against Shaklee at all and I, in no way, meant to offend you. I used to use a lot of Shaklee products, but I did find out some ingredients they use (especially in their skin care) that is not good for the skin. As for their vitamins, I had a good experience; but my chiropractor who has done the research switched me over to Metagenics when I was pregnant, which is suppose to be the best vitamin brand out there. I asked him what the difference was and he said that Metagenics uses higher quality ingredients--meaning the grade is better. So, that is my source. Just because I am an Arbonne Consultant, doesn't mean I don't like other companies and products. I will not bad mouth other companys. I just state the facts that have been given to me and/or I researched on my own. I am willing to hear other sides about products.
One of my very best lifelong friends was lured into the Arbonne promise nearly two years ago. She is one of the most out-going, energetic, and optimistic persons I've ever known - perfect for the Arbonne MLM thing. But once she became involved, our friendship became strained. Every time I hear from her (we live across country) she tries to talk me into getting into Arbonne myself...giving me the robotic spiel about how awesome the company is - how much it's grown over the past 6 months or year or 18 months, etc...how she wants to see me be happy in life - that it's not really the products (although they're "fabulous"), it's the fact that becomming an Arbonne rep will help me to financial freedom, it's all about being successful and happy and getting all the 'things' you ever wanted...yada yada yada.
When she first signed up, she was certain that she would have her "white Mercedes" within 6 months...of course she would because all the other reps she knows have received their Mercedes within 6 months. Two years later - guess what? Not only does she not have a Mercedes, but she's not bringing in nearly the level of dough she was expecting. I am certain this is not due in any part to her not giving 110% of herself. In any case, I find myself trying to avoid speaking with her because every conversation ends up with her trying to convince me to become an Arbonne rep - even after I've told her I'm not interested. This alienation of friends and family is an unfortunate side effect of the Arbonne zombie state. In addition, I am consistenly bombarded with email Arbonne party/potluck/margarita night/pajama party/scavenger hunt/hip hip hooray for Arbonne invitations as she has me on her Arbonne email listserve - even though I live 1000 miles away. I know she continues to send these to me (even after I've asked her to stop) because she believes that someday "I'll see the light" and she won't give up on me. She has, however, snagged her sister and a mutual best friend into this quagmire - neither of whom are reaping the promised dollars off of the Arbonne money tree.
I do cringe at the thought of my friend finally getting to the level in which she might receive her coveted white Mercedes as after I've read in this blog that it is not a "gift" and it is not a "prize", but one must make certain goals to make the lease payments.
I do view this white Mercedes "carrot" as a pathetic statement about our society's lazy "get rich quick" mentality.
As for the products (although they are only secondary to this organization) I did try the Nutrimen products about a year ago as she roped me into buying a "ponypack" or whatever the term is - for a discount of $200 (Sheesh!!!). I must honestly say that the products were neither spectacular nor awful - they were average. They were definitely NOT worth $200 and I have not re-ordered them from my friend, although she pesters me about that too every time I call to say hello (hey - aren't you about out of the night cream yet?).
Take it from me - Arbonne is a GREAT way to alienate your friends and your family, so if that's your goal in life (along with the All-American dream of making easy money while selling your soul), then by all means do sign up!
UH no an overide is different then total profits overides are the ammount the company pays you based on a percentage from the earnings of those under you. SO the overide checks does not include any money made by you from retail sales. And I know two people who make $200k +.
Try the product and if it works for you pay the $29 and get your product at 35% off just like me. Or continue to buy it directly from the consultant who introduced it to you for retail price. If you want added income, decide to become a business builder. You don't have to attend any meetings, you don't have to become a "zombie". You work it the way you choose to. If you don't like the product, tell the consultant who gave you the sample "no thank you". It is not a "pyramid" company. People on my downline can pass me in a second. And kudos to them if they do. That just shows me me that I showed them how to make this work for them. It is up to the consultant in how far they want to go. Nobody is ask to put in any certain amount of money except for the $29 sign-up fee.
Thanks Friend/Target of ARbonne Dittohead!!!! I, too, am a victim of the Arbonne cult. And all of you Arbonne sellers out there should pay attention to these comments from REAL friends that took the time to research and write these comments. Maybe you should re-examine your friendships and family relationships with an open mind and see if you are damaging them for your personal gain. I am one of a group of five women with a 20+ year history. This cult has claimed these wonderful friends and turned them against me, simply because I chose NOT to be an ARbonne user or seller. Through another friend, I found out that at the "parties" that I do not attend, I am ridiculed because I will be the "old ugly one" and my friends will all be fabulous because of their skin!!!! I am constantly hassled and nagged because they simply can't understand why I won't join and why I won't support them. Does any of this sound familiar, or am I the only one dealing with this? I am now faced with limiting their contact with my other friends so they won't damage those relationships. How pitiful. Are you Arbonne reps. finding it harder to get in touch with friends and family? Or are you even taking the time to notice? What good are they if they don't represent a sale, eh? Call an old friend today, ask how they are doing, and reassure them you won't solicit ARbonne unless they call you? Or does that go against the Arbonne code?
First thing I want to say is.. they say this works for you if you follow the plan they have set out for you. Keep it simple and don't try to reinvent the wheel.
You can feel free to try to do something different, but, you do so at the risk of not following the plan and making your own story. That is what Joel did.. he tried his own derivative of an Arbonne business and did not follow the "plan" set out for him. He is an entrepreneur and tried to make it work for him the way he knew how. He was not willing to share with family and friends.. basically.. he started his own business selling Arbonne products in his own way apart from how Arbonne has it all laid out. How can you say it did not work for you when you didn't even do it. You can say.. I tried my own thing and it did not work for me.. nice try and good idea, but, that has nothing to do with Arbonne's business model. Arbonne's business model is not internet web sites.
My wife is an area manager (She is nowhere near a sales woman and we have a small group of close friends and family). It is just as they say. If you work it and follow the program it will work for you (At least for all the people we know, have worked with, and our experiences..that is a lot of people really). The only people it has not worked for in our downline or upline (or sidelines of people we have heard of.. ha) are the people that never called more than say 0-3 people to even attempt to work it. It has been 7-10 hours a week. Good extra money or possibly income replacement. Very fair compensation plan. We have been steadily moving up. If you compare it to other businesses the initial investment is very low, the chances of success are very high (if you actually work it), you can stay at home with your kids, and most importantly.. as with any business there is some risk.. the nice thing about this one is the risk is low and the potential is VERY high.
On the Mercedes thing.. you don't get your money unless you hit your goals. They don't just give you nothing though.. they give you a percentage of what you missed/hit your goals by. They will give you the full benefit if you hit your goals no matter how much your actual car payment is. So.. you can go by a used Mercedes an pay $100/month and pocket the other $700-900 depending on your level. If you want to decrease your risk even more you could go this route until you make enough to sell the used car that would not have depreciated much. If you put that on a 5 year note.. if you fall out you could pretty much cut even.. if you do well.. you will make the extra money, have the car to sell for a new one (now you will know how stable you are), and come out way ahead. You just can't blame Arbonne for people who decide to take extra risks, don't fully read the compensation plan, or don't work the business.
This is what I have found from personal experience and watching what others and we have done.
I love the products!! I have hair where I used to not on my head, my face is not flaking like usual in the winter, my sons dry skin has been fixed by using the children's soap, my wife loves the re-9, and everyone I know likes the salt scrubs.
I won't argue how they stack up against other products and if it worth the money since that is mostly conjecture, personal opinion, and not every product works the same for everyone. For me.. it was awesome. 99% of the people that have used the products that I know of loves them. The only person I have known that acted like they didn't care either way was someone that doesn't like putting any product on b/c it takes to much time (very close family member.. kind of expected that. ha.) Also.. in the re-9 line you only want to use the night cream if you do not have oily skin. If you have acne you might want to look at clear advantage instead of the standard re-9. Different skins call for different things.
Anyways.. those are my thoughts.
I had to add another point as I read through some of these. My gosh.. people are pointing to Arbonne reps as being the bad guys b/c they have some bad friends who put extra pressure on them or ridicule them. That is your friends and not Arbonne. Everyone we have talked to we let them know there is NO pressure to do it and we don't pressure people. I am giving my friends and family the same chance to make money we are and so far.. they have made as much or even more than us. If you have bad friends.. either talk to them about how they are hurting your feelings and if they don't quit.. get rid of them. I have had bad friends before too, but, I wouldn't blame Arbonne or a company for that. If it is family.. of course that is harder. You pick your friend and but not your family. You pick your friend, you pick your nose, but not your friends nose!! (sorry.. had to throw that in.)
Still, these are personal issues of people who have family and friends that think that puting pressure on people is the way to make money. Some people are bad, some are good, we all know that. That has nothing to do with Arbonne.
*CLAPPING*
Right on!
Loved what you posted Mr Colby.
Alienated here also. Two family members have been Arbots for over a year, and now on Thanksgiving Day we're in a family feud.
Upline is telling them they don't have a chance for success unless their family gets involved. Family is SICK of hearing about Arbonne in EVERY conversation.
These wounds are cutting deep, and I wonder if they'll ever heal.
Bummer.
James.. I am sorry to hear about your family's decision to keep pressuring you. My family is from small towns in the Midwest and were all very close minded about it. That is the type of people they are. It is sure not for everyone. Honestly I am not sure why.. they buy off infomercials all the time, but, they wouldn't think about listening to a family member about something that sounds different.. ha.. people are funny.
With some of them I would give out feelers to see if they were even interested in the fact that I was doing the business. I approached it very gently b/c I know their personalities. Sometimes those closest to you are the ones that won't give you the time of day. My closest friends didn't want to hear about it. Their friends signed up and are doing well!! Nothing is for everyone.. and nobody should pressure people into doing anything. I have tried to be VERY careful about this.
If someone tells me they are not interested I leave them alone for sure. Now.. I will be honest.. I do feel like some of my closest friends should give me 30 minutes to explain what I am doing. I know I have helped them in many ways b/c I have always been a good friend to them. Most of them do listen and almost all (90% or more) who listened either wants to do it now, soon, wants to wait for me to do well (they will join soon :-) ), or at least think it is a very good plan. I have been amazed at the types of people that are interested and do VERY well at this. It is an awesome opportunity to have more money, spend more time with your family (If you are not pressuring them!!), and really get to know some old friends etc. That is one of the amazing things I should mention too. My wife and I are close to a lot of people we have not talked to in a long time b/c we just "never found the time to call". Well.. some of them actually signed on, some of them did not, but.. in all cases we are closer to them then what we were in the past. I LOVE this job.
Again.. I am very sorry if someone in your family pressured you. If any Arbonne reps are reading this.. PLEASE do not do this. Just keep calling and talking to other people you know.. don't keep calling the same people unless they want you to. There is still a huge market out there for this.. people are going to be interested.. you can't force someone to like it. You don't HAVE to have your family do it... mine aren't and we are doing great. And to everyone else who blames Arbonne for this.. here are a couple of thoughts.
1. Have you had a sit down conversation with them? Really tried to explain why it bothers you?
2. Have you been so closed off that you would not listen to the presentation? I am not saying you have to.. but.. if a good friend or family member asked me for 30 minutes of their time.. I would certainly give it to them and politely say no if I was not interested. If you have done this and they continue to "hound" you.. refer to #1. If you don't want to do this.. that is your choice. Just remember stubborness can go both ways.
3. Give them some time. Sometimes people get into something and they just go nutz!! I made this mistake when I got in the job market out of college... felt like I had to prove something.. I grew out of it.. hopefully they will.
Again.. I hate to hear that anyone was alienated from their family ever. And again... this is not Arbonne's fault.. work with them and I wish you the best of luck.
God Bless and enjoy the holidays!!
I do not sell Arbonne. With that said, I do have a friend that sells Arbonne and she seems very happy doing so. She doesn't make enough money to quit her current job, but she hopes to some day. She is very active, with the Arbonne company and is constantly signing up new members. Good for her and others like her.
My issue with Arbonne. The sales pitch that I was given was that for $1000.00 I am having the opportunity to purchase wonderful products at a discounted price. Once I'm a member, all I have to do is spend $100.00 per month, which is what (I was told) that most women spend anyways. So, I thought about it. Let's say that over the course of 2 years I spend 100 each month with Arbonne. That's 2400, plus the money I invested that's 3400.00 That's a whole lotta money for 2 years. But I was told that's what most women spend. But I don't! I guess I just don't buy that many products, but the product I do buy are expensive. My other issue comes from seeing my friend involved in Arbonne. First, she is currently working two jobs to get the Arbonne thing going, so she never has time to spend with her kids. It's so sad. And the second, she came back from an Arbonne convention and said, you know I've been so busy signing people up for memberships that I forgot what great products we actually carry. I'm gonna have to work more on the products. It just seemed so strange that she makes her money from signing up other members and NOT from selling products!
So, I guess Arbonne works for some and not for others (like me). Good luck to all of those who are Arbonne consultants, I do think with hard work and dedication your work will pay off. But do remember that not everyone in the great USofA will become an Arbonne member and someday everyone who wants to be a member will be. So, if you don't learn to sell the products you're gonna be outta things to do when all the members are signed up!
Just thought I would add something about the small percentage of people with a decent income and doing Arbonne. I think you need to at least note that a large reason for that is because Arbonne allows you to sign up as a "whole sale buyer" yet you don't have to sell, because they don't have monthly quotas you have to meet, and MANY people do that just to get the consultant discount. I had like 8 people signed up under me and NONE of them sold anything. They just got products for cheap for themselves. Literally every friend of mine that truly worked the business (which is not easy..it's just like any job), made really good money. It doesn't just fall into your lap after you sign a couple of people up. You have to work hard. Well, I don't know i'f I'm repeating something with this comment, so I'm sorry if this was already mentioned. Good luck to everyone!
Sorry everyone. I just realized how many people already said what I posted. *hides* :o)
Arbots, as they are called have sucked in many of my friends. I have a friend who emails Arbonne to me no less than 20X a week. She is an RVP, struggling to be an ENVP. To the blogger who said that Arbonne does not count on the people below to "toil", explain an ENVP to me then?
I started selling Arbonne in December. I avoided anything having anything to do with Arbonne period. A friend dropped off the kit and I felt this obligation to try the product. My face decided it was the way to go. The anti aging line is amazing (for me). ) intention of selling the product but someone asked me about a sample and I said to try it, they did and returned to buy the regime from me. I thought (this is easy)! Since Dec. I have sold close to $2,000 in products. I am close to making district manager but am not out there shoving it down your throat. I give samples and hope for the best. If people bought from me out of obligation I believe they really enjoy the products. I love everything they offer - and would rather build my business slowly. My team is all about you - how you want to do it. Take all Arobnne suggests and make it your own -
No hassle, no pressure. I get a little pissy at the end of the month. (little upline pressure) Perhaps if I am there one day holding on to my status I may sing a song of difference.
Anyway if anyone has any and all questions about Arbonne please e-mail me.
Kelly
kel@h-power.us
PS to reply it is a job. How much do you want to invest in the job and what rewards do you have in the end? Each sale is amazing. Each new team member has something to offer you. Just like any "company" you may start you invest something. It is what you want out of it in return. If you know you have friends in Canada that could do this and do it well, there you go feel them out. Personally the products sell themself. There is something for everyone here.
I am not about being pushy or following up (maybe I should be)
but people don't like it. Why should I be something I dislike?
I am a stay at home mom to three active kids. Arbonne found me not the other way around. After asking people and digging I decided to give this one year.
For now I couldn't be happier.
I guess because my team is about you, and my upline is only about sales on the last day of the month. I firmly add if I don't make it, so be it. It's not happening today - there is always next month. I believe in your upline, your own ability, style and how you want to make this your business. (Sorry to repeat two posts) just wanted to comment. Feel free to e-mail me the good, bad and ugly questions.
April there is a huge product launch, and this month you make double the trip points to the Atlantis in the fall.
I actually was doing a little Arbonne work and came upon this website. I too am an Arbonne Consultant and Executive District Manager. This has not been an easy journey but anything that is worth it never is given to you. I have had struggles in my Arbonne business just as most other consultants who are trying to build a business. The best thing I have heard from the National Vice Presidents & Regional Vice Presidents is that they have been told "no" more than I have. That is so true - a no is a hard thing to take but remember, it is not your loss at all. You are just trying to share products that are fantastic and if they say no, it is their loss, right?! One of the things that keeps me going is the fact that I love everyone I have met doing this business. I have made some AMAZING and life-long friends. I have never been in a business where everyone wants to help you and see you go to the top.
I would like to share something from our monthly meeting in March regarding statistical information which I found REALLY INTERESTING! I have updated the numbers to be March 2007.
In the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands & Guam there are only:
45,765 District Managers
9,441 Area Managers
2,035 Regional Vice Presidents
432 National Vice Presidents
That makes up 57,673 people in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands & Guam!!! When you think of the population in some cities such as Dallas, that is a SMALL number! There is still tons of room to grow & expand. Arbonne is also going to start with international business which is going to be even bigger for the company!!!
If this sounds as amazing to you as it did to me, let me know...I am always up for sharing anything I know about Arbonne.
Marci Petterson: thepettersons@grandecom.net
I will not use the Arbonne Products because of the pushy sales lady that has harassed me by calling me 3-4 times a day. I have told her I am not interested because the sample face wash she gave me to try burned my face terribly bad. My face was blood red for hours.
This kind of aggressiveness is a major turn off. I'm not sure if the company trains them to be that way or if it is just her. Either way, it has made me bitter over this company.
What is the cost of sharing in the web site replica experience???
A family member who never made much effort is suddenly interested in interacting with me and approaches me every time about Arbonne products. Why not just rattle a cup?
My Aunt started selling Arbonne. She gave me two samples of moisturisers. I usually use Lush products which are fresh and use essential oils. I decided to try to Arbonne hand cream and after a few minutes I had to wash it off - EW! My boyfriend and I both agreed that it was disgustingly strong, and very synthetic smelling. Both of those samples are going in the garbage! "Swiss" stuff made in the US? No thanks. I'll stick to my Lush, which comes complete with expiration dates and a stamp that shows me exactly who made it and when.
Ignorance is sad. Arbonne produces patent pending results with 45 day money back guarantees on all products. No other skin care /wellness /cosmetic company can make that claim. Read the "Arbonne Difference" and compare it to what you are using now.
As far as "results" in business - you get what you put into it. Its a business and even at the lowest Management Level (me), you can make money that will change your lifestyle. I made over $700 in Nov working part-time.(I work full time in a law firm) You can't start to measure success across the board until you get to management level. Takes 2-3 months if you work it. I'm so glad to work with a company that is not in the convincing business. You say "no", we laugh.
Everything you say about web site rules is true, including the legal cajoling. First I had my own domain and built my web site. Then Arbonne insisted the only way to have a presence on the internet is getting myarbonne.com. At first you were able to built your own content on three pages. I did that. Then it became mandatory to use the replicating pages. Well, guess what? Someone must have liked the pages I had built for myself so well that are being used almost identical for replicating by myarbonne.com
The products are great, however multi level marketing, forget it! To buy what you want to use at 35% discount is good, nothing else.
This is for those of you who are interested in skin care, love the MLM concept but not the old school compensation plans and want to join forces with a new company that doesn't like old school network marketing.
I too used to work for a skin care company and have found a new company that will launch in late spring, early summer. We will be selling French skin care that is formulated and manufactored outside of Paris. These will be high quality, spa type products hand crafted in small batches and available to customers at great prices. We will launch with 49 face and body care products (our face milks are on par with Sisley) and will have the only beauty drink on the market. We will offer a preferred customer plan for those clients looking for a membership discount.
What I found with my last company was that is was difficult for people on my team to make money and it was hard to get to any of the management levels. With my new business, there on only two teams to build and I can help to build the teams of my business partners. We will be very web based with no inventory and direct shipment to all customers. If you choose to do home shows, hostess will not have to deliver any products and I will not have to pay for any of the hostess rewards. And if you do a home show, you will bring in what you need in one hand! The cost to join is very low, as low as $99 (with autoship) for a start up package valued at $250.
This to me is an amazing chance to start with an amazing company. If you are interested in learning more, please contact me at tbkuhn@wideopenwest.com.
My mom currently is trying the Arbonne products and so far she likes them. Almost to the point where she would like to be a distributor. She works as a dental hygienist and socially she has a "way" with people. Im wondering if this would be right for her, like if she sold a few of the products per month to people. Is there a quota, can you sell the products without having to meet any number? thanks
I have tried Arbonne, but what I am selling is second to none! If you like Arbonne I promise you will LOVE this. A lot of my clients are FORMER Arbonne clients...one try and their hooked. Check out my website at: www.myjafra.com/wfrancis You won't be disappointed. Thank you and have a great day!
I was an Arbonne Consultant for a couple years. Arbonne was my first real exposure to ingredients used in personal care products. Now that I've experienced botanical products, I don't want to use anything else.
The main issue I and my clients had is the high cost of Arbonne's products. There is something wrong with a company's pricing model if clients have to enroll as a Consultant to get a discount that makes the products "somewhat" more affordable. The reality is, even with the 35% Consultant discount, Arbonne's products still cost more than many women are willing or able to spend.
I spent some time researching other botanical product lines and found a wonderful direct sales company that offers an exceptional Spa-quality botanical product line that includes skin care (and intensive repair products), bath and body care, hair care and more --- at prices everyone can afford. They are attracting Arbonne Consultants by the truckload!
Feel free to visit me at www.SpaDivaOnline.com and see for yourself or give me a call at 1-800-544-6018 and request some free samples. Once you try these products you won't want to use anything else.
Take care ladies (and gentlemen)...
Interesting thread. I've tried lots of skin care products over the years, everything from mainstream to rather obscure, high-end German and French brands, and for my skin, nothing beats Arbonne. As a performer my skin matters to me and I do take a little extra time and care. The company itself seems to be a little controlling and I don't think I'd work with them. It seems to me Arbonne would be a good business to work if you're already connected with a viable warm market -- if you're a makeup artist or stylist or perhaps in a circle of well-heeled housewives who wouldn't mind avoiding plastic surgery if they could--but a business mind & behaviors are imperative.
As for MLM-- it seems to bring out the best and worst in people and to reformulate an Adam Smith quote: "If you don't know who you are, the stock market is an expensive way to learn." Same goes for MLM. Tread with caution and watch out for the persuaders. They generally don't have your best interest at heart-- you're just a number and they need to be pragmatic to make the thing work.
Hi, As for Arbonne being the end-all to skin care...I doubt it. Has anyone tried Skin Medica? One of my friends with looovely skin says it's improved her photoaging and is the BEST she's ever tried. http://www.skinmedica.com/ Not cheap, but obviously, neither is Arbonne. For myself, I use Retin-A, and Mannatech's OPTIMAL skin care. Super hydrating, love it. Mannatech is also MLM, but who cares when their *nutrition* has made me feel like a different person. SO MUCH BETTER! Their skin care was a nice 'icing' on the nutrition cake.
Arbonne. It's like Mary Kay, only not as big. Like Mary Kay, it's a cult. "It works if you follow the program!!" "IN IT 2 WIN IT!!" "ON TRACK!!" "It's like any other job...you have to work at it!!!" Yeah. But they tell you that you can stay at home and make a good income with little effort. Then they tell you you're not working hard enough. And of course every customer is just a recruit waiting to happen. No. No, Arbots and Kaybots, they're not. Sometimes, a customer is just a customer.
I'm sure it can be a decent company, but honestly, IMO, the products are over priced and not worth it, and the majority of consultants I've come across are almost as pushy as every single Kaybot I've encountered.
Seems like most people already posted the main issues with Joel's "research"- you can't talk about how people "make nothing to talk about" when you are including over 96% of people in that figure who aren't even TRYING TO MAKE ANYTHING- as you've seen others post, 96% of Arbonne consultants (and this is a statistic issued by the company on the same report Joel pulled the incomes from) are buying at a discount and not even INTENDING to make any money. Plus, those incomes are RESIDUAL ONLY- do not include commissions from product sales which can be significant depending on how much you personally sell. And let's GET REAL about some of the other advantages of a home based biz- my first partial year in Arbonne my actual Arbonne income was only about $3000, but my tax return because of my ability to take business write offs was $8000- Joel, did you ever figure that in?? What would you do that much extra back on your taxes? I redid my pool- and my Arbonne business paid for it, even if it didn't come in the form of a check from the company!
As far as all the "pushy" Arbonne reps and bad friends/family, I have been in Arbonne 6 years, gained more friends than I could imagine through this business and never lost any because of it, family uses the product but doesn't sell it, gives me lots of referrals. If you are being pushed, why blame the company? Obviously, different field leaders train their teams differently as you can see by reading this thread. If you are on a team that pushes $1000 minimum for a wholesale buyer and tells them they have to order $100 every month, again, those people are LYING. The $100 minimum is for ACTIVE consultants who want to receive a paycheck. You do NOT lose your discount if you don't order every month- another reason why that 96% of consultants doesn't earn anything because they aren't ordering consistently or selling anything.
About websites: You ARE NOT REQUIRED to use their pre-formatted web content on your 3 pages. If you want proof, check out www.kirsten.myarbonne.com and see for yourself. You ARE required to meet certain compliance conditions about your own content- specifically in regards to product claims and income claims. For example, they will pull your website if you say "mineral oil causes cancer" or "make $20K per month in 6 months", but ONLY UNTIL YOU REMOVE THE NON-COMPLIANT STATEMENT.
About the Mercedes: You go to the dealer and purchase OR lease any model you want as long as it's white. You then receive money towards the down payment/drive-off based on the model you choose and what Mercedes Benz Financial is offering at the time through their Executive Allowance Program. When I first got my car over 3 years ago, they only offered $1500 to an E-Class, but when I turned in my lease in November '07 they gave me $5000- not up to Arbonne, again, up to MB Financial and their current allowance program. Monthly, you get your car bonus on your check. You DO NOT LOSE YOUR CAR if you don't make your VP team sales minimums. Someone mentioned you get a partial bonus on a sliding scale- that is true. So let's say your team isn't doing well for long enough that you lose your VP title. You STILL DON'T LOSE YOUR CAR because YOU OWN/LEASE IT. It has nothing to do with Arbonne as far as Mercedes is concerned. So if you can continue to pay for it without the bonus, you keep it. I agree on the environmental thing, but has anyone checked out Mercedes Bluetec (bio-diesel)!? As clean and efficient as a hybrid.
ONE MORE THING: No one here has mentioned one of the most generous aspects of Arbonne's compensation plan- the Performance Account. It's like a bank account that operates at every level to make it SUPER UNLIKELY you will lose a title once you've gained it. For example, 1st level manager is called District Manager. The "maintenance" for that level is $2500 in team sales per month. Someone working the Arbonne business system (again, like someone pointed out, NOT WHAT JOEL DID!!!!), could easily sell this themselves in the 10 hours a week, but they don't even have to, because it's team sales and also remember all those wholesale buyers who don't even try to earn money? Well they still order from time to time and that counts to your $2500. So the performance account works like this- EVERY MONTH YOU DO MORE than your $2500, you BANK points in your account. So if your team does $5000 in sales one month, you bank 2500 points. Then let's say you have a down month and only do $1000- well, in that case you still don't lose your title, you just deduct 1500 from your performance account. So if you promote to VP level and get your car, every month you do MORE THAN your maintenance you are banking points. I have over 1.3 million points in my account at this point- I could literally walk away from my business and not lose my VP status potentially EVER as long as those on my team want to work for their goals (FOR THOSE OF YOU CYNICS, THEY WOULD BE WORKING FOR THEMSELVES, FOR WHAT THEY WANT, NOT TO MAKE ME MONEY! I have trained them and brought them into Arbonne, so it's a FAIR RESIDUAL that I receive from their production, but they make much more on their own production than I do- again, fair, and they have their own goals they want to hit regardless of what I do.) And if my team fizzles because I walk away, how long do you think it would take me to lose my VP status? I'd estimate about 10 years or more...so now all you "MLM haters" can see why the people who do this and DO IT RIGHT can see how brilliant it is- would your JOB right now pay you to work part time for 6 years and then pay you for another 10 years after you quit and still let you drive the company car that they at least fully or partially pay for??? I DON'T THINK SO!
So hopefully some of you can see a different perspective here. I'm sorry to all who have been acosted by an "Arbot", I for one train my team that others are watching and making decisions about Arbonne based on their experience with us- we want it to be a good one, and chances are, if you met me or one of my reps, your feelings would be different. Oh, maybe that's why this business is WORKING for me and my team!!! Not all CPA firms are corrupt just because there was Enron, not all attorneys are liars, etc., so why do people so consistently make negative generalizations about "Arbonne" or "Arbonne reps"!!?? Have you met all 1.3 million of us, or even the 50,000+ who are actually building a business?
Bottom-line, 99.42% of Arbonne reps do NOT make any money. That is a statistical fact based on research. You're better off investing in the stock market, even high risk stocks, or selling products directly without the MLM component. Reality is, the only reason the MLM structure exists is to make money off the sweat of others. The products are attached to them purely to keep them from being an illegal pyramid scheme. And, for those of you who are still looking at this honestly, remember that any of the ringing endorsements that you read are from those who PROFIT from having you feed their money machine. Stay away from Arbonne and any other MLM.
For Questions about Arbonne products, the business or consultant information please email me at swissdream@live.ca
The reason that a small % of Arbonne RVPs are the ones making the big money is simply this: They are the ones who busted their tails and never gave up when they got a few nos. Network Marketing, like most other businesses, rewards the most persistent and smartest workers.
When a real estate agent fails--about 90+% of all licensed real estate agents either quit within 6 months or earn very little income if they stay--no one calls that a bad business model or a sinkhole.
If you take advice from(or make a decision based on) someone who failed at something you will most likely never succeed at anything worthwhile.
By the way, I am not an Arbonne Rep. But I am a successful network marketer, having moved from the skincare industry (former Executive Director with BeautiControl) to another service-based company now.
Best to you all...
Lisa Rodante
lisa@ladyexecutives.com
www.ladyexecutives.com
201-315-8767
Kirsten,
I have a question for you. If the PA accounts are such that " it SUPER UNLIKELY you will lose a title once you've gained it" can you explain why there are 22,000 few DM's and above from April 2008 to April 2007?
I happen to love network marketing, I just think that Arbonne's comp plan is out of date and the company turned a blind eye for too long to those teams that pushed huge opening orders.
Again, I have known many family and friends who have been in this particular company...and have worked hard for small paychecks...
Anyway, my company just launched this past month...and it is with the 2 of the most noted Dermatologists in America...their products were #1 in retail, and continue to win numerous awards...they are well-established, and professional...they are the creators of Proactiv!
Anyway, I surpassed my full-time income, and am here to stay! I think there is true beauty in a non-saturated market, and being on the TRUE ground-floor like we are.
Be cautious, do research, choose a company with a proven track record...and remember, timing is everything!!! Statistically those who start a company in their first couple years are those that make notable incomes.
Best wishes to all!
Feel free to contact me:
r41170@gmail.com
Can someone give me a hard, fast and verifiable answer on the Arbonne tax charges. Are they Federally mandated to charge as they do?
I have followed this blog off and on since 2005. It is very interesting to read the comments left back in 2005 and 2006 vs 2008. Arbonne was in a BOOM back in 05' and 06' and then they began their major correction beginning in 2007. It was inevitable, I suppose, based on the growth they experienced through those two years alone.
I actually am an RVP (at least for now until my performance account runs out) and while I don't have anything negative to say about the products, where I saw a breakdown in Arbonne and most MLM companies is they simply do not teach their distributors EFFECTIVE marketing.
Especially today in our "techy world" where 99% of all people utilize the Internet for information. I was frustrated as well with Arbonne's restrictions in regards to how you could market the products as well as how you could market yourself. Arbonne and many MLM companies still live in what I call the "Leave It To Beaver" era.
Throughout 2005 and 2006 everyone was on the Arbonne "High". People were promoting like gangbusters due to alot of reasons I won't go into. Unfortunately that rocket ran out of steam and there were alot of people left holding the bag or maybe I should say "tote".
I love the Network Marketing industry for it's possibilities but what I have a problem with are the archaic methods of marketing these companies still push onto unsuspecting "newbie" entrepreneurs.
While Arbonne had great products they really were no different than the myriad of other MLM companies out there that fail to teach REAL business building skills.
Skills like internet marketing, that once mastered can be taken to any business allowing you to profit in many different ways. I emphathized with Joel's frustration when he talked about Arbonne's lack of forward thinking when it came to marketing.
I've seen the destruction over the last year and half and have seen hundreds of people lose their promoted levels including RVPs and NVPs. It is unfortunate that these chain of events have not been Arbonne's wake up call.
When I saw this happening beginning in early 2007, I decided that if I was going to, not just survive in this industry but THRIVE in it, then I was going to have to master the art of online marketing.
I'm happy to say that the experience has been remarkable. Finally, I am a true entrepreneur with real business building skills. By the way, verbal vomit is not a skill.
I wish everyone still in the trenches of MLM and especially Arbonne continued success. It is a great company but it can feel like selling vinyl records in an IPOD world sometimes.
Stacy
www.SuccessInYourSlippers.com
Dear Stacy,
I read your story and your comments and all I can say is I agree. I was with Arbonne too and left in Jan. Things aren't looking too good for them. Congratulations to you for finding success elsewhere and I look forward to receiving your marketing techniques. Good luck with your new business. I can't wait for mine to launch in August.
Traci
Votre Vu #5210
My company just launched this past month...and it is with the 2 of the most noted Dermatologists in America...their products were #1 in retail, and continue to win numerous awards...they are well-established, and professional...they are the creators of the #1 acne treatment in America...endorsed by celebrities (think Jessica Simpson, Puff Daddy, etc!)
Anyway, I surpassed my full-time income, and am here to stay! I think there is true beauty in a non-saturated market, and being on the TRUE ground-floor like we are.
Be cautious, do research, choose a company with a proven track record...and remember, timing is everything!!! Statistically those who start a company in their first couple years are those that make notable incomes.
Best wishes to all!
Feel free to contact me:
r41170@gmail.com
Stacy and Tracy,
I too fell into the Arbonne thinking for awhile back in 2005, while I liked the products I had a hard time doing the "partyies" and did not have the money to invest into the products to be effective at marketing them. Stacy, I couldn't agree more about the lack of marketing skills taught. I got out of Arbonne and thought that maybe I was not good enough to make it work. It took me awhile but I finally realized that I had not been successful for several reasons but mainly "Arbonne" wasn't my passion, and neither were any of the other MLM or "Get Rich Quick" schemes I had tried. I decided to do something that I love and make it "My Business", after I had developed my own business, I wanted to help a family friend by researching how she could start her own beauty Consulting business with out having to reach goals set by those making the "real-dough" but she would be setting her own goals and building her own business, at her pace. It has been a very interesting project and I have decided to put all the info into an e-book for other women. My theory is Why spend $500-2000.00 to make 35% on the products and hope that you will sell enough to get your check from the company, when you can be your own boss, choose your own products and make 50-70% on each product. Not to mention you get to market your product in a way that works for you, and is productive such as internet marketing and "anti-party" ideas. Best of luck to all that have been looking for a way to make money, but are not willing to sacrifice friends, family or integrity!
Sherry
DO something you Love!!
http://womansguide.net
http://womansguide.wordpress.com/
Traci, How are things not looking good for Arbonne? I am not a consultant, but I am considering it. I am doing my own research by coming to these blogs. I haven't heard anywhere that they were not doing good ?!?!? Do you know something I don't? Please tell.
I've been in real estate sales for 10 years and I have learned that if friends/relatives need you, they know where to find you. I have to agree with the people that say its not Arbonne's fault that friends and family get alienated. Most people don't know how to conduct themselves, which brings up another point. Does Arbonne offer classes with how to attract new business without overbearing tactics?
KNowing that Arbonne cannot be purchased through any Tom, Dick, or Jane on the internet actually sparks my interest that much more. There is too much competition with the internet and profit share would deminish. Consultants are in the business to make money, and not to give the product away by slashing the prices just to get it sold which eventually happens.
web site www.myjafra.com/wfrancis does not work
Hello Arlene,
I"m sorry not to have replied sooner. I was out of town.
I was refering to the Demographic maps Arbonne has on their website. It's for consultants and it lists the number of reps at the various levels. There's been a steady decline so if you talk to someone from Arbonne, make sure you see the 2007 vs the 2008 maps. It appears that things have leveled off for now.
No, Arbonne does not have any classes on attracting new business without overbeating. That's not to say that local teams wouldn't offer something like that. Arbonne does has a great on-line training program for reps to use but it's a lot of basic info for those new to owning a business. There is some training on cold calling but not much. And some teams are really good at letting you know the "realities" of selling to friends and family.
As you are looking around, I can't stress enough how important the compensation plan is to a sucessful business - keeping in mind the product is wonderful and a good value to the consumer. That's one of the key reasons I left Arbonne was I was making money but no one else on my team was, so they would quit working. Can you blame them?
I you would like to learn about my new business, I'd be happy to send you some information. It's skin care as well and we launch this September.
Good luck!
Traci
tbkuhn@wideopenwest.com
I think that when deciding, one needs to look at how many consultants are in your area (aka how many you are competing with) the comp plan, how much you have to invest monthly, and who the financial investor is!
I am BLESSED to be a founding consultant for the doctors who created Proactiv...they now have skincare for all skintypes, and we just launched a few months ago...and I already make more than I do in my full time career.
Plus, I really enjoy being backed by the integrity of the doctors, and we don't stock any inventory, nor do we do parties...it is refreshing, and fun!
If you would like to know more about what you should look for when considering a company, contact me, and I am happy to tell you what I looked for, before I chose the perfect business for me!
Good luck!
Sara
r41170@gmail.com
(posted on the "To Arbonne or Not to Arbonne" discussion as well)
Good luck to all of you as your build your business. We all have different goals and there are many companies that will take us there. Some will find success and others, like myself, will find success somewhere else.
For those of you who are still trying to decide on a business, you can now learn more about my new company from the comfort of your home!
Just added to our Votre Vu website are 3 new videos! One on our amazing products and two on our compensation plan. The middle video goes into greater detail about the pay plan. After you enter the site, look to the top left and click on "More About the Opportunity". You will then see the 3 videos and you can also download a copy of the compensation plan. This is not a password protected area nor do I need to collect your information before you can watch. I invite everyone to take a look! We want anyone with a desire to build a business to learn about what we have to offer.
We launch September 10th! My team is growing and I am ready to introduce French skin care to the United States. Anyone want to help me?
Traci
#5210
tbkuhn@wideopenwest.com
WOW!
Joel, Your Arbonne & MLM ignorance is so clear that the more I read what you had to so authoritatively say, the more embarrassed I become for you... (shame!...) I'm curious... Did you even USE the product? How long? Why? or Why Not? ... Which ones? ... It sounds like you relied on someone else to test and work your business for you, namely YOUR UPLINE!... What's up with that Joel? ... As a business man...are you kidding me?
Arbonne really did win Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of 06... have you?
Which "ARBONNE" business plan did you do? (Besides "YOUR" own...)
Here's our Business Plan: (What plan were you on... YOUR OWN?)
Did you do the 6-8 10 parties in one month to launch your Arbonne business?
Did you do the 2x2x2 system to launch your Arbonne business.
How about the Re9 drop off & pick up system?
Did you do at least 2-4 Re9 Drops & pick up in a week?
How many flip chart presentations did you do in a week, day, or month?
Did you attend ACT NOW trainings?
How many NTC conferences have you attended?
How did you study about the MLM industry?
How many business Opportunity meetings did you attend?
How many business Opportunities did you present? ( You know, like you taught on Utube at the Hyatt)
Now, about the "cost"...
What do you REALLY KNOW about the cost of SKINCARE? ...Before I professsionally prove your ignorance... let me ask you this?
What "MARKET" are you cost comparing ABONNE to?
Department store cost? ... Spa product cost? ... Duanne Reade cost ... Kmart? ... Walmart? ... Where are you getting your oppinion from?
Let me help you... La mer $1500 for one small ant-aging product ... google "Bliss spa products" or look at a catalogue... walk and compare dept store prices for anti-aging... you'll discover a 7 product system at our cost is below market cost... PLUS... the MLM industry and most importantly, ARBONNE gives everyone the opporunity to purchase wholesale @ a 35-55% Disc, as well as earn the products at a 80% discount. You might want to take a look at HSN or QVC for anti-aging product cost as well... By the way... No one in any industry will come to your house and service you and your friends for free! Traditionally you BUY & then try... with Arbonne you TRY it & then buy... Plus it's in the privacy of your own home!... I'm sorry, this kind of convenience and service is ONLY done for celebrities... and it cost them thousands for their personal at home services!
What do you know about the cutting edge "nana-technology" Arbonne has put into their product line.... Google how profound it is to the science & medical world, and then maybe you can appreciate the patent, kosher certification, vegan certification, friends of the environment packaging.
those are endorsements by entire communities Joel!...
Talk about driving traffic to your site! ... You have to admit, that's pretty good... and let's talk about the brilliance of @ home network marketing ... your phones fav-5 ... telephone commercials saying this is my network... they are all tapping into the concept... affiliate marketing... is just another form of networking your market... ABC...CBS.. and NBC... are "Networks"!... You might want to rethink your Antiquetic Network marketing & MLM phrasing it as a "Pryamid"... that's hussler talk for fast money Joel! ... Who have you been hanging around with and why would you even consider being apart of something illegal like a "pyramid"... That doesn't look right Joel...
Everybody can't be wrong about this 28 year company... AIRD ( Their reasearch and development sfacility in Sion Switzerland) and their success! Harvest Partners put some major money where their mouth is to prove it... Did you even know that?... google it Joel... Piere Botiglier google him... Come on Joel... Hussler? ...you're better than that...Stop it! This is not a company you can hussle or play adsence with... It's a major corporation... google what Citi group specifically says about Arbonne... Paul Zane Pilzer... economist... have you heard about him and what he says about the Industry?
Google it Joel...
By the way, how old is your business again?...
Okay, who do I think I am, right?
I am a a professional model actress from the fashion & film industry... represented by the NY Wilhelmina modeling agency for more than 10 years... I got paid to pretend I used the products I launched and endorsed through out my career... when in fact I used other expensive product lines from all over the world...I am an Arbonne Consultant and #1 I use their products along with other major celebrity names. I had to learn about their buiness plan, their system, and the MLM or Network marketing industry...
Like your adsense business or any business...I discovered in Networkmarketing that the people who do not do well or make money are the ones who build business from a preception of what it is rather from a solid business prospective... Using words like, "pyramid"... a quick hussle... and those who thought they knew exaclty how the business goes and how it needed translating into their own model...
The biggest loosers are the very ones who never learned their companies business model, business plan, and would not do the activity system to build a business.
I am now your student Joel... and I know I should listen, study, learn, and apply what you say to do or I can take my media experience... translate it and add it to your system, my way, and then tell everybody... YOUR adsence is a bunch of NONsense!... But, as a professional, I know I have to learn, apply, walk, and then run to the finish line!...
Come on Joel, Stop it!....What happen to you Joel? ... You know better than that! I saw your Utube training... it is the same if not the "Exact" words and training I got from Arbonne... Trump... Kyosaki... Lee Strasburg... and in my magazine layouts...
Now, can you answer the above Arbonne business plan questions?
It's ONLY fair Joel... You tore it down so, let's track your actions to see whose system you were doing... Arbonnes or you own?
As an aspiring Adsence Entrpreneur...I will be watching you Joel to see your if your integerity is in tact when you answer those questions...
The above check list is where you determine your ARBONNE success,
NOT optimizing your myarbonne website! That's like being brilliant in math and complaining that your english teacher is rediculous because she insist on words instead of numbers...
Whose the fool Joel... the teacher or the Brilliant student...
By the way, were you ever an Arbonne student?
Don't worry, I won't do that to you or to myself with Adsence...
Remember, I'll be watching,
Maria McDonald Arbonne 9.15.2008
I could not agree more. The products are good but overpriced and the marketing opportunity stinks. First, you can check the ratings of the products at an independent rating site such as http://www.nutritionaltree.com. Arbonne does extremely well there. However, the pricing is clearly way on the high side. And like all MLMs, there is little hope of success for anyone.
It is really unfortunate that there are so many of you who are so uneducated about Network Marketing. If you would be just even a little self motivated and do a little investigating on your own in stead of allowing others opinions cloud your judgement, you might just be one of those successful people. However, it probably is a good thing that the ones who choose to be ignorant about the business and company stay out of it. The reason I say that is because, you would be one of the stastic #'s that would fail. In any ligitemate well managed network company, that is solid, the way you succeed is personal motivation, drive, passion, etc. The only way to fail in this company is if YOU ALLOW YOURSELF TO FAIL!!!! Go to their website and read the success stories. They have excellent education put in place, they have excellent products, and excellent leadership. I have been with Arbonne for only 4 wks and have promoted to DM. My first commission check was very nice. I went to their ACT Now seminar in Minneapolis, I met some of the NVPs, RVPs, AMs, and DMS and yes they were all beautiful, and I don't mean looks...their personalities!!! They were all very nice and very happy....because they are not having to deal with the corporate pyrimad world, and they are helping others (who want to be helped, and will help themselves). I truly think Joel and you others are just down right jealous of those who can succeed, through pure self motivation and determination. As for you Joel, your really should be ashamed of yourself. People read your opinions and views and obviously listen to them because THEY THINK YOU ARE GIVING THEM FACTS. You may be successful in a sense, but you definately don't have anything on some of these ladies, who are making millions, but came from really nothing. I would respect your opinion, but maybe in order to have a respectable opinion you should really get your facts straight, before you put it out their for the whole world to see. It really does a number on your integrity. For the rest of you, I am saddend the world and individuals like Joel have allowed you to stop dreaming, and even stopped you from thinking on your own. Arbonne is really better off with out those individuals, they strive to find positive, energetic, self motivated, individuals.....and noticed I didn't say anything about, size, color, beauty, sex, or religion. Remember you make your own destinies by the choices we choose and decisions we make. Opportunities will coming into your life maybe once or twice, it is all up to you what you do with them. I advice all of you to think for yourselves and to make your own educated choices and create your own destinies....I DARE YOU TO DREAM AGAIN.....see what happens, you will be suprised!
Aw, c'mon Nicole. Don't go getting all self-righteous as though network marketing and Arbonne are the answers to everyone's ills. I DID give the facts of my experience with Arbonne. The fact that it didn't go well is just a truth we have to live with.
Joel
See Joel there you go again not stating the facts. I never said once in my comments that Arbonne/Network Marketing was the answer to everyone's ills. In fact what I was trying to say is that everyone has to make appropriate choices for their future based on their own due diligence...not other people's opinions. Plus is sounds as if I got under your skin a little, is that because I hit on truth a little? I know you had a bad experience with Arbonne, but who's fault or problem was it really?.... Tell me if I am wrong, you couldn't market over the internet the way you wanted to so you got all upset and failed. There are legal reasons Arbonne AND OTHER NETWORK MARKETING companies don't allow it. Maybe Arbonne trusted people, but then something happened that they had to put an end to that. I don't feel at a disadvantage at all not having a website. How the heck was it done before technology and computers? Hardwork, persistence, dedication, and pure determination....huh I guess some of us would much rather take the easy way and sit in front of a computer. I don't need to hide behind a computer all day long trying to stir the pot and really doing nothing to better people's lifes. I'm glad that I can go out meet new people and talk with them personally. Arbonne does NOT indicate that is easy by any means...this is definitely not a "GET RICH QUICK SCHEME". In fact if you are an Arbonne sponsor and have any morals, values, and integrity we tell people it is work and it takes a lot of dedication and determination to make it to the top. Isn't that with anything we want bad enough....Joel, no hard feels but you obviously didn't want it bad enough. Like they say, if it was easy everyone would be doing it. However, when I get my Mercedes and make it to the top I would love to look you up and take you out to lunch....of your choice. For the rest of you...read Paul Zane Pilzer, who estimated by 2016 there will be 10million new millionairs, and 1/2 of them will emerge out of network marketing companies. Don't know him then read Trump and Kiyosaki, "Why we want you to be Rich" , or how about the top billionair in the US, Warren Buffet, who just bought his 5th network marketing company. I choose to read and listen to individuals who have a little more merit behind them.
I'm always amazed by people who feel it is appropriate to come into someone else's "house" and attempt to "set them straight." I find it rude and presumptuous.
My initial blog entry was very clear on the facts. You can go back and read it again if you want to.
Yes, you are wrong. I couldn't market over the Internet the way a SVP TOLD ME I could. I signed up with wrong information.
And then, I paid for a myarbonne web site and was told that I could not LINK to the site from one of my other sites.
Why have the site?
So I could put it on my business card.
I was told that it would be an unfair advantage for me to link in that way.
But meanwhile it was perfectly fine that others were grandfathered into having their own web sites promoting Arbonne products.
Huh? That's insanity. There are tons of ways to make money and I don't have time or patience to entertain an organization with backwards thinking.
Under my skin? Please. Don't read in anything that isn't there. It reminds me of the schoolyard kids who would say "I know you are but what am I" in order to somehow prove superiority. If anyone has the issues you state, I would say your intense need to defend the company and their practices is quite transparent to all.
Google the term "Arbonne" and you will find that I come up #3 on the search engine. This experience has become far more profitable for me as a blogger than if I had attempted to sell Arbonne's product.
I've nothing against you or the company. I think this entry and the other one which has over 1300 comments have some very good discussion on both sides. To Arbonne or not To Arbonne.
If you'll notice I stay out of it and rarely reply. I happened to be approving many entries to my blog today and your comments caught my eye. I've been home ill the past few days and I guess I got bored.
I'm totally fine with people making up their minds to do whatever they want based on whatever information they want. My experience is just one thing they can consider if they choose. Would you elect to silence me and my right to free speech? I didn't think so. :-)
A ride in your mercedes? Honestly, do you think that having an expensive car really means anything to me? I own a Ford Explorer. Cars don't impress me. Neither does pretense and bragging.
I do hope you achieve your goals, whatever they may be. If it is a mercedes so you can somehow thumb your nose at the rest of the world, well that's up to you.
Anyhow, feel free to have the last word. You might start with an apology if you are so inclined. Going back to more important things now...
Joel, I am not trying to hit you personally...really. Like you when I believe in something I am very passionate about it, and dedicated. What I am most passionate about is education. I believe people need to really think for themselves a little bit more....and do their own due diligence before making ANY choice or comment. I really didn't mean to attack you on a personal level. You have to admit though there are a lot of ignorant individuals out there who don't know what network marketing is. Anyway sorry to hear you are not feeling well, but if you are interested I have something that might help....the "Get Well Soon" supplement and the Hybrids....lol. I am sure we both have more important things to do. Thanks for the good debate.
My wife is in the final month of finishing up RVP and getting her mercedes! My sister has hers and is finishing NVP! They both were teachers and quit to be stay at home moms and enjoy working their Arbonne business. I personally know 5 people that have or are getting their Mercedes this month. Ask any of them hard work=success! One other thing, none of these people had any ties or "ins" with anyone in Arbonne, they were simply willing to take a chance and work hard. My sister and wife come from small families in small towns in Michigan.
I finally found the ingredients to some of Arbonne's makeup here: http://winkingbrunette.wordpress.com/category/arbonne/ That's all I wanted, I think I have the right to know what's in my makeup and make my own decisions.
I am an Arbonne consultant and Executive Area Manager with Arbonne. This year I will be getting my Mercedes. Network marketing is not a hoax. It is a business. Arbonne has allowed anyone to come into their business with a $29.00 sign up fee, get a discount off of these incredible products and their title is "consultant" These consultants do not work, they just simple get a discount. These are the 97% of the "consultants". The other 3% of the "consultants" are the working consultants and are sharing the products and business opportunity with others. The beauty and pitfall of Network marketing is that it is usually inexpensive to get into, the potential for income is amazing. People look at the figures and think it will be a walk in the park. When they discover. "wow, I have to work?" hence the word Network marketing, people tend to quit. It is not the business that fails, it is the people getting into the business. They are usually the type of person that quits when things get tough in life anyway. When a person starts a business they put more than 10 hours a day at it. When a person starts with network marketing, they may put in 10 hours a week, or even 2 hours a day, or for those that don't see $$ they put in 0 hours in a day and then say "it didn't work for me". Arbonne's products sell themselves, but the consultant has to get out of the house to share the products to sell. It is an amazing company, products and compensation plan. It is work. Treat it as a business and you will be paid as a business.
Thanks for posting my comment about ARBONNE Joel. I was hoping to read your response to my questions. What happened? will you answer me like you did when you jumped all over Nichole about coming into YOU HOUSE.
Well I'm in YOU HOUSE and as an Adsense student and as YOUR Guest, I'd like to hear from YOU please.
I'd love to hear from you! ...
I'm an ARBONNE Advocate ... a professional artist from the fashion and film industry... an Adsense student of YOURS... and an over all fair person. So, come Joel... "Let's Talk!
I read in one of your news letters about some of the NOT SO SATISFIED Adsense entrepreneurs OF YOURS! They weren't to pleased ABOUT NOT MAKING MONEY WITH YOU in YOUR industry. I loved and totally agree with your response of it not being a get rich quick thing and that you have to put in the work. Like any NEW venture, I would like to add you have to study... take action... and learn from your experiences.
So Joel, were YOU that fair with ARBONNE?
I'm being fair with YOU by following your Adsense trainings and NOT blasting YOU about it NOT being that lucrative for the masses!
MAYBE I'M MISTAKE SO, Can YOU give US YOUR peoples Adsense Success Ratio's
like you POSTED and commented on ARBONNE?
CAN YOU GIVE US AN INCOME COMPARISON ANALYSIS ON YOUR FOLLOWERS FINANCIAL SUCCESS and RATIOS PLEASE?
While you're at it...
What percentage of YOUR ADSENSE students, entrepreneurs, and followers are making as much as YOU DO JOEL?
Can you give us a blogged online analysis of your Adsense peoples income compared to ARBONNE income producing people please?
YES or NO____ & WHY or WHY NOT?______
I'm Thanking YOU ahead of time for doing that for EVERYONE, JOEL...
And JOEL, could it be that YOU ... DID NOT APPLY the SAME TIME, COMMITMENT & FOCUS TO YOUR ARBONNE BUSINESS THAT YOU APPLY TO YOUR ADsense BUSINESS?
Let me re-phrase that...
JOEL, DID YOU APPLY THE SAME TIME, FOCUS, AND COMMITMENT TO YOUR ARBONNE BUSINESS AS YOU DO TO YOUR Adsense BUSINESS?
YES or NO?__________ & WHY or WHY NOT?___
Are YOU the same kind of LEADER in YOUR Adsense BUSINESS as YOU were in YOUR ARBONNE BUSINESS?
YES or NO?___
Will you answer the detailed questions I asked in my first ARBONNE comment to you please? ... YES or NO____ WHY or WHY NOT?____
Did YOU just attack ARBONNE FOR Adsense CTR's?
YES or NO?_____
GOOD GAME JOEL!
Let's talk!
Warmly,
ARBONNE ADVOCATE / JOEL ADSENSE ENTREPRENEUR STUDENT!
Maria McDonald NY
I'm laughing reading all these defensive comments. If only you arbonne morons could understand how silly you sound - you are all totally brainwashed and need some serious deprogramming. Arbonne is A CULT, people. Plus the product is overpriced crap. PERIOD.
I have been researching Arbonne all day on several different websites & blogs. The trend is very disturbing and I am very glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks ARBONNE is a Cult. A (used to be) close friend is a consultant and has replaced all her freinds with ARBOTS. The only time I hear from her is if she wants to invite me to "a meeting". When I try to call her just to shoot the breeze it's always about ARBONNE!!! I'ts very upsetting to me. Her Mother is very upset about it also, she said it is taking over her life. She has 4 kids the youngest is in 2nd grade and her mother says she feels they are being neglected. Why is a Mercedes so important to folks????? I just don't understand!!
When I signed up for $29 to be a wholesale buyer with Arbonne, I did so to get the 35% discount on their products. The RE9 line is VERY expensive but it works great on my skin so I jumped at the chance. Not only did I purchase skin care and makeup, but nutrition supplements, aromatherapy, and lots of gifts for my friends and family. I spent well over $6,000 in the course of a year. Well guess what? Arbonne sent me a 1099-Misc Income Tax form stating that I had purchased over $5,000 worth of products from them for RESALE. In other words, Arbonne sold me products at wholesale so that I could sell them at Retail. Now, the RVP that convinced me to sign up so that I could save money on their products, never told me if I bought over $5,000 worth of products from Arbonne then they would report those purchases to the IRS. I told the RVP who signed me up that I was NOT interested in selling the products ever. I was leary of giving the company my Social Security number and now I know why they wanted it. When I went to get my income taxes done my accountant told me that the 1099 Misc Form is given to Independent Contractors who are in business for themselves. I had to file a schedule C along with the 1099 Form and claim writeoffs to offset the $6,000 that I had purchased. It gets even better... the IRS audited me. What a mess. I ended up paying a ton of money to an accountant to prove that I did NOT buy $6,000 worth of Arbonne products to sell.
When someone signs up to be a wholesale buyer and nothing more .. be aware taht the person who signs you up just wants to make money on the purchases you make. If they tell you that Arbonne is like a wholelsale buying club, don't buy it. Most of the people who sign up with Arbonne are wholesale buyers. I wonder how many of them got the same 1099 Misc tax form that I did? Never AGAIN is all I can say.
Hi Michelle,
I am sorry you had such a problem. There are many working consultants in Arbonne who don't sell that much.
I belong to a new skin care company and we have a preferred members club where you pay $29.95 and you get your first 2 products at 10% off and your third most expensive at 50% off. No SS# is needed. If you would like to try some samples, please e-mail me at tbkuhn@wideopenwest.com
Thanks,
Traci Kuhn
Hi Everyone,
I too was a consultant with Arbonne. I did NOT make any money but I also did NOT TRY very hard. I did ask friends to have a party, etc and a couple did. However, I did not bug my friends to buy or become a consultant. That may be why I did not stay with it but my friends are my friends and not my income source. If people use their friends to build a business, well, consider yourself lucky to be rid of a friend that only calls to see if you want to reorder! Sad, sad, Sad, Build a business but don't ruin your friendships.
Much success to all who want to give it a go! IT DOES work IF YOU WORK!
Afterall, nothing in life is free except Salvation. John 3:16
Hi Everyone, I am a new consultant with Arbonne, and I would like to say that my investment with the company was a mere $109 for the consultant level. However, after my first party, I have already made that in commissions x 2! NO LIE! I've signed on in the beginning of April 2009 and I have very high hopes for myself. Whether its a "Scam" or not, I've made money. My upline is DEVOTED to my success, as it obviously helps their sales. I have NOT purchased any products of my own for demo's as my upline offers to bring their sets with them to my parties to show case. My manager has done 3 of my parties already and does all the "work" of recruiting for me. I cannot say enough for my upline. They are a great group of women who are motivating and inspiring young girls like myself to succeed. Really I don't think I will get to NVP (though who knows? I'm not a psychic) but to make a few extra bucks a month for little to no work, why not!? It's a no brainer! I would LOVE to make it RVP or higher, but like MOST companies only a select few make it that far. I understand that but that won't deter me. As I stated I have high hopes and I believe that if someone else can do it, why not me?! Good luck to anyone starting their business with Arbonnne. I hope I see you at the next conference!
Can anyone shed some light on Arbonne International company size in terms of revenues? I was presented the opportunity and am doing some research on the web about Arbonne. I've been shown the 2007 ICCS and found the assumptions and bases used to be misleading and confusing. Arbonne claims to have paid $226MM in overrides and bonuses in 2007. From my research online, it appears to be that company (Arbonne Corporate) had revenues of less than $100MM in 2007.
I believe the following supports this hypothesis:
Harvest Partners bought Levlad and subsidiary Arbonne in 2004 and stated that revenues of the two companies combined were about $200MM. Levlad is currently self reporting between 500 - 1,000 employees and has its Nature's Gate brand of products well represented in Whole Foods and independent health food stores. I'd guess that it is roughly a $100MM company and Arbonne was roughly a $100MM company at the time of purchase.
Online there are many sources (zoominfo and jigsaw among others) quoting Arbonne to be a $69MM with about 200 - 500 employees.
Recently Arbonne let half of it's 190 person work force at its Greenwood, Indiana plant go and is operating now just one shift a day down from two shifts (assume that three shifts a day would be max capacity)
If you look on Google Maps or Earth at the Arbonne Corporate Headquarters at 9400 Geronimo Rd in Irvine the building appears to have about 200 parking spaces - very much inline for a $69MM company.
What I'm getting at is how can a company that definitely appears from all indicators to be making less than $100MM be paying out over $226MM in overrides? Why does this make me very suspicious about Arbonne's communication with its sales force?
Hello Chris,
Those are good questions and when I was with the company ( I left in Sept 2008) the previous year they had almost $1 billion in sales. IMO, what needs to be added to the equation is that most of the sales come from consultants who are all around the US, Canada and now the UK. The office in Irving is just for salaried personal. Arbonne has been through some downsizing as of late and some leadership changes. I do know of several consultants who have done quite well and several more who have not.
I'm not sure a direct selling company can be viewed the same as company that distributes products through normal channels. However, I think you are smart to quesiton what is shared with the consultants.
If you are interested in learning about my new company (still skin care), drop me a line. I can share a bit more of what I know.
Sincerely,
Traci
tbkuhn@wideopenwest.com
After reading more about airborne, I will be staying away from their products.
Traci -
I'm a little confused by your post - did you work for Arbonne corporate or were you a consultant? Where did you get the $1 Billion in sales figure for 2007 and can you send me a link or did your upline tell you that it was $1 Billion dollar company? Was the company quoting $1 Billion in "retail sales" or that corporate took in a $1 Billion in revenue - note that the two are very different.
NuSkin is a similar company with just over $1 Billion in documented revenue (NuSkin is public) and employs (that is they work for NuSkin corporate) more than 6,000 employees.
Arbonne sounds like at most it could have 500 employees including part time and factory workers - it's hard for me to believe that they could be a $1 Billion company in the same industry as NuSkin which needs over 6,000 to reach that sales volume.
I came across this site and just had a few comments:
Michelle Ramano - Regarding the 1099 - you signed a contract when you signed up for your $29 discount. By signing it, you agreed to the terms & conditions of the Arbonne Policy & Procedures. This document (available online or via your sponsoring consultant) states the policy for reporting to the IRS. You provided your SSN... maybe you should be more careful giving out your SSN if you don't know what its for?
Investment: No matter what your upline tells you, there is NO requirement to buy anything to start the business outside of the $29 fee. But if you think you are going to start ANY business without some investment...you're crazy. I started mine with my own personal RE9 kit that I took to group presentations, and handed out some samples. I'd use my paycheck to reinvest and now I have plenty of demo sets to pass around. You can't expect to make a ton of money upfront. It takes time to build any business.
Lastly, for those who are annoyed by "Arbots": Why can't you just say NO?! I offer someone a sample and they take it. I tell them I will follow up to get their feedback. I leave a voicemail a week later, email a few days later, call a week later, again, no answer, no response. Why take the sample? If you don't like it, just say NO THANKS and I will not bother you again. I actually say that on the messages I send them. People are so afraid to just say NO or PLEASE REMOVE ME FROM YOUR EMAIL LIST. If you do that, I for one will stop calling or emailing you. I just want the courtesy of a response.
I was a consultant for a few months this year, I've just decided to quit. I made most of what I invested back so thankfully I'm not out much.
My friends/family were supportive, but I got the gut feeling it was only because they felt obligated to. Asking friends to hold parties for me, they seemed very distant and hesitant on saying yes. It was always maybe soon...in a couple of months...
I could feel my friends/family were feeling alienated and I knew if I kept going I would be alone with fellow Arbonne people and Arbonne would be my everything! There's more to life than Arbonne! Plus, the skin care industry is saturated with products all for much cheaper and work just as well. And the recession is going on! It's still getting worse! I HATE asking people for money, but even more so with so many people losing their jobs and have no money....no thanks!!
All you really get from Arbonne is some decent products, an alright trip once a year (that you could probably find cheap on your own through any travel website) and that mercedes...but remember, it's just a car and anyone can have a mercedes if they want. Here in the UK, mercedes doesn't have the same effect it does in Canada and the US. I know, I'm Canadian and thought, ooh mercedes! But now living in the UK, I realise mercedes is just another car. A TON of people have mercedes here...it's nothing special. Plus, if you don't keep up your monthly maintenance it's bye-bye mercedes or fork out the money yourself to pay for it!
Has anyone else noticed Arbonne Consultants all talk in the same way? That, almost fakey like they give a toss? Everything is so 'amazing' and 'oh my gosh it's so fantastic'...it gets tiring listening to that!
I think all of the above just put me off the whole thing, I can't fake being 'amazed' by skin care products, no matter how great they are. And I would rather keep my friends and family!
Oh well at least I tried! And I do like the products, I will continue to use them, so that's one good thing I got out of it!
Michelle Romano...who buys $6,000 of Arbonne for personal and gift use? If you used a complete set of RE9 anti-aging products quarterly (more than what is recommended) you would only be spending about $800 per year. If you did, you were a wonderful Arbonne customer. There are federal and state tax rules which apply in situations like that...when you exceed wholesale purchases exceeding a certain dollar amount. Remember, you WERE getting the 35% discount (wholesale) on a consultant application. It really is not appropriate for a consultant to act as a person's tax advisor...and they are specifically instructed not to. Arbonne has changed its program and created a "Preferred Customer" account with a 20% discount to eliminate such issues and provide greater income opportunities for its real consultants. Your circumstances, although regrettable, are not due to an Arbonne failing. Your sponsor would probably not anticipate such purchasing volume and may not even know the ramifications of such purchases. It probably would not have crossed my mind either.
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The person who complained about a friend in Arbonne who ditched her old friends for her new Arbonne friends and associates. It might happen sometimes. Perhaps the friend found people that were more positive to be around. Perhaps the friend was finding happiness and success with this new group of people. Why would this be a negative for your friend? Why would this make it a 'cult.' One of the guidelines for becoming a positive and successful person is to associate with positive and successful people. Fake it till you make it...another guideline for becoming successful. I am sure your friend did not stop spending time with you because you were not buying Arbonne from her...but she probably did start spending more time doing activities that helped bring her success...selling, training and positive thinking and living.
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As far as the claims that Arbonne products are too expensive...
Depends on the product you are referring to. The RE9 system is less expensive than almost all comparable department store brands...and likely more effective. I agree that some of the Arbonne products are over-priced if you buy them at retail...and some even at wholesale. But there are special ways to buy some or all of these products that can make them very competitive if you know how to do it. It is really up to each Arbonne consultant to decide if they are going to assist individuals in obtaining products through these special purchasing opportunities. Such efforts take time and planning. I sometimes do to assist good clients.
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Back on May 18, 2006 I wrote the following on this blog. This information is all true. Unfortunately, in November of this same year, my wife was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She passed away on March 14, 2009. I am telling you this because in less than a year, between January 2006 and
November 2006, my wife built up her Arbonne business so dramatically that the residual income kept coming in throughout her 2 1/2 years of treatment. Much of our $20,000+ out-of-pocket medical expenses per year were covered by her Arbonne income. Also, it is the kind of business that allowed her to keep working the business, whenever and wherever she was, throughout her course of treatment. By passing out samples to use, she had nurses and practitioners at the oncology center in Seattle buying the products. She sold Arbonne to Amtrak employees on her trips up to Seattle.
She loved and believed in the products. (She still had her original friends and lots of new ones). She signed up her niece (who already had been using the Arbonne products) as a preferred client two days before her death. You have success in Arbonne when you believe in it and maximize your opportunities in promoting. You can do so and still lead a happy, normal life. Even months after her death, there is still $800 to $1200 per month of residual income coming in to the family. This will not continue for many more months without some action. The business was recently transferred to my name and I will be working to try to maintain and hopefully rebuild the business. I will have to work the business different than my wife. I will try to develop the ability to work the business in some of the ways that she did...but, for the most part, I will have to find additional ways to do it. Being female helps in various ways...simply because of the nature of many of the products (skin care and cosmetics). The social component of the business often favors females, as well. These issues, however, can be overcome through will, creativity and perseverance. I will do my best.
# Kyle Elwood Says:
May 18, 2006 05:07 AM
My wife started actively doing the Arbonne as a Business Builder at the end of December, 2005. Her over-ride check from the company for the month of April (4 months work) will be over $2,000. Our family over-ride income is approaching $3,000 per month because, after watching her success and seeing the benefits of the products, I also signed on to do the Arbonne business. I was impressed with how the products sold themselves. I was impressed with how effective they are. Since I am a pharmacist, I felt I needed to associate myself with skincare products that actually accomplish what they say they do. They are superior to any product I have seen prior to this. As has already been stated...the vast majority of 'consultants' are 'wholesaler purchasers,' which Arbonne International has to include in their figures. If you want to see what is really happening with the business and what the opportunities are...take a look at how many people are successfully advancing to the higher levels (and incomes) of the business each month. Joel, you need to do more than superficial research if you are going to maintain credibility. Joel, if you really want to participate in a good business opportunity...my wife and I would be happy to show you the way. Arbonne is about team-work. Those who put forth the effort are helped greatly by the other members of the team. We work on the concept that helping other succeed will in turn bring success to us. It seems to have worked for my wife's sponsor...as she just earned her Mercedes and has over-ride checks exceeding $4,000 per month and she has actively worked the business only a few months longer than my wife. These are small checks compared to those that have been actively working the business for longer periods of time.
================
Diana....your upline is working to assist you and train you. At some point, you will have to begin doing these things for yourself and learn how to help YOUR downline and sponsored individuals (business partners).
So, be paying attention and focus on developing yourself for the eventual need for you to take over your own business. Your business requires your energy and talents or it will not survive...as your upline has their own business to build and new people will come along that they will have to focus on. Work hard to learn then work hard for your success.
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There is more than one way to build the business. The party method can be used or working with individuals, or both. My wife worked with individuals, mostly. You can be successful both ways if you work smart.
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Sharing the products with friends and family is not taking advantage of them. Many of these products are very good and their effectiveness is difficult to match. You are actually not doing them any favors by not giving them the opportunity to try them. Simply provide them the opportunity to sample them using a proper approach and then follow-up. If they like them, show them how to buy at the best price. If they don't, that's okay too. My wife's mother starting using the RE9 anti-aging system and I felt it made her look 5 to 10 years younger. My mother uses the some of the same products. My wife's nieces love the products. Many of my wife's friends loved the products and continue to use them.
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If you want to know what is in the Arbonne products, all you have to do is go to the website and all the ingredients are provided.
=============
It is also important to be sure you have a knowledgeable upline that is eager to train and support you during you beginning stages of business development.
If anyone has any questions or comments, you are welcome to email me.
pbatlane@comcast.net
Kyle
hey, just curious....have any of you heard of this supposed lawsuit between arbonne and beauticontrol? i keep hearing of a lady in town that's making claims that arbonne is going bankrupt? anyone know if this is true/???
For those who enjoy arbonne and do the business- get off your buts and start doing something. Sitting here talking about the things you do and do not like will not contribute anything to your business.
GET YOUR ASK IN GEAR!
WARNING!!! It's possible Arbonne is headed for extinction. As a former consultant and relative of a National Vice President you should know that since the sale of Arbonne several years ago to the investment holding company, Harvest Partners, this company has, in my opinion, been profoundly mismanaged and has lost its direction and the positive culture which had made it so appealing both from a product philosophy and business opportunity.
Product quality has suffered greatly and the once family atmosphere is gone entirely. Consultant support has nearly evaporated. This company is now acting from desperation. In the last year they fired Candice Keefe, head of product development, who was the one person who remained committed to the original ideals and core principles which had guided the company from the start. Those in charge now are simply bean counters looking to score returns on investments above all else. The know nothing of the founding principles or of the unique characteristics of the network marketing business model.
They have recently filed a pre-structured bankruptcy to keep lenders at bay, laid off over 150 employees and are looking for any reason to shed National and Regional Vice Presidents thinking this will enhance cash flow. Several top NVPs have already defected to other opportunities. Arbonne recently instituted new rules forbidding VPs from any involvement with other MLM companies; even if just as a customer and even if their SPOUSE is involved in other MLMs. I know of several NVPs and RVPs who were terminated simply because they purchased unrelated products from other MLM companies, even though they are not actively building those businesses, or because their husbands are involved in ANY MLM, even if it's not a competitor. Such ruthless behavior by Arbonne will soon be well known as these former NVPs and RVPs begin to tell their stories and take their downlines with them to other opportunities.
I highly suggest you STAY AWAY from any involvement in this company. You will be wasting your time and effort as I predict this company will be gone within 18 months.
I was once an enthusiastic proponent of Arbonne, but since the sale this company it has been nothing short of a total disappointment with incompetent management and failures in many aspects of operations. Now it has lowered itself to a level I consider IMMORAL in their actions and attitudes. The frustration and anger is causing defections by the thousands. Stay away, stay away, stay away!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am just a bystander to all of this, i have never tried or even heard of this product until Today, out of nowhere i am contacted by someone from highschool, that i was never really close to or liked very much, her email to me write away wanted me to check out her arbonne site, claiming the all natural aspect.
I started to look into it, and it reminded me a little bit of the Golgi berry juice. One must question how and why people would be getting rich off of selling ordinary products, it makes me question all the mark up, why not just let people buy the products on line at a reasonable price, and the company wouldn't have to spend money on all these representatives making money off of what could be difficult to prove benefits, you can claim personal stories, and how much you love a product, but because one is always looking to believe in something why not believe in skin care or health, its the easiest thing to suck people into in, without proven hard core benefits.
Just for some facts, Shaklee is a very inexpensive product and there is no buy in to sell it, and no promises of mercedes and becoming rich, people only distribute it to their friends and family because it's a way of getting cleaning and health care products that are unavailable on the shelf for a low cost, lower, they do not have to have personalized websites, you just go to the website, put in your id number and your rep receives a little financial residual for introducing you to their products, they sell products, not a lifestyle and a car, think about the overpriced mark up if everyone can get so rich off of it, remember as an employee you are actually paying sign up fees, website fees, etc... you dont think its a big cost, do the math, everytime someone signs up whether or not they sell the products, they make money on people signing up, not selling the products, so the ones that help them get more and more membership fees, they will compensate, remember the purpose, you are supposed to be supplying people with health, not lining your pockets and selling memberships, remember what you are doing and what you are compromising, I am not insulting the product as i havent used it, but did you really go to the lab and make the product or did someone tell you what was in it, really check out the ingredients and i am sure there are some unnatural aspects to it, it isnt illegal to claim something is natural as long as there are a few natural products thrown in. Not very many people spend money on skin care and lets face it, dont truly need to,
Unbias commentor
Just a thought to all you die hard Arbonne peddlars, that make these great claims about the manufacturer, you should always know who you in fact represent, i think it was mentioned earlier, but It is owned by a financial holding company and another Skin Care product company Levlar, and now apparently the Holding Company, Harvest Products has sold it recently, I wonder why that is??? There have been lay offs and a drastic decline in Consultants.
Some of the stuff was originated by the Swiss, but no longer, and the inventor never makes the money, the idea is always bought and then the quality and purpose compromised for the all mighty dollar. I hope all of you are proud that you are making money off of all the ones on the bottom selling and pushing the product, and you make a percent off of them, that is just disgusting and ridiculous, in a clothing store, each sales person makes money off of the volume they sell not the number of salespeople below them, the ones on top do not have to push the product anymore, they just simply suck the ones below into more membership fees and then steal their commissions, as they get a higher percent of those poor people's commissions, honestly how can you wake up in the morning, you are no longer making commissions of off your own sales, it's someone elses.
I guess that's where greed takes you, it's not that most of the people dont try hard enough or work hard enough, they are just not as unethical as the ones that do succeed.
Despite almost disappearing (filed for Chapter 11) and then coming back... they are up to their old antics again with high pressure building of down lines, promises of high almost impossible to reach profits, slandering of competitor's products, misleading claims on their own products, selling worthless sales kits, etc. etc.
OMG, people will never learn.
It is frustrating that despite all the timely information available on the Internet, people fail to do their homework and fall into this classic MLM scheme known as Arbonne.
Most people who join Arbonne will spend more money hosting parties, buy Arbonne products for personal use (often products they would never have spent money on prior to being introduced to the company), buy mandatory promotional aids, and so on.... The bottom line, when a Arbonne recruit actually factors in the time spent and expenses VS income earned, it is almost always going to be a losing proposition.
Have a look at all those who posted their costly myarbonne web pages in past entries on this site, not a single one exists today! In particular, what ever happened to jouneytothetop (guess Jamie never reached the top) or the crazier than crazy Maria McDonald. Both their sites are gone now, despite their incredible enthusiasm. I think those two examples speaks volumes about what happens to most Arbonne 'consultants'.
BTW, My neighbor was a 'victim' of Arbonne. We were once good friends but she went off the deep end when I asked her (politely) to stop asking me to get involved in Arbonne. Amazingly, she was convinced that Arbonne was my future! I am a lawyer!!
Eventually, she (a mother of three children under seven) left her husband and children for another Arbonne (male) consultant. Her last words to be were (paraphrasing) that god would provide through Arbonne and that she needed to rid herself from all negative thinking people (btw, that was a clear reference to all those who did not like Arbonne).
I am reasonably certain that not all Arbonne consultants are that brainwashed.... although the earlier Maria McDonald reminds me so much of my former neighbor.
If only I had a quarter for each time I came here.. Great post.
Great thread. Arbonne is no different from the other MLM companies out there, looking to pay big money to the fat cats at the top by having everyone at the bottom work hard and make nothing. I did MaryKay for a while, same crap. Now I work for a company that has no buy-in, no buying large amounts of stock to sell on, no billing or collections, no risk. Companies that rely on their consultants "overstocking" at each order obviously have little faith in their own products. Also, Arbonne has a way of suggesting their products are chemical free (hence the asterisk and small print beside some of their products), when they are far from that. I can see why they filed for Chapter 11, and why so many consultants are jumping ship.
Katie M-
Where did you get this information?
"I can see why they filed for Chapter 11, and why so many consultants are jumping ship."
I've never found a "real" answer when I've researched this.
A couple things: I was an Arbonne Internet Consultant. Great Products, most of them. EXPENSIVE YES!! Yes they ship in a huge box when it could be a tiny blush item or what-have-you. Just some food for thought: this business is not willable. If you make it up the ladder to a high ranking position and you are earning top $ residual income and you die, guess what? When you kick the bucket you can't will that hard earned position to your loved one, children or anyone. Its the companies. Yep! That's nice huh? Doesn't seem fair. Not so with my business. And to date I haven't heard of another company being willable. IDK? Food for thought. Also I like a company that has proof. A way of measuring and proving without a doubt that the products are working! My company does that. Ive never heard of another company able to make that statement. I like the scientific proof behind what a company says also. I am not talking about a marketing company thats coming up with a nice jingle or comercial this. I mean iron clad proof. Thats my company. Stock that has consistantly gone up year after year. I like a company thats about results! Not claims. Thats my company. Just food for thought!
A couple things: I was an Arbonne Internet Consultant. Great Products, most of them. EXPENSIVE YES!! Yes they ship in a huge box when it could be a tiny blush item or what-have-you. Just some food for thought: this business is not willable. If you make it up the ladder to a high ranking position and you are earning top $ residual income and you die, guess what? When you kick the bucket you can't will that hard earned position to your loved one, children or anyone. Its the companies. Yep! That's nice huh? Doesn't seem fair. Not so with my business. And to date I haven't heard of another company being willable. IDK? Food for thought. Also I like a company that has proof. A way of measuring and proving without a doubt that the products are working! My company does that. Ive never heard of another company able to make that statement. I like the scientific proof behind what a company says also. I am not talking about a marketing company thats coming up with a nice jingle or comercial this. I mean iron clad proof. Thats my company. Stock that has consistantly gone up year after year. I like a company thats about results! Not claims. Thats my company. Just food for thought!
I've tried a few different Arbonne products and I am absolutely not a fan. I used sunscreen and a few hours later noticed a weird metal taste - like I had absorbed something - and it happened on multiple occasions until I just gave up and tossed it. I had been given a moisterizer sample and noticed the same thing with that product. Most of the "gung ho" Arbobonians I know eventually drop out. Too much hype, not enough results.
Hello,
I'm an independent consultant for Arbonne and would love to guide you in the right direction.
Please email me and we can chat about your business opportunity.
Tiffany :))