I just started arbonne a couple of months ago and I moved to a new city.. I am trying to get started but it is hard to do arbonne not knowing anybody...anyone have any ideas?

what happened to your arbonne, fantasticskincare.com site????

Arbonne demanded that I take the site down. Apparantly, they want to control everything that people say about their company. I'm sure they aren't pleased with the negative comments. But when you are a large corporation, you can bully people around and threaten them with their overpaid lawyers. I don't have the time nor the inclination to fight them as I have business to run.

Joel, Thank you for creating the Fantasticskincare site. It's a shame that it had to come down, but you know what they same about all good things....Cat

Arbonne's compensation structure seems too good to be true ... is there anyone who can tell me how it compares to similar companies (i.e. Mary Kay) and/or how they can afford to pay such compensation ?

Arbonne is a multi-level marketing organization.

I considered joining Arbonne a few months ago. I decided against it for the following reasons:

• I did not get any training on the products. I think some understanding of the science behind their skin care is important to really understand things; it seemed the selling end of things was pushed WAY too fast, before I knew anything about the products.
• The warm market principle, combined with the previous item.
• This site was what finally turned me off to multi-level marketing from a business, marketing, and ethical perspective. I cannot stress enough how much it is worth reading: http://www.vandruff.com/mlm.html

In the end, I just didn't feel in my gut that it was a sound or ethical business structure, and I also know I can make more money doing other things.

If you're looking for Arbonne praises, you'll find tons of them. But listen as carefully to the critiques as you do the praises.

People will tell you they only have their downline purchase $100 worth of products, and they make loads of cash. Very possibly true. But they've probably been in business since 89. If you look at the numbers, you have to get people below you buying gads of product to really rake in the bucks. Hence my ethical quandries.

People will tell you that negative people are bad apples, or bad crabs, or envious, or jealous. Please watch out for this: it is a psychology party trick (it establishes a "trust" by creating a common enemy). Pay attention to your thoughts, rather than your emotions when you have this conversation. Stay strong in yourself. There are very,very subtle but effective manipulation tactics that reps are trained to use- I know, because I got 95% of the way to signing up as a rep before I turned around.

Finally, I believe Arbonne is deceptive. Someone on one of Joel's other boards actually called Sion to find listings for Arbonne and any of the other names they go under. No luck. Considering they use this as a cornerstone of their marketing, well...

It might work for some people. Not me.

Arbonne is a fantastic company to be associated with. I did a lot of homework before I signed up as a consultant. Quite frankly, I couldn't see any reasons why I couldn't succeed. Keep in mind, Arbonne is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Yes, you can get rich pretty quickly, but it comes from hard work, not just signing up. If you are committed and willing to do what you are supposed to, train yourself and your team the sky is the limit. How many companies are out there like that? There have always been limits and income caps on the corporate jobs I have had in the past. I am so greatful my friend shared Arbonne with me. We have been doing this as a team since Nov 05. We have both made District Manager and she will make Area Manager this month. (I am going a bit slower, because I moved to a new state in December.)

Arbonne does NOT claim that their products are "chemical free". In fact, if you went through Arbonne University, it was clearly stated that the products contain chemicals. When you think of chemicals, the first thing that come to mind is something abrasive. However, we need to keep in mind that our body is made up of many chemicals and undergo many other chemical reactions. I love Arbonne Advantage.. it worked exactly how they said it would!

I joined Arbonne in June. I love all the products so far. I have been involved in Mary Kay and Mellaluca and I will tell you that Arbonne is so much better than them. Mary Kay requires so much inventory on hand that you can't make any money for yourself. Mellaluca was just stupid and a bunch of non-sense. This company is very real and very supportive. I have no problem talking to people and getting them interested in the product because I use everything myself and my skin looks better than it ever has. Thank you Arbonne!!!

I started with Arbonne 2 months ago and have just been promoted to district manager. If you have a strong supportive upline who guides you in the right direction and you are willing to work hard to start your business and get your momentum going, you will have no problem being successful with Arbonne. It is simple but it is not easy. Debt shouldn't occur because you are not required to stock up with products. Someone must have been misguided and that's unfortunate. As far as a previous comment made about running out of people to talk to...everyone knows people that you don't. The parties work great for referrals which are key to not running out of new prospects. A comment was also made on not receiving training on products. Once you sign up to be a consultant there is so much free training online that you could virtually learn about any one of Arbonne's products as well as information about your skin. I've learned so much on Arbonne University about the products! I really believe in Arbonne and truly believe anyone who wants to be successful and has the determination to do so can make it happen. =)

A comment for the person who's upline told them that if someone doesn't want to do Arbonne they are "bad apples, etc." Their character is obviously lacking to say the least. I'm a new consultant with Arbonne and my upline is made up of WONDERFUL women who are honest and not pushy at all...you can't blame something not working out for you on someone else. Arbonne is an honest, ethical company, and I don't find any of these so-called psychological games going on with my team. And if you have chosen to go in debt because of Arbonne, well that's your own fault. I only spent about $100 of my own money and I'm in qualification for District already.

I also just joined and spent $650 wholesale in order to join. If you spend less than that, you are only a consultant and will not make any money in return. You can also just spend $29 to get the exact same thing. So either spend $650 or $29. In between is a waste of money, unless you will spend the $650 within 30 days. I'm going with it and willing to see what happens. If it doesn't work out, I still used the terrific products, which I would probably still order anyway! The products really are great.

I have been using Arbonne since March, 2006. I am 42 yrs. old, and have been in and out of the dermatologist's office. I had adult acne and a ruddy complexion. Now my skin is the best it has EVER been, and I am using less make-up. I don't have anything to cover or hide. My ruddiness is gone, and I have had more compliments. Also the shampoo and conditioner has made my hair healthy with a beautiful shine. I get a compliment almost EVERY day about how beautiful my hair is. It is totally the Arbonne. I am a believer!

If anyone tells you that you must spend any amount of money over $29 they simply are not telling the truth. The only requirement is the $29 membership fee. With this fee you receive the opportunity to be a wholesale consumer or business builder. The team I am on uses what is called "The Results Approach" We do purchase product to show but how much is our own personal choice. I have known people who started with $3000 and $100 both have succeeded but the one with more products of course was able to go faster because she had more product to show. I too am so glad my team is not like that. My RVP wouldn't be where she is if her sponsor has required a certain amount.

Thanks Joel. Just found this link. Way to use your talents and Arbonne to create something for good.

Shawna

You do not have to spend $1300. You can merely sign up for $29, but to actually have some product, you should spend whatever you can afford to right now, and accumulate more as you can afford to.

Help! Can anyone honestly tell me the secret to making money with Arbonne? I signed up in April 2006 and qualified for District Manager in June. Then July came and went. And now it is almost October and still no DM and no paycheck. I have talked to everyone that I want to talk to and then some, but my sponsor keeps encouraging me to strike up conversations with complete strangers! Like at the grocery store! I'm sorry, but it's just not in my nature to try and sell something to a complete stranger standing in the express lane, who obviously is in a hurry. Not to mention, I usually have my children with me who are chomping at the bit to get the heck out of there! Do you know what I mean? I was told this was a relationship based business, how am I supposed to build a relationship with somebody standing in the produce aisle? And even if they acted the least bit interested, how do you go about reconnecting with that person? Cold calling? I don't know, it just seems unnatural and weird. I don't want anybody to approach me in this way. I would think they were crazy! My Gosh! for that matter, why don't I just stand outside the store with a bucket and a bell to ring and beg people for money! That's what it feels like to me. This is not the way I want to run my business. By harrassing people while they are running their errands? No thanks. I want people to come to me about Arbonne, not the other way around. Any ideas? I would greatly appreciate your advice!

Toni B.. I want to here more.. !! I just signed on the dotted line tonight and I had done research on Arbonne and thought it was a super company with super products..
email me ... thanks.. Lori

Which is better to sign up for arbonne or avon.

Need

Which is better arbonne or avon.

Undecided Please HELP.

Thanks, Aimee. I understand what you are saying, however, I have exhausted my warm market. The only thing our team does not push is parties. That is why my sponsor is on me about talking to people out in public. And that is not what I want to do. Is there any other way? Or am I stuck forcing Arbonne on complete strangers because my friends and family are not interested? Where do I go from here? Is there any other way to make money at Arbonne other than becoming a salesman?

I was first introduced to Arbonne about 6 months ago by someone who told me first about the business, then about the products (she talked at length about the business until I actually had to ask her what kind of products she was selling). She turned me off from the start. She clearly was and is in it for the money, and she couldn't have made it more obvious.

She tried to sponsor me, but I shut her down when she told me that I had to buy 4 Re9 kits at $250 each at the very beginning, from her! I'm a single mother, and I don't have a thousand bucks to toss into anything, let alone something that's merely going to make more $$ for her.

One of my best friends is an Arbonne Consultant. She gave me samples, a catalogue, and some literature. I tried the product samples...loved them, and called her to find out more. She told me about the $39 sign up (I'm in Canada), and the $100 per month in personal sales. No biggie. Anyone of us can do that without even trying. Those who complain about having to do $100 worth of personal sales per month, should find something else to do.

Long story short, I joined Arbonne two weeks ago, on the team of the woman who merely gave me samples and literature, and so far, I haven't been able to shut up about it. I've given samples to 5 people at work, 3 of whom have decided to join my team and start selling Arbonne products as a side business, two of whom have signed on for personal use. It's been two weeks, and I've sponsored 5 people, all because I refused to go with the the "hard sell".

These companies can work for those who are willing to do the work. Too many people get into things like this thinking that the work will be done for them, and they'll be driving a new Mercedes tomorrow. Get serious. Be creative in the ways that you find new people to sponsor. Be enthusiastic, but at the same time, be realistic, and last but definitely not least, be honest.

Diana B.

As far as joining Arbonne, How many hours a week would it take to become simi-successfull? The work that you as a consultant should be required to put into in order to be profitable. I am debaiting joining..

And Nina, I highly recommend ordering Michael Clouse's Prospecting 101 CD from nexera.com - I recommed anything on that site actually, but Prospecting 101 is very helpful when you have no warm market.

Other than the $29.00 fee, what is required on a monthly basis? How much product needs to be purchased through you? Tobey

I am considering joining Arbonne. Do you have to advance to district manager by a certain time period? If so if you don't are you able to try in the next 3 months or do you have to repay a certain amount of money.

To: JS

In response to your question:

There is no time frame when you have to start "building you business".

As a consultant, you are merely a discount shopper of sorts.

You can start building your business whenever you like, during your first year or later.

The only thing is, there will be people below you who will promote and jump ahead of you so you will lose them in your line if you don't build and only shop.

To LD,

Ok, first you won't make any money through Arbonne until you promote.
You cannot promote without atleast a 6000.00 retail volume and 1000.00 PRV
And remember, those are not wholesale numbers!

You really need a network team below you to help make those figures.

Regardless, of if you have a team below you or not, you will still only make the commission available for that level. You are not going to make more of a percentage regardless of you selling product directly or your team generated sales.

As a District Manager, you will make 8% commission on the wholesale volume of your team. If your team only consist's of you, then that's what you'll make.

But your up-line should help you with building your team. I know mine does.

I love Arbonne and all the products that I have tried. I became a consultant in June and promoted to DM In 2 months. I however have had to reach deep inside and I have to pick up the phone. I have used up most of my warm market and all I have left is my chicken list. My sponsor and her sponsor have pretty much given up. But I know that I can do this. It is doable. My team pretty much goes with the results approach, but I am getting on the phone with my friends and setting up group presentations. As a stay at home mom I have joined a dance class to meet people, joined the gym and have even talked to one perfect stranger at my kids school. I alone will succeed or fail. Arbonne gives me awesome products and great learning tools. Whether or not I use them is up to me.

As far as how much you have to spend, $29 dollars, however it is sorta difficult to do the complete results presentation in the correct steps if you don't have product to leave and pick up. But you can do it with samples so again ultimately it is up to you.

LD Can you get onto your webstats on the website? From there you should be able to click on your name and it should eventually lead you to your upline managers. Call them, or email them. You don't need to do this alone. Don't give up!!

Oh ya, my hubby loves this stuff it isn't just for girls.
TM

I signed on in September as a wholesale buyer only. Two months later, I am a first step Area Manager. It takes work, but with a fantastic product and a fantastic supportive upline, its all doable. The product almost sells itself! I worked in the corporate world for over 20 years, now I am in business for myself and enjoying most every moment of it.

I was approached to sell arbonne last week. Actually 6 months ago -- I kept putting off the girls request for a sit down with her DM. I finally gave in and went -- guess what -- I was told I had to spend 1000.00, but 4 bags -- one for me and 3 to give away and get 4 more people to spend 1000.00 so I could make money. Doesn't this seem like a pyramid scheme to anyone else? Needless to say -- I'm not joining the Arbonne way.

Andrea, Not to be rude but more in the interest of being direct. How much approximately is your monthly paycheck? How many people do you give presentations to a month and what percentage need to buy or become a part of your team to have this revenue stream? Thanks for being honest.

Why did u take my post off asking about what the product was that another poster had recommended for keritosis pilaris?????????????

To the person saying they were told they "had" to spend $1000 to start? Somebody actually told you that? That is your choice. If that is how you choose to start your business. And they offer that because if you have $1000 retail volume in your start month that automatically puts you into qualification to District Manager. That is very generous if you ask me. And it isn't $1000. With your discount you are actually spending $691.60 before sales tax and shipping. For 4 complete RE9 Anti-Aging sets. For 28 products. How much would 28 Lancome anti-aging products cost? About $3000. Do you know how much ONE little jar of Chanel Skin Recovery Cream costs? $395. If anything screams of rip-off it's products like that. $691.60 to start your own business. That doesn't sound like such a scam to me. It costs $29. That's it. I have a girl on my team who has promoted to DM in a month and a half and she hasn't spent one thin dime more then the $29. She just presents the business opportunity to people she meets. She is a single mom who couldn't afford to buy her own kits. My upline lent her one of her own to pass out. In a few months I have no doubt that she will be able to quit her full time retail job and stay home with her son.

Arbonne products are vegan certified, contain NO animal by-products, no mineral oil and they are only tested on a human panel of volunteers. They are not dermatologist "approved" as some companies like to say. Dermatologists help formulate the products. Sometimes a products will be in the development stages for 2 or 3 years before they are released. Arbonne products rival any "upscale" skincare companies products. Fact.

A pyramid scheme involves only money or changing hands. Pyramid schemes are illegal. Arbonne has a very high credit rating. The only people who will ever make money in a pyramid are the people at the top. Anybody can get to the very top at Arbonne. The NVP of my team started a year ago with Arbonne. One year. She is now making about $20,000 a month. She used to be a school teacher. People go on realty tv shows to try and "win" a job that pays less then Arbonne can. Arbonne is an amazing skin care company with amazing products who realized how great network marketing is. Network marketing is no different then any other company. Take Bath and Body Works. The only people making major money in that company are the heads of the company. But they pay all sorts of people 9 bucks an hour to work harder then any consultant at Arbonne has to. And they pay those people $9 an hour to market their products to customers at the mall. I know because I used to work there. Arbonne's consultants are the "company heads". And the world is our mall. The only advertising is through word of mouth and the consultant themselves. They can put all of their focus and money into developing safe and really superior products that you can feel good about your own children using.
Network marketing gives regular people a real chance to run their own successful business and potentially make a lot of money in doing so. And they want all consultants to have the same chance at becoming successful. That's why no selling on ebay or linking to the Arbonne website from other websites. And they also have no product control that way. What if somebody buys a tampered product?

Arbonne presents a REAL opportunity for men and women to make great money, sharing truly GREAT products while staying home with their kids.

There is no shadiness here. There is no "scam" here. There is no "get rich quick" here. Arbonne bends over backwards to give their consultants all the free training and help they could possibly need. Not only do you get a great paychecks, you also get cruises and trip to the Caribbean and jewelry and even that famous white Mercedes. This is your business. Your own little company. You get great tax benefits by running your own home business. If you don't work you won't make any money. This is not for everybody. But anybody can do it. People should really look into something and research it before calling something a scam.

HI, I was an Arbonne consultant--twice in fact! I love the products, and truthfully no one told me I had to buy tons of product, but the RE9 system, which can generate lots of money,is expensive for the average person. And it seemed that every time I turned around thru the two attempts I made to sell Arbonne,the products changed, the prices went up, and the catalogs I had recently purchased had to be thrown away. I am still signed up with Arbonne, but only to use the products. I do beleive they are the best out there, but the RE9 system is highly overated. And the whole approach for those who are rising like meteors in the company is to RECRUIT! Not just sell the product. Give that very expensive RE9 system out, get it back, get a sale for residual income, but especially get someone to sign up because then they too can become rich! And please be sure to Arbonize your home and use all the products, because then you can tell everyone how much you like them and they just might see you using them in your home! And isn't this what MLM's are all about? Getting all those new consultants to buy up the products is how these people are zooming to the top! I still have product around, that I will never sell, but use or give as gifts. Also, I have noticed that most of the people zooming to the top are connected to people who can AFFORD the RE9 system. I can't! Paula

Tony B, if you are out there still, I would love for you to send me a message to my boyfriend, that Arbonne is not a scam! That if you put the effort into it, you will achieve what you want from it. Or anyone else who has a husband or someone that was sooo skeptical at first, but then saw something great out of it! Thanks so much,
M.Monika
bell206helicopter@yahoo.com

I have been a consultant since Nov 2005, and am still amazed at the high quality and integrity of Arbonne as a company. The caliber of speakers at the Arbonne seminars were far superior to any I have ever heard in any job I ever had. Also, their online training programs and inforamtional sites are top-notch. There is elegance and class about this company. Arbonne does not have to hard sell their products and their consultants are not pushy. The genius of Arbonne is in their "REsults Approach" whereby you loan the appropriate face care set to someone for 3 days and then get their input. Most of the people I loan the sets to love the products, experience the superior quality, and want to get it for themselves. Most people want to pay wholesale, not retail, and desire the wholesale membership. So, I sign them up and let them know about the business opportunity. I make it their choice and let them know they can start doing the business anytime they desire--and that I will help them by matching their efforts. I feel doing the Arbonne business is simple. The products sell themselves. I also explain to those whom I sponsor that to do the business they want to share the product with others the way I did by loaning kits or giving out samples. If parties, classes, and demos are your style, then you can do that too. I am emphatic when I say the purchase of items to start their business has to be made at the level which they feel financially comfortable.
If they desire to be a wholesale buyer instead, then I explain they definitely want to collect their friends and family's orders. Once they compile a $250 retail value order, they give their family and friends the 35% discount. The $250 retail order [$162.50 wholesale cost] allows the Arbonne wholesale buyer to then select $100 in Arbonne product and pay only $20! Everyone wins with Arbonne.
I am at District Manager level and am working at making Arbonne my full-time position. This company is the real deal. The days of working for the same company for 40 years, making a large paycheck followed by a lucrative retirement are history for most people. Arbonne is a great way to supplement or replace your income. Network marketing is becoming mainstream as a way of distributing superior quality products whose message cannot be delivered by the minimum-wage, un-inspired clerks at a large retail store. These types of products need to be marketed by people who love them, use them, and are instructed in their use and ingredients. The more people you can get to hear your message, the more money you make. Your successline is comprised of your business builders and wholesale buyers. The testimonials that I receive on a regular basis regarding the results is proof enough that Arbonne is an incredible company with the most amazing products that produce real results. My monthly override check is tangible proof that Arbonne has a great business model and a very equitable compensation plan.

Has anyone heard of the dangers of paraben and does Arbonne contain it? If so, which products?

I recently became an Arbonne consultant. I was told that I only needed to invest the initial $29. When I wanted to start really becoming serious with Arbonne - I was told that I had to purchase this, and that - all adding up! I was extremely upset that I felt like I was duped by my upline. I am no longer pursuing Arbonne. Why hide the fact that you will have to invest? Especially in things that can be easily cut down on - like handouts!!!! Or CDs!!!! (Why not photocopy them on high quality paper).I think Arbonne lost a great consultant in me.

Three weeks ago a consultant asked me to try Arbonne for 6 weeks. I agreed. However, two weeks later I was told that if I didn't purchase any products, I had to return the kit. Is this normal practice? I thought that I had 6 full weeks. While I am pleased with the results thus far, I was pressured to make a purchase before I completed the trial period. (We all have products that have promised amazing results and then saw nothing.)

Again, is this the typical approach to sales? Any suggestions?

If I'm going to spend over $200 for skin care products then I don't think that 3 days is enough time to make a decision - my 50 year old skin just does not respond that quickly. Over the years I've spent alot of money on products with the same guarantee without the results that are claimed - what makes Arbonne so special?
One more question - How sanitary is it to recycle the kits?!

I've been with Arbonne for about 6 months and I love it. The products are amazing, the anti-aging skin care works wonders. The balancing cream has done a lot for me. The kids vitamins work so much better than any others and there are pure and safe. My husband loves the mens products. My customers always come back for reorders. The business is amazing. As someone else said, like any business if you want to be successful, you have to put something into it. Doesn't require a lot of time or money, but you don't get something for nothing. At least the ones of us that are working our business can look back in a few months or years for some and see what we've built with this, and the ones that don't believe in it, well they can look back too and see what they didn't get, a great lifestyle and security for their families.

Cost to join--$29
Cost of security for your family--PRICELESS!

Don't let the few that don't run their business unfairly mess it up for those of you that really want a amazing home business. This is a great company, because of the wonderful products and consultants.

I neglected to mention the new MLM I'm working with is only $250 start up with a $127.50 monthly maintenance. Arbonne was three times that to get started and with taxes and shipping the monthly maintenance is comparable.

$750 to get started?
I only paid $29
I earned everything else.
Too bad you didn't work the business the EASY AND DUPLICATABLE WAY.

I have been with Arbonne since 2006 and I love the products. It is about education and understanding different needs - not about scaring off your friends and family. The cost to start up as a wholesale buyer or to start as a consultant is $29 plus shipping (new materials and information)

I am so sorry to hear about people who have only meet consultants that are greedy - Arbonne is about educating and giving the public knowledge of these wonderful products! The results are amazing!! I train my team - over the phone, in person when possible and through webinars (think conference calls and a power point presentation over the internet) I have members all over the country and I have/will fly to help out with first presentations/parties, getting started and Discover Arbonne Opportunities (recruiting). We stick together, help each other and I love my team.

If you are serious about the products, lead with them and love them - you will do well in this business. You have to be a product of the product and believe in the company as I do. It is a simple business, not easy, but simple. A part time job that you can earn full time income is a great way to go!!

If you are interested in Arbonne - product first, opportunity second - and want to be a part of a team that will help encourage each other - training included.

Please contact me and I will get you started ($29 fee waived for the first 5 people that contact me to get started!!)

Frannie15@bellsouth.net
Have a wonderful day - and success in all that you do!

hi there, i have been using arbonne for 18 months now and love it! i renewed my membership/consultant status this year as well. i am now very worried... my last order was placed on 3/18/07 and I still have yet to recive my products and my cc was finally billed on 4/1/07 - $266. I have called nuerous times, nver spoken with anyone and emailed. I waited to reach someone via phone today for over 15 minutes. Is something goin on that I don't know about?

Viv,
I don't know what went on at your particular meeting, but I would ask the persone who took you to the meeting. If they have been in Arbonne for a while, they will know the person who spoke and where they came from. Then you can follow up from there. Arbonne lists ALL the ingredients in EVERY product on their website, or I would be happy to email them to you personally. There are no secrets! This is the most amazing opportunity, and my team is great - and successful. The key is the team. Be sure you find out who you will be joining up with. There are amazing people in this business. Join a responsible leader's team who is actively working their own business. email me with ANY questions.

It's a shame that your experience has become a hussle to prospect you and made you feel uncomfortable. I joined arbonne a year ago. I love every product I've used and my skin is in the best shape of my life!
My upline is awesome. we have weekly conference calls, she goes with me on appointments (esp when I first started and didn't know how), we do alot together as a group to promote our business. it's been a pleasurable experience for me. I don't do arbonne fulltime but I work it part time every day. My upline told me "you can do this part time but you can not do this part of the time---you're either in or you're going to waste your money". We've had people quit, parties where no one showed, all of those things and we just get back up and do it again. My direct team is not a really large team, but it has proven to be a great business for me and my family.

Hi I just became an arbonne consultant. Can anyone give me advice on how to get my business going and what products seem to be selling the best? Thanks for your help and may God bless you!!!!!

Wow, i can't believe there are people like Michelle. If Arbonne does not work for you, fine. Don't go around saying terrible things about people who are helping other people succeed.

There are MANY people who are succeeding in Arbonne even NOW! Not only the ones who started years ago. Imagine, they succeeded without internet, pagers, cell phones! Just think of what we can do NOW with ALL that!

It's true, there are so many bad apples out there who are trying to bring everyone else down with them.

That's too bad.

And to answer Cynthia's questions, a business builder is just that, building a business with Arbonne and a consultant gets her products at a 35% discount. You get the discount either way but once DECIDE to do this business, then you are considered a business builders.

And it all starts with $29.

Of course, you can invest the money you make back into your business.

That's what business owners do anyway right?

Did anyone answer DD's question about ordering problems? Arbonne installed a new order system - all new software, etc and sometimes there are glitches - some orders have been late - some really late - I've never not been able to get through to them. It's a good company when you do get through just be honest about the inconvenience - knowing Arbonne they'll offer you a free product for your trouble :)

And to the person who asked the paraben question - it's like a preservative - many products contain them and they've never been proven to be harmful especially in extremely low amounts - I have looked it up before and I believe arbonne uses less than .04% - it's on the website under product knowledge frequently asked questions ;)

I've been with Arbonne since Jan 05 and it really is a great company - I feel bad for the gal that had the bad experience with "the dr." - I too have ran across situations where someone was told an untruth by a rep - it hurts all of us. But think about it - we all know good and bad lawyers, good and bad realtors, stock brokers, etc It's in all area of business - we just have to be above board - and run our businesses the right way.

Good luck to all!

Although i'm not a Arbonne rep I agree no one should bash anyones line of work.

While I was considering working w/ Arbonne i was quick to say no for many reasons...

1 being the compensation plan.
2 being the ingredients (Sodium Laureth Sulfates)
3. being the lack in education
4. being the amount of money you group needs to make in order to actually recieve your check.

I was very interested in this company and do still like some of the products...but i personally couldn't sell something that I wasn't passionate about!

I was introduced to Intuit Beauty last fall and well...the money is great, the girls are fun, the celebrities who use our products are huge, and the TV publicity and magazine coverage is FUN! I'm a trendy, up w/ the times, fashion girly girl...so this was a perfect FIT!

I think its all in what your likes and dislikes are...

All i can say is that Intuit is an amazing company to work for and i'm glad that i chose this...but i still go to Arbonne parties to support my friends!!

So Rock on Arbonne ladies...if you are working it and making what you would like and are seeing the results in your skin then the power to you...keep on selling!!

Best of luck to all y'all!!

~lynne

Hi, I just want to say I am a newer consultant with Arbonne and LOVE IT. Additionally, everyone I have sampled out the RE9 to have also LOVED IT. My upline is supportive and absolutely DID NOT require me to spend more than $29 on products, I chose to spend more because I wanted them for myself.....but affordability should never be a concern for a new consultant...your job is to help them succeed NOT fail. Anyhow, I was disappointed to hear that and I did hear that some nations required new reps to spend X amount of dollars to sign on to their nation, but that isn't smart....sometimes the most driven people for success have the least money (hence their desire to change their lives). Good luck to you all that are working other companies, FIND YOUR BLISS and love your job. I do.

Arbonne is a typical MLM company that operates on the Pyramid Scheme premise: the lowest levels of the pyramid make those at the very top wealthy. It's not about the product (it never is) but rather is a vehicle for pulling naive folks into a sure-fire money LOSING proposition. Less than 1% of all participants in MLM's make a profit. And, if you do make money, you are very possibly doing it illegally. There are numerous examples of people who have been arrested and convicted of fraud and all kinds of charges for profiting from these types of arrangements. Arbonne may be legal but it isn't ethical or right to take money from those who least likely can afford to lose it.

I was one of those who tried to sell Arbonne & was told to buy alot upfront because if I had a store front business I would be buying inventory. It took me 9 months to realize it was not for me. I have since stumbled on a new opportunity, Votre Vu. The prices of products are less and the products are great. The compensation plan is better & promotes teamwork! The company launches in August 2008 & I can't wait!

Anyone can call me if you would like more information.

Thanks
Rebecca
630-551-1776

Hi. As of right now I am still an Arbonne AM. I've been involved since Nov 2004. I was pretty successful during my first year. It was pretty easy finding people in my warm market to book parties and even a couple of people I knew joined my business right away. Business was always "okay", never "explosive."

When the Results system came out, business started to pick up. Everyone started hearing stories of consultants promoting to Region in 6 months, even 3 months. I think after that, many consultants caught the "Results" fever. I, too, was guilty of this. I bought the 4 kits that was recommended and many of my team did too. During my 2nd year (2006) my team and I actually went into qualification for Region. Sadly, we did not finish Region in the months allowed. I beat myself up for months afterwards!

I'm actually glad that I did not finish Region becuase my team would not have been able to sustain the volume needed. Then when I looked around, there were RVPs that I knew losing their regions as well!

I've got to say that after not finishing Region, I took a serious look at myself and my business. I actually took some time off to reflect and really study Arbonne and how people were doing business. Booking parties and doing results wasn't working for my team. I went from a team of 16 business builders to 3 in 3 months!

It was then that I started to take a look around and actually started educating myself and looking at the Arbonne "culture." I took classes on network marketing that actually taught you how to prospect and close. And as my education continued, I finally realized that in order for me to succeed, I had to start marketing online.

Except -- Arbonne doesn't allow consultants to market online. Everyone was encouraged to market belly-to-belly, 3 foot rule, referrals. Well, after 3 years of doing all that, I was still not successful.

It didn't make sense that in today's technology age, consultants were not allowed to marketing Arbonne online. Instead of reaching 3-5 people at a party, with online marketing, you can actually reach 10x more people.

I can't believe that consultants are still encouraged to sell Arbonne using methods that worked inthe 1970s and 80s! Yes, it works for some people, but not for the majority of people who join. That's why the attrition rate is so high in Arbonne as well as other MLMs.

While doing my research online, I actually did find something else that I liked better because it allowed me to market online and reach hundreds of more people. I can now say that I know how to effectively market any product online after all of my studies.

I have to say that I did meet some very nice people while i was active in Arbonne. But now that I'm no longer doing parties, etc. these same people who claimed to be my friends no longer return my emails or phone calls...It saddens me because I genuinely thought that Arbonne was a "people" business.

Anyhow, I still use the products simply because I like them. I will probably always be a consultant because I like the discount.

Good luck to those of you who choose to build your Arbonne business that traditional way.

Mree
http://www.stellarsuccess101.com

I am an Arbonne District Manager in San Francisco, www.karencunningham.myarbonne.com but born and raised in Sydney. This business was a breath of fresh air for me as I navigated the path of Career Change (is there corporate security in our lives these days anyway?). My friend Caroline a Physiotherapist told me that she was going to start an Arbonne business and quite frankly I thought that she had lost her marbles. But, being a good friend, I tried the Re9 anti-aging line and a few days later, really noticed a difference in my skin. It was softer and had a better glow, so I became a customer....Six months later, you can see my own pictures at (karencunninghammyarbonne.blogspot.com), I decided to start my own Arbonne business.

With respect to some earlier posters, if you have lofty goals and expect instant gratification, this is not for you. You will get out of this business what you are prepared to put into it. This is a really solid Company with an opportunity for you to grow a part-time business as slow or as fast as you are prepared to do, or make this a full-time career. Some people are happy with an additional $500 per month (very do-able), others want $12M per year (plan on a 10-15 year career with Arbonne). It is all possible,but it does depend on your own talent and time investment, with no guarantees. But take a look at the Company growth statistics and that is truly impressive.

I am coming home to Sydney for a few weeks to train people in my team, interested in furthering or starting their Arbonne businesses; and would welcome and inquiries. I am arriving on October 12, 2008. If you would like to know more about our business, this is the time to ask. We have a $45 start fee with NO minimum purchases required - ever. Plus, Our Company has also received the most prestigious awards in the US for our exceptional training, which is just as good, maybe even better in Australia.

Please know that our Company was formed in 1980 by a Norweigan Chemist, Petter Morck, who wanted to make the purest and safest personal health care products available. He succeeded and now 28 years later, Arbonne has over 360 Health and Wellness products that are botanically based, pH correct, Vegan.org certified (all products are tested with volunteer human panels), hypoallergenic to European standards (0 on a scale of 0-10); and we are free from Parabens, SLS, Mineral Oils and all artificial colors, fragrances and dyes. We are one of the top Direct Sales Companies (see DSA or DSAA.org) and we are expanding internationally each year. Your business if you decide that this might be for you has no boundaries.

Good luck, I love these products and my skin is a testament to how the anti aging skin care really works.
Regards

Aussie Karen in San Francisco

@dee Remember, you want to try and keep your expenses in line with your income. If you are experiencing some success as an Arbonne Internet Consultant, then you should dedicate a portion of that income to drive sales through your Arbonne Internet Consultant website.

You might want to consider running Google advertising in place of purchasing the extra products.

Hope this helps,
Darren W.
Arbonne Internet Consultant Listings