Arbonne
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.
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 [email protected].
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: http://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 http://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 http://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 [email protected]
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
[email protected]
http://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:
[email protected]
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
http://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:
[email protected]
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 http://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
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
(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
[email protected]
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 [email protected]
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
[email protected]
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!