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.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
April 18, 2006 09:15 AM
I just wanted to thank you for the information. I am being courted by my Arbonne consultant now, and could not see just how this was going to profit me to the extent that I could become a stay at home mother (as she is trying to do). You have backed up my own suspicions and finds. Although, I must say, I do absolutely love the products and will continue to buy them for my own use!! However, the only people making money are a very small percentage of Regional VP's and the corporation themselves.
April 18, 2006 10:42 PM
Although the numbers are true there are some things that you should understand. Those numbers reflect all consultants, these include the individuals that sign up to receive the 35% discount and don't want to build the business. This is not a business where you can sit at home and expect the money to roll in, you have to work it just like any other business. However, the time and effort that you put into it is well worth it. I have been involved in other Home based businesses and I can honestly say that this one is a different experience. My upline is commited to helping me succeed. The team I am on is the fastest growing and most profitable team throughout the company. They are dedicated to helping each other succeed. I've been involved one month and I've already made it to 1st step district manager and am on my way to the next level. All this is due to the help of my upline. With any MLM if you don't work it then it will become a sinkhole. However, if you are commited and have a good support team you can be a success. If anyone would like additional information regarding our team please send me and e-mail at elizabethpmorales@yahoo.com
April 20, 2006 12:36 AM
IN IT 2 WIN IT!!! That's what I am!
The more folks sit back complaining and regurgitating on their own negativity and self proclaimed inadequacies, the more money I can make! Keep up the good work! I have been given the gift of potential! I shall not waste it!
April 24, 2006 01:19 PM
The fact that only 13,000 recieved override checks in 2005 excites me because that tells me that that is about how many consultants are actually doing this as a business, and that meants there is still PLENTY of room for growth in this company.
April 28, 2006 02:46 PM
Joel (and other Arbonne detractors). Your statements regarding the average commission check paid per consultant is probably true, you fail to tell the compete story. I will speak of my own personal experience. I have been a consultant for 3 months, have worked hard and have made area manager. My check for March (2 months in) was $995. My check this month (April) will be $1500+ (month isn't over yet). I have 51 people in my group with only 8 of those chosing to and actively building a business at this time. All the rest chose to become a consultant so they could purchase the fantastic products at wholesale. So it is not that they tried and coudn't make it, the fact is most have chosen not to build a business. Of coarse this will skew the numbers you are using. If you use the retail price of Arbonne product and figure it's per use cost it is comparable with other top of the line skin care products out there. When you figure it such wonderful incentives like the $100 for $20, ect, it gets even better. It is true that you have to be motivated. You have to come to believe in yourself as a person who can succeed. The products are absolutly wonderful as even many of the detractors on this web site will attest to and the Arbonne Success plan works for those who are willing to work. My point of view.
April 29, 2006 10:19 PM
I don't see what the problem is with Arbonne. It's pricing is comparable for the product (think Lancome, Estee Lauder, I've used both and believe me Arbonne is actually cheaper.) Also I am a registered nurse that actually works in the profession in a clinical position. I've worked 22yrs as a nurse, and over 15 of those in the operating room. Guess what? People pay good money for extreme makeovers... Arbonne is a natural, inexpensive way to look good. As for the opportunity to become a part of the business (as a consumer/business builder/consultant) more power to the free world. Why can't the average joe (or joetta) have a chance at making money. It takes time and a willingness to work, but Arbonne doesn't discriminate, if you are willing to follow the lead then you can make money. Is that so bad? It's not a scam, it's an opportunity. No one forces you to be a part of it. If you don't want to take part in the wonderful opportunity - then Just Say No. What is overpriced in this society is oil/gasoline, and healthcare and medications. That's where the real scams are. As for mlm/pyramid scams - think corporate. Think - the big guy's salary and those under him all the way to the cleaning crew... the difference is unbelievable, it's greed in it's purest form. There are a few exceptions to the corporate greed rule, they stand out. For example, Starbucks. The big guy has made sure all employees get a fair shake, it's a whole story in itself and worth the time to check it out. I have a real problem with people that never want the regular guys to get ahead or actually be able to be successful. Arbonne offers that. You don't have to take the offer. For those of us that do, more power to us. No one criticizes Mary Kay, or Avon or Pampered Chef and their direct marketing offers, why Arbonne? Is it because if you actually work it, you make real money? If you don't want to purchase their products or have anything to do with them, then just don't do it. However, if you want a chance at making money with a reasonable investment ($2000 is the MOST you have to invest, if that much) then Arbonne is a great opportunity. You don't get something for nothing...you have to make an initial investment with $$ and an ongoing investment of time to make it work. That's any business that's successful. To all you negative folks - Get over it already, and mind your own business ,no pun intended. GO ARBONNE!!
April 29, 2006 10:24 PM
It appears Joel is offering you guys a chance to make money blogging. Sounds like a scam? I don't know, check it out for yourself and form your own opinion.
May 7, 2006 06:23 PM
What an idiot. Obviously, you do not know many consultants who are in this business to actually BUILD a business, nor do you understand fully how this system works. Nor do you have much knowledge of how much products such as these cost in the retail market. I have only been in this business for 3 months and I am already seeing results. Does it happen overnight? Of course not, if you are looking for a get rich quick scheme, this is not for you. In the 3 months I have been with Arbonne, I have met at least 25-35 people who ARE making the big bucks. Some within as little as 2 years. Perhaps you need to go back and go over Arbonne's compensation plan to fully understand that everyone has a chance to make it to the top in this business, not just the select few. So while you say, �the majority of the consultants don't make anything worth noting�, you may be right, but they are not BUSINESS BUILDERS and there is a difference you conveniently leave out! Anyone who signs up to purchase products at the discount is considered a consultant, however, they are not building a business and not making a profit by CHOICE.
May 10, 2006 03:06 AM
Everyone is entitled to an opinion. That's for sure. Whether or not your opinion is based on fair, true, and complete information is another thing.
I was a network marketing-phobe. I had seen enough people struggle with Amway and Quixtar, Noni, Reliv, Herbalife, Usana, and other MLM schemes to be wary of a "direct selling" model.
The person that introduced me to Arbonne products had done MLM/network marketing since she was in her early teens and she had a clear understanding of the pitfalls and scams that exist. However, the convincing factor for her was that the products WORKED - amazingly - for skin problems that she and her family had suffered through for years and through all sorts of different "cures" and treatments. She found a solution to her severe eczema problem and shared the information with her naturopathic physician - including bringing him all the product information and ingredients lists to review. He now sends people to my friend for the products she used.
Secondly, the Arbonne model IS different: there is a real spirit of magnanimity at all levels - and that is encouraged at all levels. Uplines don't just sit back on their heels and reap the rewards of their downlines' "toil". Everyone works. But you are rewarded for having stuck it out, worked on it and so you get bonuses. There is nothing wrong with rewarding dedication and hard work. When I worked for a huge company as an Executive Assistant to the CEO, HIS quarterly bonus was based on his performance - but THAT performance was greatly supported by work that I did for him. In fact, I had to help him achieve his goals in order for him to achieve his bonus while still trying to achieve a different set of management-determined tasks in order to attain MY own bonus. His bonus worked out to 5% of his salary and mine was 5% of my salary. Needless to say, his salary of $200,000/yr translated into a huge bonus while my salary of $40K/yr translated into a pittance... yet I KNOW I was doing much more work. This is acceptable corporate practice. Why is it that when Arbonne VPs who have built teams and helped their teams grow are rewarded in some way by the work of their team members it is considered a "scam"?
I used the products for just over a month - signed up as a consultant to get the discount with no intention of being an active business builder... but when I saw (1) that the products really worked and their value was comparable to retail brands like Clinique, Shisheido, Christian Dior, and Estee Lauder products. The Arbonne formulation is very concentrated and a little goes a long way - one of the RE9 for Face bundles actually lasts about 6 months of twice-daily applications!
Frankly, your site and "money-making scheme" of Blogging for Dollars, killed whatever credibility you hoped to use in the Arbonne argument.
May 18, 2006 05:07 AM
My wife started actively doing the Arbonne as a Business Builder at the end of December, 2005. Her over-ride check from the company for the month of April (4 months work) will be over $2,000. Our family over-ride income is approaching $3,000 per month because, after watching her success and seeing the benefits of the products, I also signed on to do the Arbonne business.
I was impressed with how the products sold themselves. I was impressed with how effective they are.
Since I am a pharmacist, I felt I needed to associate myself with skincare products that actually accomplish what they say they do. They are superior to any product I have seen prior to this. As has already been stated...the vast majority of 'consultants' are 'wholesaler purchasers,' which Arbonne International
has to include in their figures.
If you want to see what is really happening with the business and what the opportunities are...take a look at how many people are successfully advancing to the higher levels (and incomes) of the business each month.
Joel, you need to do more than superficial research if you are going to maintain credibility. Joel, if you really want to participate in a good business opportunity...my wife and I would be happy to show you the way.
Arbonne is about team-work.
Those who put forth the effort are helped greatly by the other members of the team. We work on the concept that helping other succeed will in turn bring success to us. It seems to have worked for my wife's sponsor...as she just earned her Mercedes and has over-ride checks exceeding $4,000 per month and she has actively worked the business only a few months longer than my wife. These are small checks compared to those that have been actively working the business for longer periods of time.
June 1, 2006 09:49 PM
I became an Arbonne consultant, spent the $2500 worked my tail off and now, extremely burnt out! When you are Area manager, in your central area, their central area has to obtain $2500 if not, you only get paid 4%. This is a totat AmWay scam. The only people getting rich is the people on top!!! Come on folks, open your eyes....
June 2, 2006 06:56 AM
What amount do you have to make to get this Mercedes??Does anyone know what happens with the Mercedes if you don't keep hitting the goal? do you have to take over the lease payments if you don't reach it? that would be a pain to have to pay at least $600 a month jsut because you don't keep hitting the goal to keep the Mercedes.
June 4, 2006 11:46 PM
I'm pretty sure that if you don't earn your bonuses that they give out every month, which ranges from $5-800, I believe, then you are stuck with the car payments! You have to go and buy the Mercedes yourself, that I know. You can choose to buy one or not to buy one, but if you choose not to then you don't get the bonus. A little fishy...
June 5, 2006 07:55 PM
Hey, I know this is a little off topic but I was wondering if anyone has compared Arbonne products to say Shaklee products: their vitamins & skin line, in particular. I'd be interested in anyone's comparison who has worked for both companies or even just used both of their products. Thank you ;-)
June 6, 2006 08:23 AM
So the how long before the Mercedes is paid off. 4 years, 5 years?? What are the chances that someone can consistantly sell enough for 4 or 5 years to keep making the goal to pay off that monthly lease payment?? Just wondering. if they are so goal oriented why not let the person WIN a Mercedes, why disguise it?
June 13, 2006 08:14 PM
Arbonne is NOT about consistently selling anything. Arbonne is about building a team of consumers as well as business builders that LOVE the product. No one person is expected to maintain thier goals for bonuses; teams work together to achieve this. By helping consulants in your successline, you naturally move ahead. It is an inspiring way to work!! I have been with Arbonne just over 1 year and have replaced my corporate income and am now able to work from home. I have met wonderful people through this business and have formed a fabulous team that I am devoted to helping them achieve their goals and their dreams. I am excited and passionate about the changes that this company, it's products and my team have brought about in me. My story, however, is not unique; I am surrounded by my upline, successline and crosslines who are successfully accomplishing their goals. What "JOB" allows you unlimited salaries and bonuses all in under a year!? I am working toward becoming a Regional Vice President and obtaining the coveted white Mercedes. I will have worked consistently (but not my "butt off"), effectively, energetically and with passion and I will be rewarded. This is the Gift of Arbonne.
June 15, 2006 09:15 PM
As I am reading these blogs it amazes me how everyone has an opinion and they really don't know the first thing about the subject. As with any direct selling company, do your research thoroughly and then make an educated decision. I believe if you have to bash something that you clearly don't know anything about then you probably wouldn't succeed in any line of business let alone network marketing.
July 7, 2006 08:23 PM
I'm in Shaklee, but not working it much as I have another business - I was pushed up a rank pretty quickly then had a downline taken away when I didn't outperform her - now my upline is trying to talk to another customer of mine to make her a distributor - it's either work or have your potential distributors taken from you - so I can never get any "meat and potatoes" people if they look competent enough to start a business - love the product - hate the method!
V
July 13, 2006 02:50 AM
An answer for Kimberly Schwender: My in-laws are avid Shaklee users and used to do the business, but do not believe in it either. I have done some research on comparing the products and Arbonne products are much, much better WITH results.
Skincare: Arbonne is cold-pressed botanical-based formulated in Switzerland. They contain no mineral oil (a form of crued oil--serves as an occlusive which clogs the pores), lanolin, petrolum, animal by-products, fragrances, etc.. Arbonne is Vegan certified. Shaklee does contain some of those products. Though I like some of their body washes, they do contain fragrances and can't be used by everyone. Arbonne products can be used by the most sensitive skin. I have seen a huge difference in my skin since I've used Arbonne. It is quality.
Vitamins: I have spoken with my chiropractor about Shaklee vitamins. He used to speak at their training conferences and he said that Shaklee does not use the highest quality of minerals. I know with Arbonne they use Pharmaceutical grade (which is the highest quality minerals you can use). They pass the 30 minute soluble test, which means it disolves in your body in 30 mins. You take the vitamins twice a day because Arbonne realizes a person can only digest a certain amount of vitamins at a time. Arbonne also is age and gender specific. This is very critical because a child needs something different then a teen; as well as; men differ from what women need.
I have also compared the Arbonne chocolate shake with the Shaklee Bavarian shake. Shaklee contain 18 grams of sugar and only 7 grams of protein. They are whey protein-based (milk--not easily digested by alot of people). Arbonne shakes only have 4 grams of sugar (sweeted also by two plants-Lo Han and Stevia). They have 18 grams of protein from peas. Arbonne products are not milk-based. They are easily digest and they work!
I have done a lot of research on other companies and when it really came down to it, Arbonne products are awesome! People don't realize how comparable the prices are. They last a long time and you feel better. The thing that I remember the most is that whatever you put on your skin, it only takes 60 seconds for it to reach all your main organs in your body. So, would you put mineral oil or would you spend a little more to put safflower seed oil on your skin??? Crued Oil or plant?
The Arbonne business is a gift! I am the CEO of my own company and I get the privledge of blessings others with this same opporutnity!
Kim if you have any other questions, please feel free to email me. My website is: www.journeytothetop.myarbonne.com
July 17, 2006 08:06 PM
All I got to say is you arbonne reps and most MLM reps are a pain in the you know what. Its not about anything but pushing and shoving your products down our throats and making it so uncomfortable to say no to buying your products. I know whenever I hear any talk about it I'm running in the other direction. Products are good but when I want to buy something I will. Please try and talk about something else in life. It sure is a good way to scare friends away. Some of us have other things more important in life then talking about how great Arbonne is.
July 22, 2006 07:36 PM
I'm considering Arbonne International as a way to make a supplemental income - not a fortune. Can anyone tell me if it is possible to do this business without talking to every friend and passer-by? Is there a way to generate interest and have people who are actually interested in making a second income without eating, sleaping, breathing Arbonne? Also, a main concern is this: the sample packet contains six bottles to open and apply every night and six bottles to open and apply at daybreak. I don't know very many people willing to do a six-step process twice daily. So these are my two reserves. Will I allienate friends and family and is it realistic to expect people to want to apply a six-step process twice daily? HELP, SOMEONE, PLEASE.
July 25, 2006 11:17 PM
Kimi,
Arbonne is not about loosing family or friends. It's about giving people hope again and an opportunity to make a residual income so they can do the things in life they want to.
I approach each person differently. But generally I give a person a kit to sample and then I sit down and talk to them about the company and products. At the end I ask them to give me a number 1 through 10 in their interest in the products and/or business because my relationship with that person is more important to me than to loose it. My team and I are not in this business to ruin relationships. We know that Arbonne is not for everyone, but can be a vehicle for time and financial freedom. So, I KNOW you can do this buisness w/o making enemies.
To answer your other questions and/or concerns:
1. Time: Arbonne is your own business. You set the hours. For me, I want to reach certain levels by certain dates; so I've paced myself. One week I'll put in 5 hours. Another week I'll put in 15 hours. I try to do 3-5 activities a week (training my team, dropping off a kit, doing a buisness presentation, etc...). It doesn't take that much time at all. That's the point of the business. I set Arbonne time, so that I can be with me family. Arbonne should not define you. Some people take it to the extreme. I do not. I keep my ears open for people that want a change in life style and don't want to work 6 days a week.
2.Regarding sample packs: You will be surprised how many people will use all those steps to look better. There will also be those that won't. I have found that people don't have to used every step if they don't want to. They might not get the results they are looking for, but they will be using a beneficial product. You might want to also try the intelligence. It's not anti-aging but it's 2-3 less steps. I love both. I would let people make their own decision if they want to use the steps or not. I have only come in contact with 2 people, out of 50 that will not do the steps.
I can not speak for other teams out there, but the team I'm on promotes this opportunity for those who are LOOKING and DESIRING a change in career. So, when you choose your team and especially your sponsor; make sure they will give you the freedom to make this YOUR OWN business. My team does not do parties. Why? We have other things to do and find them not effective in CA, however, I will support anyone of my team that wants to do one.
So, if you have any other questions please feel free to email me: journeytothetop@myarbonne.com or call me 949-413-5212. I know it's scarely to make a leap of faith into this journey; but the rewards are awesome!
Just so you know, Arbonne is not a MLM. Those are illegal and only the top get rich. Arbonne's compensation plan is awesome!
July 30, 2006 12:51 AM
After 9 months of hard work and several thousand of dollars in samples and expenses, I have quit Arbonne. After urging from a relative, I signed up last year. My upline said ... work 10 hours a week to make "gangster money" and "win" a "free" Mercedes. Since joining Arbonne, every monthly meeting I attended presented a "new and improved" approach to building your Arbonne business. I found myself on a first name basis with the staff at Staples having the "new approach" printed and copied! We were asked to buy/stack inventory to "help" our upline "win" their Arbonne car. And, "winning" the car is quite another trick! What a "spin"! The current sales/marketing rage is dropping off "puppy-dog" RE9 Sets. Not only is this unsafe/unsanitary, six of these dogs cost you over $1,000! Some are making money ... mostly the company and some who signed up first. The company inflates the sales tax on orders, has now added warehouse handling charges and makes money overcharging freight costs. All this in addition to the profit margins on their overpriced products! What a deal for some! My advice, stay away! Invest you time and money in smarter, better ways!
August 1, 2006 01:59 PM
I signed up as a Business Builder back in June 2006. I like the product and I have been promoting it to my friends and family. It is slow in starting for me as I am not the agressive type. I am restructuring my strategies and doing more one on one consulting and I think this will work for me in the long run. I am here right now, telling you that "nothing venture, nothing gained".
August 2, 2006 01:38 PM
Sherry - Sorry to hear that you dislike Arbonne so much. Unfortunately your upline misled you. And that is a travesty. Because being part of a team is what is important with this business. My upline has done nothing but encourage and help me do my best. You "win" nothing in this business, you get an opportunity. I signed up July 1 and my team that I have put together, made over $12,000 in volume my first month. I am sorry you were lied to. Every Regional VP I have met has been doing Arbonne for less than 18 months and all have the "white mercedes". So, it's just not the people who have been around a long time. Don't quit, keep at it and YOU build a team of integrity and hard work.
August 3, 2006 01:31 AM
I agree with Katie, Sherry. I wouldn't give up. I think you haven't been given the right vision about Arbonne. I do want to assure you that Arbonne does have great integrity, especially about sanitation. A couple of weeks ago, I listened to a manager's call and we are suppose to change the "results" approach to maintain a higher level of sanitation. A letter was given to all NVP's and they were suppose to pass down this information. We are now suppose to give a potential cliente a sample demo kit (unopened) along with the smaller sample handouts. The person is suppose to try the handout and then, if they like it, can open the new kit right in front of them. You are definitely right and Arbonne knows that sanitation is important. I also look at all my kits as "employees". They are out there working for me. It seems a lot cheaper than actually hiring someone. Besides, Arbonne doesn't make you purchase anything, it's entirely every person's decision. This is a business and it is not a "get rich fast", but "build long-term wealth". I know that Arbonne is not for everyone, but can be a great vehicle to time and financial freedom. My team has also done nothing but encourage and empower me in this business. I'm sorry you didn't have a great experience. :( I give my best to you!
August 4, 2006 06:30 PM
I was wondering about something that was touched on earlier. Why are the shipping charged based on the 'order dollar amount' rather than regular postal rates based on weight? Many of the make-up products are very small and don't cost that much to mail. Thanks.
August 15, 2006 09:35 PM
Let's just cut to the quick here. Good product, but sounds a lot like Amway in the 80s. New spin on an old format.
If you are not an aggressive salesperson, don't do this. If you cannot stand grinning Americans singing the party line then do not do it. Keep selling Johnny and some day you can have a white Mercedes. But Mr. Vice President person, I don't want a white Mercedes. I would like a nice practical hybrid vehicle that gets good gas mileage and is environmental friendly.
Arbonne is not a scam, but it is beneficial to be in it early. Like everything in life, the people who take the initial risk get super rich. The people who follow on the coattails make some money but not enough and, in effect, they are working for the people who took the initial risk.
I have been asked to do this by some friends, but I will turn them down because I am not the aggressive salesperson type and do not want to invest my hard earned money in something I may have to carry for a few years and sink many hours into it before it comes to fruition.
August 18, 2006 01:24 AM
And one last thing...
It seems funny that Arbonne does not make readily available it's ingredients on consultant websites or it's main site and Shaklee does...why is that?
August 18, 2006 01:31 AM
I do not know what happened to my first message, but I am hoping the administrator will allow it to go through because someone here is spreading misconceptions about Shaklee and I am hoping the post I made will clear up those misconceptions.
August 18, 2006 01:48 PM
Wait a sec...
They charge shipping based on the PRICE (aka order dollar amount)of the product...not the WEIGHT?
HUH!?!?!?!?
Since when did USPS, FedEx, and UPS determine shipping based upon the PRICE of what's in the box?!?!?!?!
Oh wait...they DON'T!!!!
Who else sees a problem with this?
DD
August 19, 2006 05:45 PM
To John XXXXXX--You do not have to be sales person. There are elements of sales and it might take you longer to build a buisness. Alot of gentlemen tend to focus mainly on the vitamins and weight loss system. I know Arbonne isn't for everyone and I appreciate your process. The way I look at the business is that we network daily. People go to places or buy a product because someone else likes it, and they had a good experience. That is what Arbonne is. They are trying to build consumer not distributors. Lastly, Arbonne does not require you to buy anything. You pay $29 and that's it. I do have to say that they more samples you have the less you have to promote. You just drop off the product and then meet with them after-if they agree.
To Jenna--As for the Arbonne ingredients--they are on the consultant web page. It's under product knowledge on the right side. You can view every product and it will show you every ingredient they use. If there is a specific ingredient you can't use, you can find the ingredient and it will tell you what products have that specific ingredient. It's really cool. Arbonne is VERY open about what's in their products.
As for the Shaklee comment--I don't know if you were talking about the comments I made--but I really want you to know that I'm not against Shaklee at all and I, in no way, meant to offend you. I used to use a lot of Shaklee products, but I did find out some ingredients they use (especially in their skin care) that is not good for the skin. As for their vitamins, I had a good experience; but my chiropractor who has done the research switched me over to Metagenics when I was pregnant, which is suppose to be the best vitamin brand out there. I asked him what the difference was and he said that Metagenics uses higher quality ingredients--meaning the grade is better. So, that is my source. Just because I am an Arbonne Consultant, doesn't mean I don't like other companies and products. I will not bad mouth other companys. I just state the facts that have been given to me and/or I researched on my own. I am willing to hear other sides about products.
September 15, 2006 10:51 PM
One of my very best lifelong friends was lured into the Arbonne promise nearly two years ago. She is one of the most out-going, energetic, and optimistic persons I've ever known - perfect for the Arbonne MLM thing. But once she became involved, our friendship became strained. Every time I hear from her (we live across country) she tries to talk me into getting into Arbonne myself...giving me the robotic spiel about how awesome the company is - how much it's grown over the past 6 months or year or 18 months, etc...how she wants to see me be happy in life - that it's not really the products (although they're "fabulous"), it's the fact that becomming an Arbonne rep will help me to financial freedom, it's all about being successful and happy and getting all the 'things' you ever wanted...yada yada yada.
When she first signed up, she was certain that she would have her "white Mercedes" within 6 months...of course she would because all the other reps she knows have received their Mercedes within 6 months. Two years later - guess what? Not only does she not have a Mercedes, but she's not bringing in nearly the level of dough she was expecting. I am certain this is not due in any part to her not giving 110% of herself. In any case, I find myself trying to avoid speaking with her because every conversation ends up with her trying to convince me to become an Arbonne rep - even after I've told her I'm not interested. This alienation of friends and family is an unfortunate side effect of the Arbonne zombie state. In addition, I am consistenly bombarded with email Arbonne party/potluck/margarita night/pajama party/scavenger hunt/hip hip hooray for Arbonne invitations as she has me on her Arbonne email listserve - even though I live 1000 miles away. I know she continues to send these to me (even after I've asked her to stop) because she believes that someday "I'll see the light" and she won't give up on me. She has, however, snagged her sister and a mutual best friend into this quagmire - neither of whom are reaping the promised dollars off of the Arbonne money tree.
I do cringe at the thought of my friend finally getting to the level in which she might receive her coveted white Mercedes as after I've read in this blog that it is not a "gift" and it is not a "prize", but one must make certain goals to make the lease payments.
I do view this white Mercedes "carrot" as a pathetic statement about our society's lazy "get rich quick" mentality.
As for the products (although they are only secondary to this organization) I did try the Nutrimen products about a year ago as she roped me into buying a "ponypack" or whatever the term is - for a discount of $200 (Sheesh!!!). I must honestly say that the products were neither spectacular nor awful - they were average. They were definitely NOT worth $200 and I have not re-ordered them from my friend, although she pesters me about that too every time I call to say hello (hey - aren't you about out of the night cream yet?).
Take it from me - Arbonne is a GREAT way to alienate your friends and your family, so if that's your goal in life (along with the All-American dream of making easy money while selling your soul), then by all means do sign up!
October 2, 2006 04:18 PM
UH no an overide is different then total profits overides are the ammount the company pays you based on a percentage from the earnings of those under you. SO the overide checks does not include any money made by you from retail sales. And I know two people who make $200k +.
October 15, 2006 10:58 PM
Try the product and if it works for you pay the $29 and get your product at 35% off just like me. Or continue to buy it directly from the consultant who introduced it to you for retail price. If you want added income, decide to become a business builder. You don't have to attend any meetings, you don't have to become a "zombie". You work it the way you choose to. If you don't like the product, tell the consultant who gave you the sample "no thank you". It is not a "pyramid" company. People on my downline can pass me in a second. And kudos to them if they do. That just shows me me that I showed them how to make this work for them. It is up to the consultant in how far they want to go. Nobody is ask to put in any certain amount of money except for the $29 sign-up fee.
November 14, 2006 10:08 AM
Thanks Friend/Target of ARbonne Dittohead!!!! I, too, am a victim of the Arbonne cult. And all of you Arbonne sellers out there should pay attention to these comments from REAL friends that took the time to research and write these comments. Maybe you should re-examine your friendships and family relationships with an open mind and see if you are damaging them for your personal gain. I am one of a group of five women with a 20+ year history. This cult has claimed these wonderful friends and turned them against me, simply because I chose NOT to be an ARbonne user or seller. Through another friend, I found out that at the "parties" that I do not attend, I am ridiculed because I will be the "old ugly one" and my friends will all be fabulous because of their skin!!!! I am constantly hassled and nagged because they simply can't understand why I won't join and why I won't support them. Does any of this sound familiar, or am I the only one dealing with this? I am now faced with limiting their contact with my other friends so they won't damage those relationships. How pitiful. Are you Arbonne reps. finding it harder to get in touch with friends and family? Or are you even taking the time to notice? What good are they if they don't represent a sale, eh? Call an old friend today, ask how they are doing, and reassure them you won't solicit ARbonne unless they call you? Or does that go against the Arbonne code?
November 20, 2006 09:19 AM
First thing I want to say is.. they say this works for you if you follow the plan they have set out for you. Keep it simple and don't try to reinvent the wheel.
You can feel free to try to do something different, but, you do so at the risk of not following the plan and making your own story. That is what Joel did.. he tried his own derivative of an Arbonne business and did not follow the "plan" set out for him. He is an entrepreneur and tried to make it work for him the way he knew how. He was not willing to share with family and friends.. basically.. he started his own business selling Arbonne products in his own way apart from how Arbonne has it all laid out. How can you say it did not work for you when you didn't even do it. You can say.. I tried my own thing and it did not work for me.. nice try and good idea, but, that has nothing to do with Arbonne's business model. Arbonne's business model is not internet web sites.
My wife is an area manager (She is nowhere near a sales woman and we have a small group of close friends and family). It is just as they say. If you work it and follow the program it will work for you (At least for all the people we know, have worked with, and our experiences..that is a lot of people really). The only people it has not worked for in our downline or upline (or sidelines of people we have heard of.. ha) are the people that never called more than say 0-3 people to even attempt to work it. It has been 7-10 hours a week. Good extra money or possibly income replacement. Very fair compensation plan. We have been steadily moving up. If you compare it to other businesses the initial investment is very low, the chances of success are very high (if you actually work it), you can stay at home with your kids, and most importantly.. as with any business there is some risk.. the nice thing about this one is the risk is low and the potential is VERY high.
On the Mercedes thing.. you don't get your money unless you hit your goals. They don't just give you nothing though.. they give you a percentage of what you missed/hit your goals by. They will give you the full benefit if you hit your goals no matter how much your actual car payment is. So.. you can go by a used Mercedes an pay $100/month and pocket the other $700-900 depending on your level. If you want to decrease your risk even more you could go this route until you make enough to sell the used car that would not have depreciated much. If you put that on a 5 year note.. if you fall out you could pretty much cut even.. if you do well.. you will make the extra money, have the car to sell for a new one (now you will know how stable you are), and come out way ahead. You just can't blame Arbonne for people who decide to take extra risks, don't fully read the compensation plan, or don't work the business.
This is what I have found from personal experience and watching what others and we have done.
I love the products!! I have hair where I used to not on my head, my face is not flaking like usual in the winter, my sons dry skin has been fixed by using the children's soap, my wife loves the re-9, and everyone I know likes the salt scrubs.
I won't argue how they stack up against other products and if it worth the money since that is mostly conjecture, personal opinion, and not every product works the same for everyone. For me.. it was awesome. 99% of the people that have used the products that I know of loves them. The only person I have known that acted like they didn't care either way was someone that doesn't like putting any product on b/c it takes to much time (very close family member.. kind of expected that. ha.) Also.. in the re-9 line you only want to use the night cream if you do not have oily skin. If you have acne you might want to look at clear advantage instead of the standard re-9. Different skins call for different things.
Anyways.. those are my thoughts.
November 20, 2006 09:28 AM
I had to add another point as I read through some of these. My gosh.. people are pointing to Arbonne reps as being the bad guys b/c they have some bad friends who put extra pressure on them or ridicule them. That is your friends and not Arbonne. Everyone we have talked to we let them know there is NO pressure to do it and we don't pressure people. I am giving my friends and family the same chance to make money we are and so far.. they have made as much or even more than us. If you have bad friends.. either talk to them about how they are hurting your feelings and if they don't quit.. get rid of them. I have had bad friends before too, but, I wouldn't blame Arbonne or a company for that. If it is family.. of course that is harder. You pick your friend and but not your family. You pick your friend, you pick your nose, but not your friends nose!! (sorry.. had to throw that in.)
Still, these are personal issues of people who have family and friends that think that puting pressure on people is the way to make money. Some people are bad, some are good, we all know that. That has nothing to do with Arbonne.
November 21, 2006 09:49 AM
*CLAPPING*
Right on!
Loved what you posted Mr Colby.
November 23, 2006 12:05 PM
Alienated here also. Two family members have been Arbots for over a year, and now on Thanksgiving Day we're in a family feud.
Upline is telling them they don't have a chance for success unless their family gets involved. Family is SICK of hearing about Arbonne in EVERY conversation.
These wounds are cutting deep, and I wonder if they'll ever heal.
Bummer.
November 27, 2006 03:52 PM
James.. I am sorry to hear about your family's decision to keep pressuring you. My family is from small towns in the Midwest and were all very close minded about it. That is the type of people they are. It is sure not for everyone. Honestly I am not sure why.. they buy off infomercials all the time, but, they wouldn't think about listening to a family member about something that sounds different.. ha.. people are funny.
With some of them I would give out feelers to see if they were even interested in the fact that I was doing the business. I approached it very gently b/c I know their personalities. Sometimes those closest to you are the ones that won't give you the time of day. My closest friends didn't want to hear about it. Their friends signed up and are doing well!! Nothing is for everyone.. and nobody should pressure people into doing anything. I have tried to be VERY careful about this.
If someone tells me they are not interested I leave them alone for sure. Now.. I will be honest.. I do feel like some of my closest friends should give me 30 minutes to explain what I am doing. I know I have helped them in many ways b/c I have always been a good friend to them. Most of them do listen and almost all (90% or more) who listened either wants to do it now, soon, wants to wait for me to do well (they will join soon :-) ), or at least think it is a very good plan. I have been amazed at the types of people that are interested and do VERY well at this. It is an awesome opportunity to have more money, spend more time with your family (If you are not pressuring them!!), and really get to know some old friends etc. That is one of the amazing things I should mention too. My wife and I are close to a lot of people we have not talked to in a long time b/c we just "never found the time to call". Well.. some of them actually signed on, some of them did not, but.. in all cases we are closer to them then what we were in the past. I LOVE this job.
Again.. I am very sorry if someone in your family pressured you. If any Arbonne reps are reading this.. PLEASE do not do this. Just keep calling and talking to other people you know.. don't keep calling the same people unless they want you to. There is still a huge market out there for this.. people are going to be interested.. you can't force someone to like it. You don't HAVE to have your family do it... mine aren't and we are doing great. And to everyone else who blames Arbonne for this.. here are a couple of thoughts.
1. Have you had a sit down conversation with them? Really tried to explain why it bothers you?
2. Have you been so closed off that you would not listen to the presentation? I am not saying you have to.. but.. if a good friend or family member asked me for 30 minutes of their time.. I would certainly give it to them and politely say no if I was not interested. If you have done this and they continue to "hound" you.. refer to #1. If you don't want to do this.. that is your choice. Just remember stubborness can go both ways.
3. Give them some time. Sometimes people get into something and they just go nutz!! I made this mistake when I got in the job market out of college... felt like I had to prove something.. I grew out of it.. hopefully they will.
Again.. I hate to hear that anyone was alienated from their family ever. And again... this is not Arbonne's fault.. work with them and I wish you the best of luck.
God Bless and enjoy the holidays!!
December 14, 2006 03:18 PM
I do not sell Arbonne. With that said, I do have a friend that sells Arbonne and she seems very happy doing so. She doesn't make enough money to quit her current job, but she hopes to some day. She is very active, with the Arbonne company and is constantly signing up new members. Good for her and others like her.
My issue with Arbonne. The sales pitch that I was given was that for $1000.00 I am having the opportunity to purchase wonderful products at a discounted price. Once I'm a member, all I have to do is spend $100.00 per month, which is what (I was told) that most women spend anyways. So, I thought about it. Let's say that over the course of 2 years I spend 100 each month with Arbonne. That's 2400, plus the money I invested that's 3400.00 That's a whole lotta money for 2 years. But I was told that's what most women spend. But I don't! I guess I just don't buy that many products, but the product I do buy are expensive. My other issue comes from seeing my friend involved in Arbonne. First, she is currently working two jobs to get the Arbonne thing going, so she never has time to spend with her kids. It's so sad. And the second, she came back from an Arbonne convention and said, you know I've been so busy signing people up for memberships that I forgot what great products we actually carry. I'm gonna have to work more on the products. It just seemed so strange that she makes her money from signing up other members and NOT from selling products!
So, I guess Arbonne works for some and not for others (like me). Good luck to all of those who are Arbonne consultants, I do think with hard work and dedication your work will pay off. But do remember that not everyone in the great USofA will become an Arbonne member and someday everyone who wants to be a member will be. So, if you don't learn to sell the products you're gonna be outta things to do when all the members are signed up!
January 18, 2007 12:20 PM
Just thought I would add something about the small percentage of people with a decent income and doing Arbonne. I think you need to at least note that a large reason for that is because Arbonne allows you to sign up as a "whole sale buyer" yet you don't have to sell, because they don't have monthly quotas you have to meet, and MANY people do that just to get the consultant discount. I had like 8 people signed up under me and NONE of them sold anything. They just got products for cheap for themselves. Literally every friend of mine that truly worked the business (which is not easy..it's just like any job), made really good money. It doesn't just fall into your lap after you sign a couple of people up. You have to work hard. Well, I don't know i'f I'm repeating something with this comment, so I'm sorry if this was already mentioned. Good luck to everyone!
January 18, 2007 12:23 PM
Sorry everyone. I just realized how many people already said what I posted. *hides* :o)
February 27, 2007 10:04 AM
Arbots, as they are called have sucked in many of my friends. I have a friend who emails Arbonne to me no less than 20X a week. She is an RVP, struggling to be an ENVP. To the blogger who said that Arbonne does not count on the people below to "toil", explain an ENVP to me then?
March 6, 2007 12:01 PM
I started selling Arbonne in December. I avoided anything having anything to do with Arbonne period. A friend dropped off the kit and I felt this obligation to try the product. My face decided it was the way to go. The anti aging line is amazing (for me). ) intention of selling the product but someone asked me about a sample and I said to try it, they did and returned to buy the regime from me. I thought (this is easy)! Since Dec. I have sold close to $2,000 in products. I am close to making district manager but am not out there shoving it down your throat. I give samples and hope for the best. If people bought from me out of obligation I believe they really enjoy the products. I love everything they offer - and would rather build my business slowly. My team is all about you - how you want to do it. Take all Arobnne suggests and make it your own -
No hassle, no pressure. I get a little pissy at the end of the month. (little upline pressure) Perhaps if I am there one day holding on to my status I may sing a song of difference.
Anyway if anyone has any and all questions about Arbonne please e-mail me.
Kelly
kel@h-power.us
March 6, 2007 12:08 PM
PS to reply it is a job. How much do you want to invest in the job and what rewards do you have in the end? Each sale is amazing. Each new team member has something to offer you. Just like any "company" you may start you invest something. It is what you want out of it in return. If you know you have friends in Canada that could do this and do it well, there you go feel them out. Personally the products sell themself. There is something for everyone here.
I am not about being pushy or following up (maybe I should be)
but people don't like it. Why should I be something I dislike?
I am a stay at home mom to three active kids. Arbonne found me not the other way around. After asking people and digging I decided to give this one year.
For now I couldn't be happier.
I guess because my team is about you, and my upline is only about sales on the last day of the month. I firmly add if I don't make it, so be it. It's not happening today - there is always next month. I believe in your upline, your own ability, style and how you want to make this your business. (Sorry to repeat two posts) just wanted to comment. Feel free to e-mail me the good, bad and ugly questions.
April there is a huge product launch, and this month you make double the trip points to the Atlantis in the fall.
April 1, 2007 08:08 AM
I actually was doing a little Arbonne work and came upon this website. I too am an Arbonne Consultant and Executive District Manager. This has not been an easy journey but anything that is worth it never is given to you. I have had struggles in my Arbonne business just as most other consultants who are trying to build a business. The best thing I have heard from the National Vice Presidents & Regional Vice Presidents is that they have been told "no" more than I have. That is so true - a no is a hard thing to take but remember, it is not your loss at all. You are just trying to share products that are fantastic and if they say no, it is their loss, right?! One of the things that keeps me going is the fact that I love everyone I have met doing this business. I have made some AMAZING and life-long friends. I have never been in a business where everyone wants to help you and see you go to the top.
I would like to share something from our monthly meeting in March regarding statistical information which I found REALLY INTERESTING! I have updated the numbers to be March 2007.
In the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands & Guam there are only:
45,765 District Managers
9,441 Area Managers
2,035 Regional Vice Presidents
432 National Vice Presidents
That makes up 57,673 people in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands & Guam!!! When you think of the population in some cities such as Dallas, that is a SMALL number! There is still tons of room to grow & expand. Arbonne is also going to start with international business which is going to be even bigger for the company!!!
If this sounds as amazing to you as it did to me, let me know...I am always up for sharing anything I know about Arbonne.
Marci Petterson: thepettersons@grandecom.net
June 30, 2007 09:07 PM
I will not use the Arbonne Products because of the pushy sales lady that has harassed me by calling me 3-4 times a day. I have told her I am not interested because the sample face wash she gave me to try burned my face terribly bad. My face was blood red for hours.
This kind of aggressiveness is a major turn off. I'm not sure if the company trains them to be that way or if it is just her. Either way, it has made me bitter over this company.
July 5, 2007 01:41 PM
What is the cost of sharing in the web site replica experience???
October 10, 2007 07:23 PM
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?
January 23, 2008 09:12 AM
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.
January 25, 2008 01:56 PM
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.
February 14, 2008 10:21 AM
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.
March 19, 2008 06:20 PM
This is for those of you who are interested in skin care, love the MLM concept but not the old school compensation plans and want to join forces with a new company that doesn't like old school network marketing.
I too used to work for a skin care company and have found a new company that will launch in late spring, early summer. We will be selling French skin care that is formulated and manufactored outside of Paris. These will be high quality, spa type products hand crafted in small batches and available to customers at great prices. We will launch with 49 face and body care products (our face milks are on par with Sisley) and will have the only beauty drink on the market. We will offer a preferred customer plan for those clients looking for a membership discount.
What I found with my last company was that is was difficult for people on my team to make money and it was hard to get to any of the management levels. With my new business, there on only two teams to build and I can help to build the teams of my business partners. We will be very web based with no inventory and direct shipment to all customers. If you choose to do home shows, hostess will not have to deliver any products and I will not have to pay for any of the hostess rewards. And if you do a home show, you will bring in what you need in one hand! The cost to join is very low, as low as $99 (with autoship) for a start up package valued at $250.
This to me is an amazing chance to start with an amazing company. If you are interested in learning more, please contact me at tbkuhn@wideopenwest.com.
March 24, 2008 10:35 PM
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
March 26, 2008 10:25 AM
I have tried Arbonne, but what I am selling is second to none! If you like Arbonne I promise you will LOVE this. A lot of my clients are FORMER Arbonne clients...one try and their hooked. Check out my website at: www.myjafra.com/wfrancis You won't be disappointed. Thank you and have a great day!
March 30, 2008 07:09 PM
I was an Arbonne Consultant for a couple years. Arbonne was my first real exposure to ingredients used in personal care products. Now that I've experienced botanical products, I don't want to use anything else.
The main issue I and my clients had is the high cost of Arbonne's products. There is something wrong with a company's pricing model if clients have to enroll as a Consultant to get a discount that makes the products "somewhat" more affordable. The reality is, even with the 35% Consultant discount, Arbonne's products still cost more than many women are willing or able to spend.
I spent some time researching other botanical product lines and found a wonderful direct sales company that offers an exceptional Spa-quality botanical product line that includes skin care (and intensive repair products), bath and body care, hair care and more --- at prices everyone can afford. They are attracting Arbonne Consultants by the truckload!
Feel free to visit me at www.SpaDivaOnline.com and see for yourself or give me a call at 1-800-544-6018 and request some free samples. Once you try these products you won't want to use anything else.
Take care ladies (and gentlemen)...
April 3, 2008 03:18 PM
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.
April 6, 2008 10:03 PM
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.
April 13, 2008 11:06 AM
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.
April 21, 2008 11:04 AM
Seems like most people already posted the main issues with Joel's "research"- you can't talk about how people "make nothing to talk about" when you are including over 96% of people in that figure who aren't even TRYING TO MAKE ANYTHING- as you've seen others post, 96% of Arbonne consultants (and this is a statistic issued by the company on the same report Joel pulled the incomes from) are buying at a discount and not even INTENDING to make any money. Plus, those incomes are RESIDUAL ONLY- do not include commissions from product sales which can be significant depending on how much you personally sell. And let's GET REAL about some of the other advantages of a home based biz- my first partial year in Arbonne my actual Arbonne income was only about $3000, but my tax return because of my ability to take business write offs was $8000- Joel, did you ever figure that in?? What would you do that much extra back on your taxes? I redid my pool- and my Arbonne business paid for it, even if it didn't come in the form of a check from the company!
As far as all the "pushy" Arbonne reps and bad friends/family, I have been in Arbonne 6 years, gained more friends than I could imagine through this business and never lost any because of it, family uses the product but doesn't sell it, gives me lots of referrals. If you are being pushed, why blame the company? Obviously, different field leaders train their teams differently as you can see by reading this thread. If you are on a team that pushes $1000 minimum for a wholesale buyer and tells them they have to order $100 every month, again, those people are LYING. The $100 minimum is for ACTIVE consultants who want to receive a paycheck. You do NOT lose your discount if you don't order every month- another reason why that 96% of consultants doesn't earn anything because they aren't ordering consistently or selling anything.
About websites: You ARE NOT REQUIRED to use their pre-formatted web content on your 3 pages. If you want proof, check out www.kirsten.myarbonne.com and see for yourself. You ARE required to meet certain compliance conditions about your own content- specifically in regards to product claims and income claims. For example, they will pull your website if you say "mineral oil causes cancer" or "make $20K per month in 6 months", but ONLY UNTIL YOU REMOVE THE NON-COMPLIANT STATEMENT.
About the Mercedes: You go to the dealer and purchase OR lease any model you want as long as it's white. You then receive money towards the down payment/drive-off based on the model you choose and what Mercedes Benz Financial is offering at the time through their Executive Allowance Program. When I first got my car over 3 years ago, they only offered $1500 to an E-Class, but when I turned in my lease in November '07 they gave me $5000- not up to Arbonne, again, up to MB Financial and their current allowance program. Monthly, you get your car bonus on your check. You DO NOT LOSE YOUR CAR if you don't make your VP team sales minimums. Someone mentioned you get a partial bonus on a sliding scale- that is true. So let's say your team isn't doing well for long enough that you lose your VP title. You STILL DON'T LOSE YOUR CAR because YOU OWN/LEASE IT. It has nothing to do with Arbonne as far as Mercedes is concerned. So if you can continue to pay for it without the bonus, you keep it. I agree on the environmental thing, but has anyone checked out Mercedes Bluetec (bio-diesel)!? As clean and efficient as a hybrid.
ONE MORE THING: No one here has mentioned one of the most generous aspects of Arbonne's compensation plan- the Performance Account. It's like a bank account that operates at every level to make it SUPER UNLIKELY you will lose a title once you've gained it. For example, 1st level manager is called District Manager. The "maintenance" for that level is $2500 in team sales per month. Someone working the Arbonne business system (again, like someone pointed out, NOT WHAT JOEL DID!!!!), could easily sell this themselves in the 10 hours a week, but they don't even have to, because it's team sales and also remember all those wholesale buyers who don't even try to earn money? Well they still order from time to time and that counts to your $2500. So the performance account works like this- EVERY MONTH YOU DO MORE than your $2500, you BANK points in your account. So if your team does $5000 in sales one month, you bank 2500 points. Then let's say you have a down month and only do $1000- well, in that case you still don't lose your title, you just deduct 1500 from your performance account. So if you promote to VP level and get your car, every month you do MORE THAN your maintenance you are banking points. I have over 1.3 million points in my account at this point- I could literally walk away from my business and not lose my VP status potentially EVER as long as those on my team want to work for their goals (FOR THOSE OF YOU CYNICS, THEY WOULD BE WORKING FOR THEMSELVES, FOR WHAT THEY WANT, NOT TO MAKE ME MONEY! I have trained them and brought them into Arbonne, so it's a FAIR RESIDUAL that I receive from their production, but they make much more on their own production than I do- again, fair, and they have their own goals they want to hit regardless of what I do.) And if my team fizzles because I walk away, how long do you think it would take me to lose my VP status? I'd estimate about 10 years or more...so now all you "MLM haters" can see why the people who do this and DO IT RIGHT can see how brilliant it is- would your JOB right now pay you to work part time for 6 years and then pay you for another 10 years after you quit and still let you drive the company car that they at least fully or partially pay for??? I DON'T THINK SO!
So hopefully some of you can see a different perspective here. I'm sorry to all who have been acosted by an "Arbot", I for one train my team that others are watching and making decisions about Arbonne based on their experience with us- we want it to be a good one, and chances are, if you met me or one of my reps, your feelings would be different. Oh, maybe that's why this business is WORKING for me and my team!!! Not all CPA firms are corrupt just because there was Enron, not all attorneys are liars, etc., so why do people so consistently make negative generalizations about "Arbonne" or "Arbonne reps"!!?? Have you met all 1.3 million of us, or even the 50,000+ who are actually building a business?
April 21, 2008 11:58 AM
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.
May 1, 2008 09:17 PM
For Questions about Arbonne products, the business or consultant information please email me at swissdream@live.ca
May 15, 2008 01:55 PM
The reason that a small % of Arbonne RVPs are the ones making the big money is simply this: They are the ones who busted their tails and never gave up when they got a few nos. Network Marketing, like most other businesses, rewards the most persistent and smartest workers.
When a real estate agent fails--about 90+% of all licensed real estate agents either quit within 6 months or earn very little income if they stay--no one calls that a bad business model or a sinkhole.
If you take advice from(or make a decision based on) someone who failed at something you will most likely never succeed at anything worthwhile.
By the way, I am not an Arbonne Rep. But I am a successful network marketer, having moved from the skincare industry (former Executive Director with BeautiControl) to another service-based company now.
Best to you all...
Lisa Rodante
lisa@ladyexecutives.com
www.ladyexecutives.com
201-315-8767
May 19, 2008 02:34 PM
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.
June 8, 2008 06:00 PM
Again, I have known many family and friends who have been in this particular company...and have worked hard for small paychecks...
Anyway, my company just launched this past month...and it is with the 2 of the most noted Dermatologists in America...their products were #1 in retail, and continue to win numerous awards...they are well-established, and professional...they are the creators of Proactiv!
Anyway, I surpassed my full-time income, and am here to stay! I think there is true beauty in a non-saturated market, and being on the TRUE ground-floor like we are.
Be cautious, do research, choose a company with a proven track record...and remember, timing is everything!!! Statistically those who start a company in their first couple years are those that make notable incomes.
Best wishes to all!
Feel free to contact me:
r41170@gmail.com
June 13, 2008 12:47 AM
Can someone give me a hard, fast and verifiable answer on the Arbonne tax charges. Are they Federally mandated to charge as they do?
June 19, 2008 01:21 PM
Erica,
My understanding is yes, they must charge them but call 1-800-Arbonne and ask directly.
I was with them when the had to start charging tax on full retail price, not on the discounted price. We were told that after an audit, the change was required.
I hope that helps.
Traci
June 26, 2008 02:27 AM
I have followed this blog off and on since 2005. It is very interesting to read the comments left back in 2005 and 2006 vs 2008. Arbonne was in a BOOM back in 05' and 06' and then they began their major correction beginning in 2007. It was inevitable, I suppose, based on the growth they experienced through those two years alone.
I actually am an RVP (at least for now until my performance account runs out) and while I don't have anything negative to say about the products, where I saw a breakdown in Arbonne and most MLM companies is they simply do not teach their distributors EFFECTIVE marketing.
Especially today in our "techy world" where 99% of all people utilize the Internet for information. I was frustrated as well with Arbonne's restrictions in regards to how you could market the products as well as how you could market yourself. Arbonne and many MLM companies still live in what I call the "Leave It To Beaver" era.
Throughout 2005 and 2006 everyone was on the Arbonne "High". People were promoting like gangbusters due to alot of reasons I won't go into. Unfortunately that rocket ran out of steam and there were alot of people left holding the bag or maybe I should say "tote".
I love the Network Marketing industry for it's possibilities but what I have a problem with are the archaic methods of marketing these companies still push onto unsuspecting "newbie" entrepreneurs.
While Arbonne had great products they really were no different than the myriad of other MLM companies out there that fail to teach REAL business building skills.
Skills like internet marketing, that once mastered can be taken to any business allowing you to profit in many different ways. I emphathized with Joel's frustration when he talked about Arbonne's lack of forward thinking when it came to marketing.
I've seen the destruction over the last year and half and have seen hundreds of people lose their promoted levels including RVPs and NVPs. It is unfortunate that these chain of events have not been Arbonne's wake up call.
When I saw this happening beginning in early 2007, I decided that if I was going to, not just survive in this industry but THRIVE in it, then I was going to have to master the art of online marketing.
I'm happy to say that the experience has been remarkable. Finally, I am a true entrepreneur with real business building skills. By the way, verbal vomit is not a skill.
I wish everyone still in the trenches of MLM and especially Arbonne continued success. It is a great company but it can feel like selling vinyl records in an IPOD world sometimes.
Stacy
www.SuccessInYourSlippers.com
June 26, 2008 07:42 PM
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
July 9, 2008 03:55 PM
My company just launched this past month...and it is with the 2 of the most noted Dermatologists in America...their products were #1 in retail, and continue to win numerous awards...they are well-established, and professional...they are the creators of the #1 acne treatment in America...endorsed by celebrities (think Jessica Simpson, Puff Daddy, etc!)
Anyway, I surpassed my full-time income, and am here to stay! I think there is true beauty in a non-saturated market, and being on the TRUE ground-floor like we are.
Be cautious, do research, choose a company with a proven track record...and remember, timing is everything!!! Statistically those who start a company in their first couple years are those that make notable incomes.
Best wishes to all!
Feel free to contact me:
r41170@gmail.com
July 12, 2008 09:28 AM
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/