Who would have thought that my post about Arbonne would have generated so much discussion? Admittedly, it does get heated from time to time. But I have allowed the post to be a forum for free speech as long as people keep it clean and don't abuse each other. If you try to read it, expect to spend at least an hour... it just keeps going and going...
A few months ago, I put up a site at AskJoelComm.com, where people could ask me questions about making money online. Little did I know that people would also be submitting questions about Arbonne.
So, without further ado, here are some of the comments and questions people have been submitting. Please note that I do not comment on Arbonne apart from those made in my initial post...
"Hi Joel, I signed up as an Arbonne consultant several months ago and it is not working out at all. I found my way here to your website and am desperately seeking some way to make a little extra income from home. I have tried several over the years and have had many problems and lost a lot of money. I am wondering if I should give up or try one more time to see if there is indeed a legitimate opportunity for me. Data entry sounds interesting to me but the ads I have seen don't go into a lot of detail and I really want to know what I will be doing before I sign up for something else. Can you please help steer me in the right direction."
"Are you familiar with Shaklee? What's your take on their comp plan and using your own Shaklee website to make money on the internet? It's an mlm company. (I've been told the comp plan is much better than Arbonne. I have read your comments about Arbonne.)"
"It sounds like you should have done a little research before jumping the gun with Arbonne. The products do sell themselves, but the buisness is designed for one on one sales, not let me try and get rich from total strangers. "
"WOW...WHY is this even an ongoing discussion? The long-running nature of this thread has only revealed that there are passionate (misguided or not) arguments from both sides of the fence. HOWEVER, this thread was titled "to Arbonne or not to Arbonne" so I just want to suggest: If you WANT to debate whether the entire MLM or Network Marketing industry is (a) ethical, (b) viable, (c) a bona fide and acceptable means of doing business, then debate the principles of it. If you want to debate whether Arbonne is better than or worse than any other MLM/Network Marketing company out there, then do a valid comparison of (a) compensation plans, (b) company philosophies and integrity (putting their money where their mouths are), (c) training methodologies across the board, (d) support or expectations of individual consultants, etc. If you want to debate if Arbonne products are as good as or better than or worse than OTHER cosmetic/beauty products, then do that with either factual information, comparisons, scientific studies, whatever. Frankly, the Mary Kay comments sound like they're coming from Mary Kay reps who are trying to slam the competition. Frankly, I've used Mary Kay and it caused severe reactions and some of my friends absolutely hate the stuff, while other people I know are LOYAL to MK and that's their choice. I personally use Christian Dior, Lancome or Chanel. Worth the money if the quality of materials doesn't create skin problems. Please respect everyone has a right to choose. If you don't like one line of ARBONNE, does that mean that it wasn't the right line for you or does it mean that ALL their stuff is crap? I don't think that's intelligent reasoning, but hey, what do I know? Like I said, choice. I came here looking for honest, rational discussion about whether Arbonne is a VIABLE opportunity. Frankly, if anyone else who stumbles upon this rat's nest had already decided that network marketing is something they want/can do but just wanted to know if Arbonne is a good choice, that is not going to get answered fairly here. If someone is trying to point out the difference between Arbonne's management/business-building philosophy and that of other MLMs, the opposing views seem to turn into anti-MLM disguised as Arbonne bashing. I didn't come here to read endless reams of venomous, slanderous attacks on opposing viewpoints nor to see corporate "double-speak" that is cut-and-pasted from the corporate website. I think most people who had come across this forum to gain insight and make their own educated choices, want to hear personal p.o.v. based on personal real experiences with the company itself or its representatives and then make an EDUCATED decision as to whether they will go for it or not. The thread should be re-titled "To MLM or NOT to MLM but most of us here think MLM is for stupid people" ... I'm amused at how the tactics of the detractors of MLM (i.e., Arbonne) DO tend to revert to rather generalized biased statements that sweep a broad and dirty brush. I'm going to do my research at an UNBIASED place - business publications and the like. This whole discussion is nauseating. NOTE TO JOEL: Freedom of speech is one thing. I hoped you were providing an unbiased forum to allow honest discussion but that is evidently not the case."
"What do you know about Arbonne as an MLM?"
"I was reading your story and I thought your response of the Arbonne products being too expensive is funny. They have other brands in the mall that costs alot mire and worj less effectively. I spents hundreds of dollars on Lancome, Shiseido, Clientele, just to name a few and they do not compare to how inexpensive the Re9 set is. What are you and your friends use to Sav-on drug store brands?"
"Thank you for your write up regarding Arbonne...I am trying to think of a way to help my 2 daughters get through College and this came along and sounded tempting or now too good to be true"
"Great article on Arbonne Joel. So much for my idea like yours."
"Joel, My friend and I are considering Arbonne. Has it been successful for you? What are the upfront costs? The good/bad/ugly about the business that you haven't already wrote about. Thanks for the candid info, I too thought to use the internet to sell as I don't want to lose family or friends."
As you can tell, people are very passionate about MLM and Arbonne!
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
January 24, 2007 06:29 PM
I think that I have tried every single anti-aging facial product on the market. Arbonne is definitely the best for me. Everone's skin responds differently to products. I just know I have all these used face products (La Prairie, Chanel, Clarins, Avon, Altaire, etc.) that didn't work. After using Arbonne twice, everyone I saw noticed a difference. The botanical way was right for me.
DMF
September 14, 2007 07:07 AM
Arbonne didn't work for me, it just make my face sting for 3 days. Only ABC I think is the best in the line. But I guess there are other products that are cheaper and works better than Arbonne.
January 16, 2008 12:04 PM
I just signed up as an arbonne consultant and am still confused on how it all works. I don't want to have parties or build a team, i just want some extra money from client sales. But how do you make a profit if they are going on and buying the products??? Can someone please tell me how it works thanks so much
Kelly!
August 20, 2008 08:32 PM
I am an Arbonne Consultant and the business DEFINITELY WORKS and the products DEFINITELY WORK as well. I have met so many professional, successful people in the past year and a half. I think the people who bash it are competitors and that's that. Do the research and plug into the system and you will see that it most definitely works. If you are a motivated person, this is the business for you. Arbonne is an amazing company with great leaders and a fantastic support system. Great training as well. With Arbonne, you are in business for yourself, but not by yourself. Plus, if one product line doesn't work, we have many. There are over 400 consumable products! After using Arbonne for a couple of days when I first tried the anti-aging line - EVERYONE noticed a difference. Besides, where else can you try a product for 3-4 days for free in the privacy of your own home with the option to just say "no" if the product and/or business opportunity is not for you. No place else that I can think of. Try it you'll LOVE it.
TM
October 22, 2008 02:55 PM
Joel, I have to say that you are a complete idiot....your lack of knowledge amazes me! As for some of these people who say this is a scam, or they burnt out as area managers, etc......stop crying! I'm willing to guess that you are lazy, have low intelligence and shouldn't be doing the business in the first place. I'm sick of hearing poor people cry because they see others with some 'get up and go' in life succeed with something that they've failed miserably at. Anyone who is even considering doing a network marketing business should do their due diligence and check into Arbonne. Research what network marketing really is and discover for yourself how great the Arbonne opportunity is!
November 11, 2008 04:05 PM
I have to agree with Joel and not "just" with Arbonne. Mary Kay hit me straight after high school 1991. I spent a bunch of money on stuff my skin personal just had horrible reactions to and the consultant in which signed me up dissapeared. I became a licensed cosmetologist and had a very successful suite in which I ran my own business and sold mainly Redken, Nioxin, and Pureology hair lines. However with three kiddos the hours were simply getting to long and we were moving an hour away from the location any way. I met a women that I became friends with and she invited me to a in home "Spa Party"....It was with Beauti-Control. All containers with face creams have broken, the pumps will not allow me to get the rest of lotion out. I had a very bad allergic reaction to the eye shadow that literally kept one of my eyes swollen shut for a week and I could not wear any make-up close to the eyes for a month because the skin was red, peeling, sensitve and very irritated, tried to return it and they told me that they could "only" replace it with a new eye shadow for me to sell to someone else. "Why" would I want to sell this to someone else. Contacted the consultants above me or my line and they "assured" me that it could not be their product, that they had "never" heard of this happening. A few weeks later my girlfriend whom signed me up invited me on a girls night out and one of her other girlfriends had the "exact" same reaction I did! My problem is that these companies also do not give "any" formal training about what they're selling. Some are selling microdermabrasion kits and chemical peels? My license includes skincare however would "lose" that license if "I" trained my clients like these companies train these women whom join and know very little outside of being a beauty product consumer about this industry and/or it's products in/on "any" price range. I have spent a total of $30,000 of my own money in training and certifications via professional lines...."I still don't know it all." Therefore am hesitant to sell one of these MLM even to the general public. Arbonne has also contacted me, I did go to a very large get together about 10 years ago in a house in which the owner was present. They were all very nice, however, must admit most "seemed" to be already living "well.".....I am going by the area in which they lived and of course just meeting them and being one in the salon industry whom typically catered/serviced those whom are not hurting for cash. That is the "only" reason I did not join. I honestly just did not know anyone outside my clients whom could afford most of their products at the time and am not allowed even as an independent contractor here to market MLM beauty lines in salons outside of handing them a catalog or card with a website address. It is a different experience for everyone...although I believe one can have success with these, I just like to say as one whom even knows many of the professional "secrets" that many beauty companies don't tell even their own....Buyer Be Wary....and "read" everything before signing on. If they "will not" give you a consultant information book and/or let you go to a "training" before signing on....I'd be really careful before pulling out the credit card and purchasing more than you would use as an individual. Good Luck with whatever you decide!
November 11, 2008 04:20 PM
First sorry for grammatical errors in first post...have a one year old so have to type fast..lol. Also just wanted to add that I spent a total of $727 dollars with Beauti-Control a year ago. I sold a hundred dollars. I sold a hundred dollars "daily" in my salon suite. Two...rather you do it in your "own" home or an others you need to know the zoning laws for those cities and neighborhood associations. Although most neighbors will not complain for having any sort of party once a month and of any kind you could have to spend your earning on fines simply mailed to you a few weeks later. Last but not "least" if your neighborhood and/or city "says" that they do not allow and products to be sold from the home these companies do not have to protect you under their liability insurance should a client have any severe skin reactions from the product...."In small writing they state that you are only "covered" by them "if" you are doing this where it is allowed and/or legal. If your city/neighborhood are against this and any storage of products in this matter you will not be able to insure yourself for these incidences if the person sues, nor will you recoup any business products lost in fire...etc...as well will need to be very careful in your business write offs for this home business. Hope this helps those in this and/or considering...not impossible...just read the fine print carefully and contact neighborhood associations as well zoning commissioners before spending the money...I find most are suburbia residents that fall under the problems listed above.
January 25, 2009 12:41 AM
I recently joined as a consultant, my friend had a party @ her house & of course I was caught up in the moment of all these "wonderful" products & oh how easy it is to sell, because the product sells itself. Which of course is alot of hooey. First they have all the CD's & the website w/the tutor help, but to tell you the truth, it didn't help me. It was confusing, & I am not a sales type personality. I don't like to be pushy & you have to be somewhat pushy in this business. I had 2 parties, followed up w/all my invites, & the only person that came was my sister. I didn't take offense, what it told me was this is not recession proof, & people will not & do not want to spend this kind of money on non-necessities thats all there is to it. So I decided this just wasn't my thing.
May 24, 2009 02:22 PM
I have been an independent Arbonne Consultant for 2 months now. Being 18 and still in high school i have found 5 people who will purchase products. it SUCKS. i was never informed that i had to spend 150 dollars a month to even stay in the business until 2 days ago. with 7 days left in the week, i am screwed. i have a part time job making 64 dollars a week, not enough to be spending 150 dollars a month on products that no one is buying!!! i have basically wasted 1000 dollars of my own money. I thought i did all of my research and i thought that my game plan was awesome but too many people said no and some important details slipped through the cracks. I was stupid enough to not start small as a preferred client and feel out my target audience before i jumped into this mess. if i had the money to keep it up i would say that it is a great investment, my paycheck from arbonne was rather nice, but without sufficient funds it is basically impossible to keep up.
July 14, 2009 12:50 PM
I started with Arbonne about 3 months ago as a consultant. I've had pretty much the same excuse as many on here, i've had 1 consultant sign up and about 4 preferred clients. I'm not a salesperson either, but I thought, like really really thought, I could do this. But I just can't be pushy and I find a lot of the consultants, no matter at what management level, are pushy. When I talk to them either in person or over the phone I almost never get a word in b/c they are constantly going on and on and on... Plus I can't see myself getting enough in a month or two to move up management levels. I am in qualification for district, but only because i've put through about 1000PQV myself!
I think a lot of people who succeed with Arbonne and other companies like this have a huge friend base that are all interested and want to sign up. Dont' get me wrong, I do have friends, but they arent exactly flush with money, like most of us out there! lol
Oh well, I got some great products out of it and I should be able to make most of my money back. Might be out a couple 100£ or so, but I can deal with that.
In the end, at least I tried something new! But I don't see myself ever going back to a business like this.
August 21, 2009 07:23 PM
You know, I have honestly never heard of Arbonne before in my life. I like Mary Kay products and being in college it is an easy way for me to make extra money without having to work a 3pm-11pm job. It only cost me 100 to get my starter kit, I make 50% off of everything i sell, and i can make money or not, it's all a matter of how hard i want to work. However, I have already found that my products pretty well sell themself because they are Mary Kay, people know it and they trust it. I signed up for Mary Kay because i like the products, I trust them, and my friends all wear them. I have had no problem getting people to have parties or buy my products.. I've been in business for 20 days and I have made $200 in sales, just from walking around with my satin hands set and letting people try it. After they try that, they want to try another, and then another. I think it's all a matter of who is around you and if you are willing to put yourself out there and say, excuse me, do you want to try this real quick? If anyone on here wants more information just email me at nikkiwessley@marykay.com I'd love to answer questions, and i'm not the hassling sales type either, i promise!