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FJM
New Member
Joined: 24 Jun 2009
Posts: 7
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Sat Jun 27, 2009 8:19 pm |
I was just reading a post about MonaVie, and while i've only heard of it and dont know about it, all i do know is that it is bought thru an mlm company..
like ive mentioned in other posts, i sell artistry and nutrilite products, which is thru an mlm company..
my question is why does it matter what 'type' of company its sold thru..? whats with the whole mlm thing that its said like a curse..?
personally, i do what i do because it is a superior product in quality and other aspects, and only found that out by using it and then getting involved..
so maybe you guys can clue me in on why it matters where or how, so to speak, a product is bought and sold, even when the product is a good one or one you prefer..
thanks!!
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Sun Jun 28, 2009 9:50 pm |
I'll be glad to weigh in since you asked, but please be forewarned that I am not interested in debating my opinions. They have been formed over many years and are not subject to change, lol.
As a professional marketer for my entire career, I personally will not purchase or sell a MLM product for a variety of reasons. But my reservations generally focus on MLMs featuring health related products, as they often prey upon a market that is low in income, yet desperate for help.
While some of MLM products are good, others genuinely are NOT (ex: MonaVie) and resellers typically rely solely on "influential pressure" to sell product, as opposed to letting the product performance speak for itself. But there usually is NO proven product performance other than miraculous testimonies from people who were SOOOO amazed that they are now selling the product. Amazing how that works, huh?
I have a friend who sells an up and coming MLM product (which will remain nameless), and she has mentioned a number of times that I should consider selling as well. But after researching the product, I found that I can buy the identical product from a non-MLM seller for only 12% of the MLM price...there is no way in hell that I could look someone in the eye and pitch a product that cost 88% more! Plus, much of the corporately prepared marketing materials were blatantly misleading and were not-comparing apples to apples. And anyone who will knowingly compare apples to oranges just to make a sale is sleazy in my book.
It is the bad behavior of the well-known MLM companies that has really tainted the perception as a whole. And while those lowly tactics certainly do NOT apply to all MLM companies by any means, they have ruined it to a large degree for all of them.
As far as the companies you pitch:
- Artistry: I really wouldn't look at this any differently than any other cosmetic company. And having a sales rep could actually be a good thing, provided they were low pressure. Email updates/newsletters featuring new product offerings and specials would be the best way to offer that approach.
- Nutrilite: Unfortunately, I probably wouldn't even give this product line a fair shot simply because it's a MLM. But I did glance over the website, and there are clinical studies, which is more than many non-MLM supplements have!. But if I was buying this product line (or had expressed an interest), I would want to be kept informed of new product offerings, specials, and new clinicals/performance stats.
Editing to Add: Here are some of my favorite articles on the worthless MonaVie juice and the circus side-show of some MLMs.
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Is $40 ‘super fruit’ juice really good for you?
Business claims drink offers immunity boost — but hasn’t proven it
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A lab test arranged by The Associated Press found its antioxidant power to be on par with other fruit juices.
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An independent lab test performed for The Associated Press shows XanGo's antioxidant strength is no better than other readily available fruit juices, yet it costs nearly $40 a bottle. XanGo insists mangosteen contains other beneficial chemicals.
"My big concern with XanGo is that the business has gone a long way without showing any benefit in human trials," said Wayne Askew, director of the Division of Nutrition of the University of Utah's College of Health.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23071982 |
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A Drink’s Purple Reign
Devotees claim MonaVie cures their ills and makes them millionaires. But is it just hype in a bottle?
Flanked by a Ferrari, a Maserati, a Bentley, a Rolls-Royce and a Lamborghini, Dallin Larsen paced the stage, swigging deeply from a bottle in his hand. "I'll tell you what," said the tanned 49-year-old, opening his arms to the 4,000-person crowd, people are "looking for something they can count on, they can depend on, that's constant." The stirring scene would not be out of place at a megachurch revival—except Larsen's event, organized this June in Orlando, Fla., was bent on earning sales rather than salvation. The object of hope was not God but a dark purple fruit juice called MonaVie.
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Larsen, for his part, realizes that his sales team can get him in hot water with the Feds. A 20-year-veteran of the multi-level marketing industry, he left a senior post at another juice company in 2002, a year before the FDA destroyed the company's "bogus products" that were being falsely promoted to treat "cancer, arthritis and attention deficit disorder."
http://www.newsweek.com/id/150499
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_________________ No longer answering PM's due to numerous weird messages. |
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FJM
New Member
Joined: 24 Jun 2009
Posts: 7
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Mon Jun 29, 2009 7:57 am |
thanks for answering ! I see most have avoided commenting on this..
I can be totally honest when I say I completely agree with you!
I really know very little of MonaVie, Arbonne and maybe one or two more.. and I have always knew of Amway, but only from its days forever ago when it was just basically a soap company..
I'm so NOT a salesperson-so I really get annoyed myself with the people who are pushy trying to sell anything-I hate walking thru a mall and being asked to try 20 different products,do I like a hot compress on my forehead, do I want scruchy socks, what about a nice xmas ornament with my name on it..? So yeah, I totally understand being annoyed by anyone being pushy about selling anything..
Like how I'm completely jaded now towards Chevy, due to a ridiculous experience my boyfriend and I had not too long ago-I can eaily translate that into all car dealers (as most do!) but I know they're not all like that particular person (I hope, for humans sake..!)
but I do also understand that if you had a business selling a product or service, you too would ensure that anyone you could think of knew about it to broaden your customer base for potential new business, just as any other company and business does. But it is def. all about how someone goes about it..
I refuse to mention over and over to friends and family what I sell-they all know- but dont think that when my cousin is complaining about her expression lines or something, of course I'm going to suggest what I know to work and think would be great for her! Its the same thing as when someone suggests a restaurant or movie or any other product..
So I appreciate what you said about being more informed about the product. Nutrilite and Artistry are both Amway products, and yes, there is alot of testing and background involved in both and I think youre right, not alot of that is mentioned. I also dont like hype selling, so I dont want to hear how 'awesome and amazing' anything is with no background..
I think I will maybe try to post some things about these peoducts (only because i feel that being healthy inside contributes to how your skin looks and acts.. )
So thank you for responding and giving me some ideas.. |
_________________ Artistry Consultant & Certified Skin Analyst |
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