How do you make money as an arbonne consultant

I am an Arbonne consultant. Actually, that may be past-tense by the time you read this…. For those unfamiliar with Arbonne, they are a fast-growing company focused on health care and skin care products. They claim the products are all natural and most of the people who try them truly love them. The downside is that they are ridiculously expensive. Still, you get what you pay for. For the record, I have several friends in Arbonne and they are good people with a high level of integrity.

Nothing I have to say should be construed as inpugning them in any way. I signed up as an Arbonne consultant on the recommendation of a friend. Before I signed up, I did a little research online. I wanted to see if anyone was successfully marketing Arbonne online.

Naturally, there is a corporate web site. But I also encountered several sites created by independent consultants. There were only a few, but they were pretty good as far as content and design.

Having a good deal of Internet knowledge, I figured I could do likewise. I paid the obligatory signup fees and, of course, you are expected to purchase product, not for inventory purposes but for your own use.

While I do know of some men who enjoy the products, I figured I would let Mary try the Nutrimin-C anti-aging formulas. She liked them a lot, so I purchased enough for her to have a lasting supply.

This was the first red flag for me. But this is a way for Arbonne to monetize the consultant. I bit the bullet and paid the fee to register my own Arbonne site. This service is a MASSIVE rip off and entirely worthless to the consultant. I suspect Arbonne, Inc. How can I say this? The rest of the directories and search engines on their list are virtually worthless, netting almost zero traffic for the dollars spent.

It is extremely RARE for subdomain sites to be successfully listed in these places as they deliberately block the majority of them. Because they know that there are going to be hundreds or thousands of people all trying to submit the same blasted content.

This clogs the search engines and makes them less valuable to the end consumer. Submit your sites to the search engines and directories yourself. It will take about 30 minutes at the most and give you the same benefit. In order to maximize my Arbonne site traffic, I put together a plan to implement several web strategies.

First, I decided to register a domain, www. After all, I found several other sites that were doing the same thing, and the manager in my upline assured me that it would be alright. I put several hours into building a nice site and was quite pleased with the product.

Next, I choose to leverage my shopping site, www. The visitors to my site would be able to easily find product and a link to the myarbonne. In order to facilitate recruiting, I opted to give away a free sample of the Nutrimin-C RE9 formula to those who signed up for it on my site.

I think I processed requests and passed those on to my upline to follow up with. I guess people online just want freebies, because we were unable to make even one sale, let alone sign up a new consultant. I think the price point is just too high for the average person.

Talk about sticker shock! Anyhow, my manager tried her best. In the meantime, I had been running my independent site and promoting on DealofDay. I thought there must be some mistake. After all, others were doing it and my upline assured me it would be fine.

As it turns out, they no longer allow people to develop their own sites OR promote on any site OTHER than the MyArbonne. I recall having a lengthy, and extremely frustrating, conversation with some gentleman in their office. Yes, it is paraphrased, but it went a little something like this. Let me get this straight. So how do you explain the consultants out there that DO have an Internet presence?

I have encountered no less than three sites that have good seach engine rankings and pleasant design, with the purpose of promoting their Arbonne business and selling products.

So why not have your team review individual web sites and approve them if they meet your standards? So it is just easier to discourage innovation and creativity, stifling the people who can take your Internet presence to the next level? We are primarily an offline business, designed for one-on-one face-to-face encounters with the client. The web site is there to tell your clients about so they can easily purchase product from your site online. At this point, Mr. Arbonne got a bit flustered and I had had enough.

Ultimately, its no skin off my back. I take risks like this on a regular basis. I flushed a couple hundred dollars down the tube and my wife got some face cream that she really likes. All in all, not a bad deal. I guess its just the backwards thinking that makes me nuts. Companies that crush creativity and innovative thinking have no business being online.

It just hacks me off a bit when those obstacles are placed there by the company I am atttempting to succeed with. So, I removed my Arbonne links from DealofDay. I took the product off the site I had created.

But I left a redirect at FantasticSkinCare. Today, I get another email from my friends at Arbonne legal telling me that I am in violation by having any links on any site. I encountered similar problems in dealing with Tupperware , but my Arbonne experience was more maddening. I too am curious. What company are you referring to? I tried multi level marketing before the internet existed. The schemes rely on personal relationships to grow. I was also unwilling to bug my friends and family until they think I am so irritating that they avoid me.

These companies want to have their cake and eat it too. They just want to move their product. I love Arbonne products and I am a consultant. I completely feel the pain of hitting brick walls with the very company who says they want me to succeed. I did the same thing of building a website only to have to stop as soon as I found out that was against the rules.

I got in trouble when I thought I hit the jackpot selling on ebay and then found out that was a no-no as well. I could move so much more product on ebay than I ever did doing face to face. I know there are others doing the Arbonne business well but there are so many more who are more internet-savvy and are stopped by this backwards way of thinking. Thanks for the post, you expressed my frustrations eloquantly.

I too am a Arbonne consultant. It also explains about the websites that were grandfathered in prior to the rule change. As a former network marketer of another company that did not regulate their consultants websites, I can guarantee you that it is best for a company to restrict the websites allowed by their consultants. I appreciate the fact that Arbonne does make it a fair and equal playing field for all consultants.

Yes, there are a few consultants that have their own personal websites. This is a people to people business and takes one on one contact to really be successful. Also, nobody is required to purchase a company website.

Most of the people in my upline and on my team do not own a website. It is a personal choice and is offered to those that want one. I have had nothing but a positive experience with Arbonne and look forward to continued success! I was looking into Arbonne and my first impression is that it resembles a religious cult in the way they get people to sell their product.

Any comments on this? First of all Joel, you missed the whole point of having the Arbonne web site. It is a convenient way for your customers to shop and to get referrals from Arbonne.

This company is one- on- one, face — to -face. Everything you were complaining about is addressed in the policy manual and at the myarbonne site. Arbonne is about Swiss Skin care first and the opportunity to share that at a discount second. And a business third. To need that home — based busines for a tax write off or just to win a free vacation.

It sounds like you were just looking for another way to make money on-line. Whoever sponsored you unfortunately did you a disservice by leading you to believe that Arbonne was the answer.

And Igor April 19 — sounds like you are in a cult now! Uncritically accept its teachings — Heard of freedom of speech? There is no Arbonne god that will strike you down if you disagree or ask a question or choose not to do a presentation a certain way. Conform to their behavioral restrictions — Let me tell you — I worked in a union grocery store for 18 years. You want to talk about restrictions! Make a permanent commitment to remain involved in the company — Are you talking about Arbonne or some sick relationship you had?

Have you every be in a rut for so long that you forgot what is was like to learn and grow and socialize with adults? Or to find a product that for the first time actually worked?!

And then for a company to care about you sharing what you have found with a friend and then sends you a check? You might be on the lookout for the next get rich quick. For the record, I do NOT believe Arbonne is a cult. And I DO believe that the product is good. But really, who reads all the fine print of the policies and procedures?

I went on the word of the person in my upline who thought that I would be able to sell through my web site. And I have nothing against her either as she is a very sweet person. Ellen and others who support the company, good for you! I already work for myself and I try dozens of new things each year in order to diversify my income.

KK, you should catch the wave. Arbonne is a real company with real people building real businesses. Most of the people who have posted here are confused. Joel, sorry, but you should probably stick to internet type businesses. Matt and Igor are really confused and negative, which is probably why they are or have had a tough time with building a business in the first place. The problem is in the attitude.

Joel — Thanks for posting your story. I wanted to sell on ebay and online too, and researched first before I got into it. Thank goodness I found your page here, before I sunk any money into Arbonne. I have ZERO interest in the Party Plan of Arbonne, and the idea of MLM makes my skin crawl. But it is getting to be a popular product, and sells really well on ebay. There are a ton of people selling Arbonne on ebay, and I have to believe at least some of them have wholesale accounts and are selling against Arbonnes wishes.

Selling magazine subscriptions on ebay is also frowned on by the industry, but there are listings every day. I wonder how Arbonne tracks down sellers on ebay, and determines who is selling against policy? Not that I want to bother trying it now…. Hi There All… I am going to be a new mother in a couple of weeks May 26th is the D-Day!

I am already an Arbonne Consultant and plan that to be my income my husband has income too. Are there any secrets to success or words of wisdom from anyone out there who does Arbonne full-time? Or anything I should watch out for? I have heard about the website thing not being useful and am seriously considering not purchasing my own Arbonne site. Thanks and wish me luck!! Arbonne seems to insist on that face to face selling aspect to sell product or sell the selling of product.

That I can live with to an extent. The people down on the lower levels struggle to make money and do all of the true selling work. The higher you are in the organization the easier it is for you and the more money you make. I have met people that have invested thousand of dollars on simular setups only to have thousands of dollars of product in their garage that they cannot sell for enough money to make a profit. You can dress a pig in a suit but it is still a pig. Arbonne is a good product, an expensive product, but still high quality.

So is Amway, but they are well known for their unfair marketing setup. I cannot blindly trust someone just because they tell me I should. I have just recently become familiar with the Arbonne product and am seriously considering becoming a consultant. I am currently pre-med and living on my own, and I dont have the money to be taking huge risks! I am just looking for something flexible that I can work around my school schedule.

Just had to mention for all who are seeking info. So what if the website has to be approved by them??

You simply pass the url on to your customers and they log on with their Registration and pin and shop away. It is interesting to read both the negative and positive comments regarding Arbonne. I live in Canada and have been a consultant for 7 months part time. I also have a website but I use it more for refering it to possible new consultants and clients.

I have built up my buisiness without the use of my website but still feel it is a valuble tool. Arbonne is not a fit for everyone. It is something you need to work at, but the rewards of Arbonne are well worth the work.

I am an Arbonne consultant and have been in the business for two years. I absolutely love both the products and the business. I have found that Arbonne always compensates their consultants generously and they always treat us fairly while educating us about the products.

I have never heard Arbonne say that their products are all natural. Legally, they have to have preservatives in their prodcuts. They have always been up front about what is in their products. Because my friends want to help me succeed, they are always willing to help me meet new people.

Ultimately your business depends on you and what you do with it. If the only negative I will read is that regarding website and online sponsoring, then, THANK YOU!!! I think I will be very successful in Arbonne. Time is money and the time involved in selling this product, not to mention all the products and selling techniques videos they push you to buy…. If you actually believe you are working for yourself, you are sadly mistaken.

No need for negative comments regarding my lack of knowledge in Arbonne and how they run things. If you can afford it, taking a business management course would give you a better direction and a better knowledge at how a real business is run. A very business-like and professional response. For those of you who are interested, Arbonne now has a FREE training site for registered consultants at http: Interesting points of view on both sides, I have enjoyed reading the comments and concerns about Arbonne.

I thought I would throw my 2 cents worth in! I have been an independent consultant for a little over a year now. Arbonne products really are wonderful, my skin is so much healthier. I have had a few clients come to me to buy products, especially the ABC baby line, on the recommendation of their pediatricians.

Arbonne products really are well resepected. If anyone wants to enjoy products at a wonderful discount, or sell them and own their business, I would highly recommend Arbonne! Just read through most of these comments since I have some spare time which is getting more abundant as I grow my Arbonne business.

Been with the company three years now and just earned my Mercedes CLK Convertible. I always heard and read not from Arbonne by the way , give network marketing three to five years of truley putting in an effort. I always ran from network marketing but was so impressed with the products and the ingredients that I had to research this company very carefully.

Was blown away by the integrity of the company later on. I WAS a Chem. I spend much less time doing this business obviously. Know many engineers working less than 40 hours a week? It takes time, persistance and patience; but for me, it is so worth it. Getting to this level and helping the team move up is so much more than I imagined. Moving up the ladder is hard to do in corporate world especially if I have to wait for them to retire or they expire plus I get to pick who I get to work with!

They are thrilled at my success and love the products too. My children and family are far, far better for my efforts too. My spouse will be starting to build his own organization through Arbonne soon. Those of you looking to sit behind a computer would do better at selling other stuff on ebay or watching your investment in the stock market. Me, I prefer to be with people, create some fantastic relationships and realize personal growth along with helping others.

FYI — I use my website to send my clients to for information and setting up their own account, not to retail products. Someone mentioned a pyramid scheme. Draw out the structure of building a network marketing group were anyone on the bottom can get to the top and bypass those above if they work it hard enough.

CEO at the top, then VPs, then upper management, middle management, general employees, office staff etc. Looks like a triangle to me. Does anyone get to move up from the mailroom to the top whether those above them want them to or not? Corporate America paid me well but I still traded time for money. Arbonne has been around for 25 years and debt free at that. Probably a little more security than what corporate America offers.

I never frontloaded product and no one on the team has ever implied that a consultant should do so. In fact, we are strongly discouraged to do so. We only purchase personal use products and just enough product to be tooled for building a business which depends on your reach methods. Personally, I do believe you should make a descent investment in the tools you will need according to the reach out methods you choose. Just like any business, you need to purchase the tools to be successful and work.

Rarely do I deliver product. It is a vehicle that can be used to help others and attain time and financial freedom as well as just make a little extra money. It is up to the individual and your effort. There are no guarantees. Well, actually, there is a 45 day money back guarantee on product. I would be glad to answer any questions about building a business with Arbonne. Are they successful Is the person who sponsored them in upper management, and the person who sponsored them, etc… successful , do they support the team, check out their trainings and group meetings and what is their preferred reachout method?

Choose an upline that helps you find your fit, helps you grow as you go and stays connected even after training. Go meet the team! The only training I have paid for is by my choice not promoted by Arbonne and deals with personal growth and leadership. Wishing everyone personal growth, prosperity and time freedom whether you jump on the Arbonne opportunity or choose another. Sure counting my blessings everyday!

I REALLY appreciated your reply. I am a recently committed Arbonne Independent Consultant. My wife joined first and after a good long while, I wanted to help her. Your post was very calm, genuine and inspiring. If you are still out there, I would greatly appreciate a response from you so we can communicate via email outside of this website — thank you. Renee, I was very impressed with your statement about Arbonne.

I took your suggestion, I am reading Rich Dad Poor Dad. I have worked in a similar MLM Corp. I would be interested in speaking to you in a format outside the web site, and would appreciate you contacting me A.

I look forward to your contact. Renee, Wow thank you for this. It was tough so finally when it was time to renew my membership I gave up and quit. Since then I have been doing a different online thing although have been seriously considering something like Arbonne again. I like the variety of different things you can do with Arbonne….. Its not just skin care, or make up, or nutrition, but its kinda everything all packed into one which is something I like.

If you are still into Arbonne I would love for you to get in touch with you. This is the most amazing company i have ever have the opportunity to work with!!! If you like being pushed around by some CEO great but dont bag on us who are acutally in control of our future making a great living having to answer to know one! All of you arbonne consultants who are strugling email me and i will share with you what i am doing to make my buisness boom. Im always willing to train.

Those who think small get small results. When i get my car in august i will send you all a pic haha.

My wife is a National Vice President with Arbonne. This business is exploding! Who has time to bother with it. Hello Dave, Are you still with Arbonne and if so how did you build your business if not having parties. Thanks and congrats on being so successful Any input will be helpful.

Arbonne International Reviews - Legit or Scam?

Are you people insane? Take a look at the label if you want an idea of how bogus Arbonne is: Otherwise, get a real job and leave the rest of us alone. However, when my friends started making serious money using the Puppy system I quickly changed my thought process and started using the system myself. The Puppy system is the only way to do this business if you want to make real money. No parties, No running around trying to sell product, just finding 4 people that you can work with. Many products today are not designed and developed in the same place they are manufactured.

Callaway golf clubs are designed in California, but made in China. Is Callaway therefore a Chinese company?? The Arbonne Institute of Research and Development AIRD , which you can see pictures of on the Arbonne website, is in Switzerland, specifically Sion, Switzerland. But they are made in the USA and the company is based in California. My results were more than satisfactory and I have had skin problems since my teen years. If you doubt me, contact a consultant and ask for a sample or take advantage of the day guarantee.

Most people who try the products like them.. What can I say? And that number is growing so fast. And I know people in Arbonne making over 6 figures monthly.

And frankly, nobody in Arbonne who has been successful is teaching that you can be successful and make big money by selling on ebay, or thru your website. You teach others to sell a little bit, and they teach others to sell a little bit, and so forth, and you get a small commission on the total of everybody. Duplication is the name of the game. It takes talking to people. There are three reasons people are not successful with Arbonne and none of them involve the company or the products.

Not with Arbonne though. They somehow think it will happen automatically. This is where you ebay and website people fall. There are over RVPs and NVPs across the country. By next month there will be Go on the Arbonne website and read their stories. Everyone is there and they tell how they did it. Bottom line success in Arbonne is real if you do three things. Get into activity and stay in activity.

Duplicate what successful people are doing. And be the kind of person others will want to follow. I hope you can find the inner strength that it takes to change yourself so it becomes easier and you find success in whatever you do. But I do care if their attitude drags someone else down who otherwise could find success with Arbonne. Our experience has been life changing and extremely rewarding.

The timing is now. Contact me if you need more info. Cosmetics is a trillion dollar industry worldwide. What do you mean nobody is making money selling cosmetics??? Wow, check the revenues of your major cosmetic companies. Next, nobody is being dishonest, or a huckster. Compare prices of Arbonne to Lancomb or Clinique and our retail prices are comparable or cheaper.

As far as the pyramid scheme thing…If I had a real job, where would I be in THAT pyramid? And what are my chances of getting to the top? Not luck, or politics or being liked by the boss or by hoping the person above you quits, gets fired or dies. When we joined Arbonne there were 33 NVPs. Now there are over Did General Motors add 70 Presidents to THEIR pyramid last year?

Something to think about. What an interesting insight from various people regarding this subject. What you all have forgotten is that each person as a choice in this country. When making a choice in starting a business, all information, facts and otherwise should have been carefully researched by that person. In my experiences with at least 8 different network marketing companies, Arbonne stands alone in its committment to its products, service and training. Arbonne has a turn-key business for anyone who has the drive to get them were they want to go………..

Arbonne has created a system that works for anyone who works it……. After being with Arbonne for two months, 5 parties and lots of samples later, what do I get?? I tried their weight loss program and gained 7 lbs in 2 weeks.

I love their skin care, but Arbonne is not meant to be. I get free childcare too. Definitely more worth it than Arbonne. I prepared by reading every sales training book I could get my hands on. The first sales job I had I was selling a home improvement product, which to this day is one of the best products of its kind on the market.

Many sales people in my office were doing extremely well and making tons of money. The product was great. The company top rated. Yet I failed terribly. I left there and went to work for a computer company. Back then desktop computers were just beginning to hit the market. It was the days of MS-DOS and IBM PCs. I was great at selling computers and won many sales contests and earned several awards.

What was the difference? But I know that while I failed at one thing, I excelled at another. Maybe something else is. Something in your presentation was obviously not working and your sponsor should never have allowed you to do 5 parties without any sales.

Now and then we all have bad parties. Arbonne is a sales business. Those components need to be in place in any sales position, Arbonne or not. Or maybe you simply presented to the wrong crowd. Somebody is selling it with success! I am using this website as a referral for my friends who are thinking about becoming a consultant. This way they can see both sides and hopefully see the fear and negativity which prompted some to fail… and courage that others had to succeed and I mean SUCCEED!!!

I have been with Arbonne for a little over 3 yrs. My husband is retired at age I work 20 hours a week from my home office and my schedule revolves around my family time.

We are living the life of our dreams. I have also seen the lives of many people change because of this incredible company. My family members and friends not alienated at all are happily earning their Mercedes and are quitting their 9 to 5 jobs to work part-time from home as well.

One more thing you need to know: I wish all of you the best in your endeavors. I hope you will take the time to do some true investigating on your own — this company is worth it.

I have to say dave you have posted some of the best comments in here! I too am district manager and area by next month that 3 months total to be making 3k a month i think thats not too shabby. I was wondering if you and your wife did the puppy dog system to grow your buisness?

I also was wondering if all of you new consultants new who acutally started the puppy dog way? Their names are Jerry and Rachelle nichols. They started it in oklahoma and brought to arizona where it is just booming.

I owe my whole success to them for creating this amazing new way of doing the buisness. I think he gets left out and not everyone knows his amazing story. It is because of him that i am going to be getting my car in september this year that is 5 months from start to finish. To all of you skeptics out there you cant knock something if you havent tried it. Hi Candace and thanks for the generous comments.

If we can point out those errors maybe someone will take the opportunity to dramatically change their life for the better and be successful. It just took commitment and persistence.

Despite the negative comments that pop up here, people are doing this business and many of them are building fabulous businesses and earning incredible incomes. Anyone who passes this opportunity up is only allowing someone else to take the business that could have been theirs.

But people on our team are finding that using the puppy system is also a great way to get classes. People who use the product and buy it are sometimes asking if they can host a class.

So I would say our strategy now is to generate interest among those who we are targeting as potential business builders by using the puppy system and then using those contacts to schedule some classes. Our feeling is that whatever works for you is what you should concentrate on, but a combination of approaches is proving very effective. And yes, I have heard of the Nichols and their success. Best wishes for your continued success and enjoy your car!

Once again, I would ask the scam artists to please stop preying on the credulous and the desperate. The puppy dog system is a pyramid scheme, pure and simple. If I were going to scream at you it would be for being wrong. We need people who are willing to make pizza, pump gas and cut grass, etc. And we purchase for ourselves because we love the product. We had been introduced to NuSkin in and did NOT get involved because the products did nothing for us.

We work very hard at what we do and have many success stories on our team to be proud of. And just so you know….. While we so have some family and a few friends who joined the business they are not reason we have the position or the income we have. If what was he is suggesting was happening, how much money would anybody be losing? The point is, no one is being told or forced to buy a set amount every month.

Joel, You are welcome to join our yahoo club called mlmsurvivorsclub. You can find it also on the http: I wish you the best! Sorry to hear of your past failures Jennifer. I lost money in the stock market crash a few years ago. Because I owned the wrong companies. Does my failure in the market condemn all of the stock market as a fraud and deceptive and a waste of time? The companies I own now are doing very well. I would bet most of us in Arbonne would agree with you that there are some pretty bad apples in the MLM industry.

For instance, was your chosen company financially sound? Did they have a strong and competent management team? Did they offer consumable products?

Had they been in business at least 5 years? Were the products unique? Were they priced right? Was there a large and growing market with demand for the product? Was the compensation plan fair and based on rewarding productivity in sales of products? I know people who lost money.

There may be other good ones out there. You should think about this…Henry Ford started and bankrupted 7 businesses before he founded the Ford Motor Company. Ulysses S Grant was nearly bankrupt and a failure in several businesses before returning to the Military and the being elected President. Lincoln ran for congress and lost as did both President Bushs.

The point is we all fail from time to time. But greatness comes from persistance and endurance. Your lessons learned could be valuable in helping others avoid those same mistakes…not by shooting down their dreams, but by directing them to where they have the best chance of success.

Before you lump Arbonne in with the companies that you failed with, do the research. You might actually be surprised. Now, with the puppy dog system it is doable. However, I have questions regarding the income. The overrides are a bit confusing. That sounds like peanuts to me and not the thousands of dollars people are claiming to make. I have looked in the Swiss phone book there is no listing.

Frankly, something smells fishy here. First Andrea… Yes, your math is correct. No one makes big pay checks at District.

Your friend however should be willing to tell you what her last override check was. Also, if you got to the Arbonne web site you will find a section listing the average bonus and override payouts per quarter at each level. At NTC this year they had a slide show of the place. There have been National Vice Presidents who have visited it. Only the people who work there need to know where it is. This kind of reminds me of the Beanie Baby craze 8 or 9 years ago where there were all these stories of people unable to find where Ty, the manufacturer, was located, like there was some big conspiracy.

Reporters were all over the Chicago area asking people where this Ty company was located and nobody knew. Give me an address! Phone books, business registries and even Swiss search engines turn up nothing.

Maybe there is a simple explanation but I certainly have not found it. The explanation is surely a simple one as I said, but is it really worth spending time on it? The suggestion is simply ludicrous. I think that Arbonne has fabricated the fact that they have a laboratory in Switzerland to benefit from the Swiss image for meticulously researched and and finely crafted products.

There, prove me wrong. Are you losing sleep at night? Are you needing therapy because of this question? Are you afraid that your uncertainty will cause undue harm to someone? So if I provide an address, or an explanation for your inability to track down this international conspiracy, what do I get in return?

I know individuals who have been there and they have no reason to lie. I was looking at my hits to my blog where I also discussed this topic. My time is up as of July 4, , and I completely agree with the frustration you have experienced trying to sell online. I have also noticed that some consultants could do things to advertise online and others are not allowed to do so. Sorry we lost touch somehow. I, too, have asked Arbonne, Inc.

This just seems like one more reason to avoid the company altogether. Dave, Supply an address and phone number and you have my respect and apologies.

I have written to one of the NVPs who has been there, and by the way, has a picture of her standing in front of the place on her Eye On Arbonne. How much can you afford to lose?? At least then he will see how quality the product is. Hi Dave, There is no need for a bet, I have good faith in you, if the place exists you will come up with an address and phone number.

I have no complaint about Arbonne products and it seems MLM marketing schemes are here to stay in spite of what I think of them. Absolutely I agree with you, Ed. No matter what you think of Network Marketing or what your past experience has been with other companies, our experience with Arbonne has been completely different. The damage to the company and the reputations of a lot of people, if it were a fabrication, would far out weigh any benefit.

Arbonne was recently purchased by an investment group called Harvest Partners. Do you think HP would invest millions in a company with such a skeleton in its closet? BTW…I did find the address and phone number of the gentleman who runs AIRD and his residence in the next town over from Sion. So at least I know the director lives nearby. Hi Dave, I have also found the address and phone number of Pierre Bottiglieri. I have a call into SCC which according to Arbonne is the organization he is supposed to be president of he is not the president by the way and he is supposed to call me back….

I will let you know the moment I hear something. Ok, I just got off the phone with Mr. Here is the scoop: What really happened was: Bottiglieri worked for a company called Laboratoires Biologiques Arval S. Arbonne was just one of many of their customers. Bottiglieri did tell me that Arbonne was currently in the process of applying for their first business license and they are looking for a location to put in a laboratory but it will be some months away before it is all official.

Hi Ed, At this point I think I have the story straight and I will admit that I was under a misconception about AIRD. At least not yet. I misinterpreted information and made a conclusion without all the facts. The pictures I saw were of the facility that, at the time, had been set aside to work exclusively on Arbonne products, and not owned by Arbonne.

In essence, AIRD historically has been a team of professional chemists, herbalists and master skin care professionals who are coordinated by Arbonne to develop the ideas and science needed to create Arbonne products.

Also, as Arbonne grows, the concept of AIRD is also continuing to evolve. Pierre is now working in a temporary lab devoted solely to Arbonne product research as Arbonne is, in fact, in the process of being registered globally.

Additionally, AIRD will soon include chemists from several other countries to contribute to product development and will have their own facility to formulate, test and even manufacture Arbonne products. I hope this clears it up to your satisfaction and I apologize for my errors. They actually do say that AIRD is their private laboratory. This is from a letter that I received from Arbonne: All of our products are made in the USA by contract manufacturers who follow all strict manufacturing guidelines set forth by AIRD in order to obtain the beneficial properties of the formulations.

AIRD is located in Sion Switzerland and is run by Director, Pierre Bottiglieri. Pierre has a long list of achievements and accreditations that make him a true asset to Arbonne.

Another web site at: The Swiss company, founded in by Petter Morck and a team of biochemists, biologists and herbalists, expanded to the United States in , and from there, became Arbonne International, with a worldwide network of distributors. This one I particularly like: Our lab is headed up by Pierre Bottiglieri who is arguably the leading cosmetic chemist in the world, and has served as the Managing Director or AIRD for over 4 years.

I fail to see how you could not see this as deceptive. This company is NOT Swiss and it has never been Swiss. As I see it: Arbonne is a million dollar company that invents nothing, manufactures nothing and sells nothing. All based on the half-truth of being a Swiss company selling Swiss Quality.

But I am having major success with this business and not only will I be able to stay at home with her, but I am going over and beyond what my corporate job paid me.

I was going through the motions of my day-to-day job, seeing the same people everyday, going to the same meetings, sitting in the same break room, working the same hours, driving the same roads, getting the same paychecks even though my work-load was getting bigger.

I have always been shy but have wanted to make a change and meet new folks. This business has forced me to come out of my shell and meet new friends and I am having the best time of my life in addition to making money! Arbonne is a lifestyle! It is a life-altering product as well as business opportunity. I never knew I could have so much fun while bringing in income. It may take a couple of no-show parties but ultimately you will get there!

I have a question. I did a search in the BBB and came up with: Arbonne International S. Mount Vernon, IN Telephone: Original Business Start Date: January Service Contact: Jane Koch , Owner Local Start Date: Dan Koch , Owner File Open Date: June TOB Classification: Skin Care, Multi-Level Selling Co.

This company is not a member. Who are these people? I can agree that the letter you say you received from Arbonne would lead you to believe they own their own lab. If AIRD is a team of Arbonne coordinated researchers, it could just mean they conduct their business in Sion. Personally, understanding what I know now, I think the letter is factually correct.

But I agree it could be misconstrued. As far as the quotes from consultant web sites go, this is a prime example of why Arbonne needs to be so strict with upholding the rules of what a consultant can claim, where and how they can advertise and what kinds of documents they attach the Arbonne logo to. Bottom line is this: Arbonne products are indeed formulated, tested and perfected in Switzerland by Swiss and European researchers in Swiss laboratories and then manufactured in the U.

Arbonne products incorporate the latest science and technology and the highest quality ingredients to create products that are pure, safe and beneficial to the end user. There are literally hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers who would attest to that. As Arbonne continues to expand and their sales continue to explode it is only a matter of time before Arbonne is a household name like Mary Kay or Pampered Chef. Those who join this business have a great opportunity to build a fabulous income and lifestyle.

As I have said before, I have no complaint against their products because I have only used one or two and I could not possibly form an opinion based on that small amount of exposure. Additionally, I have no complaint against the fact that they use network marketing to sell their product.

Whatever I may think of that type of marketing, it is a legal reality and certainly here to stay. My whole problem is that Arbonne represents themselves as a Swiss company with a laboratory in Switzerland and that is simply not the case.

I would like to invite you to join because the conversation about Arbonne is starting to heat up over there too. Your insight would lend some balance to the conversation.

Hi All, I am enjoying this banter and comments on Arbonne! As a stay-at-home mom, I am interested in bringing in extra income to help my family. Her sister in Denver is doing great after only a few months, and will be flying in to help us. Can anyone out there offer me some advice on the first few months, and what to expect within reason? Arbonne does not advertise itself as Swiss company.

They advertise their products as being formulated in Switzerland, which is true, using herbal and botanical formulations that are based on Swiss and European principles and methods. To the cynic it might sound like a marketing ploy, but it is really a statement of philosophy and an indicator of the kind of product it is.

For example, most U. How can it be any clearer? Dave, I would guess that profiting from a situation gives you a different perspective. Any future readers can make up their own minds. Aloha, Those heading to the Hawaii conference can enjoy this discount for guidebooks or gifts! Hi Claire… Good luck on your kick-off party. I too am a stay-at-home-mom well actually now a work-at-home-mom. The advice I have is this: When you have a passion for them, people will see that passion and get excited too.

And another important thing to remember: I have had a couple no-show parties and it really brought me down. But when people eventually start showing up, they usually always buy product. Keep bugging people to come… they never leave the party regreting they came.

These products really do change lives and you want to help them. Also… offer rewards in return for them booking a party for you little freebies like the lip gloss or the hand cream. Another thing I suggest if you can afford to do this is to have people order things and tell them not to pay you up front. Tell them to pay you when their orders come in. That is what made me order my first Arbonne products! And the most important thing…. What got me motivatd to get this business started is knowing that success is VERY possible.

I am a new consultant here in Chattanooga TN. There is a difference and my wife and I are glad there is. We have a my. We have it to show a level of professionalism and expand our ability to communicate with a greater number of prospects. We never intended to make a business of marketing product over the Internet.

Imagine, if you will, thousands of wanna-be business gurus clamoring over themeselves with website presence, hoping for a piece of the pie. The products virtually speak for themselves. The integrity of the brand and the ethical business practices of the growing thousands of consultants will continue to make Arbonne the envy of the network marketing industry.

Thanks for being there. I never thought my insignificant comments would cause such a stir! Those who have taken an extremely defensive posture for Arbonne need to take it down a notch.

Sure, the product is good. The one who signed me up got her car in a matter or months, her husband has quit his job and there seems to be no ceiling for her income. And I think that is fantastic! My biggest beef with the company is the way they have handled the online business. They do not offer a level playing field and they sell worthless web services such as the search engine submission.

My wife does love the RE9 Nutrimin C line… Joel. Dear Joel, I just signed up as an Arbonne consultant and received my first order. My complaints are basic. There were no instructions except on each item on how to use the stuff; there is no good way to determine the best tints for a customer; there is no return item slip in the box. In fact I had to stay on hold 33 minutes before I talked to someone re my order.

My upline person lives far from me and I have to pay for long distance to talk with her. Well, Joel, I thought your comments had pretty much finished off this conversation, but alas, Dotti comes along and I have to comment.

Did you sign up to just buy your products at a discount, or are you wanting to involve yourself in the business? Depending on that answer, I would have different things to say, but in either case, your issues are easily addressed.

There are LD rates as low as 3-cents. I now have 6 windows opened for my girlfriend to read before making up her mind on whether to pursue this thing. I gotta say, Joel wins here. We could probably find the same company Arebonne gets theirs from, license it, brand it, find a mfg to manufacture it in West Texas where the land is cheap and the cost of living less than California.

What do you say? Hey Junkman…think what you want. Because you want to pull somebody down and keep them from escaping their situation and realizing their own dreams and desires, just like crabs to each other when thrown together in a bucket. I feel sorry for people like you, I really do. Oh Dave, Dave, Dave I had to go back and reread my post to try to find out what was said to require such viciousness from you.

I actually fail to see it. I posted several sites with pros and cons to Arbonne. Including this one with yours and others who have good stories to tell expounding on the virtues of Arbonne. I never once stated I was recommending for or against Arbonne. I simply said your argument was weaker within this forum. I am merely doing due diligence at her request. Shame on you Dave. Perhaps you should do a re-read. The fact is you and I have more in common than you think and that is probably the reason for your attack.

Did you get a degree in radio Dave, or just fall into it? Which is apparently what drives you. I quit because the people around me did drugs and other disgusting things. I made a moral decision to get out.

I then obtained a degree in Finance and worked in Oil and gas for a few years. Afterwards, I went back to complete my MBA. I wound up at, your competitor. Humm, you say your product was better? I however cannot claim to have beaten you, as I am much younger than you.

Long story short, Dave. I am retired and I expect, much happier than you. Regarding MY feelings on the Arbonne venture? I did not impose my opinion on anyone. I will now however. And I will give it because I have experience. More, I suspect, than the average reader here. My experience leads me to agree with GetReal.

Chase it hard, and chase it long. Let me just let you know up-front Dave, I am finished, I will not respond regardless of how you bait me. I am finished I wish all who are reaching for their goals much success. If you can sell lotion, you can sell anything. But only sell what you can believe in. Treat people fairly and you will succeed. But if you are like Dave and it is only riches you seek, you will in the end be disappointed.

Make that a promise that we can hold you to. Your posts did nothing for the people who are sincerely trying to make a serious decision about their future or to elevate the nature of this discussion. I apologize to any reader who thought my original response to Junkman was too harsh. So let me run down why I said about you what I said. You referred to Joel as the author of comments that Ed made and you blathered on about coming up with your own mlm company and buying the same formulas that Arbonne buys..

You brought me into your condemnation of Arbonne in a way specifically intended to malign my efforts and my insights in the hope that you would influence readers to disregard anything I said. I, my friend, was simply repaying the compliment. The tone was well deserved. As far as your credentials, or mine, they have little to do with the concept of wisdom. Something you seem to have avoided in this endeavor. My satisfaction and reward in this business is not money.

Anybody who has heard me train or speak know that. The whole story was irrelevant to the point. Just like your degree and job experience is irrelevant to your advice to your girlfriend when you approach it from the view you have. Learn a little humility and comprehend the concept that without first hand knowledge about Arbonne and the people who manage the company and develop the products, you have little that you can offer to someone truly searching; except of course, your negative, condescending, insulting and utterly meaningless comments.

I just wanted to say a little about myself and how I think Arbonne has truly been a blessing in my life. I started with Arbonne in the beginning of April. A friend introduced it to my by letting my try some of the products and I loved them. I had never heard of the company before but the product really sold itself to me.

I was introduced to the business side of it and it was at a time of real need. My husband was without a job and we took all of our savings out and took a leap of faith.

We started this business. The next month June I made Area Manager and am thrilled about my business. In a couple of months I will be expecting to replace what my husbands income was. We have 3 kids and I am expecting another any day now. I also feel greatful that if anything was to happen to me, I can will the business to my family and they will be set for life.

We do this business a little different than most. I love what I do! There is almost always this wording: Then it usually ends with the trademark phrase: I now actually start laughing out loud when I read that stuff!

I got all rah rah about the Mercedes also. I tried to get others on the bandwagon luckily my friends are brighter than me LOL.

Congratulations to those who could make it work, my hat is off to you. You know Darla, people say those things because they are true. I know because we did it and I feel exactly as Jen. Kind of like when you are given a puppy. After a week, who could give it back? Did you ever get an offer for 3 free months of a magazine subscription? Guess you missed it. What annoys me with the comments being made by the skeptics is first, they are entirely based on ignorance and pessimism.

And secondly, they are being made specifically for the purpose of impugning the integrity of those Arbonne consultants who have been successful. His comments and criticisms were made in good faith and about specific experiences he had.

You expose your true nature with those comments and I have no doubts as to why you failed. Go back and read my last line. And that will be my last line. I have a good at-home business, actually. I just believe people should see all sides of things and think for themselves. It is sad that you have to resort to insulting me to try to prove your point.

So you have so many customers you have time to write 3 paragraph essays? I thoroughly enjoyed this though http: Good luck whatever you choose! Darla, seeing all sides of something is not accomplished by mocking the comments from Arbonne consultants who have expressed their feelings about what the business has done for them and their families. And believe me…what you were doing was mocking.

Your post showed an obvious lack of knowledge and your lack of knowledge prompted you to make conclusions that were unfair and untrue.

Regarding genuine concerns and questions I enjoy the opportunity to share my comments in a sincere attempt to help people out. Wow, some of you need to get a life! However, after more extensive research which involved many other sites, I have decided to give this business a shot. Good luck to those of you who have decided to work Arbonne and also to those of you who have chosen other paths. I love their products, botanically based, no animal by products, no mineral oil, or harmful chemicals.

Anyone thinking of joining should go for it!! If you would like a sponsor in the MIAMI,FLORIDA area, email me, I would be glad to meet you. To all you negative folks out there, best of luck to you too, your going to need it. Wow, these posts really got intense. Well, I am also a consultant with Arbonne and I am extremely proud of it. And I do have a few comments to make, Arbonne is as our President, Rita Davenport says a face-to-face, belly-to-belly company and I am glad it is. The internet is amazing for a lot of reasons, but we should not lose the personal contact and I believe that is what a lot of others in this site are suggesting.

Arbonne has incredible products and yes, you can make the type of money that has been stated.

But Arbonne has so much more to offer. Unlike a lot of other companies, Arbonne leads with the heart. We empower others to do something we seem to have forgotten…. My aging mother is living with my husband and I. Arbonne is allowing me to be able to care for her both in person and financially.

I have been in corporate America, and if you miss too much time from the office, you then become a liability. If you build your team strong enough, you can still earn a substantial income, even if you cannot work that day, or week, or month.

Arbonne is really a gift. For those of you who are doubting the validity of AIRD and the money that can be made. I know it can work, I am living proof. I worked in downtown DC at a very large law firm. It took me 2 hours every day to go to and from work, now it takes me 2 minutes. Why is he allowed to do this, get business from doing this and we are not!

His site is still current -this is morally wrong and should be removed! While I understand that technically each consultant is self employed, I do not understand their logic in charging. Are all meetings sponsored by Arbonne? There may also be some consultants who ask that attendees also contribute to the cost of photocopies made of training materials. Generally we break even doing this.

Anything extra we collect is used toward other meetings for beverages or snacks. Arbonne specifically prohibits charging for training. Realistically, there is no business you can operate without expenses. Thanks to everyone for a Great read. My wife and I will now go forward with excitement in this new business for us…. Best wishes for great success Jack!

The men often play golf together at NTC and on the trips. Just a note of correction. Also, back to Laura: I should have added that any local meetings are not sponsored or paid for by Arbonne. The meetings are held by independent consultants, as you said. Even NVPs are independent and any meetings are at their expense.

My partner and I have been successful in establishing an Arbonne business in only three months. Gay Men LOVE skin care and that market is working great for us! Our business is exploding! Thanks for a great site! What a heated discussion! I must admit as with any company, it has its downfalls and frustrations, but I truely feel called to do this and am trying to make this work for me.

Arbonne products are very saturated and it takes much less product, meaning it lasts longer. I do this because I get more orders this way…people JUMP on that offer! Read through alot of the above comments. The site does not generate much attention. Just enough — to get my personal product free and I generally get alot of personal product.

Always very skeptical about anything get rich quick or sell, sell, sell. I do not have parties. Well, I would if anyone I knew had the time or was really interested in a party.

Most are generally just burned out by all the candle parties, scrapbooking workshops and home living parties. The most skeptical ones end up trying the free samples I give and become my best customers. Just want my friends to know what a great product it is.

And hey, why not make a little if I am promoting a company. This is just for fun for me. Once I find something I like I stick with it. Rarely have time to go to the mall and deal with counter people. Arbonne makes it easy to shop and I generally get my products within 1 week of order. Also love the Christian atomosphere and friendships. Liked the mention of John Maxwell in another post above. Well, I believe, the only way to make money in Arbonne or anything is to believe in it and to Work at it.

How much money you make and how much work you do is totally up to you. I need to sponsor more! Where do you live? Thanks for all of the posts and info on Arbonne. It was good to see the pros and cons. There are other questions too. I believe if the right questions are asked then the attempt to deceive becomes more clear…. I am glad I found this site because it solidified my decision. None of these products made my skin feel as good as Arbonne.

If in the future, I plan to expand the business I can. But personal testimonies and visible results are the best way to sell to friends and family and keep their respect. By the way, I believe that the cost of training is a tax deductable expense fees, transportation, food, lodging, etc.

Congratulations on your decision Stephanie! I share your sentiments exactly. Arbonne promoted over consultants to RVP last month. The business works because the product is good and the company is well structured and well managed. No one is promising that. My goal is not a mercedes…I have 6 kids to put through college.

This just seems too risky and the cost of the products alone makes it a difficult sell. I like it and I will just buy it on EBAY. When delving in a little deeper I learn this was not the case. I like to be able to look at myself in the mirror and to sleep at night.

WE get out of it what we put into right? Yes, but at what cost? All of you should be ashamed of yourselves trying to encourage others to do it. I signed up with two RE9 sets as a consultant. I do tell my friends about it. Arbonne is honestly good product and you know that.

By the way- getting that stuff from ebay-how long has it been in their closet? Do you get a guarantee? Why put something on your face and body that was shipped to you from some unknown place? Who knows what gross stuff could be in those bottles? What are you trying to prove?

You would rather buy it from that stranger than find an honest person to buy the product from? We should be celebrating hard work that results in success and teaching our young people to rely on themselves and not live for a government hand out every time they need something. Arbonne represents an excellent example of how average people can work hard and experience above average success to become self reliant.

There are at least two reasons why this is so. Secondly, if you want to sell product, you need product to sell. I would not want to work with you having read your posts.

And finally, we have never pressured anyone to buy the products or join the business. The most successful people we have on our team are the ones who, like us, experienced the quality of the product and realized the potential of sharing the product with a market place that demands the quality and results Arbonne offers.

But I will concede that as Arbonne grows and the word gets out of the financial success being obtained, those who are all to willing to compromise their integrity to get what they want will be attracted to the business. I encourage anyone who comes across questionable statements to call Arbonne and report it. It cannot be denied that many people can and do succeed in MLM.

And they are to be commended for very hard work…in a tough and awkward industry. MLM is NOT for everyone. Both should be able to stand on their own.

John, What you say about MLM is true. The way that it works is a huge turnoff for me for several reasons. Greed is a huge motivator in MLM. The first thing you are told to do is to tell your family and friends. I had a friend call and invite me to a meeting a couple weeks ago. Been there, done that. It is easy to get excited about world-changing product and incremental revenue graphically displayed on the white board.

But so many MLMers make MLM their lives.

Suddenly, all their friends are in the same business. Granted, there ARE people who CAN handle MLM. I like to think I know some of them. But the fact is that it is only for a minority of people, but it operates on the backs of the majority in order to survive. To Arbonne or not to Arbonne??? John, I agree with your first paragraph almost entirely. But I am not sure what to infer from your second.

Let me see if this is your point: And second, because this site shows up in a Google search which means people who are researching Arbonne are stumbling upon it. The time I spend doing so is MY time; Which, last time I checked, is still mine to do with as I please. My wife and I have been involved with the Quixtar business since its inception, and with the Amway corporation for many years before that.

As someone with a great deal of experience in MLM, and as someone who find research into MLMs interesting, I AGREE WITH YOU. Truett Cathy, who founded Chick-Fil-A. That company exists solely to provide jobs to teens in a mentoring environment. If everyone were that mature, our world would be VERY different. The principles involved are more important than any one business… 1. Any MLM business that requires you to build inventory to get started may be illegal. Such businesses are almost inevitably shut down by the FTC within three years.

Essentially, you have to imply that the business is a better deal NOW than it will be LATER…so everyone you involve later has less opportunity than you have. Patents expire, people tire of fads, and competitors invent better, cheaper products…or a big news story kills your entire business, as happened to a health-shake company a while back. Such businesses are built one person at a time, face to face, and are entirely dependent on such relationships. Again, not to promote my company over any other…but to point out the principles involved in a sound, long-term business model: Front-loading will get you kicked out, and any suspicious activity is investigated as dangerous to all others involved in the business.

If your MLM violates these principles, I humbly suggest that you look to the future, to the well-being of your organization, and to those you have or will have involved and get out. Joel, Two and a half years ago I probably would not have disagreed with anything you said. My impression of MLM was probably similar to yours and replete with anecdotal examples to back that impression up. I only mention it to make a point. And that is this. The impressions you have, and impressions many others have, may be indeed based on real life experiences.

I have no doubt of that. But the business and personalities you describe does not reflect at all my experience with Arbonne; which is what this thread was about.

But that becomes a much more emotional, complex and difficult debate. Therefore, I will only speak for Arbonne. My only comment in response to what you posted above is to say that while much of what you say is probably correct, at least as it applies to some people, it applies to almost any business one might involve themselves in, MLM or not.

MOST people who go into business for themselves are not qualified or properly prepared, nor do they have the right demeanor or charisma to be successful. The statistics on small business failures are horrendous. But does that mean going into business is ALWAYS a failing proposition? The reasons are as varied as the personalities of those who try.

But it is possible to succeed and as long as it demonstrated to be possible, people who believe they can succeed should have the right to try. And if they fail, or quit, which many do, I would hope that they would learn from it rather than spend the rest of their lives mired in anger and bitterness.

It happens in other businesses besides MLM. And failure, though frustrating and often humiliating, is not the end of the world. It is an opportunity to grow. Oh, you can for an hour or two, but this is why MLM is so hard for many. The other thing that I find to be problematic about your comments as it relates to motive is the simple fact that, at least in my experience, the people who are motivated by greed and selfishness are NOT the ones who are succeeding.

The people I know and of course they are all in Arbonne who are successful are those people who approach this business with the idea that they are there to help others succeed for the long term. People who demonstrate the UNattractive characteristics you described rarely get anywhere and especially not in network marketing.

Ed, are you married? Okay…I have to ask. What did Arbonne do to you Kate, that causes you to express the bitter cynicism and sarcasm that you do? Wow…now I am sure I made the right decision.

Sorry Dave, just know that you did what was right for you and leave it at that. I have never in my life been called a cynic. Thank goodness I realized that before I dumped any money into it. Have a great life and I hope for your sake you are very successful. I called you a cynic for this line specifically: Your tone displays an anger and bitterness and resentment that is unfortunate. I wish you well. Wow…again…maybe you selected the wrong profession, perhaps psychology would suit you as well.

My tone displays anger, bitterness and resentment?

Working at Arbonne: Reviews | renyropebow.web.fc2.com

My husband and I are in stitches! Better yet, stay with the Arbonne. Leave the diagnosing to the professionals. I posted what I did to provoke others to think before they do.

What I posted are my observations and opinions. Yes, I had a lot of questions and seemingly you are so offended by my conclusions that you have to now stoop to your psychological analysis.

Not good sound business tactics. Hopefully, you limit such behavior to forums only. I wish to close this discussion now as I have made my decision. We have made the decision that we feel is best for us. Just take a deep inhalation and exhale letting it all go.

Once again breathe in 1,2,3 hold for a moment and now…exhale. MLMs are awkard and annoying. If you are in one, please leave your friends and family alone. The main reason I say this is because the bulk of those that get in to MLMs will not make it and will bail out in a very short period of time.

Thus, for NOTHING they have alieanated friends and family — causing them to screen your phone calls and scramble to avoid awkward conversations and bad or frivolous at best business deals. So, try leaving them alone and avoid the heartache.

But with every post you demonstrate my point and betray your attempts to portray yourself as being objective. Your comments are full of emotional responses that have no objective criticism that would be useful to anybody wishing to make an OBJECTIVE and informed decision. In those cases I believe my cynicism is defendable. My problem with your comments is that they display emotion that can only be attributed to resentment or bitterness about the industry, the company, the products or the way you were introduced to them.

Why can I make that claim? It was an attempt to sling mud and hope that it stuck. It was being CYNICAL. If you were not angry, bitter or resentful one, or all three why the need to launch the attack in that manner? Even a psychologist would agree. You explained that you have kids to put thru college which means you have a need. But it is the answer for many. I see it everyday. If you have the capital available to open a traditional brick and mortar store, go ahead.

Anyone who opened, or has looked into opening, a traditional business would simply laugh at that characterization. If you know of an opportunity, or find one, with potentially big returns; the kind that could pay for 6 college educations; AND had NO risk, please let me know what it is!!

Any of the objective concerns about policy, procedures, business strategy, products and real life experiences can be reasonably resolved if the party asking wishes to listen. I became a consultant today. I am excited about sharing this terrific product and awesome opportunity to achieve some financial freedom. I tell them I will give them some of the products and let them see for themselves. I am hoping that I can succeed, but I have to be honest and say I am a little nervous about finding my 4 or 5 people to buy in.

PJ, you make a good point. There may be some, but I doubt they ever become successful with that strategy. If they like you and trust you they will want to know more about it. If they have an interest they will ask.

Because some have promoted to RVP in 4 months does not mean you have to. Have fun with your business and focus on staying in activity and not on the results. The results will come soon enough. I was mistaken perhaps a teaching profession would better suit you…I started reading your post and decided not to finish. I think you should be a poster boy for Arbonne. And BTW we are still laughing…your wit and intellect proves beyond me so I will just leave it at that. Sounds likes Shirles has issues that are beyond Arbonne.

I applaud your setting her straight. You sound like you would be the perfect husband. Getting into Arbonne was the greatest decision I ever made. Arbonne has changed my life in ways I never could have imagined.

I am financially independent for the first time and well on my way to that Mercedes! Thanks Dave and thanks Arbonne. My intention is not to beat you, or anybody. My intention is only to point out that before people lob insults and accusations; unsubstantiated insults and accusations I should add; they should consider what their motivation really is.

When people post questions or comments in a way that displays a genuine interest or curiosity with the desire to be informed, I hope I can help, along with others who wish to comment as well. I hope you are inspired to be the motivated kind. Seriously, how could it be otherwise? Someone WILL be at the bottom and they will get virtually nothing.

And the whole institute thing is a riot. Telling half the truth and letting the consumer draw their own conclusion. I have nothing to gain or lose either way. I tried Excel and found it difficult to ask my friends and family to switch phone service while ignoring the deals they could get from other carriers.

The money sounds nice. The above post is NOT from me. Some people are really sick.. Your question is a good one and I understand your concern. I should first say that my response is going to be based on my experience with Arbonne only. The reason was mostly because I had not found a company that offered a product that I liked enough to sell. You have to love your product, believe it offers a solution to needs your customer has and represents at a good value.

In my opinion, is HAS to be a product you would buy for yourself, even if there was no opportunity attached to it. Your experience with Excel is a perfect example. The product was not unique and you probably would not have purchased it from them if there was no opportunity attached to it.

In fact, someone recently asked me to look at some network company offering internet phone service. Having said that, I like to think of a new Arbonne consultant as, not at the bottom, but at the TOP of their own organization.

If you come into the business wishing to build a full time income, then you have to think of yourself as the leader of the team you are eventually going to build. You start by learning from your sponsor how to sell the products and then you get into the activity of doing so.

Then you learn to recruit. People who also love the products and respect you will see the opportunity potential and will join you if you invite them and they are so inclined. Then you need to learn how to train and ultimately how to inspire. Eventually you have duplicated yourself in others and they go on to do the same. As I go thru this process, the people above me benefit from my efforts, but I have benefited from their experience, training, inspiration, example, etc.

Their success has made it easier for me to be successful just as my experience and success with make it easier for those on MY team to be successful.

And that point is huge. As far as the Institute thing goes, I think we covered it. I have a friend who is trying to get me involved with selling Arbonne.

I purchased some products from her, and I do like them. However, I am also looking into other home-based businesses, many which are MLM organizations. I am speaking with a person this week who is involved with Traveling Vineyards. Does anyone know anything about this organization? If so, how would you compare this business opportunity with that of Arbonne?

What an informative site! I am currently considering becoming a consultant for a couple of reasons. First, I love quality skin care and feel I can easily promote it. Secondly, I am a top performer at my current company but there is a really, really thick glass ceiling which is frustrating. I understand that there are different ways to sign up. I would want to sign up under the best deal with the broadest options.

I would like any advice as to what is the best sign-up plan for someone that is serious about selling. Lastly, it is possible to have a joint partnership with someone like a family member? I have a dual plan that could be awesome. I look forward to receiving some feedback from some of you Top Performers out there! Somebody in the graphics department messed up.

First, I am not interested in MLM. I am fascinated from time to time in watching them, but not interested in doing it. Here, however, are some long developed observations: They are sort of like many entertainers who spend time in smokey clubs or off, off, off, off Broadway for ten years before they hit it big.

Then they get REAL big. And then they disappear. Arbonne is 25 years old. Will it make 30? Lots of these companies explode after a long climb up, and then crash. Two marriages broke up related but, of course, not entirely due to MLM involvement.

The two who have made it are a lady who works for Arbonne, and a lady who works for Longaberger. The Arbonne lady is some level of VP, whatever that means. She drives her Mercedes. Her business fate is yet to be determined. Often they ARE very good products.

In their day,AMWAY sold damned good soap! But there were other products that eventually overtook their products on quality and price. They tried to diversify, but who wants to buy a TV from AMWAY? I think you need the right tools for the right product. For example, the Arbonne lady I know has always been gorgeous!

This is who she really is. Except the ONE guy. Perfect people for a cosmetic company. When you look like that, you can sell cosmetics to a rattlesnake! She is a big woman, beehive hairdo, with a loud laugh. Both of these gals are outgoing in their own ways, and have the appropriate tools, most of them, inborn natural. They are outgoing, have the gift of gab, and have a way of winning people.

Some of these people really are nice folks. More than any other factor, I think this says something about MLM. No matter how good the prodcut, or how sincere the company, MLM is no different than any other company. America is the land of opportunity. Not ONE opportunity; lots of opportunity. I take issue enough to comment on only two things. Although, I could write a book if I had the time. First, while I think all Arbonne women and men are beautiful for many more reasons than their appearance, not every VP is a drop-dead gorgeous model type.

That Arbonne is a company devoted to personal improvement is no doubt. Also, to Kpat and Mic above: Wow, I have been trying to sell Arbonne for 4 months. I have signed up 10 consultants, and made the person who signed me up into a district manager….

It seems like you and I may have similar business philosophies. I love hearing the success stories and can sympathize with those struggling too because such is life no matter what your profession.