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Herbalife: What's The Deal?
Herbalife is one of the longest surviving MLM (Multi-level Marketing) companies around.
They specialize in the weight loss sector, but also have a number of health-related brands.
Herbalife has been in business for over 30 years and they're yearly conventions attract a massive 35,000 independent Herbalife Distributors.
They have also been raising their brand profile, by entering into sponsorships with sports events - all to support their new "Liftoff" energy drink and their 24 Fitness Support line.
Herbalife Weight Loss
Their weight loss plan is pretty simple and uses meal replacement products such as shakes and bars along with their nutritional supplements.It would be similar to other plans like Slimfast or Medifast. Dieters consume less calories and in turn lose weight, but only if they keep using the products to replace their meals.
Are they Legit?
This business model will always raise many questions - questions that there seem to be few answers for.
- How can one determine a products efficacy if most of it's customers (and/or testimonials) are also vendors? After all that is the basic MLM model - recruiting new distributors is critical to building revenue.
- If a product is as helpful and revolutionary as the sales copy states, why is it not sold through mainstream retailers in order to help as many people as possible?
- Why the deceit? People have been approached by distributors who will not mention the word "Herbalife" up front. The products are mentioned but the sales approach is distasteful to many. However, talk to a successful distributor and they will sing the praises of Herbalife.
- How can any MLM company maintain ethical consistency when employing so many "independent" distributors? It is clear that some of these distributors employ dubious tactics to gather potential recruits.
- While a few make 6 figures selling Herbalife the average person makes just over $7,000 a year.
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202 Comments
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Created / Updated: January 29, 2012
Hi. I'm 13 and I've been doing herbalife shakes for a month and i went from a size 7 to a size 5 and now weigh 114 lbs. Herbalife is great and I encourage anyone to try it. All you have to do to get it is order it from one of your local herbalife providers...it's not hard people!
ReplyOkay, my problems here are.
Even those who make good reviews of herbal life have to remember the new lifestyle they started on, also the distributers market water almost as much as they market their product, which itself is known to increase metabolism and helps in weight loss. The shake they give you can probably get a cheaper product at GNC as far as I have seen.
They also suggest that while taking herbal life you change your eating habbits which is another way to lose weight.
Also how well educated are the people that take it and make claims of benefits.
Okay the first thing I really find BS is the fact that the product does it's own research on the product...and they're a "MLM."
How much they help is arguable on any level, You can say that they help but if you go to any other herbal store you can probably find equivalents more and less expensive that probably have the same benefits.
On a side note, my father is a health nut and has tried everything under the sun including shots of vitamins, herbal remedies from countries that are probably not known from 90% of the general population. he now takes a equivalent vitamin liquid supplement called Vibe which provides a lot of more stuff than I have ever seen in any product, including Herbalife. why all of this? My father has extensive experience in trying EVERYTHING you can imagin, and he says herbalife isn't good for the fact that it's not that strong. He didn't say it didn't do anything he said it wasn't strong, and that "he knew better products."
I have been taking the trial of herbal life and tomorrow I have the examination, I don't care for weight loss, I'm just trying to balance my body and mind and I'm thinking that if I even consider buying anything it will be the aloe vera(which I could get just about anywhere, and my dad suggests to take it fresh rather than in liquid form) and the tea just to see if it does have any benefits. Other than that everything is arguable for the fact there are so many other products you can try and probably get results.
The thing is there are stores who have many herbal remedies(not GNC) that can easily compete with herbalife. those that argue my claim and experience obviously are too affiliated with the product itself considering there is no PROOF, and are many products that follow the same guide lines and can give easily the same results, which even then are arguable(placebo effect). when considering this product you have to end with they are only able to make money off that one product, a store has many products which they can suggest to your specific concerns. herbalife only sells herbalife, end of story, may have benefits but try other products as well before you make a final decision.
ReplySounds to me like you want to use this as an opportunity to promote YOUR product.
Truth is, Herbalife is a great product, among many great products. I like Herbalife and have taken their products for almost a year. I have lost almost 40 pounds and have more energy than I've experienced for years. I am a distributor and feel their products are of the highest quality. Price? You get what you pay for. I don't like their business side of the equation, but do very well just retainling the products. Once people try them, 90% or more experience immediate results. Usually the three-day sample pack is enough to convince them.
ReplyHave a question for you. I just started with Herbalife as a distributor and am having an awful time getting customers. How did you build your base?? I am very dubious of the MLM side of the business and from what I can see the product is good.
So what do I do next??
Thanks
ReplyHi friends,, I am wondering how foolish one can think about demoralizing a person who is on the verge of success and bring him down with all kinds of nonsense. If at all one has to scratch a company which is well established and making good profits it is only possible by creating a doubt and here are thousands who do it to sell their own. I don't think herbalife is doing it. It dose not specify any product in particular and degrade the other companies value. By virtue of the standard and the business opportunities it is providing it really is bound to get back biting or else no one can make their name in the shadow of herbalife.. Leave it all for the matter of fact if a noble prize winner can put aside the ethics of being a human being then what about you own personal doctor who has prescribed many idiotic things and tried them on your father and making him run around his clinic. Before claiming some thing is wrong please don't put aside the ethics in order to sale your own product. Have peace of mind and nice health.
ReplyI would also like to add that a major part of what you are paying for is the opportunity to have your own personal wellness coach. You can go buy other products from the store or other websites, but the store or other websites don't provide continual support that you can get with Herbalife. Even if your Independent Distributer doesn't have a scientific answer they will retrieve the answer for you, and will definitely provide the encouragement that many of us need when trying to lose weight. It is nice to have a chearleader when I am doing something good for myself!
ReplyWhy would you need a cheerleader who is promoting a product? That is a good way to get burnt, of course they want you to keep going as they make money off you. Get a friend for that, do not be dumb.
Reply@ Healthy. Your comment is true, yet that is the difference between an ethical distributor who puts the health and well-being of customers first and a distributor who is only in it for the money. In all the Herbalife trainings, the message has been, "We are here to help people". That's more than I personally can say about other companies and is different from taking their money, which is unethical. Ethical distributors won't be aggressive and will know more about overall nutrition more than the majority of most people's friends.
Reply....Your Brainwashed.
ReplyI think you have issues. If you are not a distributor, keep your comments to yourself and if you are one then go to the trainings because it's obvious you have learned nothing
ReplyI'm not sure I get your point. Are you trying to promote your product or trying to demote the herbalife product?
I've been in many companies and today am a proud Herbalife distributor who has had life changing results not only with the products but with the business, yet I've never had to resort to bad mouthing any other product or company to get ahead in my business and quite frankly it is in bad taste to do so.
I could try and counter you with facts about the company and testimonials but I think your only interest is reasonable doubt, nothing more. I do think however that it may be better business practice to reach into your pocket and spend some money on real advertising or spend some hours placing free adds to promote your product instead of this poor route.
The reality about any product or business is that different people choose different products & businesses suited to their specific needs and therefore all one can do is keep your fishing rod in the water and the people who are out there looking will find you.
I respect your opinion about your product/business but that is all it is YOUR OPINION as is every testimonial ever written about Herbalife products or it's business module. People are entitle to it and if 60 million people around the world of the opinion that the products work, I don't think they are going to stop using products which FACTUALLY make them feel better!
All the best for your business.
Best Regards
Nazlie Nickel
ReplyHerbalife is a great nutrition meal! Its not a diet supplement. Once you get educated in the product you understand that this product helps renew your cells and fortifies your Biological system. It has helped people all over the world who are consistant with the product. The loss of weight is because your eating healthier and cutting back on calories. If your taking the product and you exercise, eat healthy and your still at the same weight or more then you need to check with your Dr. to see if your having problems with your thyroid. If you're not having 3 bowel movements a day make sure your drinking at least 2 liters of water a day. If this doesn't help and you have a belly your mostly suffering from fungus in your intestines. It doesn't allow your intestines to properly absorb nutrients and keeps you overweight and constipated.
ReplyThe key to selling Herbalife is find out what your selling and the health concerns of your client. Sell them quality not quantity. some distributors just sell, sell! This is why this person is critizing Herbalife. Its not because the great Testimonies from clients but the bad testimonies of the distributors.We all have them in our line and these are the consequences.
Well, I've read some of the responds, and decided to comment under your comment, but for others to read too!
I am using/eating Herbalife nutrition products since April 1995, 17 years until now. I am almost 60 years old - started when I 44.
When my wife joined Herbalife as a distributor, I was very angry with her. We had big home fights. I was sure the distributor who signed her as a distributor cheated her.
At that time I was fat with health problems like very high blood pressure, migraines, feet pain and more.
She tried to force me to come to a meeting and I refused, but, after a while and more warnings of my medical doctor, I agreed to try the shake. It didn't taste good, but I continued every day, and during the first 3.5 months I reduced 22kg's of my weight, which I keep until today. I am doing permanent check-ups and my results are great.
Blood pressure 120/80-120/85 is not bad I think.
Now, some people do not like Herbalife. I know. But 32 years in the tough market means that people are buying and using the Herbalife products and getting super results (if they did, are and will not get good results, Herbalife would have been closed many years ago.
ReplyI could write so many arguments to show that (excuse me pls) you are a person who does not understand what he is saying or writing (and there are many like you!).
You have to understand - people (well, most of them, I hope), are not stupid nor innocent. 32 or 33 years in the market, famous scientists/doctors (Dr. Louis Ignarro, Dr. David Heber - you can search for them in the internet)-I'm sure they get paid well...means that Herbalife's products have results - 33 years of results!!!
So why aren't you and others like you looking for for another subject or company to write about, or, maybe, I can offer you to buy some Herbalife nutrition products (many Americans suffer from overweight, and we can help (I do permanent followup on each and every one of our customers).
I hope I didn't hurt your feelings, but if I did - I apologize!
Hi Osky,
Your reply to Jenna is a very good one that brings up a lot of good questions, as well as points. I have been using the products for 5 months and honestly won't stop. When I went into my first nutritional club I didn't know anything about Herbalife nor the products but my sponsors are very helpful in explaining everything. Yes very few people are educated about the products and there are many other things out there to try that will show results just as well. Anything you become committed to and have the motivation to keep up with will in turn show you the results you wish to see. The difference between Herbalife and any other diet plan is, we are not a diet! We are based off cellular nutrition which was created by Mark Houghes in 1980. What cellular nutrition does is gives your body everything it needs to function properly and helps your body dispose of any bad or even dead cells that it's carrying to create room for your healthy cells to grow and new ones develop. And yes we do always suggest water which does boost metabolism but that is not why we ask people to drink it, in fact you still will see results without the water just as i did losing 6lbs. my first 3 days. and we do recommend eating healthier but not to improve the process of the products because as i said before you will still see results, we RECOMMEND that people drink water and change their eating habits so that in general their bodies are healthier because the foods we are so readily to consume are processed, have pesticides as well as preservatives in them which are un-natural and un-healthy for us! We are here to try and improve the problem of obesity as well as bad health issues which is why we have products outside of weight loss! There are always gonna be skeptical people when it comes to us, however we have over 5 BILLION satisfied customers, which are not all distributors, we have helped so many people change their lives around because they were introduced to Herbalife and although any other products you try may show results, they won't work for everyone!! But so far every person I've introduced to the products or have talked to that took the products SERIOUSLY had not one complain!
ReplyTHE REASON THEY DONT SELL HERBALIFE IN SHOPS IS BECAUSE IT CONTAINS UNSAFE LEVELS OF LEAD HERBALIFE DISTRIBUTERS ARE JUST AS BAD AS A DOPE DEALER>EXCEPT THEIR PUSHIN IT ON FAT PEOPLE RATHER THAN KIDS> YOU WONDER WHY THEY DONT PRINT THE INGREDIENTS ON IT?? see below or investiagte the site yourself....
"The Herbalife (NYSE:HLF) products that were analyzed contain levels of lead that are in excess of what the law allows under California’s Safe Drinking and Toxic Environment Act of 1994 more commonly known as Prop. 65,” says lawyer and dietary supplement and Prop. 65 expert Christopher Grell in a letter to the Fraud Discovery Institute now posted on the FDI web site.
He later adds: “Since Herbalife’s products are often times sold as a Weight Loss Program, containing many of the Dietary Supplements that were analyzed, a warning should be placed on all Herbalife Weight Management Program packages containing these products on the grounds that the cumulative exposure to lead from the daily use of Herbalife’s Weight Management Program supplements exceed the Maximum Acceptable Levels (MADLs) and the No Significant Risk Levels (NSRLs) (see Title 22 Section 12705 California Code of Regulations).”
On April 25th, 2008 the Fraud Discovery Institute announced in a press release that it would begin testing certain Herbalife products. The results of these tests reveal that, among other products, the company’s best selling Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake and Shapeworks Protein Drink Mix, when taken as recommended by Herbalife, contain 8.5 times and 12 times the maximum daily exposure to lead levels. This is especially troubling because Herbalife, a California-based company, faces the toughest scrutiny in the country under the California based Proposition 65.
Also noted in the newly released information is the fact that this is not the first time Herbalife products have come under such scrutiny. After the release of the two separate studies done in two different countries titled, “Herbal does not mean innocuous: Ten cases of severe hepatotoxicity associated with dietary supplements from Herbalife products” Journal of Hepatology 47 (2007 521-526) and “Association Between Consumption of Herbalife Nutritional Supplements and Acute Hepatotoxicity” Journal of Hepatology (2007 Oct 47(4) 514-520) which are now available on the FDI web site www.frauddiscovery.net, Herbalife asked the public to believe their explanations and excuses over the results of the studies regarding the safety of their product.
“But they cannot do that anymore,” says Barry Minkow, Co-Founder of the Fraud Discovery Institute. “We simply looked at Table 3 of the Switzerland study and selected the top six Herbalife products that appeared to be linked to the most damage and tested these products at an independent, FDA-registered lab and they all contained level-breaking lead amounts” added Minkow.
The Fraud Discovery Institute then promptly wrote a letter that included the lab test results and a Nutraceutical expert’s legal opinion and sent it to Congressman Henry A. Waxman. Congressman Waxman had warned the FDA in April of 2007 of the dangers of lead in various “nutritional” products.
“The saddest part of these results, after this third ‘alarm’ regarding Herbalife product danger, is that this is a clear pattern which is now firmly established. Moreover, Herbalife supervisors and distributors are both encouraged and instructed by the company to diligently consume these dangerous lead levels daily and in mass amounts,” said Minkow. “This might explain why our legal expert concluded his analysis of the test results by stating: ‘Ironically, it is a health and nutrition company that appears to be selling a product that amounts to nothing more than a lead cocktail.’”
ReplyJohn, Where have you been lately. Every Herbal Life Product I have lists the ingredients on the label.No Lead. Where did you get that info from. I am curious. My husband and I feel better than we ever have.
Replyhaha you should believe every thing u read on the internet huh john?
Replyi have been using these products for 5 years now and i havent died from lead posioning
ReplyDitto to Pepe! I fired my doctors, taken the products for almost 5 years and I haven't died yet ;).
Replyjohn... you're so pathetic... and ignorant... WE HAVE ETHICAL STANDARDS THAT WE MUST NOT SELL THOSE THINGS ON SHOPS TO BE FAIR TO ALL DISTRIBUTORS... I HAVE READ THOSE ARTICLES BEFORE BUT DON'T YOU KNOW THAT THEY WE'RE JUST SECOND HAND INFORMATION... NO PROVEN EVIDENCE SUCH AS LIKE HAVING A CLAIM ON USING THE PRODUCT... SO IF YOU WANT TO PROVE SOMETHING... TRY IT YOUR SELF... IT COULD BE THAT INSPECTOR WAS PUTTING SOME "LEAD" ON THE PRODUCT JUST TO DESTROY THE COMPANY... DON'T JUST POST ANY COMMENT IF YOU WERE NOT THERE AT THE FIRST PLACE AND WAS A WITNESS TO THAT KIND OF CASE... BE OPTIMISTIC AND JUST DON'T BE BEYOND ANY UNREASONABLE DOUBT... :D
ReplyHa Ha
ReplyThe person who ran the FRAUD DISCOVERY is now in JAIL .... BIG TIME
Why,... FRAUD LIEING,.. being a SCAM ARTIST, SHAKEDOWN ARTIST..
Sorry,.. Herbalife is A OK.
WOW! Ive been taking the products for 9 years and have not gone to the hospital once. It's obvious that you have all your ideas messed up and you think that we PUSH the products on people? Are you kidding me? People consume what they want to consume. The product makes people feel great so keep your incorrect information to yourself. Thanks
Replyhey jenna im 14 and i recently started doing herba life...i was wondering what did youeat everyday did you just take a shake for breakfast and then one later for dinner? what did you eat in between?
Replyugh i wish i could go on herbalife but thanks to my moms friend (btw im 13) who told her that she heard people died from that im not aloud to and i really think i should go on it because im almost morbidly obiese for my age and weight and no im not one of those girls who are like omg i gained 3 pounds, no i gained 20 npounds from eating my feelings in 6th grade because of this horrible girl i use to waigh 140 and i was loosing weight too when i first started 6th grade but no add 20 more pounds to that and god i feel horrible and i cant take the weight off i even tried starving myself once but thank god christmas is coming up im going to ask my mom for it for christmas hopefully she might get it because if i dont get this my only choice next is to become belimic and trust me i thought of it befor but was to scared for my mom to walk in or something while i would of bin up throwing up all i have eaten that day
ReplyHerbalife Formula 1 Shake gives the body needed nutrients and proteins allowing for the replacement of unhealthy meals or unwanted calories. This product along with its accompanying products has allowed me to successfully lose 15 lbs and 18 inches over various parts of my body. The shake replaces my breakfast and another shake replaces my dinner. I am able to eat a regular lunch, which is something I enjoy. Herbalife’s diet is less costly than its competitor Trivita and has more dietary enhancements than the more "commercial" Slim Fast diet. Herbalife has diet packs available at about fifty to sixty dollars cheaper that Trivita. The Herbalife pack came with enhancers such as the Cell Activator, Multivitamins, and other snack defending products. The Slim Fast diet offered nutrition bars, but lacked the other necessary supplements to defend against snacking. In the United States, obesity and its accompanying health problems haunt many of the citizens. Health problems associated with obesity include high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, diabetes, and breathing problems. Herbalife’s health products provide a better solution to healthy weight loss than both Trivita and Slim Fast, it’s cheaper, has a better taste, and helps achieve better results for its users.
ReplyGreat story. I lost 65kgs with Herbalife. WHere are you from?
ReplyHey Jenna i was just wondering how long it took u to drop 2 sizes and if you are just taking the shake twice a day with one meal or how do u take it??
ReplyThe reason Herbalife is not in mainstream retail stores is to give everyone an opportunity to have thier own home business. The start up costs are nothing and the potential for income is amazing. I think the Herbalife owners have great big hearts. The products help people and the business opportunity does too!
ReplyYou say getting started as an Herbalife distributor isn't much? Lady, I don/t know about you but $4000.00 start-up and between $2000 & $3000 a month after that for media leads, other advertizing, special phone lines, website maintenance PLUS having to "replace" everything you normally use around the house that costs you $100 at the grocery store for $1000+ each month is NOT chicken scratch in my eyes. I looked into this and the push was heavy, they tell you you HAVE to have this and that and you have to have it now and you will make thousands in as little as 6 weeks. THEN they tell you it may take you 3 months, IF, you work hard and don't get scared(?). Scared? No. it's called if you don't go broke. it is very expensive, and while I am sure there are lots of people who have made it in this industry, they either started out with lots of liquid assests that they didn't mind investing for a fling "try" or they mortgaged their home and their childrens homes and lived on crackers and water for a year before they actually made any money. Me? I can't afford it. Guess I'll stay at my present job.
Replytouche'. I've invested too much also and only got a couple of orders and no help when I truly need it.
ReplyHi Marie,
Couple of orders? I'm only on the first month and I got at least ten orders. Before blaming on the products, ask yourself, how much hard work have you put in?
If you say you have put in a lot of effort but there's still no results, then that means it is still not enough.
ReplyI agree, you do have to put in the work. I know I asked all my family, friends, and co-workers but didn't get jack. Then you start wearing the button when you go out to the mall, or sporting events, you get yourself to look amazing and then people will be asking you what you do! After that, keep up with everyone you sell to because it isn't just selling the product, it's more about keeping up with your people. I don't know how many times I have quit something because I was not held accountable or that I just didn't know where to go from there, being a distributor you have the opportunity to help in that way! Just keep going and stay positive!
ReplyHi
I thought the same first time I tried and I was a tea lady but my sponsor told me I could work my way there or buy in if I wanted to.
I didn't have money to buy in so I started slow. There is no right or wrong way to start and you DON'T HAVE to do anything accept be teachable, have good work ethics and of course have a desire to change something in your life.
Don't let anyone tell you you have to do things in anything you are not ready for. Herbalife is business designed around you, not the other way around.
Regards
Nazlie Nickel
ReplyYou have been misinformed and don't know anything about the business. With the tools and different ways to start in this business you can start making residual income in 2 months. And I know people that have made it in this industry and its ridiculous to say or assume things you know nothing about. Compare this business to opening a subway or McDonalds? This is a piece of cake! But how do you expect it to be free or cheap? It's because its so cheap that you don't appreciate it and you have to put work into it. Prospects aren't just going to fall out of the sky. But it's obvious you working for someone else and not yourself.
Reply@Thumper: You love working for your boss and not yourself
ReplyI dont know... If I had to wager, I'd say those top two comments were HL distributors themselves. They seem a bit too eager to promote it.
But anyway, as much as I dislike the marketing practices of the company (Garbage "WORK FROM HOME" signs everywhere, vague sales pitches, a cult-esque following, etc.) the products are pretty good. An "associate" of mine works for the company and brings me stuff to try. I'm a vitamin nut anyway, and these seem to be full of pretty good stuff. It's not necessarily a bargain, by any means, but there are a good variety of vitamins, and the ShapeWorks shakes don't taste too vile (at least the vanilla). I even dropped a few pounds myself...
Just stay away from the "Roasted Soy Nuts" with Potassium Chloride (a salt substitute)... Way, way gross...
Reply(To be clear, I am an Herbalife Distributor)
Thanks for the comments--let me help with a few questions.
- RE: Efficacy: For one, testing helps. Note who's on Herbalife scientific and medical advisory boards (herbalife.com, our company, scientific commitment)
For another, how do you know McDonald's tastes good (does it??) or Wal-Mart prices are actually low "every day" or that Gatorate actually increases an athelete's performance or that Milk does a body good? All you do is see their commercials--those people are paid actors to promote those products. The only way you'll BELIEVE the ads (I hope) is that you try them out for yourself and see.
But, here's a note: Every distributor I have ever seen get to the leadership levels in Herbalife actually has some verifiable, undeniable, documented physical change to their bodies that they attribute only to Herbalife. weight loss, weight gain, energy, vitality, emotional health, skin care, etc--do McDonald's exec's only eat at McDonalds, and then tell you they're actually healthy? Do you think McDonald's Executives feed McDonalds to their own kids?? I highly, strongly doubt it!!!!
- RE: Ingredients: They used to be on the public website, but competitors were trying to duplicate our products. You can still get them easilly. Any Herbalife distributor has access to them via the Distributor's Intranet. Plus, they're on every can/bottle of product as well, thanks to the FDA's laws reguarding such. Further, calling Herbalife directly in Los Angeles will get anyone access to ingredients, etc. If you need to know, you can easilly get it.
- Re: Deceit--Remember that 99.99999% of the people who are working with Herbalife have never professionally owned their own business or sold professionally. Plus, the name Herbalife has (though, this is changing) less than the most-positive image. So, for most people, it's easier to talk about the 'star of the show', the products.
Everyone has biases. Watch this--if I say "McDonalds", you think something--positive or negative, I don't know. Here's another one: "Wal-Mart" or "Car salesman" or "blue cheese dressing". The point is, I can't control your opinion--and if I am promoting something, I don't want to possibly lose your attention. However, if you say you're serious about losing weight, and I say to you, "Using these products, I lost 126 pounds in 12 months and have kept it off for 3 full years", you're going to be listening. (That is my real product-result on Herbalife, by the way)
Bottom-line: It may not be "right" (that's also your opinion, something I can't control), but it's easier and more comfortable for new distributors sometimes. FWIW, I always say "Herbalife" within the first 3 minutes of a conversation no matter if I am retailing or recruiting--my whole team does it this way.
-- RE: Ethical Consistency: The company has to maintain one of the highest levels of ethical consistency. They're traded on the NYSE, the strictest marketplace in the world (symbol "HLF"). But for the distributors, independent as they are, there are a few controls in place. First, every state/country's tax-laws for 1099, independent workers. Remember 50% of the USA's Gross National Product is made up of small businesses, less than 50 employees. The IRS is NOT STUPID when it comes to watching 1099 businesses like a HAWK--especially those affiliated with MLM companies. They will take you to TOWN if there is anything wrong. No doubt about it. I know my taxes have been heavilly scrutinized.
Next, Herbalife is a member of the Direct Selling Association, an industry-run consortium of groups working hard to keep the stupid people out so we can get over the "Amway-ism" that stigmatized network marketing and actually be able to run straightforward businesses. The code of conduct of the DSA is stricter than the US Government would ever dare to be.
Next, Herbalife itself--they will not allow the Golden Goose to be killed because of some stupid--even a thousand stupid distributors. A distributor who's being "bad" will get a call from Herbalife's legal department probably before anyone else ever contacts them. Also, all their sponsorship line will be liable both for the person's conduct (the company may punish the upline for improper training) and in terms of the damage to their royalty income if that person and their whole organization is booted out of the company for violation of the rules of distributorship. If the legal scare doesn't work, taking away cash does!
Finally, let me mention that independent Herbalife distributors are really simply micro-franchises. They operate independently from the company, but must adhere to certain corporate policies, etc.
This is no different than McDonald's, Wendy's, Pepsi, Coke, IHOP, Dennys, TGI Fridays, Outback Steakhouse, Hampton Inn, Residence Inn, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, etc, etc, franchises, except the barrier to entry is miniscule in comparison to these big franchises.
The point is, if your argument is correct, how can any of these companies possibly stay "ethically consistent" with all these rogue franchises running around!? Of course, they can and do, with legal and financial controls strongly in-place. It's a proven business model that's smart for the home office, and exceptionally more profitable for the franchiser/distributor. Win/Win.
Besides, 45 Million success stories over 25 years without any verifiable evidence of side-effects? Regular people actually earning green, spendable money? Hey, it's not for everyone. I didn't think it was for me, either. But, you've GOT to start wondering if that Mark Hughes guy really did stumble on to something great.
Take care!
ReplyHerbalife is just doing business by taking chance of public weak points. Most of the fatty peoples are worried of their excess weight, and the take that chance, and sell their products, which are good for nothing, and these are not even tested. "Herbalife" products quality are not evaluated by FDA.
Recently in the http://money.cnn.com/, it has been revealed that the three most popular herbalife products contains more lead, than the allowed ( http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/200806131018PR_NEWS_USPR_____AQF026.htm)
In some abroad training they don't pay the air fare and other expenditures to the distributor.
ReplyI don't know how the company survived for 25 years. May just by making people fool
You must be a moron to belive that there is lead in Herbalife products. Why do you think Herbalife's scientific board that includes a Nobel Prize winner would allow that?
ReplyNobel prize winners just like politicians, will sacrifice ethical and moral values, for monitery gain. Get rich quick pyramid scheme that poisens people. BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD
ReplyFirst lesson to all....The internet is a wealth of information... first find the facts that support your statements then post your opinions.
Second lesson...If you are posting a link to your "Facts", make sure they are working and are not outdated.
Here is the info from Wikipedia among other sources regarding the "lead" in Herbalife products.
In May 2008 the Fraud Discovery Institute, which states itself to be a consumer watchdog organisation, reported that laboratory test results of Herbalife products showed lead levels in excess of limits established by law in California under Proposition 65.[31][32] The Fraud Discovery Institute was founded by fraudulent entrepreneur Barry Minkow, who served seven years in jail for stock fraud, [33] and since disclosed that his company was profiting from the allegations by shorting Herbalife stock.[34] Herbalife responded stating its products met federal FDA requirements[35][36] and released independent lab tests proving the products did not exceed Proposition 65 limits.[34][37]
On 10 May 2008 a suit was filed on behalf of a woman who developed lead-related liver complaints that she claimed were a reaction to a combination of Herbalife products.[33][38] The suit was filed by lawyer Christopher Grell, cofounder of the Dietary Supplement Safety Committee and an associate of Barry Minkow.[33] On 17 June 2008, the suit was expanded to add distributors who had supplied the woman with the Herbalife products, with Grell launching a website to offer persons who believe they were harmed by Herbalife products the chance of redress.[39] In August 2008, Minkow retracted all accusations against Herbalife and removed any mention of the company from his web site.[40]
Replyuseless? I'm sorry, but you are clearly an idiot. I have been on the diet for a little over a month now, and have already dropped 10 lbs, without even exercising. Plus, with no hunger, no pain, none of the usual diet crap.
ReplyHi,
ReplyI have been on the web looking for a childs nutrition drink for my son. He has ADHD and because of his medication has little to no appetite during his luch hour at school. He is already slim and I don't want him to lose any more weight. More importantly, I want him to be able to focus and not feel drained after returning to class after lunch. He has said he will try to drink a nutrtion drink if it tastes good and doesn't stink. Well pediapals smells like a bottle of harsh supplements and it doesn't taste great. He prefers vanilla to choclate and to tell you the truth he doesn't really care for milk all that much. So would you be willing to work with me in finding a nutritional drink or meal replacement drink for CHILDREN that he could sample and see if he likes any of the flavors. I'm sure the selection is not huge, but I just don't want to buy a case of something he won't touch.
Please let me know I can't bear the thought of him sitting in the cafetiria not eating.
You may want to consider a gluten free/soy free/casein free diet for you ADHD son. Read this book it's amazing. Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, Allergies. We definitely do no soy for our son who is autistic--bad bad bad! http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/09/18/soy-can-damage-your-health.aspx
Replyi am a former herbalife distributor..i am no longer active in the business...but i do love the products. there are thousands of people in the us that love the products...but are not distributors.
the reason for their success...is the reason they are not in stores. the personal assistance you get from dealing one on one with a distributor.
ReplyHi I’m also another current independent Herbalife distributor.
First of all Herbalife get you to sample the products, I did and within 2 weeks I had lost almost an inch off my waist!!!!! (This result was down to the fact that I was going to the gym 5 times a week - so of course that counted in my favour!!)
I have now been using the products for 1 month and have had an incredible increase in my energy levels and gained much more confidence, due to my overall well-being. I have just started to use Herbalife's outer nutrition products too, called Nourifusion, these are also great and have improved my skin beyond belief.
This new found confidence and general well-being rubs off on many people I meet, this is also a great way to sell my products, it has also helped with my success with the ladies too!! Hardly a bad thing!!
Also if you visit my Herbalife site I give you a free online body fat analysis, I also PERSONALLY follow up ALL of my customers, this is to make sure they stay on the right track and answer any questions they may have.
ReplyHello my name is cristina and i want to know how to use the herbalife product as of how to prepeard the shakes and after what to eat and not to eat how often should i eat.
ReplyHi cristina, you can ask the person who sold you the product for some recepies for the shake, you use 250ml semi skim milk with 2 spoons of the shake (aka 30ml of the shake powder)
ReplyI´ve been using Herbalife products for three months.
ReplyI just got fatter and fatter.My distributor was really mad and didn´t know what to do, she didn´t contact me anymore. I did a lot of exercise, ate properly and everything but it didn´t help.I had problems with my digestion, worse than ever before.I stopped to use the products and I started to lose weight.I feel much better now and I think this is a BIG FRAUD on our planet.Brainwashing.
I think you just had a not so good trained distributor. See I take the nutrition for my migrane headaches and it's been almost a year I haven't taken any pain killers I was taking vicodin but it started to hurt my stomach. This product Herbalife also helped me with my seasonal allergies. And this whole time no colds, flu, cough or any respiratory problem. I am very happy that I found Herbalife! Bravo!!! For Mark Hughes!
ReplyThere had to be some other reason for your weight gain. Perhaps you were eating more simply because you were taking a weigtloss supplement (that you thought was going to be some miracle worker...it happens)
ReplyHi,
My name is Laurent and i'm a French Distributor Herbalife. I would like to say that's much important thing is to help people who want lost weight, that's all.
If Herbalife products works so i use it. My english is Poor but i wanted to say my one aim is helping people and i'm very happy work at home to help people.
If you find anothers products that work better than products Herbalife and that help people send me it !
The most important thing for me is to help people who want lost weight !
Have nice day
Laurent Perriet
ReplyTHE TRUSTEES OF THE MARK HUGHES ESTATE EMBROIL HEIR’S MOTHER IN VICIOUS LEGAL BATTLE
………By, Edgar Bennett
Alex Hughes is the richest child in America. As the sole heir to Mark Hughes Estate, left by his father, Herbalife Icon Mark Hughes, 13 year old Alex Hughes will be the sole beneficiary of an estate valued at half a billion dollars by the time he turns 18. That is, as stated in the Los Angeles Times, “If the money is still there”. This statement is one major reason Alex’s mother, Suzan Hughes, has been suing the Trustees of Alex’s estate. Court documents show that since Mark Hughes death in 2001 Alex hasn’t received a single penny from his inheritance. However, the Trustees have paid over $4 million to themselves and over $11 million to their attorneys and accountants, largely to pay for their litigation against Alex’s mother, Suzan Hughes. A source reveals “Suzan has been forced into litigation to protect her son’s money. It is outrageous for the Trustees to spend over $15 million of Alex’s inheritance and hire 15 to 20 law firms to try and bury Alex and his mother so they can continue to self deal with no one authorized to watch over them. It is ironic that they are spending Alex’s money to keep him away from his own money.”
The character of the Trustees has also come into question. As reported in the Los Angeles Times in December of 2000, Trustee Chris Pair was convicted of shoplifting from Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills and ordered psychiatric treatment. A source close to Herbalife says “The Trustees of the Mark Hughes Estate, Conrad Klein, Chris Pair and Jack Reynolds are all unsavory characters. Chris Pair has been charged with sexual harassment numerous times in addition to his shoplifting fiasco. Jack Reynolds was charged with a 647a, lewd sexual conduct with a minor in Long Beach. Conrad Klein used to roam the offices declaring that he was Mark Hughes.” When Klein was forced out of his cush job the source says he made it clear that he intended on crushing Suzan Hughes. “We were appalled at his blatant and irrational display of vengeance.”
As revenge for Suzan Hughes’ suit to remove the Trustees, they filed a suit to remove her as Guardian. Trustee Jack Reynolds filed the petition based on his status as Alex’s grandfather. However, an article in the Los Angeles Times Magazine in 2001 states that according to Mark Hughes birth certificate, Hughes was born to Stuard Hartman, not Reynolds. “Jack Reynolds came in to Mark Hughes life when Mark struck it rich.” Says a source, “Have you ever heard the story of a guy who made millions and had relatives coming out of the woodwork?”
Court documents show that Suzan petitioned to remove Jack Reynolds recently after it was revealed in a trial that as custodian Reynolds co mingled the custodian assets. Documents also reveal that Reynolds along with Pair and Klein have been found guilty of Gross Negligence, vindication that Suzan Hughes suit against the 3 Trustees was justified. Legal analyst Daniel Rosenblum says, 'Gross negligence' refers to negligent acts, which are aggravated, reckless or flagrant and which are such a departure from what would be the conduct of an ordinarily prudent, careful person under the same circumstances as to be contrary to a proper regard for danger to human life or to constitute indifference to the consequences of those acts. This term is usually associated with Manslaughter. Being found “Grossly Negligent” should be grounds for immediate removal as a Trustee.” Court documents show that the Trustees even petitioned the Judge to reconsider the fine for the gross negligence, but she still affirmed it.
As the rounds of legal fire continue the battle was summed up by a former Herablife employee “I read a recent article where an attorney for the Trustees equated this to the legal version of World War 3. World War 3, being fought by the Trustees with a budget of $400 million, against a single mom and her 13 year old son.” The source ads “That would be like Saddam Hussein paying us to invade his country but he would remove his people first and leave a single mom and her child to fight our armed forces. The fact that Suzan has withstood these attacks proves that she has plenty of ground to stand on. Otherwise they would have already won the war.”
ReplyI'm a portuguese distributor and i use herbalife products for 5 years. i started the bussines 3 months ago along with my girlfriend that is also using the products, and since then i've been shown a lot of other companies like forever living and others claiming that they are better and herbalife sucks...a really don't know what to think in this moment...i really love the products but i'm starting to have questions...(sorry about my english)
ReplyI entered the bisness with all guns a blazzing only to get burnt with a petnetous coach and a big visa bill. I do enjoy the products although, that assosiate with me. I am stuck with a large invintory that I will never use due to those looking for the cheeper solution. If anyone would like cheep product.please email me.
Replyi am currently in the progam not interested in being a distributor. i would like to know what kind of products you have to sale discounted
ReplyHello,
I am not sure when you commented on this page but I wanted to see if you were still selling the products for a good price. I understand that you were trying to get rid of it.
Thanks
Replyhi, I recently sampled Herbalife products and did feel great as well as full. But I was wondering what cheaper products you were talking about. or whether you were trying to get rid of your own?
Replyim interested in discounted products. i just started herballife and would love to save as much money as i can
ReplyHere's my take on your questions:
1.How can one determine a products efficacy if most of it's customers (and/or testimonials) are also vendors?
Frankly, if the products were crap, the vendors (i.e. customers) would stop using it too. They have to be at least good enough to have kept the purchasing all these years.
2. If a product is as helpful and revolutionary as the sales copy states, why is it not sold through mainstream retailers in order to help as many people as possible?
The MLM model is designed to build wealth for participants, consequently this question is moot. It's similar to those who are profitable as day traders constantly being asked why they sell information about the subject, if they are so successful? Why not just retire rich? Silly. We all have to make a living and trade goods for services. MLM is simply a business model, and a very successful one at that.
3. Why the deceit? People have been approached by distributors who will not mention the word "Herbalife" up front.
That was the model created by the granddaddy of all MLM companies, and now I can't think of it's name! LOL. Oh, yeah, Amway! They didn't mention the company name because no one would have come to listen to a pitch. Their business plan originally was based on deceit, that is, they'd tell you they were going to show you something or whatever and then suddenly you're stuck listening to an Amway pitch. It did turn lots of people off, so I believe they stopped the practice for the most part, but I could be mistaken.
4. Why is there no nutrition information for any of the products published on their site?
Herbal supplements don't have specific nutritional info posted anywhere because it's impossible to qualify and quantify. One crop is different than another.
5. How can any MLM company maintain ethical consistency when employing so many "independent" distributors? It is clear that some of these distributors employ dubious tactics to gather potential recruits.
Sure, but that's true in any business.
I'm a fan of the MLM business model, although I'm not a distributor of any companies presently. Generally the products are quality, and the pricing is a bit high, until you have other distributors also using the products which means yours can be free, etc. Just thought I'd reply to your comments.
I knew someone 25 years ago who sold Herbalife. She was sickly looking but healthy, and skinny as a rail so selling a weight loss product didn't make much sense, but hey, the company is still around so they must be doing something right.
Personally, I buy herbs in bulk and make my own supplement blends, but I enjoy that kind of thing. ;-)
ReplyHi Kathryn,
I'm glad you are such a fan of the MLM systems and the natural products.
I am a Herbalife distributor and I invite you to visit my website, maybe one day you would like to consider joining all of us positive and success oriented people.
I see in above blogs that a couple of people didn't have good recommending experiences and are now stuck with a lot of product they want to get rid of.
Let me tell you that they were probably pushed too fast and too much for their actual desire of succeeding. If they REALLY would've seen the vision of being successful and had the WILL, they would've sold that amount of product and even more.
Besides, if they bought too much at a time, they were not told (their coach's failure) that they could achieve the maximum discount level in more than one month, which is good for part-timers.
Like I said, I invite you and anybody interested in this wonderful company to go see my websites, I will answer any questions.
www.shopherbalife.com/eduardo, www.loseweightnow.com/eduardo, www.earnincomenow.com/eduardo, www.getliftoffnow.com/eduardo
HEALTHY SALUDABLE GUY
ReplyHi all,
Quite simply put, you are right on many aspects. I'll speculate on MLM like most who enter that business model. MONEY Talks! But legitimacy of the company I think has dramatically improved since the current CEO has taken office. He has provided a great degree of focus towards legitimate business practices. These practices like mainstream advertising and celebrity sponsorship, has help drive sales tremendously. This is probably why just this year is becoming a record breaker. It is a great time for an Herbalifer!
ReplyIm a distributor but only just to use the products myself and to retail on my website. The struggle to attain financial success in any MLM is hard for many people to grasp including myself. It takes a very driven person to do this. I know someone wo is involved with Advocare who has dedicated his life to it and he has really changed as a person.
Luckily Im not really hurting for money. As far as herbalife products go Ive done very well with them. I weighed 218lbs in March of 04 and in 3 months I weighed 187 and still do. I love the shapeworks shakes. However the price for the protein powder for how much you get is disapointing. I also enjoy there NRG tea and take the multi-vitamin and have had almost no colds in 2 years. I believe herbalife's biggest problem and always will is in the branding. Just think of the name herbalife and people want to run like hell. Plus they think all they sell is herbal stuff which is totally untrue. They need to continue with sub branding like they are doing with shapeworks, niteworks, etc. It will be a long uphill battle for sure but they are a big company with some serious big hitters on the medical advisory board. I think they are doing pretty well.
ReplyHello. I'm an HERBALIFE distributor and i'm very proud about this.HERBALIFE delivers the most incredible products for well-being and also has the BIGGEST BUSINES S OPPORTUNITY.I'm doing HERBALIFE in Greece and i have many satisfied customers who really love the products.If someone thinks that HERBALIFE is not working or the products are harmful, ok!!! As MARK used to say.... NO PROBLEM!!! Nick salutes all the distributors around the world!!! Let's change the world's nutritional habits!!!Yeah!!
ReplyI too am a Herbalife independent distributor.
I've been with the company now for approx. 3 months and love the products. So far I have lost 20 lbs and am feeling better than I have in years! (I would have been more but for the fact that I am not sticking strictly with the program, but the great thing is that any pounds that I have regained I have lost again once I get back on the program.)
As for not mentioning Herbalife in any of the sites for the business opportunity, as was mentioned in earlier emails Herbalife itself has set rules about what a distributor can and can not mention. The rules explain that Herbalife, Herbalife International, Herbalife Canada and probably every other Herbalife reference around the world (I only sell products in Canada and the States) are trademarks of the company and can not be used without explicit authorisation from the company. The only Herbalife quote that a distributor is allowed to use is Herbalife Independent Distributor with the person's phone number or email address. So based on their rules we can't say "Come and join Herbalife!" in any advertising Which I believe is why people find the whole business opp advertising so shady because we aren't allowed to mention the company's name. Herbalife says that they are protecting their good name by doing this, probably since they can't monitor every distributor and their advertising.
I do know that if someone finds a distributor that is not doing business ethically, Herbalife can be contacted and depending on the offense and the amount of time the distributor has been with the company, they will either be terminated as a distributor or given a very stern warning to cease. If they contine they will be terminated. So, if anyone out there has a bad interaction with a Herbalife distributor, by all means, contact Herbalife and let them know. They don't want unethical people on their team, it gives all of us a bad name and makes selling the products and the business opportunity that much harder.
As for the Mark Hughes trustee fiasco, would it not have been Mark himself that set this up for his estate rather than the company itself? Just because they are acting like asses now doesn't mean that before he passed away he didn't see them as fit to do the job. Let's face it where a large amount of money is concerned people sometimes show a different side to themselves than they may have prior to the situation. There are lots of instances where heirs start taking each other to court after the person has passed away. Who's the slimspa blonde who took her husband's family to court. People get greedy. I see this as a Hughes family problem and really nothing to do with Herbalife.
Reply