Disclaimer: HilaryShepherd.com is in no way affiliated with Shaklee Corporation. The views and opinions expressed in the following post are those of Hilary Shepherd and she alone. The comments are from readers like you who had something to say on the matter, and are posted simply in an effort to create dialog.
Have you ever heard of the Shaklee Corporation? I hadn’t until last year. When I mentioned it to my mom, she said she’s known about it for years. The Shaklee Corporation develops and sells environmentally friendly products ranging from vitamins and diet aids, to cleaning products. Some of the products are actually pretty great. Shaklee has been around for 50+ years and is one of the oldest and longest running multi-level marketing programs.
Now, MLMs can be profitable when the right match is made between a person and their chosen business. Not every MLM is for every one. Each one has their own “proven method” of conducting business and marketing products. But with every MLM, the more money you make, the more money those above you make.
Last year, my boyfriend and I decided to throw our hats into the MLM ring. We chose Shaklee because they’re based in Pleasanton, CA, they really care about the environment, and the products actually do what they say they’re going to do. We met with Shawn Gray, Executive Coordinator, with Shaklee & told him about our background in Internet Marketing. We figured since it’s the 21st century and anything that is worth anything is on the internet, we’d take that route to gain customers, instead of the traditional home based meetings approach. Shawn was very excited to see us take the internet approach & said it would be fine to market Shaklee on the Internet using the Shaklee name.
That’s when things started getting sticky. The “personal” website they supplied us with, in our opinion, was hard to navigate, and they set it up so search engines like Google, MSN and Yahoo couldn’t even see it if someone were to search for a Shaklee product. We couldn’t deal with that. So we made our own site and created pages for each of the products using the product names. Then the calls from Shaklee Corporate started coming full steam ahead. They said we were violating the Distributor Agreement by using the company name and product names in advertising.
You see, here’s the rub…Shaklee has headquarters in several parts of the world, and wants everyone in the world to know how great their products are, but they won’t let any of their distributors talk about them in any other medium than home meetings (like Tupperware or Mary Kay parties). Um, last time I checked, the internet was THE BEST way to let THE MOST people know about you. They will, however, let you advertise your meetings on the radio, on TV, in a newspaper or even on the internet, BUT you can’t use the word Shaklee or any of the Shaklee product names in those mediums. I thought when you’re trying to sell a product it was good to call it by name?
When you become a Shaklee Independent Distributor, you receive a “personal” website, but you’re not allowed to use the internet to its fullest potential by selling the products online. So…how does that make sense?
The Shaklee Corporation is currently owned by Roger Barnett (who, by the way is filthy rich even without Shaklee). He and his wife Sloane were on Oprah last week, but it was not really advertised. When a Shaklee distributor posted an article about the show, they were temporarily suspended. So, it’s okay for the company to advertise Shaklee on Oprah, but it’s not okay for their distributors to then write about what they saw on that show.That was Oprah’s rule. She wants all the money from customers generated by her show, so Shaklee put a ban on any of their distributors talking about it. I think Shaklee just wants to fatten their pockets – and Oprah’s. Now that hardly seems fair.
Further more, it is my contention that the Shaklee Corporation took the money from the sales we would have made through our website, which they shut down.
What we were doing was working for us, and therefore making money for them. We were reaching people we never would have been able to reach if we had done the traditional meetings. We were getting the Shaklee name out and making money. How was that a violation?
Or, the Shaklee Corporation needs to take the stick out of their collective corporate butts and embrace the world of internet marketing.
How the heck are you supposed to tell the world about something when you’re only meeting with a small group of people?
Do you have a site that has a complaint about Shaklee? Please post it here:
Have problems? – Maybe if enough people complain things will change:
Evelyn Bartolome
Shaklee Legal Department
(925) 924-2087
ebartolome@shaklee.com
or
Cathy Keating
(925) 924-2464
ckeating@shaklee.com
I completely agree!
If your supposed to build your business by moving product, why do companies tie your hands in doing so? To me it makes no sense. As long as you are not making false claims or otherwise misinforming , what gives?
Unfortunately, even though we are told we are “independent contractors” and this is “our business”, the truth is, it really is not.
Reading the policy and procedure of any company is imperative to your success in that company, because there are “rules to follow” and they are stated in the policy and procedure.
Many companies have that “rule” about internet advertising. It’s ridiculous to think that a company generated, relpicated website is going to help you build your biz on the internet, it just won’t happen.
Too bad you’ve found out the hard way. Any company should be happy to have you as a distributor if you’ve found a way to do your business, move product and make some money doing so! I know I would be!
It’s a Good Life!
Suzanne
Wow…I think your just a little upset.
You seem to be a bit frustrated with Shaklee. You also sound a bit young and inexperienced in life and business.
No matter…Your feelings are valid and you certainly have a right to voice your opinions and deep concerns. How cool is the internet for just such a venue?
I would challenge you to educate yourself in direct marketing and how it works. Regardless or not if it is Shaklee, Avon, Mary Kay, Herbal Life, Matoca, etc…
Take a look at the business statistics on how effective direct marketing works. You would be amazed. I was. It is very educational to learn about how successful processes work regardless if you are selling Shaklee, Avon, or hot dogs from a street vending wagon. There is a common successful way of selling. It is a personal touch (Note: read about the 7 touches of marketing) and think internet. It will blow your socks off.
Yes, the internet is ‘extremely’ powerful and an easy way of reaching people. But it is not the end-all be-all to marketing. You still have to have a personal touch to your business.
You must become a student of your business! Own it and be directly responsible for your success and happiness and not blame something/someone else for the lack there of.
You probably went into the Shaklee business thinking that you would setup a website and reach the entire planet with your message and become a multi-bazillionaire. Don’t we all – trust me you are not alone. I thought the same thing.
But, just like anything else that is worthwhile, you have to become a student of what ever you are passionate about and spend your time at.
Also, I would challenge you to educate yourself on how these business (and most business) become successful. Companies in general don’t get to stay around for years (some as long as 50+ years) without having a quality product and a sales process that works.
I have met Roger Barnett personally. While I don’t know him on a personal level, I can tell you this and this with most successful people like Roger, Oprah, Trump, Bush, Janet Jackson, Tom Cruise, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Tiger Woods, whoever, they all have common traits that make them successful.
1.) They are students of there business.
2.) Most importantly – they set goals and plan for their success and persist until they reach their goals.
3.) Integrity – This is everything!!!
This is the journey you hear about in life. Success is a journey.
So, I can appreciate your frustration with Shaklee. You probably would have been frustrated even if you joined Mary Kay or Avon.
It’s not the companies, its your attitude.
Sorry for being direct, but hey ain’t it cool? – The Internet.
Terry
PS. One more thing about Oprah and someone being temporarily suspended. Oprah has rules and guidelines that protect her image, company, and brand.
Think about it. Oprah being the mega marketing force that she is; Everyone in the world would love to use Oprah’s name to promote their products. How in the world could Oprah control what was being said and how it was being said? What is something was false, misleading, or a lie. After it is out, you can take it back. The internet is way to big.
So, as a rule Oprah has made a policy. No using Oprah’s name or referencing her show without her consent. Period! That’s her rule.
So, Shaklee could either choose to abide by Oprah’s policy or not. If they didn’t where would that put Shaklee? They would lose ‘all’ credability. Not only with Oprah but the rest of the business world.
That’s business rule #1. Integreity is everything!!! All you have is your name. Your name must stand out as one of integrity no matter if you are Shaklee, Oprah, Donald Trump, Tiger Woods, Brian Tracy, Mary Kay, Avon, Rubbermaid, Coke, McDonalds, or Wal-Mart.
What are your thoughts? Email me at “edited to protect the innocent”
I am with Shaklee as well and have been since late 2005. I didn’t become a distributor until early 2006.
When Roger and Sloan were on Oprah, our Shaklee websites were not shut down (btw, I don’t find our websites hard to navigate at all). The Shaklee server crashed from all of the traffic, and as far as I know by trying to log in over that small period of time, our sites (and the Shaklee site that had been moved to Yahoo right before Oprah thinking that would be a better way to handle traffic) and Shaklee’s site itself was down completely. Why would they shut their own main website down? That makes no sense, really.
Are we allowed to advertise on the net? Yep, now we are. Shaklee realizes the importance of the internet and as such, I have been told directly from the Legal Dept. at Shaklee Corp. that we are permitted to use the product names in our ads as long as we also indicate that we are Shaklee Independent Distributors. I see nothing wrong with that.
Lastly, Oprah nor Roger made any money off of this. I have to wonder if you are still with Shaklee as a distributor to even say that? The folks who called in are being assigned to distributors and will be our customers, and those who called in just to request more information will also be given to us as “leads” in order for us to follow-up with them.
Roger Barnett hasn’t “ruined” Shaklee or MLM. If anything, he brought our business and products to the forefront, and I know that personally, my business picked up right after the show. It has been a win-win situation for all, especially for those in the MLM industry as a whole.
Dear Shaklee Distributer,
I sure wish you left some contact info because I’d like to find out who you spoke to in Shaklee’s legal department. Hopefully you see this and respond back. Do you have any emails directly from Shaklee you can forward my way? That would be GREAT! Prove me wrong, so my boyfriend and I can go back to making a crapload of money every month!
It’s true that the Shaklee server crashed from all the traffic after the Oprah show aired, but 100’s of sites were shut down even before that, simply because they had the words Oprah and Shaklee on them. I know because we received over 10 calls to get it off before 10:00am that day!
Shaklee’s move to put a feeder site on the different servers had been planned a long time ago. (1) for all the traffic (2) for tracking, and (3) so everyone gets their piece of the pie!
As for using Shaklee product names on the Internet…Shaklee Independent Distributors are not allowed to put them on their site. The Shaklee legal department actually has two full-time employees devoted solely to policing the Internet for distributors in violation of the terms, then shutting down their site. Go ahead and and advertise with Google adwords and see how long your Shaklee Personal Web Site stays active.
So you think Roger never made any money off this? He’s a majority shareholder, correct? So how does he get paid? More product sales means more money in his pocket. By not allowing distributors to advertise about his appearance on Oprah, he gets all that traffic for himself, and doesn’t have to pay distributors a dime. Now it’s after the fact, and he is going to put all those people in the appropriate down lines. But the money has been made by him and Oprah.
Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great that Shaklee was on Oprah, both for Shaklee and for MLM – Multi-level Marketing in general. We got a ton of positive press. What I don’t agree with is Shaklee not allowing its distributors to use the words Oprah and Shaklee (together) on their sites, and not allowing the Shaklee distributors to get a small piece of the Oprah traffic sent to their individual web sites. Plus, not allowing distributors to talk about how great the Oprah show was, or even talk about how cool it was for Shaklee to give away all those Get Clean products to members of the Oprah audience.
That move just made me lose all respect for Roger Barnett and Shaklee in general. What can I say? SHAKLEE SUCKS for that.
Hi Hillary,
I get your frustration, but one point I would like you to consider is this. Regarding your post “It’s true that the Shaklee server crashed from all the traffic after the Oprah show aired, but 100’s of sites were shut down even before that, simply because they had the words Oprah and Shaklee on them. I know because we received over 10 calls to get it off before 10:00am that day!”, Harpo Productions made the demand that their show not be preempted by anyone advertising or implying show content prior to them airing. To do so would risk Shaklee’s relationship with them and possibly the show content. Pulling those sites had nothing to do with Shaklee policy.
And yes the internet policies may be viewed as frustrating, but Shaklee has always considered integrity far more important than a few quick sales and managing the internet content for integrity has been a challenge for them. I suggest that we in the field continue to work with the Shaklee Corporate Team to evolve policies that protect Shaklee’s integrity as well as provide lucrative venues for continued sale growth.
Hey Terry, I want to take a moment to respond to you too. I jotted down a few notes while I was reading your comment.
From the beginning, my boyfriend and I intended to grow our Shaklee business through the internet, and not through the traditional meetings model. Our upline supported us fully and gave us the go ahead. Unfortunately, they were mistaken in doing so.
Our site was very successful (which could be one reason why it was pulled), proving that a Shaklee business could be profitable using a medium other than meetings.
As for the person who was suspended, they didn’t use Oprah’s name to promote Shaklee products. Their post was simply about the fact that Roger Barnett was on Oprah and giving the Shaklee Corporation kudos.
Actually, Hillary, I was notified on Friday, the 20th, about 3 hours before Oprah was due to air EST that I needed to remove the product name from my Google Adwords campaign. That is true because before April 30, 2007, we were not permitted to advertise using ANY Shaklee trademarked names. It’s in our P&R, so as distributors (and I include myself in this as well), we shouldn’t have been using those words in our ads on the ‘net, anyway. So I can hardly feel bad for distributors who were warned, as I was, that if I didn’t remove it, my site would be suspended. That is also in our P&R, so if someone wasn’t home or didn’t get notice in time, then Shaklee was within their rights to suspend the sites. When we sign up as distributors, we agree to that, so I’m not sure how it comes as a surprise?
Yes, I know about the servers and I know when they were moved and why. Anyone who is a distributor knows all of that. My PWS was functional until the main Shaklee website crashed late that night, then mine crashed. As soon as Shaklee’s was back up, mine was functional again. I am not a computer guru, but I imagine that all of our sites are somehow tied together, if even on the same server.
As far as Roger earning money, I’m sure he does. He wouldn’t have bought the business if it wasn’t going to turn a profit for him. Anything else wouldn’t be a wise business decision, would it? However, as you must know, there had to be products produced at the last minute (at Oprah’s request) to hand out to the audience. Shaklee was scrambling at the last minute. The money to produce the desired give aways had to come from somewhere. So, yes, they are taking the money from the initial orders that came from the show to recoup that expense; however, being a distributor, you must know that those same customers/members are being assigned (as I write this) to those of us who are business leaders and who meet certain criteria. WE get the earnings from their re-orders, and all for doing what? Being a Shaklee business leader. Sounds like a win-win to me! The company didn’t even have to do that. If they were only looking out for themselves, they wouldn’t even assign those customers to anyone and keep them for the company!
Anyway, it’s neither here nor there. I am not out to change your mind. If you don’t agree with company policies and procedures, the same policies and procedures you agreed with when signing up as a distributor, then that’s okay. There are other companies out there that may be better suited for you.
I’m trying to propose a new P&R for the Shaklee Legal team, hoping they will make revisions since they first drafted it in 1997! If you’d like your name added to the list of people supporting a change for the internet savvy distributors, please email me info@kosherdietplan.com
I will NOT use your name without asking you first
I will NOT submit the proposal with your signature without getting your approval
Thank you for your support.
I have used and loved the Shaklee products for over 25 years. They are the best in their field and the only reason any person on earth is not using Shaklee products is they do not know how good they are.
Recently I decided to grow my Shaklee business thru the internet and that is when I discovered the same thing Hilary and some others here have expressed. I have had the same frustrating experience with the Shaklee Company. A website that is not found in a internet search is practically useless and will generate only a small percentage of the sales it could. It does not make sense to have a website that you can not promote to the full extent that normally would be available to any honest, hardworking business owner. Like being able to say the name of the company and products …………………?????????
I signed up for my Shaklee website and then knowing a little about promoting a website, I set up a webpage that I could use to promote my Shaklee website. It would direct all traffic to my Shaklee website maintained by Shaklee. I was immediately contacted by the Shaklee Internet Department and told to take off everything on my webpage that said Shaklee, Oprah, or was a Shaklee name brand product, or picture of a Shaklee product. I was told that this was all Shaklee property and had to be “protected”. I was told that only Shaklee Independent Distributor could use the Shaklee name etc. Oh, I thought they have just misunderstood my webpage and don’t know I am a legal Shaklee distributor. No, that was not the problem I was to find out to my disbelief.
It seems to me that the Shaklee Legal department can not interpret the rules themselves. They stated the rules to me in an email that only if I stated I was a Shaklee Independent Distributor could I use the Shaklee name and product names. ????? I told them I clearly was doing this but they seem to never read or understand my very clear statements to them, just kept repeating the rules over and over and over. It reminded me of a math teacher I had once that would just read from the text book every time you asked her a question. She could not explain it or understand the question, she was like a robot.
While researching advertising my website I discovered something disturbing.
When “Shaklee” is put in a search browser it takes you directly to the Shaklee Headquarters website. Instead of then directing you to a distributor as it should, you are allowed to buy products directly thru this website. ??????
I was told that this is then credited to a distributor. I think they should not require that we just “trust” them that this is happening. The only way we could know they are directing customers to distributors, is if they do it immediately, not after a sale. This used to be the policy.
I don’t like to sound negative but I am only reporting what I have experienced which is ridiculous requirements and no real help from the Shaklee Internet Reps. which I have to assume is what they have been instructed to do.
I have stated to them that I think the requirements as they are interpreting them are unfair and really bad business. I was told they would relay my message to the correct department. ….. ?
I am very grateful to Hilary and others here who have expressed their feelings and experience. Hopefully, Shaklee will do the right and honorable thing and change crippling, ridiculous requirements and give their distributors real help and support in growing their businesses on the internet as they should.
Shaklee has been a great company for many years. I do not know what has happened to the leadership or why these problems have occurred. I can only hope that they will be addressed and corrected so that the best MLM ever started can continue to be a blessing to so many.
To any want to tell me just sell something else….. I say: I want to sell what I believe in and trust to be the best, which is why I choose Shaklee years ago. I am not wrong to require and ask for reasonable help and support from them as one of their Distributors and faithful customers for many years.
Wow Beth, I loved your comment!
Shaklee takes the money from the initial sale on their web site, so they do in fact get money off that initial sale.
I believe that’s why they are so strict about internet advertising; they are taking in hundreds of thousands of additional money they don’t have to pay commissions on. That’s greed for ya!
At least they put those people under someone after they make the first sale, so all future sales do go to the distributor.
The legal department doesn’t apply the same rules to everyone either. Some people can put this on and that on while others have to take it off. So there is no uniformity in how they interpret the rules, which totally sucks.
I have been through similar experiences with putting up a Shaklee website (purchased through Shaklee) and also had briefly sold Shaklee on eBay. This was a few years ago and the Shaklee police called me and advised me of the internet policies.
However, I did understand the reasons behind these policies, which no one has mentioned in this string of notes, yet.
If folks are allowed to sell Shaklee across the internet, the concern was that I can cost cut everyone and win all business, and force everyone to do the same. If you try to enforce keeping the focus on personal sales, you avoid this phenomenom.
Of course you are going to make a ton of money if you put up a great website and no one else is allowed to. If it was open to everyone, you probably wouldn’t have made so much money, as LOTS of us have wanted to do the same.
Selling value versus pricing is important, and the company has no way to regulate this if they open up selling across the internet in any fashion.
I do agree that there may be a better solution, but it would have to be carefully planned out. For example, Tupperware has “on-line parties” and you can look up a local representative.
….Just my 2 cents
Thanks for all of these insights. From a Shaklee user and would-be distributor, I appreciate everyone’s comments and I think that Shaklee would not be out to get anyone nor would Roger Barnett because to do so would be to violate the integrity that people have mentioned that is so vital to business. I appreciate you sharing. I love the products and I want to throw my hat into the ring. You all sound like other than the glitches with websites that you have had positive experiences.
All I can say is WOW! After reading all those comments on Shaklee involving their legal deptartment, the Oprah show, advertising restrictions, I’m a little speechless. I guess what I would like to add is that while I do agree the internet is a useful resource in building our Shaklee business, IT IS NOT what DEPENDS on our success. Up until a few weeks ago, I didn’t even have internet and would go months with out e-mailing anyone or viewing my website. Yes, it was a set back, but you know what..doors have been opening up all around us for a long time because we have the COMMITMENT and MINDSET neccessary to grow a successful business. I believe that even if we didn’t have the internet to fall back on, we would still be building a successful business. WHY? I use the best tool we’ve all been given. MY BRAIN. And I do what it takes to share the word on SHAKLEE. I tell other mom’s about the toxins in cleaners and how before I joined Shaklee, I had no idea what they were really doing to my children and ask if they would like more information. 90% of the time, “yes” is the answer. Bottom line, if you believe in the products and what you’re saying, people will notice that and want to try it themselves. I’m enthusiastic, confident, and patient with people and they know I care about their well being. THIS…is how we build our business. If your intentions are just to make money, people will see that too and back away. In Shaklee, one has to REALLY care about the lives of others and want to go the EXTRA mile to help them. Together, we all can help each other and the enviroment and gain financial success at the same time. Helping others and helping yourself and family at the same time. How awsome is that!
When one joins Shaklee, they need to understand the regulations and either respect and abide by them or else join another company. Shaklee has their reasonings behind their policies, but as long as we’re allowed to talk to others and educate people on enviromental hazards, we can deal with some of the stipulations that go along with the whole website and advertising thing.
Thats all.
I am thinking of joining Shaklee. Am I to understand that I cannot use the word Shaklee on any personal website? Even to tell them who and what I do? Or to direct them to my official Shaklee website?
And what about the hundreds of Shaklee ads I see on the internet? The websites that sell Shaklee online? AND YES, even some personal websites that eventually direct me to the official website? What about all these? Do I really want to join a company that won’t even let me tell people what I do and who I work for?
comments please
Every product that Shaklee has , has been tested on animals !!!!!
OH YES…In 2004 Roger Barnett bought the business , but before that Shaklee was owned by Yamanouchi Pharmecuticals (sp?) which tested every product on ANIMALS!!!!!
Established in 1998 Yamanouchi Shaklee Pharma Research Center tested thier “Environ. Friendly” products on animals!!!!
Where is this company’s integrity? They should cage up some of thier robotic distributers and test the products on them !!!!!!!!
I am reading all of these comments because I am researching all I can before starting with Shaklee. I guess I’m confused because when I went to the Shaklee website for the very first time I entered my information. Then after I entered it I decided I wanted someone to contact me that is involved with Shaklee in my area. By the next day I had two people contacting me. One from AR and another from LA and one of those was from my area. So I do not understand how Mr. Barnett is taking all of the business for hisself. Besides, he’s a wealthy man. Why would he? And why is everyone so upset about not being able to mention Oprah’s name? Correct me if I’m wrong , but wasn’t Shaklee a success before it was mentioned on Oprah? If anything, I would think everyone would be greatful for the message getting out there, and in a good way. I’m ready to make money just as much as anyone, but every business has procedures to follow. What makes Shaklee any different? Well, I’m jumping in, wish me luck. If I have problems with the business, like I have so far, I will be ready to post it. But for now, I have think possitive. Good luck & best wishes for all out there.
I love Shaklee products and think everyone should be able to purchase them at the store, not through distributors. Put Shaklee on the shelves in Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, etc. Let everyone just have the option to shop & buy.
Hello,
I have just read all of the posts. I personally do not have a problem with any of the web site information or the Oprah nonesense. People seem to be foregetting that Shaklee Corporation is a Business and they must protect their name! I know that there are a lot of really good people out there but sadly, there are a lot of nasty people out there too. Shaklee has been a wonderfully successful company for over 50 years and I believe it is due to ensuring their name & products are company protected. I also believe that this has not hindered the Distributors business. Find other ways to advertise! I have! Both on the interenet & paper. Do your research and think creatively 🙂 On that note:
I want to let everyone know that there are other ways of selling Shaklee that do not involve direct sales & the traditional parties. My mother used & sold Shaklee products when I was young. Before having my first child, I decided to buy the products so that he would not be introduced to toxins etc., etc. I went on the Shaklee page & looked up a Distributor in my area. After about a year of using the products I decided to look in to starting a business & found this wonderful company that teaches all a business model for product distribution. With that being said, please do your research. The company I found is professional and has a wonderful tool for starting and running a business.
Good luck everyone, think positively & about how you can help others! This truly is the philosophy of Dr. Shaklee himself and it will get you far in this industry!
Stacey
I’d love to hear how others are advertising the products of Shaklee Corporation.
I really had a hard time with the home/hotel party thing. What methods of selling Shaklee are you using?
What works to sell Shaklee. What doesn’t work selling Shaklee. Has anyone heard any updates on letting distributors advertise Shaklee on the internet?
We’ve been with Shaklee for 3 years. It’s a business. The kind of programs, packaging and research Roger and his team have executed since becoming owner of Shaklee are very expensive.
Yes, it would be nice to do more online marketing. That day will come. When it does will you be ready? Or, will you be sitting there wishing you had put a massive organization in place?
As far as Oprah – she has every right to protect her hard earned image. She did not get paid to help people find the most effective green cleaner in H2. She wants to help people get the most for their money.
Shaklee doesn’t have to give any of us customers or partners – I didn’t receive any leads from the April Oprah show. I did share information with my friends and family and my business grew. We were grateful we didn’t have to pay for the amazing publicity generated.
We are blessed to be able to educate people about the powerful science behind Shaklee supplements. Shaklee has more patents than any company I know of. To build an organization that helps people feel better, think better and live better is a good thing. Have you seen their Landmark Study?
We use shaklee.net/timeandmoney – we love the health side and helping people, but it’s about choices. You can’t put a pricetag on the peace of mind you get helping others feel better and building a global business with an industry giant.
I’ve never seen a company offer such powerful, inexpensive tools for the field. They do not make money on the system. The profit margin is in the customers, that’s called business.
Shaklee has a 52 year old history in an industry that’s just beginning. You can watch, whine or whack this one out of the park – it’s your call.
Make it an excellent day,
Sheryl Turner
As a 3rd generation Shaklee Distributor I would like to ask you a couple of questions Hilary and others for that matter:
1. When did you come aboard as a distributor?;
2. What were you told?;
3. Why did you sign up to be a distributor?; and
3. What were your expectations?
I just wanted to ask those for some depth into the conversation. Not wanting to make you mad, just asking simple questions. If you’d like to contact me off of this blog you most certainly can at graynerfamily@gmail.com.
Keep in mind that with any network marketing business is still about high touch and not just about high tech. Personal touch needs to be there. This company was about those personal relationships and referrals from those personal relationships long before the internet and internet ads. My parents don’t use the internet more than just having a website to sign others up at. That’s how they’ve done it for 42 years and that’s how they’ve continued to do it with personal relationships with their members.
I would just like to address a couple of comments. Once again, not wanting to start any trouble:
An individual doesn’t have to invest a lot of money into becoming a distributor, members can start their own businesses with their $19.95 membership fee. All they would have to do after that is purchase a website, if they choose. But they can build a business by talking about their personal experiences with the products, that’s what I do. I share my passion and my mission with others.
The comment about Yamanouchi Pharmaceuticals, yes they owned the company for a brief time prior to Roger Barnett buying the company. Shaklee was a private entity underneath Yamanouchi and did not change their beliefs and practices of testing on animals. They never have tested and still don’t test on animals, nor pregnant women or children. Please keep the two companies seperate.
I look forward to hearing from you Hilary and others, I’m sorry for your rough time and the trouble you’ve had and are still having. I do advertising online, but I talk about the benefit of the product and not the product name. The names of the products don’t matter in advertising, it’s the benefit. I worked for a trademark lawyer for several years and there is a reason for trademarks, service marks and ownership of pictures.
Yours in health,
Kristin Grayner
Hey all you Shaklee buddies – here is what I have “almost learned” in my short 26 year history with Shaklee. The finest product that Shaklee produces is the Opportunity!
When you are looking for people who would like to learn how to create an income working in their home and on their computer and phone, you never have to mention the name Shaklee online at all!
Once your new candidate has indicated interest by submitting a form, you can begin to guide them through a simple system that will
teach them how to build a “structure for product distribution.”
We are NOT Shaklee, they are our chosen supplier. We are independent contractors.
Network marketing is about a whole lot of people each doing a little bit. In our group, we teach people how to to do a small monthly duplicatable effort, and teach others how to sponsor and teach others to do the same thing.
Perhaps if folks thought that they were building their OWN business, not a Shaklee business, their thinking could change.
Gratefully,
Kerry Steeg
Freedom Mama
Ive been thinking about becoming a Shaklee distributor but I am so confused after reading these postings. I thought for sure that I could develop websites to direct them to the Shaklee site using the Shaklee name.
Everyone makes Shaklee look so easy but doing home and hotel parties is not easy. It takes a great deal of time and I also work full-time. I was ready to try this business through the internet. It seems like some people are very defensive about the personal touch. The internet can save a lot of time weeding out those that aren’t truely interested. The personal touch nowadays is the internet. It is emailing, texting, chatting in rooms and phone calls. The personal touch that people refer to 30-40 years ago has changed. Society, communities, and neighborhoods were smaller, many women didn’t work, advertising/competition wasn’t anything like it is now. Many of us need the internet for our business.
Besides selling to friends and home/hotel parties, can someone please tell me what methods you use?
Still debating Shaklee
I’m so excited to see so much activity dealing with Shaklee. I follow what the experienced folks are saying because they’ve been there. You join Shaklee, educate yourself and share with others your passion for health, vitality, and wealth. It’s like joining a family; you will need to learn how the family functions, you don’t try to question what they do, because you’ll end up feeling frustrated and ostracize yourself. Every family is different, Shaklee just happens to be so AWESOME in so many ways.
Do your research and you’ll see. Like someone said, the best thing about Shaklee is that it gives people an Opportunity. A gift. And the truth is that we all need an opportunity. We need someone we can trust and invest all our efforts in. If you care about your health, others well being, and having a better world than Shaklee is for you. We’ve been waiting for you!
I respect the people with all the years of experience with Shaklee. So much of what is said on these blogs and in websites sounds so rehearsed. I need to know, besides word of mouth sales and home/hotel meetings, what have people done to sell products and generate a downline? This question never seems to be answered.
Maureen
Hilary, exactly HOW is Oprah making all this money off Shaklee, as you claim? Are you suggesting she is getting some cut of Shaklee sales generated while that show aired – or what? Because if you are, you better be prepared to back it up with facts. What you’ve posted is close to lible. You sound like you don’t know what you’re talking about, let alone what you’re doing. You also sound like you’re t’d off that you didn’t become rich overnight because you thought you had stumbled onto an easy road to riches. If it were easy, everyone would be rich. And if you have a problem with Shaklee deciding when, where and how they’re name will be used, their product will be sold and marketed, etc. , I suggest you go out & create products of your own with your own money, use your own cash to package & distribute them and THEN come back and tell us how rich you are.
Kristin Grayner – Product names don’t matter? If you owned 2 companies would you rather own Kmart or Walmart? JCPenny or Nordstrom? I would take the ladder hands down.
Brand and product names are everything in business. That’s just business 101. Anyone who says otherwise is just plain dumb – in my humble opinion.
I think Shaklee has people brainwashed.
I too was another person asked not write a simple review about “Shaklee Cinch” on my blog. Corporate has such a stick up there ass, they won’t even let me say how great the product is and how much weight I lost. They are shooting themselves in the foot.
Why would a company not allow someone to write a glowing review about their product and how muhc it helped them? The answer is simple, they want all traffic for the company name Shaklee or the product name Cinch to come thru them and their corporate site. If product order go to their site what do you tihnk happens? They don’t have to pay commissions. Roger is not stupid. He knows a money tree when he seees one.
Kerry – Freedom Momma
ok, I’m picturing my own business, not a Shaklee business.
Now I’m looking for companies to emulate so I can be successful. No point learning to walk myself if I have someone to teach me.
I’m thinking Big 5. Big 5 sporting goods puts out an advertisement in the newspaper to advertise there products for sale. Hmm, that sounds like a good idea. Call in to Shaklee Corporate. Newspaper advertising is not allowed with any Shaklee product names.
Seems like a business doomed for failure. I guess that’s why only about 10% of Shaklee distributors make it big.
Mario – I have a lil bad news for you. Your blog looks great, but it’s against Shaklee terms of service.
No distributor can use any shaklee term or Shaklee product name on their web site. The only word you are approved to use is:
Shaklee Independent Distributor
Just looking at your home page I see the following:
Having a link to your Shaklee site on a public internet site – big no no:
Today Shaklee is the No. 1 Health and wellness company
shaklee video
Shaklee will be in 50 countries
The Future of Shaklee
Give me Shaklee or Give me
Shaklee business
Shaklee business
Shaklee distributor
Shaklee
Dr. Shaklee’s Story
Expect a phone call from corporate. 🙂
Hey Maralago
I don’t know how Hilary did with Shaklee – but I have done just that. I am very successful and I wanted to do the same with Shaklee. I loved Shaklee. Go Shaklee. Go Shaklee! Sales took off with my marketing. Then I was forced to quit because I could not advertise. It’s time for them to update the policies. Many people are now forming a coalition to get them to just do that.
This looks like a really sweet post so I’ll bookmark it and check for updates and give feedback from my point of view periodically.
Ricky, thanks for your comments about my blog. I have had it for a while now and I haven’t gotten any calls from Shaklee, but I guess it may have something to do with the fact that it is not very popular at this time. Still, I’m sure there are ways in which you can use the words Shaklee and be okay with it as long as you specify you’re an independent distributor. I’ve used Shaklee for more than 10 years and I know Shaklee is a unique company in many ways. Maybe it’s not what some are seeking, after all it’s a company with pretty crazy principles, like having standards so high that we have to write the book on some terms. For instance did you know that Dr. Shaklee was using the word “vitamin” before it was even on the dictionary?
Again thanks, for your comments, but I’ll do my own research and adjust what’s necessary on my own.
Ricky,
How long have you been with Shaklee. I’m still on the fence about joining. Im trying to read and research everything before I decide. I love the products and the environmental benefits. I need something part-time to help pay monthly bills but I already have a full-time teaching job. I was looking forward to marketing things on the net. It sounds like this is not an option. What else have you done to generate business?
Maureen
Maureen:
I think I was a distributor roughly 6 months. Made rank first month. But corporate was a headache so I resigned. You can advertise on the internet but you can’t use the word Shaklee, any Shaklee product name, or any pictures of Shaklee products.
I believe email marketing is ok with them. I wish I would have stayed now. I just found this great place to buy leads for people looking into this kind of stuff!
Mario
That’s probably the case. Talk to Hilary – From what she says Shaklee Corporate loves to visit her blog on a regular basis. So once you post here, you’re on the radar!
Hope they don’t give you too much hell!
I just finished reading the rules which is as loooong as a whole page…It clearly states that one may mention Shaklee as long as it is for their personal site or business site. Also, it does prohibit unsolicited emails. Plus it does say that one can use all the names, product names, etc on a password protected site. This make sense to me, because after all, who wants the headache of having to respond to people thinking you are Shaklee! The actual corporation. It is much smarter for one to develop one’s brand through service and attention to customers. As in the corporate world, customers don’t look at the whole corporation, they receive all the attention whether positive or negative from the individual representatives. After all, Shaklee offers people the opportunity to build their “own” business. I may be a bit naive, but the idea seems pretty attractive; use the products and share with others, we’ll take care of the research end dev, promotion, reputation, training material, expansion, etc. You just share with those whom you want to benefit. The more you share the more you grow. Plus, can anyone argue that this system doesn’t work? If you’re younger than 50 you better pay attention and re-learn what you think you know about Shaklee.
Hi, just wanted to add to the comments already presented. I think the main reason why we cant post things on other sites is due to the P&R and standing behind the Shaklee guarantee. This is the same reason why we cant put stuff on Ebay or places like that, because it would go against getting the product direct from Shaklee. We could have had something on the shelf for a few years and then try to sell it as if it were new.
Also, Shaklee pays the most of any of the MLM businesses. Ive been a part of a number of other businesses and I have to say that Shaklee was the first company that actually cut me a check, granted my first one was less than $100 but it was something. I was so happy to get paid for something I love!
If we have to pay to advertize our businesses, then it really goes against everything this company should be. We get paid more for the sole fact that advertizement money didnt go to the media, it goes directly to you and I as distributors. And of course the more volume the better pay!
As far as uplines are concerned, they do get a commission or royalty due to the fact that they have put valuable time and effort into myself and my business. You cant tell me you wouldnt pay a mentor for their help, because that is what they are.
The people on the top dont get all the money either. They get the net of the sales after you and I get our commission based on the level we are at in the business. If we build the business up, then we too will be receiving the fair amount of money for our efforts. After all this is not a get rich, get quick kind of scheme. Its a very legitimate business that deserves the time and effort it is going to take to become successful and to help everyone in the process.
Thanks for considering my comment.
Kevin,
I am short of begging. I have been on blogs and tried contacting people about the business.There has to be more ways to introduce people to Shaklee than by doing home and hotel parties. I love the products but time is an issue for me. I can’t see myself doing home and hotel parties. I work full-time and have a family. what methods have you used to market your products?
maureen
To be honest, word of mouth works best. To me its not getting the “right” person initially. My upline had many a success with helping their downline build a business. It would seem that most times the best people were 2 or 3 people downline that “broke out” in the business. You see, you never know who you are going to get to sign up or the potential that is out there. Yes there are people with a passion and a drive. Its all about volume and there are people out there who love to tell their story and are motivating. My best answer is this… if you have devote at least 8-10 hours a week just being yourself and talking to others you can make it. try handing out a card or two and use your business tools. the leads are good, but most of them are cold, since you didnt take the first step at actually making a relationship or have something in common. i like the idea that was presented higher on the thread about telling your story and about the effects of chemicals. the cleaning “get clean” line has decent PV as this is a place to start. Have your client Shaklee-ize their home. It starts there, then they will want to have a more healthy life. It has to start somewhere, and that is where a true relationship is built. I heard the saying, Rome wasnt built in a day, and maybe this was already shared. It takes some serious dedication and a wanting to succeed. you cant just get rich quick with this business, or it will be like trying to build a house on the sand, it only topples over in the end. you have to find a strategy where a layer of rock is placed, and in this case its going to be key people you are willing to invest some effort in. you build their business, and naturally due to all of your efforts you have a successful and thriving business of your own, one that wont topple over because of too fast of a start. believe me its far better to take baby steps at first to get to know the business and how its run than to try and manage it when its too big. this is when you lose clients. Ive seen people do it many ways in this business, and I am still young at this. Be yourself, that is one thing that Dr. Shaklee would say.
In a previous post I mentioned that I have only been with Shaklee for 3 years. What I didn’t mention is that during that time I have earned over $100,000. Helping people learn how to be green is VERY SMART BUSINESS.
All Shaklee is asking us to do is share Shaklee. Letting our friends know we own a business with the most effective green cleaners and powerful natural supplements is helping everyone have better lives. Now we have it in writing with the Landmark Study. Shaklee green cleaners have been tested against both toxic and green cleaners and came out on top.
Not having the risk and overhead of a traditional business has allowed us to focus on building an organization. Also, Maureen asked how people build a downline. First we became familiar with the products with amazing results. We have built most of our organization with conference calls. We have a lot of tech savvy leaders now, but when we started we did one call a week. Now we do five. We did hotel meetings too, but that did not build a massive organization. It’s a lot easier to three way someone into a call than to drag them to a hotel meeting. Now there are a lot of online presentations we direct them to also. We still love getting together with the local Shaklee team once a month.
Conference calls just seemed to be a simple way to connect. Anyone is welcome to our calls – I’m not going to list them all, but our Thursday call is at 8pm Central. The number is 212-990-8000 and the pin is 9000#. Good luck with your businesses for those of you who are focused – this is a great time – the climate for earth friendly products and natural health options has never been better. Shaklee is truly leading the charge in the Green Revolution.
Make it an excellent day,
Sheryl Turner
Key Coordinator
I just want to say that some are still avoiding the dircet question and plea for help with marketing in a new school society. Maureen, Ricky, and Kevin try Kim Klavers course. By no means do you need to market to a warm market or struggle with online sales. She teaches us how to market your products without useing their respective names to reach you target audiences and how to market from your personal experiences with Shaklee products ie by postcard, newspaper ad, and even online. Before you even purchase leads I want you to know how detrimental it is to learn the appropriate skills needed to find those who want the product that you and to lead with your heart. Honestly I had a tough time to come out of the closet and just SHARE shaklee like everyone else did. It’s not easy and it takes hard work and presistance. By the way the Kim Klaver course is titled 100 Customers in 100 Days” and it works for me. I just began sponsoring members again after this course. Kim has trained many Shaklee distributors and is close friends with Kathy Minski who is one of top Shaklee Independent Distributors. I hope this suggestion will help you. To your success.
I agree it makes things difficult since you can’t put your own website and the Shaklee name. But Then everyone would be doing it and it makes for an unfair advantge. I don’t know, I see everyones point but I know it’s not a pyramid scheme. There is a big difference between the two.
Anyways it’s too bad you quit I have noticed a hugh difference with my and my family’s health by useing products of such high quailty.
I have done many different MLMs and found that Shaklee is the one for me.
I wish you the best with your future plans.
I am another Shaklee hater. Shaklee sucks! No other words to describe them.
Customer service is useless at Shaklee. They don’t even know the P & R’s. Things have really changed at Shaklee since Roger Barnett has taken over.
I guess Shaklee only cares about the dollar now, then again I didn’t know Shaklee 50 years ago. So maybe Shaklee is the same as it always has been.
Shaklee Sucks!
Shaklee Sucks!
Shaklee Sucks!
Shaklee Sucks!
Shaklee Sucks!
Shaklee Sucks!
Shaklee Sucks!
Here is my take on Shaklee,
1) If their products are so superior then why do they not sell them in a traditional manner i.e. retail store?
2) If Shaklee is not a pyramid scheme, why do you have to pay to become a distributor? wouldn’t it make more sense to purchase the products at wholesale prices and market them at retail prices. I don’t get why you would consider joining a club/cult to sell a product.
3) It seems to me that Shaklee relies upon an independent distributor to use scuzzy selling techniques such as the 3-3-3 format. Whats worse all the hasseling of family members to buy their products. How can this sales technique gain a loyal and broad base of repeat customers?
Summing it all up. I feel the Shaklee pyramid is nothing more than a scheme to fill the pockets of the top 2-3 tiers of said pyramid. Furthermore, for Shaklee to be successful, they rely on the concept of “Group Think” which as an example was most effective in the mid 1930’s in Germany which became NAZI Germany. This analogy to me the “Group Think” analogy best summarizes the Shaklee mindset and I further assert it should be avoided as most scams are in this Country.
If Shaklee was totally about themselves and wanted all the profits they would not use the mlm approach.
Shaklee would use advertising consultants as do Pepsi, Coca Cola, Ford, Chevy etc. If you do not like Shaklee try Amsoil that is what I sell and no games. I also sell Shaklee and I would have to say the synthetic oil is easier to make profits. You can use Amsoil on your website.
I have used Shaklee for 30 years… I sure don’t understand their marketing or lack of marketing methods. I have been involved with a wonderful MLM that doesn’t have to answer to Stock Holders. Only got involved when my health issues improved nearly 100% using their products.
I use some Shaklee products just not their supplements. I use Altrum wich are all natural and make me feel better than Shaklee. I do use Shaklee cleaners wich I like . I sold Shaklee back in the late 80’s and early 90’s my upline was Micheal Jackson. It was when the water purifiers came out. Now I must make a choice between Amsoil & Shaklee
I am not making any money with Shaklee. Too many organic foods on the market at reasonable prices. Only one top synthetic oil with a 35,000 mile or one year oil change. May I wiil let my wife try to sell Shaklee.
I am an organic guru, I juice 4 times a day lost 75lbs in six months totally detoxed my self without Shaklee you don’t need Shaklee to be healthy just have to have common sense and be willing to read good books.
I became a distributor a year ago, and have worked my fingers to the bone, spending tons of money, to build my Shaklee business in my rural area. I’m ready to give up now that I’ve found that all these glorious “Oprah! Oprah! Oprah!” leads go ONLY to business leaders and above in the organization, not to those of us trying to achieve that level. When I question that all I hear is “well this is a business you know they want to give business to those proven in the field…” malarky. I tried one of the teams but I, along with everyone else except the two members who were making tons of money already, got frustrated by the “if you only did what we did you would be rich too so you must not be trying very hard” attitude. I’m extremely disappointed. The only silver lining is the tax exemptions I can claim because of all the money we spent out of pocket to promote Shaklee everywhere from town fairs to newspaper ads.
I’m switching to Shurepets. Wanna come to a pupperware party?
I saw Shaklee on Oprah 2 weeks ago and placed my order for the starter kit on their website right of way. So far I am an extremely disappointed customer who sees just what inefficiencies occur when you run a business the way I see is happening from the above entries. My order was placed on the 8th, a whopping shipping charge and the rest of my money was taken out of my checking acct via debit card on the 11th and I received an email that I would receive an email when my order was shipped. Well, 10 days later with no email and no products, I emailed customer service and what did I get? Another email saying I would get an emailing responding soon. 3 days later, still no products and no responses!
I’m assuming the products are on backorder so I call customer service to verify. I get a sales rep who says I need to call another number that is not open now. I ask her if I place an order today for the starter kit, is it on back order? She says she doesn’t know! How can you not know!??? That is essential product placing information! I then ask her how long the orders take to get to you and she says 14 days! What a disgrace. I wish Oprah told me this part. As a business consultant, I am shocked Shaklee has gotten away with such poor service. I see they now make money on fast collection of money and slow processing of the order basically overstating their inventory in the process as well. Their products better be worth the float on my money and this bad customer service experience.
Wish I used a rep.
I read some remarks last year about peoples disappointment and it seems that some are experiencing them this year as well. If you all are looking for quality products or a good business model you should let me know. You all sound like sharp and ambitious people and you all shouldn’t get treated like that. I work for a great organization so all business models are not bad , you just really have to look. Take care.
I too see that there are people here that are very willing to put the effort into a company and make the money that they want to. I am an associate with a wonderful company that has been around a lot longer than Shaklee. I know Shaklee distributors and I have spoken with them about how complicate the business appears to be. Mine is so simple! Please those of you disgruntled with Shaklee don’t give up, just look further and find what is right for you.
This is the strangest thing Ive ever read. I would agree with the author wholeheartedly when you ‘intuit’ something wrong with a mass of people sheeped towards some goal. Maybe it isnt MLM, but let’s stop the creepiness.
Nobody here who is in defense of Shaklee has any real business experience or education, you’ve only found refuge in a common cause and perhaps mediocre consistent paycheck.
Give me a break? Someone wants to make more money with an idea, and she gets crucified?? You think Shaklee wants to make money, or wants to make money it’s way? There is a difference. Just because someone is succesful doesnt mean it’s good for you to be involved, idiots.
So all you sheep, Shaklee Sheep, try typing at home for freedom, mystery shopping, or stuffing envelopes, and I bet half you will defend them as well and be in the same position in life afterwards.
bye bye.
Can someone please post the link (or the content) that shows the advertising rules?
Seems to me there are two different issues here, and I want to be 100% before I decide to join or not:
1. Website or blog comments – Are Shaklee products allowed, or not? I see lots of websites that have Shaklee products clearly displayed.
2. Google AdWords and the like – I don’t know of any affiliate program that allows the use of their name in this manner. Are the offending sites being shut down because of the use of AdWords, or are they being shut down strictly because of content?
Thanks!
Hi Linda:
Shaklee forbids using Google Adwords if you use Shaklee’s company name or any Shaklee product names in the advertisement. That said you can use Adwords if you only use the phrase “Shaklee Independent Distributor”. It doesn’t seem to fit very well in the space Adwords offers. 🙂
As for your own website the same applies as above. You can not use any registered Shaklee product name or their company name in anything on the internet; that includes blogs, ebay, amazon, product review web sites, ANYTHING! The same applies to Television, Newspaper & Radio ads.
They are very strict on this & have several FULL TIME people whose job it is to search out violators. If you are found to be in violation your membership will be cancelled. If you find people that are in Violation of the Shaklee P&R’s, you can report them to Shaklee and they will take them down.
Shaklee seems to not apply the rules equally to everyone, however. Some dealers are able to use trademarked terms & some are not. I am not sure how you get on their good side. Anyone know?
It seems there are 4 ways to get around Shaklee P&R’s…
1. Create a general purpose web site selling the different products, but without using the Shaklee trademarked product names. Here is one such Shaklee web site doing that: Spider Marketing
Apparently that site has received an OK from Shaklee, and you can purchase this exact same Shaklee site from Spider Marketing LLC.
2. If you have an email list you can email people about Shaklee & give them a password protected link to access your Shaklee site. If the site can only be accesses through a password, you can put anything on it.
3. Quit Shaklee or don’t join in the first place, then you can do pretty much anything you want with Shaklee trademarked terms – as long as you don’t say anything that isn’t true. The only way a company can forbid you from using their trademarked terms is if that is in their distributor agreement, which it is with Shaklee, but if you’re not a member, you can use said terms.
4. Create a Google Adwords campaign for work-at-home & MLM type things. Set if up so that when someone clicks on your ad they are taken to a sign up page where they input their email address. Then email them about the Shaklee Opportunity. Most people set up an auto responder to email something new about Shaklee every couple days. This has proven VERY effective with any work-at-home type position. Some of the top Shaklee reps are doing this and making tens of thousands every month.
Personally, I would choose option 3. I am into Internet marketing – not sitting around a table or hotel giving home meetings. I have kept in contact with legal & they are looking at revising their entire Shaklee web site & Shaklee internet marketing guidelines so in the next 6 months or so this could change.
I have always enjoyed Shaklee products & would love to become a Shaklee Independent Distributor once again if they allow Internet marketing in the future. I was very successful right from the start with Shaklee.
Comments from Shaklee Legal:
Link: YOU MUST REMOVE THE AIRSOURCES OFF OF AMAZON. SHAKLEE PRODUCTS ALSO CANNOT BE SOLD ON EBAY OR THE INTERNET. PLEASE CHECK YOUR P&R FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. IF THE ITEMS ARE NOT REMOVED BY JULY 1, 2006 I WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO HAVE YOUR DISTRIBUTORSHIP REVIEWED AND POSSIBLY TERMINATED.
MONIQUE MAVIS
SHAKLEE CORPORATION
MMAVIS@SHAKLEE.COM
Link:
Shaklee Product Names Cannot be Used on Internet
Hello everyone this is Monique Limon from Shaklee Corporation. The Shaklee P&R prohibits persons from using the Shaklee name on the internet as well as product names. If you can please go back and edit your listings according to the P&R, if you have any questions please email me at mlimon@shaklee.com
Another email directly from Monique:
Doing Business on the Internet
The purpose of Shaklee’s Internet policy is to encourage responsible and professional use of electronic communication, to maintain a level playing field for all Shaklee Independent Distributors, and to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Although there are additional provisions elsewhere in this P&R that apply to conducting business on the Internet, such as making unauthorized claims for Shaklee products, the following provisions apply specifically to the Internet:
*Shaklee Independent Distributors may not use the Shaklee name, product names, or trademarks for any business other than their Shaklee business on either their shaklee.net site.
*Shaklee Independent Distributors may not use Shaklee trademarks on any Internet site open to the public other than their shaklee.net web site, unless it is password protected utilizing a password that cannot be determined by individuals seeking to enter the site who have not been personally invited.
*Shaklee Independent Distributors may not use the Shaklee name, product names, or trademarks on banner ads, postings on message boards, on online auction sites, e.g., Ebay, within e-mail addresses (unless it is the e-mail address assigned to your Personal Web Site, e.g., myhealth@shaklee.net), or web page URLs, meta tags, or other web site locators.
*Shaklee Independent Distributors may not send unsolicited e-mails (spam) to any person(s) with whom they have no prior relationship.
*Shaklee Independent Distributors can link to other sites from their shaklee.net web site in accordance with the rules established in the shaklee.net agreement.
*Shaklee Independent Distributors may link their independent web site to their shaklee.net site if they do not mention the Shaklee name, product names, or trademarks on their independent site unless that site is password protected.
*Shaklee Independent Distributors may not advertise, list, or refer to the price of Shaklee products on their shaklee.net web sites or their independent site with the exception of the Suggested Retail Price or, with enrollment as a Member, MN price.
*Shaklee Independent Distributors may not sell or facilitate the sale of any web sites or pages that include the Shaklee name, product names, or trademarks.
*Shaklee Independent Distributors may not use any term or mark in their Internet address that may cause others to believe their web site is owned by
Monique Mavis
Claims Administrator
Legal Department
mmavis@shaklee.com
Hmph… Dark Ages, indeed!
Most companies ban the use of their name in urls and AdWords as well as the sale of their products on eBay, Amazon and the like, so that’s not my concern. Same with product review sites that link back to your own distributor site – I can see how that would be a no-no.
Not being able to mention the product on your own personal blog or website is a different matter though. As for creating an “unfair advantage”: Sure, there will be some people that are better at using the internet that others, but then the same goes for people who already have large downlines from other companies that they bring over to Shaklee. They have an unfair advantage over most other distributors, and thus they should be banned as well if the logic follows the “unfair advantage” philosophy.
Having AdWords campaigns that force people into generic-looking websites that then generate a flood of spam email is much more offensive than a simple blog post about a product, IMHO. And I see plenty of AdWords campaigns with the use of the Shaklee name prominently displayed.
Hi
i have been thinking about joining Shaklee for awhile now, but since reading all of your posts i have slowly changed my mind. But I did have a few questions, since internet is basically out of the question, how do you market Shaklee besides home parties and hotel parties and friends and families? Can you market to retail stores, mom and pop stores, small gyms, etc etc. Anyway I just wanted to get some information from you because if i can figure out how to market it, i would love to join. I was also wondering, is it a pyramid scam? Since you have to buy at least $125 of products yourself just to qualify for the bonus?
Hey David,
Thanks so much for your comment and questions about Shaklee. I am going to do my best to answer them for you. The sad fact is almost all Multi Level Marketing companies operate like this. They just do a great job of hiding it from distributors & make the compensation plans so complicated you need a degree from MIT to understand them.
-How do you market Shaklee besides home parties, etc?
Well, that’s what Network Marketing is all about – marketing to your network of friends and family; they have a relationship with you and trust you.
-Can you market Shaklee to retail stores, etc?
You can sell to any retail or mom ‘n’ pop store, but they cannot carry or sell the products in their store. Unless, of course, the only thing they sell is Shaklee products.
-Is Shaklee a pyramid scam since you have to buy…just to qualify for the bonus?
I do not think Shaklee is a pyramid scam, but that’s for the courts to decide.
If you sign up as a Shaklee Independent distributor, there are basically 2 quotas that must both be met before you will be paid.
Quota One: all the Shaklee Independent Distributors you sign up must collectively make you a certain amount of money each month. Each member can bring in a different amount as long as they all total up to your quota. For example, one person could bring in $100.00 and another person $400.00 to meet your quota of $500.00. (These numbers are examples; refer to Shaklee for exact numbers.)
Quota Two: each month you have to purchase a certain amount of product yourself. There is, however, a way to get around this. If people go to your Shaklee web site (who are not already Shaklee Independent Distributors), and simply purchase products through it (without becoming a distributor), that money will go towards this second quota (as would any money you spent yourself).
Should you not meet both of these quotas in a 30 day period, you will not receive the commission that month, and it will be forwarded to your up line.
And lastly, you can actually advertise your Shaklee business on the internet, but you are not allowed to use any of the product names, pictures, or any Shaklee trademarked terms anywhere on the site.
Thank you for your answers,
What is an example of a retail or mom and pop store that sells nothing, so they can only sell shaklee products when/ if they sign up? I’m confused with this concept. Are you basically telling me you can’t sell the products to mom and pop stores/ retail stores ? So are you basically saying a retail store cannot be an independent distributor? Like an individual small health food store that already has products in the store? If they sign up as a distributor why can’t they sell their products in the store? Or Kiosks, trade shows? Because they sell other things there as well. Have people sold shaklee to stores before, do you have any examples with that?
Do the network marketers only market to friends and family, Has there been anyone having success marketing in a cold market? And how?
Also the quota for the distributors, Does that change with the number of distributors or is that the same no matter how many distributors I have?
And where is this information located on the shaklee website?
With the quota, within a 30 day period? How does that work? If we get paid on the 15th and I start shaklee on the 25th of the previous month, I didn’t have the full 30 days to make the quota, does that mean I won’t get paid if I don’t make the quota by the 15th.
As for marketing shaklee online or in the newspapers etc, I can only say I am a shaklee independent distributor? or is that not allowed as well?
what if a member buys products through my website, does that mean it goes to my pv, so i don’t have to buy the 100 pv worth of items for the bonus, or do they count as distributors?
Thanks for your help
I’m not too sure I can answer all of David’s questions – I don’t want to give him false information. Can any of you current or past Shaklee Independent Distributors help him?
1. A retail store that sells nothing is strictly a Shaklee store. So 24 hour fitness could not shell Shaklee in their gym, but a store that only had Shaklee as their product line would be ok. That means no other products in the store but Shaklee products. NOTHING. Only Shaklee products.
2. I know a lot of the top Shaklee network marketers rent out hotels or even host the parties at Shaklee corporation themselves. They would place an ad in the newspaper for something like “learn about a new groundbreaking way to quit your day job selling health products. Free samples & lunch will be provided”. They don’t mention the Shaklee name at all. Part of the allure is the mystery & why it gets you to go to check it out.
That’s how they got me. 🙂
There is some advanced training video Shaklee offers…
3. The minimum to get paid never changes. But as you work your way thru the different Shaklee levels if you don’t maintain your previous sales volume your rank & commission will go down .
4. All the info is on the website. I believe you have to join to see it.
5. You have 30 days each month to make the quota. The 15th is the lead time it takes them to go thru all your sales to make sure they are legit.
6. As for marketing in the newspaper, technically you are only allowed to say “Shaklee independent Distributor” plus you have to get the marketing material cleared by them before publication.
7. I believe if they are members it goes to your pv, if they are distributors it goes to the total pv & doesn’t count towards yours. Any Shaklee experts want to chime in?
I have a question about the ‘Shaklee store’ thing. If we can’t use the Shaklee name on personal website, ads, etc. I’m guessing you can’t even have Shaklee names and other types of advertisement anywhere on the outside of your said store? What about inside the store? Just curious..
Hi Remy,
If your store sells ONLY Shaklee products you may advertise those products both inside and outside of the store. However, you must get approval from the Shaklee Corporation to even open one.
Hilary-
Do you know by chance if it’s hard to get the go ahead to open a store? I know myself I have never seen one around my area but again I’ve never really looked.
Hey Remy,
The best thing I can think of is to call Customer Service and/or Shaklee Legal, whose contact info you can find at the end of the original post.
Does anyone know if there is a minimum quota that you have to order every month, quarter, year if you become a distributor?
I was looking into becoming a distributor, but don’t want to be ordering $100’s of products.
Cathy,
You are not required to make any minimum purchases unless you are at the point where you will be recieving a check. However, that being said, if you are using the products, it hard not to purchase the products you need.
If you need further details, give me a shout at pbrechlin@naturalnhealthy.com.
Pam
To Whom It May Concern:
Back in the early nineties, I approach a Skaklee lady about their wonderful product “Herblax”. Back in the early ’80’s my sister-in-law told me about this product and it really helped my condition. Back then, it was not as expensive for a single lady to buy, so my sister would buy it for me, six bottles at a time and I got a break for buying in volume (I don’t know if Shaklee was aware of this and I don’t care), because it really helped my health. I was in Houston, Tx at the time and then I moved to a different county near Houston, and found a distributor and that’s when the “BIG” sales “PITCHES” begain and I got really excited, if this lady can do this, then I knew I could do it! ! !
Well as it turn out, I worked my butt off trying to promote these wonderful products and the company, when they based their integrity on what what Mr. Shaklee wanted! ! Yes, I understand at the time, he wanted it to be small and in small groups one person at a time but if he were hear today, he would want everyone to know how wonderful “HIS” products are! ! And if there would have been internet back in the old days, I personally think he would have said go for it, “LET’ SAVE OUR WORLD AND OUR ENVIRONMENT” with “SHAKLEE”! ! Now it’s all about “GREED”, let’s help our up-line get even “RICHER! ! What about us??? When I was trying to do the business, I put ads in the paper, “Want a better future for your children and your whole family, come to a “Healthy Home Party”! Yes I would get strange and personal people to come and I would do demos for them to show how great these products are! ! When you do an event like this, you have to spend money and at the time make up samples to “SHARE” with your prospects and hand out books, reading material, etc. and guess what, they were not free, Shaklee gives nothing FREE, so as it turns out, I spent so much money on parties, booths and other so called way to build my business. Well, it didn’t work, yes everyone loved the freebies but they never even bought the products! ! I was my own best customer and when I received a check from Shaklee, it was because of the products I purchased for me and family. I tried so hard, I ran out of money to continue doing the business and had to stop buying all the products, I couldn’t afford them, the only thing I get to buy now is Vita Lea. This corporation is not for simple people, cause financially we can’t afford their products. My up-line didn’t help me, I had to do it on my own, and she just thought about herself. Don’t get me wrong……………I LOVE THE PRODUCTS!! AND I WANT TO SAVE OUR WORLD TOO, BUT YOU HAVE TO BE FINANCIALLY ABLE TO START THE PROCESS FROM YOUR HOME! ! If they keep raising the prices, who will be able to spread the WORD and if you can’t sell the way you know you can succeed, what good is the internet????????? Skaklee need to join the 21st century………let us sell these product and get the word out anyway we can, it’s to their benefit anyway. Thank you for you time,
The Hopeless distibutor
So, what I want to know is, can I just buy product? Without being lassoed into being a distributor? Or is it, once I sign up, my life is a living hell afterward? I just want to try the product. I don’t want to sell it, I just want to try it. Is that possible?
Hi Magirk,
It is absolutely possible to just buy Shaklee products without being “lassoed.” Simply find a distributor you like and order from them. Review the comments here, you might find one.
-Hilary
Magirk,
It’s always an option to just purchase products. My daughter is a single mom and she never purchases the 100PV she needs to receive a check. She offers products at a discount – you need to deal with the distributor directly and have them order for you to receive the discount. You can contact me if you don’t have a distributor. Don’t order from the website or you will pay retail – just use the contact us feature. The products are amazing because of the science behind them.
Good Luck To You.
Sheryl
There are no minimum orders; You can order products for the suggested retail price plus shipping, or, it’s just $19.95 to become a “Member” and receive a 15% discount on all the products as well as special product promotions, offers and discounts!
You, too, can Go Green and earn extra income by becoming a “Distributor” for only $20 more! Yes, it really is just $39.95 to start your own business AND earn a 15% discount on your own products, too!
I’ve done AVON and Tupperware in the past, and this is by far the least investment of time and money to benefit from being a distributor. I still have boxes of Tupperware in my basement that I ordered in order to reach the next level for my commission…with this company, whether a customer orders one of the least expensive items available or hundreds of dollars worth…you earn at least your 15%. GreenGirl
Paul gets away with it, as does Cindy McCasey, and Gregory Collins and all the other big players. Why? Because corporate needs to move the products to make money and if a big player is moving huge volumes, that will buy the hearts of the leaders in the office and they will cast a blind eye towards their blatant P&R violations. Just keep emailing the violations to legal, they do respond. Occasionally they reply that the violation was successfully removed. Remember, building a solid and honest business from ground up will make a big difference when you’re high up. You are building a loyal customer base that way and I prefer quality over quantity.
Hello everyone,
I just started in Shaklee about 7 weeks ago. In the first 2 weeks I signed up 4 ppl directly & 3 more under 1 of those original 4, got promoted to Associate, received a commission check for over $400, got an invitation to a FREE weekend at a private resort in Wisconsin owned by a Master Coordinator where I played 4 rounds of free golf for free, ate 3 wonderful meals a day for the 3 days I was there for free, drank many free sodas and a few free bottles of water, did some trap shooting for free and enjoyed a camp fire that burned constantly throughout the weekend, all while getting to pick the brains of some of the companies biggest movers and shakers. Of the 7 distributors who qualified as Top Achievers in the company this last year, 6 of them are on the team I am on. 3 or 4 of them were up there that weekend, and one of them that was not, was the couple who signed me up. They made me feel very welcome, and almost like a celebrity, since my sponsor talked me up before I got there. I heard ppl say, “Oh, you are Jason”, when I introduced myself. I was just an associate, yet they treated me like family sometimes, and at least like a friend the rest of the time. I think the key to this teams success is how they work as a team, with upline ppl who care about the success of their downlines. Sure successful downlines make them more money, but my sponsor drove many miles, many times, before I got 3 ppl signed up on the last day of the month. He took a risk and it paid off. Yes he had to risk money to make money, but thats business!!!!
It seems to me like alot of ppl expect there to be no work involved in their quest to make money??? I didn’t get involved in this company because of the money, although I WILL enjoy the money as a pleasent payment for my just wanting to sell products that ppl need and that will improve their health and their lives. It is the integrity involved in the company that attracted me to it. If Roger & others far up in the company are greedy, well, I won’t ever know for sure, and it wouldn’t be that surprising knowing that the majority of ppl that get involved in business are greedy. BUT, that won’t change the FACT that the basic philosophy of the company is doing things in harmony with nature, that was the good doctors original philosophy and Roger has seemingly taken up the same philosophy and to be honest, I don’t want to believe, and don’t have to believe that Roger or anyone else high up in the company are doing anything other than for the right reasons. It’s not like Roger wasn’t already rich when he bought the company. I know that I AM doing things for the right reasons, and other distributors out there are as well.
Can ANYONE make it in this business? I think so. I am a short, not that good looking, long haired, elvis sideburns kinda guy who hasn’t worn a tie in 10 years. When I do put on a nice shirt, I still have my poker hat on and look more like a poker player than a businessman, yet I have got ppl interested in both the products and the business. People see my excitement and enthusiasm for it, and it makes them have to take me seriously. Plus, among the older generations, the products sell themselves. As for the younger generations? Well, many of them are becoming motivated to go green, so they can’t be that hard to sell to, especially with gas prices going the way they are, and a full on depression looking like a future reality, the TRUE prices of some of the products will be attractive as well, since they are so concentrated and will last for so long.
If a person tries hard and has good support from either family and friends and/or their upline, then just about anyone can be successful in this company. The company seems to me to be trying to improve the situation for those wanting to do business on the internet, IN FACT, the whole theme of the business talks that I got to sit in on at that resort in Wisconsin, was internet marketing. A number of successful distributors were there that weekend, who had alot of success building their businesses ONLINE. So either the company has changed some of their restrictions lately, or those individuals did what some of the WHINERS in here weren’t SMART ENOUGH to figure out on their own. Blaming the company instead of thinking creatively is easy.
And just in case you were wondering, I am not trying to sell anyone anything, I don’t need anyone here to sign on with me, or buy anything from me, I prefer to do the business the old school way, and I’m still new enough to the business that I probably won’t be able to answer any of your questions. I just read alot of negative stuff about the company, and knew my short time distributing their products has been an EXTREMELY pleasant one and I have high hopes for my future as an independent Shaklee Distributor and just wanted to share my thoughts on the business with anyone who cared to read them. Thanks.
Jason Kaltved
P.S. If I posted anything in the above mssg that was against company policy, I would be happy to remove it. I’ve got no problem with a company having some restrictions on how its distributors do business.
I went to Shaklee’s event in New Orleans last night.
What a crock! And the panel….a joke.
I really like their products, but after that event last night I will never buy another one. As far as I’m concerned Roger Barnett is the devil and the devil visited New Orleans last night.
Wow! Definitely worth the read.
I didn’t expect this post to continue to grow and receive fresh comments for more than a year! I have not been contacted by Shaklee to remove my blog, so there’s more than what people are claiming.
Bottom line, there is no perfect business but there IS money to be made and the opportunity is REAL. It’s true, if we whine and complain, we are not really serving any purpose towards what we truly desire-Success! So why take the time to complain. I’m sure by now some of the people in this post have enjoyed some unexpected success while others moved on to something else. I’m still a Shaklee distributor and I can never stop believing in the products and company.
So I wonder, who has figured out a way to promote the biz online without legal drawbacks?
Mario
Miami, FL
Hi Everyone,
Here is an objective fact gleaned from a report from the Federal Trade Commission:
In 2006 Shaklee Corporation reported income of 500 million dollars. They reported having 700,000 representatives. This yields $714 gross revenue per distributor.
Please understand that less than 1% of Shaklee representatives generate 5 and 6 figure incomes mentioned by Shaklee Corporation.
More than likely none of you will ever make a sustainable living from Shaklee Corporation.
All the best,
TheLegalGuy
Yeah, I thought something similar when I saw the reports as well. In fact, they have this information available on the members page. You can see who are the serious players in Shaklee. The fact still remains that the majority of people are not willing to do what it takes to achieve substantial income. All those Leaders in business, have done some serious work, whether sneaky or straight forward, I don’t know, but I do believe anyone can do the same or more if they’re willing to do what it requires. Listen to Mark Yarnell, I’m a fan of his, and he happens to be a very experienced MLM’r, he says it requires consistent professional work ethic. And let’s be honest, most of us want it to be easy and automatic. It is for those who first built their system. If you don’t have a system yet, it can’t just happen out of thin air. This applies to any industry anyway!
Only you can decide what you can or can’t do.
Everyone!
I’ve been reading through this lengthy saga of e-mails … listen, I’m a “put your money where your mouth” kind of person. What good is it, really, to go back and forth in this medium amongst ourselves? Take your complaint to Shaklee directly and bombard Roger Barnett with your concerns and complaints. The proof is in the pudding … if he does nothing we will all have our answers.
To send him a fax via his assistant send it to 925/924-3700 – her name is Suzanne Gomez.
Take action that will yield results and stop wasting your time writing to each other. We can’t affect a change by arguing, discussing it this way. Go to the source!
Tons of people do complain directly…. So far nothing.
A little birdy told me that they are reworking their internet marketing polices right this instant…
I have no idea if it will be better or worse. Keep your fingers crossed.
Yes I have sent complaints in to Shaklee and also to head of certain Master Coordinators. All I heard back is that they are keeping an eye on things. Obviously the money that is coming in is more important than the way it’s coming in and doesn’t matter how or what some of these top scammers are doing to people to make this money. If they had the people that are getting hurt as top priority, these things wouldn’t be happening. So after all this is #1 a business, to make money right? So if some little people at the bottom are getting hurt, well , I have nothing else to say.
My mom have been talking about joining Shaklee as a distributor, I really don’t know much about them. My aunt has been a ditributor for about 30 years. i went into theirwebsite to see the commision base and what not. But I don’t understand, how would a distributor get paid, would Shaklee send us check ?? Can someone explain?
I don’t talk to my ant as often, so I thought I would do my research on Shaklee before joining. I don’t want her pulling soe strings on us.
ANy infor would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!
Considering Shaklee
Shaklee will send you a check.
People will order products off your Shaklee web site (if you get one), shaklee will track orders off that site. If you make the minimum order quantity for that month, you will get a check. If you are unable to meet the monthly minimum amount to get a check, the commissions will go to your upline.
The whole point of shaklee is to share the products & marketing knowledge. If you join under your aunt, she will be responsible for teaching you how to market.
I’m trying to buy shaklee deodorant and it’s not listed on the shaklee.com web site. This social face-to-face thing is so not me. As a customer, I love buying stuff on the Internet. I don’t meet sniffling people with germs who say odd things about life and the product I am buying. Please, let shaklee be sold online, all products, all the time. Thank you.
Maybe they took it off because it contained aluminum, I know they are re-making some of there products that contained parabens.
They could also be out, I have noticed a lot of products being on back order, which gets me very annoyed by them. If something is on back order they should have it on the site for us all, so we don’t order it and then , when our stuff comes, certain products are not there.
I know with a previous company I used to be with, if it was back ordered we couldn’t buy it until it came back.
You would think as old of a company they are, they would have enough of everything.
By the way does anyone know about the new Vivex and pesticides. If the grapes were organic, than the product would and should be labeled organic. Since it is not, it is concern to me that the grapes could contain pesticides. Since most of the product is in the grape skin and seeds, well all the pesticides lay on the skin. So getting this pure of a product that is supposed to be good for you, makes me wonder about the pesticide part. Does anyone have info on where they get there grapes from and any label or certification of being pesticide free. I know they claim to have the most testing to not have pesticides, etc. but is there proof anywhere. I would like to know for my own consumption of the product.
Wow! I know Shaklee is great since they are all natural, but I have never used them. However, my husbands family is all about Shaklee and nothing else! He won’t consider taking anything else. I decided to take Reliv vitamin products since they are in powder form and am a distributor for them to just get the discount which is what a lot of “distributors” for MLM’s do.
I personally don’t feel I could have a meeting at a friends house to convince them to change what vitamins they are taking or tell them to clean their house with different products because I think they are better and you should too. That is why I have never been involved in selling products for an MLM.
However, for all of you at home business gurus, I have started selling a service not products for a new MLM company that just launched its’ website in March. I am not a computer or internet guru and just stumbled onto this blog, if you call it that, and would happily take any advice from anyone on marketing on the internet and how to best reach people around the country.
With my company, the people at the bottom can make more than the people at the top. It just depends on you and how you build your business. So Hillary I am sorry Shaklee won’t let you run with your internet ideas, but I would be very appreciative of any tips you could give me for my business.
Thanks,
Lisa
glashinc@yahoo.com
Wow. Quite the thread going here. There has to be rules on marketing online. Yes, each rep is an independent distributor..but the company must protect it’s brand and brand names.
Eager reps have gotten many other companies in serious trouble. Some people will do or say anything to make a sale. Some are just over zealous and do not realize the potential legal ramifications on their comments or advertising.
One company (I won’t name them here..but the info is out there) was warned and fined by the government. They and some of their reps were making health claims. The FTC said knock it off or face an even bigger fine. They didn’t and were shut down and fined millions.
It is a serious issue. As an independent contractor you have to comply with the rules of the company you are marketing for. It is your choice to do so or go to another company or industry.
Can’t believe I have sat here and read this entire thread.
I am considering Shaklee, was a user back in the 80’s, but never had the guts for the in home parties, selling to my “warm market” etc. etc., but I am now considering again after being introduced to the Mini Office site.
I know that there was some mention of this site in one of the postings but was just wondering if there are more of you out there who can give me pro & cons about the site and has this been “Authorized” by corporate as the way to go selling via the internet.
Well, I just spent time reading these questions and answers and cannot believe that so many people who know nothing about what they are talking about would dare to post the answers they posted. How many of these people were just oot to kill other people’s hopes and dreams – or just didn’t want you to join Shaklee – or had their own programs for you to join. We have been with Shaklee for over 35 years and have seen many changes and improvements to this fine company. We stayed with it because every product we have ever used has lived up to the Shaklee name. We are not top sales leaders, but I certainly do not begrudge my upline leaders their compensation for helping me build my business. No whining from me. I don’t have time to whine. I only have time to help others become healthier and wealthier. They have a time-tested program that works. Sorry if you want to do it your way. Not everyone is the perfect fit for Shaklee. If it is not for you, then find something that is. There is absolutely no reason for you to poison other people’s minds with your pettiness. Looking for someone who has talked to many people over the years about getting healthy and wealthy? Talk to me. Have a legal question? Talk to Shaklee. Thanks to everyone who has defended Shaklee in this thread. Why should we try to convince someone who must be right that Shaklee knows what they are doing. The Oprah stuff was stupid. I received 5 Members from Shaklee because I am a person who understands Shaklee and works my business. Not enough contacts? How do I know that? I guess I’m just not as greedy as many of you sound. I do agree with the person who said that if you don’t like how Shaklee runs its business then you can develop a product, decide how to sell it, choose who you want to make the most money from their work, and figure out how to stay in business for 53 years. Good luck to you.
Where are teh online rules for what is and isn’t accepted
for marketing Shaklee?
I’m not going to “invest” in any business that doesn’t
give me the latest and best ideas to build “my” business.
I understand the idea of “it’s works and has for 50 years”
well, Shaklee’s products have changed within the last 50 years
why not their policies for allowing people to make more than the
average quoted above of $713? (And that guy didn’t even take out
corporate salaries, overhead for teh full time people for corporate
and such–so what is it really? 215?)
And I asked the rep about their newest product bonus/commission
and the the thing i was told was the president said
something to the effect of just sell it and I’ll make sure you
get paid.
I do not know of ANY legitimate business where a worker cannot
figure out his work sold (which seems Shaklee hides even though
you buy “your” website from them) and or done so he/she can figure
out what he/she is going to make.
It defeats teh whole purpose of goal setting and achievement.
“Just trust me” is the beginnings of testing the ethical limits of
personal integrity, an opportunity for representatives to discover
after the fact the truth of the old Chinese proverb: “Lock your door
and keep your neighbor honest” and “A short pencil beats a long memory.”
Hi,
I hv been in shaklee for past 15 years. Has anyone noticed that majority of the nutritional products has been contracted out, i mean contract manufactured! We used to sell products based on natural verses synthetic and we are proud that Shaklee manufactures its own. Now its manufactured in laboratory setting!!! What happend to the Dr Forrest C Shaklee philisophy? What happened to the ‘Company’ with conscience? Interestingly the Japanese upheld Shaklee to what it was! Now back to Roger B things changed!
I read your post and a dozen or so of the comments and would like to offer up my 2 cents….
I was a Shaklee distributor 33 years ago. I was only 16 years old. Over time moved away from Shaklee and into the corp world.
I’ve been a fan of their nutritional products ever since and still have strong positive feelings about the Shaklee brand. In fact, I spotted a Shaklee banner ad earlier and followed it through to a TX disty’s site where I viewed the videos available. I found myself getting interested in the Shaklee ID opp once again 30+ years later! Hence my Google search which led me to this page….
Having spent the last 15 years online and having run dozens of Websites I understand the power of internet marketing as well as most. I understand the frustration expressed above. But, Shaklee is doing it’s Independent Disty’s (ID) a huge favor by maintaining stringent policies for how an ID can market online. If they did otherwise the Shaklee SPAM would become unbearable within a few short months as every net-savvy ID began to flood every nook and cranny of the WWW with their sleazy get-rich “ads”. Shaklee would lose complete control over their brand and it would, in my judgement, be ruined.
I’m going to read the legal docs about what can and can’t be done and may repost here, but I expect I’ll be able to find a way to make a go of this operating within their guidelines and policies.
Best of success to each of you regardless of your viewpoint on this!
Cheers
Dad
Hi. Just wanted to let you know that the new SHAKLEE INTERNET GUIDELINES have been published this week (1-6-08) and take effect March 31. Distributors wanting full access to internet marketing gave a little and SHAKLEE gave a little. The result is something we can run with. I think they look pretty good. Come on back and take another look! All the best.
I think anyone who has anything negative to say of the Shaklee Corportation is uneducated about Shaklee and what it truly offers. I have known of Shaklee most of my life and I am now an Independent Distributor. As I was reading the first complaint at the top of the page, I thought to myself, duh, just stop and think about it…if Shaklee allowed you or anyone else to just have free flow of advertising, the system would be ruined. As many as Shaklee Reps there are in America, imagine all of us trying to get our websites noticed, it would be a mess, plus that is why the system is set up the way it is. You have to work for your income, if you are spreading Shaklee by Word of Mouth and actually working, you will make a great income as well as throwing parties or working with The Freedom Project. Dr. Shaklee started his company by Word of Mouth ONLY and that was his wish to keep it that way and not spend billions on advertising so they can pay us to do that and we can all have a great income. Their personal web site that they give us, is wonderful, not complicated at all. NOt to mention, you should have learned the rules when you signed up with the company. They have spent millions to produce this wonderful company and all they are asking is for a few simple things not to be violated and they are still paying out a fortune to their employess/ID. If Shaklee allowed you to create your own advertising and webpage, you would be out numbered with all the others doing so as well. This is the first complaint I have ever heard about Shaklee and it is childish. Shaklee is awesome and they have been around longer than any all natural health and wellness company out there! They were green, biodegradable and organic before it was cool to be! Dr. Shaklee was the first to create a multi-vitamin, that says a LOT! Anything else you buy out there first came from Shaklee’s invention, why would you want seconds! I could go on for days, but I’ll spare you! Hopefully you can swallow your pride and take another look at what Shaklee was really trying to offer you. , PS~ By the Barnetts going on Oprah, it’s helped me out not hurt my business! People watched the show then looked for a local rep! Plus when I show them the video it helps educate them about the purity of our cleaning products, which are the only ones that NASA use and send to the moon!
The End (lol)
Shaklee is great! There products are NOT tested on animals. They have been growing for over 56 years and people who take their products are healthier. They are the #1 Natural Nutrition Company in the U.S.. They were the 1st company to develop a biodegradable nontoxic cleaner and the 1sr company in the WORLD to be climate Neutrl certified to fully offset its CO2 emissions, resulting in a net-zero impact on the environment.
Shaklee has sold over 500 million products- all with a money back guarantee and they choose to have all their products tested and verified by a 3rd party to make sure it is what it says it is. They don’t hve to do that and plenty of your health food stores carry products from people who never do that.
That kind of quality assurance and integrity doesn’t come from the greedy or selfish. That comes from people you really want to do business with.
If you have a problem with them, then you can find a better way to deal with it rather than spreading lies. Can’t you?
BTW, Shaklee is the now in China. This is big because as far as I know they are the only mlm allowed at this point. I wonder why?
Just a short note to let all “confused distributors” and “new business builders” know, that there is only one way to build this business, and it is just sharing your own experience with others.
It takes time, effort and dedication, “no shortcuts” and you will only make it to the top if you really feel like helping others and forget about filling your pockets with cash.
There are other ways to become reach in a couple of days, the only problem is that you’ll end up sleeping in the dark.
30, 40 years ago no one ever think of computers, cell phones, conference calls, online training etc and many people succeeded just because there were focus “only” in one company and because they had the best product of the world in their hands to share with others.
About the Oprah show, it was a good promotion for all of us. We all got referrals from Shaklee as a result of that and I really appreciate it.
Well, who ever is looking for “an excuse” to give up, it is your problem.
Sure you will find thousand of excuses to give up, when you only need ONE TO SUCCEDD.
Word on the street – Shaklee will be allowing limited internet marketing on March 1, 2009! Woo hoo – GO SHAKLEE.
What does limited mean? I am wondering it they will let distributors advertise the products or picture on a personal website that I create. I would like to get into it again, but only if it’s worth it. With the prices so high, not sure if it would be.
Whey protein is a real concern. I have been with shaklee for over ten years. I am always concerned when a rich guy that doesn’t need the money takes over and starts changing things. Shaklee used to be all about soy protein, now they have added whey to some of their diet products. For those of you who do not know what whey is, it is the leftovers from the making of cheese. Now I’ll bet you didn’t know that whey has a High Biological Oxygen Demand. What does that mean? That means whey is full of nitrogen and other toxins. It is not allowed to be thrown away into landfills, because it contaminates the ground water. In the body whey displaces oxygen. Now granted, the body needs protein, but it also needs oxygen. These rich guys are just after money. Have you seen the prices on these supplements, for christ sake, I need to take a second mortgage, and their pay plan is a little unfair for newcomers. I pay high vitamin prices so Roger and Sloan can take the profits and go visit pigmies and try to ease their conscious’ for what they are doing to your body by selling you whey. Did you know whey has been feed to pigs because they have had such disposal issues so they fed it to pigs to get rid of it. It is illegal to dump it in a landfill. Did I already say that. Sometimes change is good and sometimes it is…….? You decide, do yo have the facts, everybody thinks roger is such a stand up guy, but I see a fake, He is jumping on the whey wagon, (Waste Wagon) Cause that is what it really is, Dont be lead to slaughter like the pigs… Don’t be a Pig?
Shaklee’s Cinch Whey protein is not to replace Soy, it’s for people who are soy intolerant. Roger invested in the Whey option to help those people. Shaklee’s Whey protein has zero soy, but has 24 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and has 35%+ of the Daily Value for 20 essential vitamins and minerals. It also has Leucine, tastes like desert, and it’s Kosher. Dr. McManus explains it in this short recording from Shaklee 925.924.3030
Shaklee’s Landmark study proves Shaklee supplements work FAR better than anything out there. No one is forced to take Shaklee supplements. You can save a dollar and gamble on companies that don’t go the extra mile, that don’t run 83,000 tests a year to guarantee the highest quality raw materials and processing.
Shaklee also pays long term and upfront money. For $20 you can be a passive customer and qualify for the 15% member discount. (You can save 25% right away on a bunch of products when they’re on Autoship, even on VIVIX, our new revolutionary anti-aging tonic that’s 10 times more powerful than Resveratrol alone.) Or you can pay $40 if you want to earn referral bonuses, it’s your choice. If you see how the green movement is exploding, how people are taking control of their health, caring more about rebuilding healthier cells and PREVENTING some of the horrible diseases out there CHOOSE the Shaklee career level. It’s our Gold Ambassador level, it’s $299 and you receive over $500 worth of value in products, 3 months of the website and setup, and an extra free product (you could choose Vitalizer, our little supplement powerstrip with 80 bio-nutrients).
As a Gold Ambassador you normally EARN $50 for everyone you sponsor, plus residuals. In March YOU EARN $150 FOR EVERYONE YOU SPONSOR (because of the EXTRA $200 bonus in sets of two). You can also qualify to earn more frontline and be paid bonuses to infinite levels.
Roger is investing in people because he believes in THEM and wants to help them set up generational income. When most companies are cutting back, SHAKLEE IS GIVING BACK.
SHAKLEE HAS PAID THE HIGHEST RESIDUALS FOR DECADES. Yes, there is work involved. There are third generations here in MN being paid on work their grandparents did in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. The opportunity is bigger now than it was then, THANKS TO ROGER AND SLOAN BARNETT. What are you doing today that will pay you and your heirs in 5, 10, 40 years? My husband Marty says opportunity doesn’t go away – it goes to someone else.
It’s a great time to share Shaklee!
I’m a little confused…a friend of mine is new at this and trying to sign me up…he tells me that you only need to do 100 pv per month between youself AND your downline…one of the posts above makes me wonder if a distributor needs to buy 100 pv each month just for himself to be paid. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? Can anyone tell me where to get this “distributor agreement” mentioned so many times in this feed? I’ve sent an email to legal already and am awaiting reply.
thanks for the help!
You have to have 250 pv between yourself and your downline/sales and at least 100 pv of your own to earn a paycheck. 100 pv equals out to about $150 a month. I found it pretty expensive to keep going if you don’t have many people under you and not worth it unless you had about 700-800 pv in your total organization to even equal out.
Hi there. For those of you interested…the new SHAKLEE Internet Guidelines went into effect March 1, 2009. If you’re not in SHAKLEE, and knowing about these new SHAKLEE Internet Guidelines (to market online) in detail would help you decide whether to be part of us excited SHAKLEE business owners or not, you’re welcome to get in touch with your email address and contact info, and I’ll follow up with you. No bogus names or hate mail, please…life is too short for those kinds of games, right? Serious inquiries only, please. Shirley@AirApparent.com 800-310-7140. BTW…do you know about the money on the table through March 31? $100 for every 10 sponsoring points if you were in SHAKLEE before Nov. 19 2008; $200 for every 10 sponsoring points if you’re new since Nov. 19, 2008! Our goal is to sign up another million people ASAP. Today is a great day to decide!
Thanks for the info everyone…
My parents have signed up as distributors a week ago. This summer I will be selling the product door to door in my city. I know I can do this I am 17 years old and also I could advertise in many ways as well in my situation as being in the school newspaper. So I can mention my ID and let everyone that wants it to join my distributor downlines. Right?
Hi, everyone.
Here’s what I know is true about the SHAKLEE/Dr. David Sinclair situation.
Dr. Sinclair is a Harvard scientist who met SHAKLEE owner Roger Barnett, a Harvard alumni, socially, some years back. They’re about the same age (early 40s now), fathers of young children, and passionate about how science can better the future of humanity. Fascinated by each other’s vision, they continued communicating. SHAKLEE’s team of scientists was doing anti-aging research on resveratrol aimed at producing a nutrition product and Dr. Sinclair joined SHAKLEE’s distinguished Scientific Advisory Board about the time that Dr. Sinclair and his associates at Harvard were getting publicity for his research on resveratrol. Well-known scientists have done the same thing over the years, the foremost researcher on fiber, the foremost researcher on hormone replacement therapy problems, the foremost researcher on antioxidants, etc. Their working with SHAKLEE coincided each time with the production and release of a nutritional product.
When SHAKLEE’s research produced a finished product in 2008, Dr. Sinclair agreed to talk with SHAKLEE distributors at the annual convention. SHAKLEE’s legal department was careful not to tell him what to say–he had complete control over his presentations, which were recorded, and additional video clips he made for SHAKLEE websites. We were all pleased that he would endorse VIVIX so enthusiastically and unreservedly!
But apparently Dr. Sinclair didn’t realize in doing so he was overstepping the contractual agreements about his research that he has with Harvard as well as with a pharmaceutical company starting the long process of developing a medicine based on his research who had paid Dr. Sinclair millions for access to his research. The pharmaceutical company threatened legal action if he didn’t step away from association with SHAKLEE and its nutritional product, VIVIX.
This had nothing to do with distributors making false claims. In fact our top notch legal department requires us to use SHAKLEE wording without adding to it or altering it–not only for VIVIX, but for every product. That’s why SHAKLEE hasn’t had any legal problems in its 53-year history, though it has hundreds of products. So, we were using Dr. Sinclair’s exact words, as taped. We were using clips of Dr. Sinclair from the Barbara Walter’s anti-aging special on ABC, and a clip from Charlie Rose’s PBS program–both widely available on the internet. We were using lots of legally sound SHAKLEE literature produced to help us tell the story.
But Dr. Sinclair’s friend and associate, Roger Barnett, publicly asked all SHAKLEE distributors to help Dr. Sinclair meet his contractual obligations to Harvard and to the pharmaceutical company so no legal action would be taken against Dr. Sinclair when a Wall Street Journal article after Christmas 2008 caused Dr. Sinclair adverse publicity. Roger Barnett had a special teleconference for all business leaders making us fully aware of the situation–that Dr. Sinclair could be in trouble for breach of contract. We all agreed to what SHAKLEE asked of us–not to use Dr. Sinclair’s likeness or words any longer in connection with VIVIX, to help him out. Literature and websites were redone to remove his likeness and quotes. We were told that we could refer to his research as we would refer to the research of any other scientist…but not as a scientist with a connection with SHAKLEE. We were cautioned even against the use of the TV clips.
In fact, although he also resigned from the SHAKLEE Advisory Board to eliminate the appearance of a conflict of interest, Dr. Sinclair has not reversed anything he has said about VIVIX. His ringing endorsement stands. But we distributors have been asked not to use any of his endorsements, even though they have not been withdrawn.
SHAKLEE is taking the high road on this, and I admire that. I really believe a good man didn’t realize his contractual limitations and when he did, did what he had to do.
And we don’t really need his endorsement. Our product VIVIX actually goes beyond Dr. Sinclair’s research. In addition, SHAKLEE found a muscadine grape with an extra chromosome and Roger secured the harvests for the next ten years at least. SHAKLEE worked with a scientific team at the University of Georgia on a patent-pending extraction process. SHAKLEE is currently doing clinical research to expand the lab research on VIVIX, which is 10 times more powerful than resevertrol alone. Amazing testimonies are flooding in from the Field as the product has been used since August 08. The production had to be quadrupled after a six month’s supply ran out in six weeks.
We don’t need Dr. Sinclair. But we’re very grateful for him. I’ve heard he personally takes VIVIX…
…because we have the product NOW. We don’t have to wait 5-7 more years for the medicine version!
Hey Ernesto,
Door to door won’t be fun, some cities require a license – check with your upline – they may have other ways to help you get started. My daughter gives flyers or cards to her friends parents once in a while.
Also, there is a new number for the Vivix call on Sunday nights. 9pm Eastern 605–475–6900 Pin 6333# Not sure what the negative comment about last few paragraphs is about – I don’t see any false claims, just DOCUMENTED remarks. Make it a GREAT life – it’s yours.
Sounds like people are spending an awful lot of time and energy complaining about not making money, instead try taking that same time and effort to build a positive attitude and focus on how you can generate some business.
Enjoy
I’m a Shaklee distributor. I started using Shaklee because my daughter was allergice to every other laundry product I tried. My grandma used Shaklee so I tried it and it worked. A while later I became a distributor. I have about 10 customers that I give good customer service to. I make around $150.00 a month so that is a little over $1500.00 a year, a nice vacation fund. I do this with minimal effort. The bottom line is you can take it or leave it. Don’t critize if you haven’t really used the products.
If I worked harder I’d probably make more but I just wanted something extra. And to the person who thought this is a pyramid scheme, you don’t understand how we are paid. Also, Avon, Longaberger Baskets, Pampered Chef, and countless other home businesses have products not sold in stores. so what.
This was an awesome resource when deciding to join the Shaklee family or not. I weighed all the pros and cons and the pros won by a landslide. The internet advertising rules were re-written earlier this year. It’s now a great asset for those involved with internet marketing already.
While I understand that you want to do a better job of creating a website, I also understand where Shaklee is coming from. If they allowed people to create their own Shaklee website then they would have to spend a ridiculous amount of time reading through them to make sure there wasn’t any false advertising or incorrect information. I went to this last Shaklee convention, and there was an entire seminar and a half on increasing traffic to your personal website including starting a blog about something related to Shaklee (environmentally friendliness, health, going green, sports, whatever). They have also revamped their personal website because it wasn’t up to par.
As for it not showing up on google, can you imagine the mess if every shaklee person website came up when it was googled, plus it would be unfair as the people up on top who have the highest traffic on their website would receive a higher listing on the search results. I’m glad it isn’t done that way or I could lose customers because people would just google it and sign up under some big-shot instead of me.
I want to say that Shaklee is from hell! I have been tormented by my husband and mother-in-law that if I don’t use only shaklee products I am basically going to die and go to hell! I have a serious heart condition and they have tormented me to STOP taking my heat medication and start taking Shaklee prooducts and I will be fine. If I don’t use Shaklee washing powders, I will have boils on my body, ( I am 58 yrs old and have never had boils on my body) It has taken it’s toll on my marriage and I am ready for divorce. All because of this torment from Shaklee and how I am not a good daughter-in-law. Also, trhey harrass friends and family member and even members of our church. Shaklee has made my life a living hell and I hate the name. If any more of you have experienced this, I would like to hear from you!!!
Dear Brenda Sue,
I am so sorry your husband and mother-in-law hurt you this way. They may have information that will help you, especially with your serious condition. They should not have suggested you quit taking your heart meds. I too am 58. My family has a huge history of heart challenges. All 6 of my mothers’ brothers died young because of heart conditions.
I was also in a serious car accident and was hit on the head and other places during the roll-over. As a result I researched brain health as well as whole body and heart health and am healthier today than I have been in years.
I have been with Shaklee 5 years. When I started I was in very bad health with bronchial challenges and was allergic to many things, some of which made my skin boil. I didn’t expect Shaklee to cure everything. The products are made from plants and other natural sources. I was shocked when I was able to get rid of 3 presecription meds.
Shaklee Vivix has restored my brother and sister to better health, too. My sister had a brain tumor and the doctor said he never saw anyone recover like she has. I’m so glad I shared Shaklee with her, mostly by living my life as an example, but also by giving her gifts of Shaklee.
You should never stop taking your doctors advice, but it is a good thing to restore your body to maximum health, and no other supplements have the science or raw material tests that Shaklee has.
We have an educational site that may help you or your family. (It’s not a recruiting site – we don’t even know who uses it, unless they chose to sign the guest book.) There’s also a document there that shows how inexpensive it is to use Shaklee natural cleaners. I didn’t realize the effect toxic cleaners were having on my health. I really appreciate the fact that we can save people money while helping them restore health.
I’m not sure if this will help you – you certainly need to remain under a doctors care, but if it helps, our site is lookandlisten123.com The password and username are both: shaklee
Good luck to you – hope your new year is happy and healthy.
Sheryl Turner
Wow! Two years with the same issue and no resolution.
Hillary is right this is the 21st century and in 2010 there are more
brick and mortar business spending advertising dollars on the net with
Adwords, PPC, Social Networks etc…
They are blogging and setting up Ecommerce sites and vying for branding
in anyway they can.
There are businesses out there that will allow you the freedom to advertise
and build a business on the net.
I’m living Proof.
Good luck, Cheers and To your health
Corie Wallace
nopalea-superfruit
Shaklee’s internet policy for members is outlined at:
http://www.shaklee.net/members/support/Business_Building_Support/Internet_Guidelines
My wife has been selling Shaklee for 27 years. She enjoys helping people, and the products are excellent — they are scientifically formulated and really deliver what they say they will. As far as Corporate making a lot of money for the work my wife does, so what? Is any other job much different? She feels she is well rewarded for her efforts, and there is very little overhead (none, really, besides some literature) for us. She has a website for customers who prefer the convenience, but most good customers like her regular personal contacts with them, and my wife likes this also. She is a “people-person”. If some who have commented above don’t like that style of business, and are only looking for a fast-income, less personal-oriented business, I suggest they look elsewhere, and respect those who prefer to share Shaklee with others in what they like to call “social networking”. The products sell themselves, and my wife has made a lot of good friends throughout the years, and we have paid a lot of bills, and helped others pay a lot of bills, with their Shaklee income.
FYI- You can promote the products on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, MYSPACE and you can create a blog. So this is a bunch of crap. I do all my advertising online plus I have a Shaklee website…and I do online webinars.
Thanx for the link Bruce:
http://www.shaklee.net/members/support/Business_Building_Support/Internet_Guidelines
But it doesn’t work unless you are a Shaklee rep. Maybe Shaklee Corporate could chime in themselves and set the record straight on the new guidelines.
FYI: I noticed Suzanne and Carl LaFlamme ( 17 year Shaklee Reps per their Shaklee personal web site) are using Google Adwords in the Google Content Network to advertise Shaklee. Here’s a copy of what their ad is showing:
Shaklee Products Online
Experienced Shaklee Distributor Online or call
800-364-5490
alls*well*health.my*shaklee.com
It’s hard to say what the truth is. Shaklee corporate is all over the map with enforcement. Some reps seem to get preferential treatment; but that’s just my personal opinion. I know I made complaints early on about things other Shaklee reps were doing that were never addressed.
In other news; Top Meyer who works in Corporate Media at Shaklee Pleasanton headquarters is now dating Cathy Keaton of Shaklee.
Though i truly believe on an individual basis, one-to-one, we can always find something great and undeniably valuable and unique about anyone–when this approach to the world is usurped by the greed of turning just such a contact into a sale, selling to a soul who must then sell to sate your success (don’t you LOVE alliteration?), I must take a stand, and say to the beehive of buzzing Shaklee, Amway, or any other Vertical, Pyramid, MLM or even “VIRAL” marketing, i run run run from you.
My best friend who i love dearly is now selling Shaklee, (and probably reading this right now since i linked her). She has the best heart in the world, and the kindest, most generous presence (she’s hot too!) but a single mother of two kids. I just sent her a loving warning to not lose touch with the slender thread that connects us as miracles to this ball of dirt moving very quicklly around the big shiny thing out there and to not forget that we are miracles, with gifts to give each other–but, subverted by selling… we just go into “binary” mode (“if you’re not with me you don’t matter and I’m wasting my time”). Granted, it’s more layered than this, surely–of course, nobody wants to blow an opportunity to network the unconverted, who knows–they might have friends… and… (sound of door slamming shut).
Look, I am not posting here to make a judgement call on the chosen earning path people take–my own precipitous one as a writer in the advertising industry is one I’d advise against even more voraciously than shilling for the Shak, but hear me out. At the end of the day I know I’m a copywriter — or “brand ventriloquist”–throwing my written voice into the guise of some product by some company.
The problem that crosses my wires as a veteran ad agency writer is that there are products that are honest and some that are not. Shaklee may make fine lines of whatever, but be honest: that’s not what you’re selling. You are selling the idea of SELLING to someone else. Sure, some may refute that, but becoming a Gold Seller (or Golden Calf or whatever gold star Shaklee gives you for converting x amount of people) doesn’t not allow you to say with any real conviction that “Shaklee makes a product that you buy and it is better than dozens of other products”. The first thing I look at when I do a writing job for a company (building an ad campaign et al) is the most important question of all: “What is the USP of the thing I’m writing about?” The USP (or “Unique Selling Proposition”) of Shaklee is NOT the products–its that YOU TOO can be as SUCCESSFUL selling them as Jim Shillster, our Regional Golden Blue Whale, who just last year made so much money that… (insert aspirational/desired audience driver here)”.
Maybe people think an advertising writer calling this kettle black is somewhat hypocritical, but advertising is not a business of lying about products–it’s one where you artfully don’t tell the entire truth about them in a way that creates the vision of fulfillment in the eyes of your potential buyer. Shaklee is based on selling the idea of success. You are not saving the world by selling Shaklee, you (and million like you) are trying to save your house, your kids, yourself, from this crappy economy. At least when I write for Nike, Wells Fargo, Men’s Wearhouse, or a zillion other brands, I don’t bait and switch the idea of the benefit with “this product helps you do X” with “this product will make you rich if you convert XY amount of people”.
And as Hilary’s blog here reveals to my spit-spit-spit disdain, the Shak doesn’t even allow you to use free market tools such as social media, lest you stir up their legal dept. and they hunt you down and stop you from diverting away from the “drive-to-Shaklee” main site that they REALLY want you to accomplish when using the web (or even flyers, direct mail, or whatever else you can concoct to get an edge in your area over Jim McShilling’s cronies who all bowl together.
So when they say “no animals were harmed” in Shaklee’s product positioning, I disagree: as an animal myself, the idea of such “being your own boss” and the other aspirational air they are blowing up your all-natural behinds creates enough discomfort for me as not just a professional seller used to being able to leverage any legal advantage I can to beat down my competitors–as long as what I was saying was true, capitalism and democracy and and the founding fathers and Apple Pie and Chevrolet and the Pepsi generation allow me to “Just Do It” how I want, as long as I’m not committing fraud, perjury, or trampling the minutae of Intellectual Property law in its various and sundry forms.
In other words, I’m an animal and Shaklee is one big slap in my face as a democratically-thinking, capitalist out to feed myself and give the world a Coke and a Smile. So take that, Shak, and i hope to read soon in your fine print that ‘humans who are also considered animals’ as are all “god’s creatures” can be harmed by the IDEA of using people as stepladders–and try climbing one with your hands bound by the Mothership”. Hmmph.
Or, hey, for fun, why don’t one of you try and put up an eBay store? I can see the lawyers running for their iPhones now to shut you down.
End of rant.
God bless you, every one.
Kennedy Grey,
Finding his vitamins in vegetables, no brand needed”
After having read numerous comments on this board by shaklee distributors they remind me of a brainwashed cult. Instead of ‘speaking’ politely to this and a few other individuals they seem to jump to intimidate, one assumes in an effort to get him/her to back off and not make any negative comment or even question anything having to do with the business ethics of the company. After reading this, it certainly does sound like a huge, moneymaking pyramid scheme and i dont think that i would be inclined to purchase anything from them. Thank you to all the distributors who posted here because it not only enlightened me but frightened me enough not to want to chance doing business with you.
I don’t know if I should laugh or cry, but one thing for sure, after the last two posts I had a nice big yawn. You may want to check your facts. No one is asking you to purchase anything. Well maybe Kennedy’s friend will try to educate him – he obviously doesn’t have a clue as what is in Coke.
And he is absolutely right, you are the pot calling the kettle black – you are “selling” your service. And, artfully not telling the entire truth about products in a way that creates the vision of fulfillment in the eyes of the potential buyer is… lying. Hello!?
Shaklee has more scientists, quality tests, and clinical studies than any company I’ve researched. Just because they have paid more money (over 2,000 people have been paid a million$ and a total of 5 Billion $) to the field, doesn’t mean the products don’t work. There are a lot of companies that have moved many times the product Shaklee has, and paid less.
Shaklee has always been a grass roots company and has given back – 5 million trees have been planted – that’s a great start. The lives of the people who have been affected by finally being able to find a true natural product to help fight the toxins in our world is a good thing. They have an entire timeline of green history for those who seek the truth. Oh, and good luck getting the vitamins you need from food – that is a very rare accomplishment considering the mineral depletion of our soil.
The nice thing about Shaklee is they are the quiet company where 3rd and 4th generations are being paid on work started in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. The best part is people like my sister recovered from brain surgery faster and my autistic grandson is learning at an unexplainable rate. If they happen to consume organic supplements that help people have better brain health, that is a good thing. Your lack of information won’t change the thousands of people who have experienced better health because of powerful, natural sourced products.
Sorry some people seem to have had a negative experience. I didn’t want to build Shaklee, I just wanted to try the stuff. Since they had a 100% money back guarantee, I couldn’t lose. I no longer need meds for Arthritis, Asthma, or Allergies.
1 or 2 drops of our Basic H2 makes a great non-toxic window cleaner that works – but you don’t have to use it. Instead of paying 1 penny for ours – go buy the toxic stuff, or even the green stuff in a new plastic bottle every time, that doesn’t work as well, but don’t act like you care what kind of planet we are leaving for future generations.
Shaklee also has more free resources for field education than any I’ve seen once you are a member. We don’t make people sign in on our personal training site before they make an educated decision to be part of the solution and become members. Anyone can use it – just get back to the person who introduced you to Shaklee: lookandlisten123.com the password and username are both shaklee
Good luck to you – have an excellent day.
P.S. Loved the reference to the “slender thread that connects us as miracles to this ball of dirt moving very quickly around the big shiny thing out there”. You are a very gifted writer.
First, that is a lot of posts! I grew up on Shaklee and I worked, but the problem with Shaklee going side by side in a store like GNC is that there total revenue would decline. Shaklee needs all your combined personal experiences to help sell the product. Without all your personal experiences they would lose revenue competing side by side with all the other health products out there. There is a plethera to choose from and many other good brands of health products. This is Shaklee’s business model. You as distributors have to embrace it, because Shaklee is the one calling the shots. Sorry, but that is the way business works.
Hey, I used Shaklee 30 years ago while living in Australia and sold them- loved them. Moved to the USA continued to use them. Moved to the UK 15 years ago and can’t find them. I want to become a distributer as maybe there is a niche market here. I am in another net MLM company with great products and marketing plan, but too expensive for most people. I wonder how Shaklee rates when converted to pounds?
Wow! I happened to stumble across this blog looking for something else about Oprah and her endorsements. As a small business owner, I find it sad that Shaklee is tying the hands of their distributors and how they can market/advertise the Shaklee products and their individual businesses. Online marketing and social media are necessary advertising tools in this era.
With my fundraising company, one of the product lines that I promote is with a direct sales division of a publicly traded coffee company. They are very open to any marketing ideas for the product line and have a phenomenal online marketing program already set up for you to use. You, as independent business owners, just have to get out there and do it! Shaklee needs to catch up with the present and stop doing business as status quo or their sales reps will find another place to do business. Best of luck in your endeavors.
Lisa Ash
President
Glash Inc. Fundraising Services
Association of Fundraising Professioanals
glashfundraising.com
JavaFitGivesBack.com
JFCall.com
954-87-GLASH
Hillary —
It is well known that Roger Barnett was not able to make all of the changes he wanted to make to the company right when he originally purchased the company. Not only did he have to wait two years to purchase the Shaklee because it was not for sale when he wanted to buy it, he waited six more years to launch his newly released sales plan, the Dream Plan, because it takes time to implement new changes without upsetting those who are still with Shaklee in its 54 year existence. Needless to say, it’s not a far jump to conclude that perhaps some of the restrictions and tight controls related to the Internet could not simply be relaxed immediately, when he purchase the firm. Roger Barnett does understand and value Social Marketing and the power of disseminating information through the Internet.
Before Roger Barnett became Shaklee’s president, he spent over $20 million in the selection process, and from how he spoke and involved his family in the 2010 convention, he is clearly building the company as a legacy for his children. His new incentive plan is not only his means of looking for the brightest and the best for his company, it is one way Shaklee can fuel economic recovery through the growth of Shaklee AND support reduction of healthcare costs by making these products more accessible. Essentially, if you think you can’t afford Shaklee, you could be selling it so that you can afford to live a healthier life through the Dream Plan. As Roger Barnett stated in his opening statement at the convention, if everyone was as healthy as Shaklee supplement users are (based on the Landmark Study on Multi-Vitamins done at UC-Berkley), then providing free healthcare for everyone in this country would be affordable for the government.
If the past is what is holding you back, then leave it there… in the past. Move on. Shaklee is definitely at a new beginning.
J Klingsten
One of the creepiest threads I’ve ever read! You guys talk like you’re brainwashed Scientologists…
All claims on Shaklee Personal care line are made up and untruthful. There is no scientific data to substantiate what they are saying in their booklets…all lie….
For the most part, it is common practice for direct sales companies to prohibit the sale of their product through any medium other than home parties, and/or the website they provide their distributors. Shaklee is no different. Even ebay has policies about ‘outside of ebay’ transactions and advertising. If they catch you violating a policy they will shut you down. Website keywords cost thousands, no direct sales company is going to pay for them. The website is meant to be a checkout for customers who’ve been referred to it, by you.
With the 100% guarantee all can try the products – don’t like full refund. As for the opportunity — 24/7..to make it big…research what 1% of distributors make it to master coordinator…very small. Those who make it are go getters…want it, go get it and be prepared to work 24/7.
I am so sorry to hear all these negative comments. Shaklee has a wonderful reputation. Their products work as they promise, or your money back…all who didn’t like them, I hope you returned them. Shaklee is a company, just like any other. They have to set restrictions. As long as you aren’t trying to pose as “Shaklee” they are behind us. We are permitted to use the logo, the product names, etc…. Shaklee has to make sure that the information being presented by each of us is accurate and doesn’t lead others to feel like they can get rich quick. Shaklee is about building relationships. Cyber-relationships only take you a little ways–you must reach out personally! My mother has been very successful for the past 30 years. She raised 3 children, even after divorce, all on her Shaklee income. People she introduce 30 years ago still buy from her. I am building my own business now, I’m growing slow but this is a life style worth the efforts. It is completely up to what you want. Nothing comes without a learning curve/ expenses. Get rich quick companies usually don’t last long. Good luck in life. Whatever you want from life, you can achieve. Just set some goals and don’t give up at the first no. There will be many!
Lot’s of mlm zombies weighing in.
Wake up and get a job, quit dreamin
bout easy money. Yes Roger Barnett is rich,
he was born rich & is getting richer because
he has an army of brainwashed fanatics at work
so he doesn’t have to.
Peace
A long…well, Ok, a R-E-A-L-L-Y long…blog! Can’t believe I read the whole thing!
A few thoughts: 1) Reaffirmed my appreciation of good science and healthy living and the people involved in those pursuits 2) Reaffirmed my reasons for enjoying human interaction – the silliness that makes me laugh, the rudeness that makes me shudder, and the intelligent dialogue that sheds light on an issue 3) Reaffirmed my desire to let those gifted with money-making abilities go on and do just that while I use my own gift of encouragement to cheer them on (!)
Note to Kennedy: Your blog was hard to read. You may have a way with words, but I got lost in the overwhelming numberofwordsoneafteranotherafteranother. Do I agree with you? Hm….I don’t know!
Note to Sheryl: Your calm, reasonable (AND well-spaced!) responses appealed to me. I’ll be looking you up!
I decide to google Shaklee because I work with a different wellness company and today met someone who was interested in our company and was formally with Shaklee. She unfortunately had put out more money then she ever made. I became curious as our company is a green one as well. I wanted to see what, if anything, was similar (aside from being green and working from home). I, however, found there are MANY difference, thank goodness! I’m people driven so I always like to see what’s out there for others.
The fact of the matter is, folks, multilevel marketing only works if your at the top. That’s why I joined our company. I had done MLM’s and knew how hard it was … You usually spend more than you make and the products are outrageously priced. Our company is the opposite. Although you can compare both with being green driven products, we aren’t distributers. The company is the ONLY distributer and profit shares 51% of their revenue WITH their customers. No one does that! We, who work from home, don’t sell products or carry any inventory. Yes, we use the products and talk about the products, but that’s because they are amazing and cost effective and we use them by CHOICE. You actually SAVE money as a customer and make money simply because you shared with others. It seems to me that Shaklee says that’s what they do, from reading this, that’s really not the case.
Whatever the case is, what’s happening here is many complaints about the MLM business. Well, there IS another way to start your own business with a green amazing company with literal PROOF that the products do work and you will work from home with a lifetime of residual income. Your results are all up to you. You make what you put into it in terms of bonuses and advancements and the only thing that happens with those who enroll you is yes, they do make money, as they should, but they help you reach YOUR goals so you can actually hold a higher position than them depending what you personally put in. And that’s OK! I have never seen such a supportive company in my lifetime. It really is a wellness company in mind, body and soul … Its completion, if you will.
I ask those who read this to not judge at home businesses or the people who work from home. Yes, most of these are MLM’s and have great concepts, but they’re just not possible for most to achieve. There are however, other business models like ours (and no, I’m not saying the name … lol). You can accomplish your goals and live your dreams. Companies like ours do exist … Well, at least ours does 😉
If you want more information, feel free to contact me and for those who are upset with their Shaklee results, I’m so sorry. I hope you accomplish your dreams and if you truly want to enhance the lives of others (including your own) with amazing organic products, then please, check us out.
Steph
How can I contact you Steph?
Well I’ve learned alot today and was just trying to find somewhere for my mom to buy some Basic H. She sold it back in the 70’s and not for very long. She didn’t make any money, but she loved the product.
I’m interested in my own business and would like to find out more about yours. I lost a $65,000 a year job and have now been unemployed for 4 years except for cleaning houses. Too hard on my 47 year old body.
You said to contact you, but I didn’t see any contact information. Thanks a bunch!
lorileesp@hotmail.com
Lori
I think it’s funny Steph said network marketing only works if you’re at the top when Shaklee has people at every level who have been paid over a million dollars.
AND … I quote, “Your results are all up to you. You make what you put into it in terms of bonuses and advancements and the only thing that happens with those who enroll you is yes, they do make money, as they should, but they help you reach YOUR goals so you can actually hold a higher position than them depending what you personally put in.” That is NETWORK MARKETING. 🙂
That’s not a bad thing. I started with Shaklee to feel better and I did. Then I started making money – a lot of money. No other company I’ve been with has ever paid me what Shaklee does and NO OTHER COMPANY HAS AS MUCH CLINICAL DATA proving that the products work. There are also a million people who just take Shaklee because they want to be healthier or look younger. I have recently been treated for sarcoma cancer and two nurses and two doctors told me I was the strongest person my age they had tested. I told one I had a lot of prayer and take a powerful nutrition program – she said “it may have saved your life”.
Even without a powerful patented comp plan, the products give people health assets, which you can’t put a price on. Sorry you had a bad experience Steph, but one thing you won’t find is dirt on Shaklee – they don’t try to make money on the reps – they give you every advantage – my little training site is http://www.lookandlisten123.com – the password and username are both shaklee. It’s a free site that no one tracks – you don’t have to sign up and can use anything there.
Good luck to you – working from home is a blessing – I’ve been full time Shaklee for 5 of the 6 1/2 years I’ve been with them.
Make it an excellent day,
Sheryl
Sheryl,
You misunderstood!!!!!!!!!! I’m thrilled things are working for you!!!!!!! What I meant by your results being all up to you is the same in my company …. The difference is we are a total team … WE help each other get what we achieve, any help, any time and unselfishly. An example would be that if I had someone interested in our company whether a customer or someone who wants their own business, and I wasn’t around to help them, another person, doing EXACTLY what I do, would step in and help me. That’s how it works with us and has been successful for 27 years. In my first month I made more than I did in any MLM after 6 months and I work hard. Our compensation is different than yours and how we obtain it is also different … I don’t sell products. We are not an MLM. We are a consumer direct marketing company. Its similar in that we are green and strive for wellness, opportunity and a better way of life for all. Its how the company operates that’s different. We have former Shaklee people for this reason alone and ALL of them are doing much better with us … I’m sorry. This is WHY I looked up Shaklee. I like to be informed. I also have a need to help … You will make more with our company structure than any MLM (unless at the top) simply because of the way our compensation program works as opposed to a MLM. Again, I really am happy for you … However, it is rare to be you.
I forgot to leave my email and number last time 🙂
818-606-1231
spcproductions@aol.com
With a Smile,
Steph
Also, Sheryl, I didn’t have a bad experience … I was never WITH Shaklee. I work with people who were and THEY had bad experiences. Yes, you have healthy products. You say you can not put a price on them. Ours have scientific back-up, and ours are proven to work better. As for putting a price on that, well, if they are better and work better and cost less, why would you buy the other.
Once again, I AM happy for you, but you didn’t read my post … If you did, then your response didn’t make any sense. I just need to clarify that I wasn’t cutting down MLM’s or Shaklee. I was pointing out the difference and it was because of my knowledge, from seeing the difference w/MLM’s and I’m sorry, with former Shakee reps that are now happy with us. I took a look to further understand why. By the way, this thread began negatively and I read ALL of it so I’m very confused on your quote about how you won’t find anything negative on Shaklee … I wanted answers and read this because it wasn’t positive.
Anyway, lol, enough said … Everyone should be happy with what they do and be proud of their company. You are. AGAIN, I think that’s GREAT! For all those who aren’t, there ARE other solutions, is all.
Thanks!
Good luck to you Steph –
Sorry if I misunderstood. There will always be people who say they worked a business and have better luck in another. Shaklee has paid 5 billion to the field. In one of my presentations on lookandlisten123 I publish the average incomes from several companies and Shaklee – there’s a lot of data to support the Shaklee comp plan.
I’m glad you found a company you believe in. I too had been with other companies and never made what I make in Shaklee. When I was sick with cancer and didn’t work for 4 months, my business grew, and I still got paid.
I’m also impressed with the heart and soul of our company, as I’m sure you are with yours. I’m not an exception with Shaklee. There are thousands of people who built businesses and haven’t done anything for years and are still getting paid. That is unheard of in network marketing. I love that they have a class because so many people have inherited Shaklee businesses that their parents, grandparents and great grandparents built.
Be blessed!
Sheryl
Why does this lady get to use shaklee in her domain name? AND SHE’S BEEN DOING IT SINCE 2002! LAME – SHAKLEE SUCKS EVEN MORE
Hmm is she even real? Josh Garber from Leadpick – I can’t type fast enough reporting them to the FCC. Woo hoo. They are violating new federal guidelines…
https://sitedown.shaklee.com/pws/
Registrant:
LeadPick, LLC
1813 Union Avenue
Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601
United States
Registered through: GoDaddy.com, Inc.
Domain Name: TRYSHAKLEE.COM
Created on: 23-Oct-02
Expires on: 23-Oct-11
Last Updated on: 25-Oct-10
Administrative Contact:
Garber, Josh domains@leadpick.com
LeadPick, LLC
1813 Union Avenue
Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601
United States
+1.8149413635
Technical Contact:
Admin, System sysadmin@appcove.com
AppCove, Inc.
PO Box 1309
Altoona, Pennsylvania 16603
United States
+1.8149412390
Domain servers in listed order:
NS.RACKSPACE.COM
NS2.RACKSPACE.COM