Wednesday, March 12, 2014
FTC Opens Formal Investigation Into Herbalife. Look out USANA - Your Pyramid Scheme Is In Jeopardy!
The FTC has opened a formal investigation into the pyramid scheme allegations of Herbalife. I look forward to its conclusions and believe every MLM including USANA will have a grime future if the FTC shuts Herbalife down. Those in USANA or have been involved with them in the past ought to file a complaint with the FTC as soon as they can.
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Well this might explain why I got a $25 charge to my credit card for an inactive USANA membership. A membership that I never authorized nor signed off on. Maybe they're trying to milk it for all it's worth before they get screwed.
ReplyDeleteDid they charge you for the yearly renewal fee?
DeleteYes. It turns out a "friend" signed me up last year using my credit card info. It never showed up on my credit statement because he used his own funds to purchase goods under my name. I didn't really see how it benefits him since he's paying more for the goods than the commission he'd earn on the sale.
DeleteThe lady at the counter said something about him balancing points but I didn't really feel like standing around learning their entire payment plan, I just wanted my money back.
Funny thing was at some point during her explanation she said things like "That's illegal!" and "This makes our company look bad!" and all I'm thinking is http://i.imgur.com/Q7kx7T3.jpg
It's likely a miscomm
ReplyDeleteI enter usana. My products is not complete when deliver and my upline additional charge me 1500 pesos for the kit. Which i never have it. They did not give that kit. They give me xerox copy product details. And the kit never existed. Until now for almost 2years. Usana liars.
ReplyDeleteWell, here is my humble opinion.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that we must all be watchful in anything that we invest in.
MLM is quite a scary business to be in.
USANA's products are quite steeply priced. And the notion of recruiting people to join the business? Preposterous!
But the real question here is why do people engage in the business nonetheless?
In my opinion,there are two types of people who enter MLM. Some join with hopes of getting rich, and probably no other reason. They start the business just fine, but suddenly encounter some setbacks. Maybe they find the product difficult to sell. Or perhaps, they realize that not too many people really want to join the business. So they start losing interest and eventually quit.
Then there are others who think a bit different from the rest. These are the crazy ones, who listened to the presentation and joined with no further thought. The main reason is that they have already been looking for this type of opportunity. Yes, it is difficult, maybe impossible even. But, hell yeah, they're gonna make it work, no matter what. It may take years before the business becomes stable. But, who cares, that's part of the business!
The first type I mentioned are those called risk-averse. They don't want to engage in just about anything risky. They like to coop in their 'safe' little cubicles farms. They are usually seen during rush hours, hurrying not to get late for work. They stay in their comfort zones and do not do much else. When something bad happens, they blame some government or business system and whatnot. They get all like 'WTF! This isn't what I was expecting! I gonna quit, you cheating capitalists!'. Then, they go back to their offices to make the capitalists rich. Funny.
Then, the second type. These are those who seek something different. Perhaps, they are tired of working long hours for someone they don't even like. They also know that being an employee would get them nowhere. No employee has ever gotten rich. Those at the top earn lots of money. But do they really enjoy it? So if what you are currently doing is getting you nowhere, why not try something else? They face the same problems as the risk-averse types. But the difference is, they quickly try to find a solution, instead of getting all whiny about it. They have aspirations. And they will stop at nothing to get them.
I believe MLM is a perfect simulation of a 'real' business. By 'real' I mean those with big buildings and fancy ads. MLM gives you a taste of the real thing at a very affordable price. Leverage? You learn that when you borrow money for the capital. Risk management? Facing rejections? Building relationships? Selling? Presentations? Virtually every skill in building a business can be learned in an MLM.
The problem with most people is they only think of the money. The money they invested and the money they earn. They compare them and get disappointed at what they see. But what about the lessons?
Personally, I pity these people. They will continue sitting comfortably in their weeny, little swivel chairs, dating their computers and working their asses off for some anonymous capitalist. They will retire at 60 and live off their measly retirement plan.
Thanks for reading!
Humble Opinion
DeleteThe are two types of people in the MLM business. The barracudas and the mullets. There are 99 mullets or more for every barracuda..
The MLM is not a perfect simulation of a real business. The barracudas
know it is a swindle. The mullets are uneducated wannabes. They have been blinded by the wisps of a dream. They believe the pitch of health & wealth.This dream vanishes when reality sets in. 80% drop out each year.
MLM's are not business. They are pyramid schemes.
Which fish are you?. Are you a barracuda or a mullet?.You seem to feel sorry for the losers. But,,, you think it as ok for people to feed the barracudas as long as they do not care about money.
There are not two types of people. There are three. The one that know right from wrong. Those that don't. And then there is you !!!
Do you know who was put in your up-line today?
By the way, Sir/Maam USANA Watchdog,
ReplyDeleteWould you disapprove the comment I previously posted? About the two types of people joining MLM? The risk-averse and the business minded types, you recall?
Well, that is understandable. I don't figure you as a type of person who accepts a different idea other than that of your own. You are indeed a perfect person to build this kind of blogsite.
But if you really want to help spread knowledge to people. Then by all means, open my post for further argument.
I don't disapprove anyone's comment unless there is fowl language. I have over 1000 posts in the spam box. Blogspot does not do a very good job on their filters. I will look for your posts
DeleteTo the one who said something about barracudas and mullets:
ReplyDeleteYes, I may be a mullet. For now.
But I am willing to work my ass off to become a barracuda someday.
Anyway, what's the risk? I'm just 23. I'm not afraid of failure, if it actually happens to me. Yes, I might lose it all. But, who cares, there' still a lot of time to raise more money for other ventures. I plan to retire at 30. That means I still have 7 years to iron out whatever wrong happens. You don't expect to transform from mullet to barracuda in two months, do you?
I'm not attached to money. It's just paper. My dreams are more important. But how can I reach them if I can't even let go of my comfort zone?
You, sir, on the other hand, may have lost your bet on an MLM. But, you know what? A lot of other people did and still do. Most of them gave up and whined about it. But the rest kept going and limped their way to the top.
Is this the reason for your disappointment in MLM? You can't sell? You can't recruit? So you blame it on the system? Just as people blame the government for not getting a job, disregarding the fact that they might just be incompetent?
Just because you can't do it is not a reason to put blames to it.
It's so sad to know that so many people are very, very willing to get overworked and underpaid for some greedy capitalist. But will not take risks for a chance to change their lives.
Is it the monthly paycheck? You people get immediate rewards for your work, no matter how measly. And I figure you are contented with that. By all means, keep it up.
Regular businesses take years befor they get an actual income. But do they just close up and leave? No, they don't. They keep going forward.
I, on the other hand, am sick of dedicating my time and effort for just a meager income. I want to retire young. I want to have more time to spend with my future family. So I will rev this up.
You people are the reason why mega-corporations are blowing out of proportion, exploiting the workforce more and more. You just can't let go of them!
But do carry on. Keep sitting on your swivel chairs, yakking about your boss, hating your job, and cursing people who get rich.
A lot of good that would bring you.
Mullet or barracuda, it depends on what you choose: eat or get eaten.
~
"You can't keep on doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result each time."
"You can't keep on doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result each time."
DeleteAssociates keep on referencing this quote, but they are told to continuously recruit and sell. Aren't you being contradictory on this one?
Associates are also provoked on saying "only those who can do it will succeed." Guess what? This is what most uplines usually say to get them as their downline, giving them this illusion that "they are the few ones who succeed" etc etc etc. One more thing. This statement just proves the out-of-proportion failure rate in USANA.
It's just like provoking one to brawl in the streets with a bully, by telling one who refuses to fight, "What? Can't do it? Can't hit me with a punch?"
And again, just because we're against the MLM business model doesn't mean that we fully support employment. There is no instant money here, unless you're very lucky to hit the jackpot in your first try in gambling. You work hard and think of honest ways to get rich in a clean way.
That's pretty much an assumption there, honey. I suggest you read Robert Kiyosaki's book again and chew on every word he wrote. :P
Is this for real? I am in the midst of applying for a loan to enter this organization, USANA. I am really thinking if I will enter since reading this blog. Why are you doing this and how did you know such information e.g., the book of Lyle MacWilliam? I was also convinced by their presentation because they explained to me how the products are different from other pharmaceutical drugs available on local drug stores. They even provide a book something like PHD, they say it's a book used by doctors, which tells that there are no side effect of taking such essentials. Is the book also edited? Although I'm also a bit hesitant on their required initial application which is about $400 without giving any list of the products that I should be receiving. And also I was not informed that I need to buy products monthly to be able to get the commission. Is there any people out there that can help me decide? Please. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI created this blog to provide information to the general public when they are approached to be recruited as a distributor. If they are lucky, they will search USANA in the search engine and find this blog. Those that read this blog will get information that USANA refuses to disclose such as 99% no-profit rates, 80% dropout rates, third-party books that are scams (comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements), fake awards such as Myron Wentz's Einstein Award, dubious distributor earnings reports provided by the company that withholds statistical information about the bottom 90% of total distributors at the same time providing fake average earnings for each level of distributors, blatant violation of foreign laws such as China's by recruiting tens of thousands of distributors from the mainland and falsifying their home address by having them all sign up with a common fake Hong Kong address (it's illegal in China to promote and participate in MLM as they are all deemed as pyramid schemes), and a slew of other information you'll never find elsewhere.
DeleteI learned about Lyle's book after extensive research and communicating with Nutrisearch.
The book you refer to in your PHD statement is actually the Physicians Desk Reference (PDR). There are several versions of this guide/book. The one that is mentioned by USANA is the "PDR for Drugs". USANA uses the fact they are listed in that particular book (instead of the PDR for Supplements and herbs) as an accolade that somehow gives their product credibility. However, this is hogwash. I have contacted the authors of the book years ago and asked them about USANA and how USANA is using the book to claim credibility to their product. The authors were very angry because USANA never had the right to do so. In fact, they issued a warning to USANA which USANA was forced to change their marketing literature and inform the distributors not to misuse the PDR.
The truth is, USANA paid an advertisement fee to have a few of their products listed in the PDR. USANA writes their advertised listing and the PDR publishers publish it. There is no fact checking whatsoever. USANA could write absolutely anything they wanted and the authors of the book will print it. USANA never listed the side affects of their product which violates the PDR's own admission, but that doesn't stop them from taking USANA's money. USANA products have many side effects. Do you know what an excessive amount of vitamin C will do to you? How about Beta Carotene?
Last but not least, if USANA's products were as good as the company wants you to believe, then wouldn't you and everyone else have heard of USANA by now? Reality is that most people have never heard of USANA. My favorite point of all is the fact that most people who have tried USANA stopped purchasing the product as well as their distributorships.
Dear Anon,
DeleteWhy don't you just give us a call here at USANA and we will tell you the truth. Not the crap that Watch Dog wants to scare you with.
Customer Service 888-950-9595. To show I'm not lying, the Kit is the only requirement because it lists our policies and procedures. The rest you purchase, is totally up to you. There is no certain amount you HAVE to spend. I love watching this site so I can correct them.
Dear USANA Employee,
DeleteThe $29.95 kit is USANA's way (as with alll other MLMs) to avoid having to abide by the "Franchise Rule". The "kit" provides absolutely no beneficial need for a USANA associate. In many cases USANA gives the "kit" away for free.
However, if you intend to try making any money in USANA, you will need a business center (virtual position within the pyramid/endless chain hierarchy). This business center will cost you about $220 (200 personal purchase volume points). You will then need to maintain an additional 100 volume points ($110) every 4 weeks after that. Without this, you can not collect any commission from your preferred customers or downline associates. That's $1540 plus $130 in shipping and handling in addition to the worthless $29.95 start up kit that you will spend for the year.
Now lets add in the fuel costs, weekly events, hosting parties, hotel costs, DLM software cost, training CDs/DVDs/Books, business cards, conferences, conventions,etc... I know some people spend about $10,000 for their first year.
So why not actually refute the slew of issues I have written about? I would LOVE for a USANA employee or executive to attempt this. I would even give you a section completely dedicated to USANA's refutation of the information I have on my blog. Good Luck!
Actually, this blog provides misinformation. If you pay close attention to the majority of the things posted on this blog, they are rife with quick assumptions and hate-bait and over-generalizations. Besides, a blog is hardly a place for reliable information. If you want a real, objective look at usana, check out the websites of t NYSE, forbes, business week, fda, Dsa, search for usana on said websites, and verify if there really are olympic athletets who use usana's products. Like checking out the website of the Women's Tennis Association and search for usana on their search engine to see if they, a legitimate intl organization of olympic athletes who clearly have to prioritize their health and be very meticulous regarding what supplements they are taking into their own bodies and must take good care of their reputation, are taking usana products as their official supplements. You can also check timothy bradley, and a lot of other professional athletes with reputations and personal health to protect, if they're taking usana supplements.
Deletehow about thinking that Usana pays those professional athletes to use and endorse the product? ever heard of product endoresments?
DeleteSo we look at NYSE, forbes, etc.... Look theres enron! ooh lehman brothers! public companies are stable and scam free... oh herbalife (NYSE: HLF)!
To the person who posted about the 2 types of people. The one curve ball you neglect in your argument is Usana's, and for that matter most other mlms to, is the mln business model is designed purposely so only a select few can ever make big money.
ReplyDeleteYes there is an education sales rep acquire, but is the cost and investment of time worth it? People looking to improve their professional skills should simply take business classes, or so their own self study. This would be such better use of their time, and not lose thousands of dollars in trying to build a usana business that will not make them any money.
Now for the people who have an I dont give a blank attitude and want to conquer the world to escape the rat race, good for them, this country could use more people like them. However usana isn't the business for them. If usana was so great, and their was such high demand for their product, the company wouldn't need to force their new associates to have to spend fortune on starter packs, and ridiculous monthly auto ship to remain eligibile for commissions. If company didbt have forced auto ships, would go out of business. Bottom associates paying the commissions for the people art the top.
In Usanas mind, they look at associates as assets and liabilities. The new associates, and people working very hard to grow business who don't make a lot of money, are assets to usana. Usana makes ton of money on them and pays them nothing. Those associates making a lot of money, and enjoying the residual incomes we were all promised are liabilities. Usana paying them lots of money, while they enjoy life and not work business as hard.
How does usana treat liabilities? They do everything they can to terminate them and find reasons to not pay them. Don't believe me, ask any associate gold director above who sits back, collects checks, and stops selling what happens to them. Threatening letters in mail, forcing them to get at least 5 new customers a month or else etc etc. Read the company policies, and terms. May have to read all fine print but this crap is there.
What about those who have determination to build business and after years of getting no where, and losing thousands of money, decide enough is enough mr poster above? Does that mean they suck too? No, they take that mindset and move onto something else, something that will actually make them money.
I have read a lot of posts on here, and your post infuriated me! To just cast off so many hard working people who do everything they can to make better lives for themselves, fall for the false dreams of Usana, lose everything trying to do everything to build usana business only to end up worse before they started due to usanas model destined to fail them, who the f are you? If you are with usana, hope your business is implodes, and then we will see how fast your arrogant stance changes.
Cant wait for ftc to close this lousy company for good and hopefully impose serious fines!
I've been scanning through a lot of your articles and reading the peoples comments. And I noticed some sort of trend.
ReplyDeleteI observed that the people who say negative things about the company have the following arguments:
1) The product is difficult to sell.
2) It is difficult to recruit people into the system.
3) It is almost impossible to profit.
First, yes, the products are a bit highly priced. For discussion's sake, let us say that the products are indeed not as effective as what the company claims. Let us say that the price is too high for the actual quality. But, let us also talk about an iPhone. Expensive? Check. Bang for the buck? I seriously doubt it. Hiw long will it take for it to become obsolete? A year? Six months? And still people still actually buy it. Would it change their lives? Hell, no. But it depends on the salesguy to convince people to buy it. Is it impossible to sell an iPhone? Absolutely not! If you can sell an iPhone at an exaggerated price, why can't you sell a pair of Essentials. It all boils down to sales skills, which Usana will teach you. Aside from that, it's utter incompetence and unwillingness to learn.
Can't recruit people? That's because school has hardwired us to work hard to get a proper JOB. To be good employees working for the corparate powers-that-be. Business is scary. Business is risky. It would take years to stabilize a business. That's all they teach us at school! That's why we go scurrying away, upon hearing the word 'invest' and 'hard work'. It's quite funny to read posts saying that being employed guarantees you with 100% profit. Oh yeah? You call your paycheck profit? Don't you have expenses? Because the last time I checked, profit is earnings minus expenses. Does your paycheck exceed your expenses? And how about the eight hours you spend each day? Won't you consider that as expense? Does everybody experience this very profitable venture? If so, then there really is absolutely no need to engage in any kind of business. Let us all be emoloyees! But, if you believe that the corporate world is sucking all your time an effort for a measly salary, then share this view, and you'll be surprised how many would join you.
How come MLM is bad, but mega-corporations exploiting us is not?
Usana watchdog, are you sure you're not just another capitalist tricking us into your 'safe and secure' employment plans? Like all capitalists have always done?
Good like trying to reply on this one.
USANA = Product-based pyramid scheme. That's all there is to it.
DeleteJust like Herbalife, YOR Health, Tianshi etc...
Jeebus, I don't think the Anon guy has read enough. Maybe I'll just post again for the benefit of the doubt:
Delete1. I'll post this in CAPITAL and BOLD letters: YOU DO NOT ASK PEOPLE TO SELL IPHONES. Apple spent a lot of money innovating, marketing, and ensuring that people will continuously buy their products. They hire people to ensure that an iPhone becomes a status symbol (this is why I do not have an Apple product myself). This is also an underhanded approach, but no one promises that one will get rich by selling an iPhone. This is not similar to USANA; you're like comparing oranges to apples.
And are you sure that USANA teaches you how to sell them? I've been trained many times -- my (previous) uplines told me that any associate won't be able to earn enough just by selling; they admitted that there's not much market for these products. I asked them, "How can we deal market saturation, and what will happen to my downlines who are not able to sell them?" But what did they say? "Remove the negativities in your mind. Keep on dreaming, keep on selling, keep on recruiting. Never give up." Seriously, guys? Where's the market analysis there? If Apple loses its market it researches to ensure that more people would buy from them. This is what you call INNOVATION.
Sorry but you can't fool me there. :)
2. So if I'm against the MLM business model, I'm fully supporting employment and those mega-corporations? Seriously? Are you even aware that there are a lot of money-making approaches, like starting with franchising, innovating new products, playing in the stock market and so on and so forth? You just need a creative mind, perseverance, dedication, market analysis (if you plan to sell), proper risk management and a sense of (MLM fans who keep on referencing Robert Kiyosaki, READ THIS:) DELAYED GRATIFICATION.
I'd choose employment rather than being in a shady MLM business like this, at least even if I'm in the lowest level, I'd still earn minimum and I do not fool people into buying and selling stuff I wouldn't even buy myself.
To poster above referring to I-phone and corporate America. Big difference between I phone and usanas vitamins. There is actually demand for the I phone, people actually want it and don't mind paying fortune for it. They go into a store, and walk our with their product.
ReplyDeleteNow look at usanas vitamins. Sure it's a quality product. But you have to order online, pay extra shipping (which by the way usana makes fortune on), then wait almost 2 weeks for it to arrive. When you are only about half way done, then bang, your next auto shipment is coming out. The reason they make it every 28 days instead of same day every month is so they can get 2 extra auto shipments or of you per year. Usana is a business, that is publically traded, which means they have to make a profit. So their business is all about making money while trying to convince people they are about improving people's health.
Corporate America does suck. But at least you are compensated to some degree for those 8 hours a day. In usana, you can spend countless hours working the business and not make a dime. Better yet, operate with negative income because you are not making enough money to cover auto shipments.
Not everyone who fails at usana is poor salesman, or lacks strong work ethics. If usana so great then why do so many top level associates leave company? Why so many defect to join Ariix fire example? Because usan a just not as lucrative as they would want you to think.
As far as training, sure, if you get lucky, they will improve your professional skills. However, I have never attended a training session in over 3 years in business, when anyone ever trained me on how to develop a market? Or have a unique marketing idea besides facebook, twitter, or buying leads.
Sales and number of business associates have been declining in america for several years now. Nobody wants the products, and business model just doesn't make anyone money.
For those looking to escape corporate world, yes business is risky, but the upside could have unlimited potential if you find right business sector and have truly unique product people really want.
Usana is not that business. You would be better off checking out Beach body. They still have dreaded monthly purchase requirements, but at least they advertise, and sell more things than just vitamins. P90x, Insanity, have work out sessions etc, and you make commissions on everything you sell opposed to having to balance legs and master complex point system.
To all those even thinking about usana, and think all negative posters are bitter, yes maybe some are, but you can tell who is not, and just look at the comments. You can feel their pain, and understand they went through hell trying to build usana business and got nothing for it. If it were so great, this blog wouldn't exist.
I like what person a few posts above said about taking professional skills courses, and or self development on their own, then finding their own business to utilize the education on.
Poster right above, nailed it: usana product based pyramid scheme as are all other mlms.
Typical pyramid schemes are where only people at the top earn the most, and no one underneath can earn more than the one at the top. Surprisingly, same happens with corporations and traditional businesses. Only the person at the top earns the most, and anyone under him can't earn more than the person above them.
DeleteBut wait, one is illegal, and the other is legitimate! That's because pyramid schemes involve recruitment fees. Pyramid structures do not have recruitment fees. Usana does not have recruitment fees, and any money you invest in does not go into anyone's pocket, since you're purchasing products, a starter kit.
To those who had bitter experiences in the past, i'm willing to bet it's because of the person who recruited you and not the company itself. Too often you get people who have the wrong mindset for networking marketing and only focus on them and not your welfare as their business partner. Other times the ones who failed never really took the time to research on network marketing as a whole, who never even researched on what exactly are they selling, what each product is good for, what each ingredient is good for, and what sets it apart from cheaper or generic brands or hoe the system even works.
For the ones who had bitter experiences with usana, i can say that it is most likely because they had a horrible upline, or they never took any initiative to know the business they entered, and overestimated themselves as masters of winging it, without even studing up on the products and system. Then they quit when their "method" fails, immediately writing usana as the scam over admitting they were wrong or they did things half-baked, expecting good results.
For those who had horrible uplines or had no support at all, you have my sympathies. But for the ones who never really studied what they were doing, expecting a quick buck from entering usana, with too much pride to admit that you never gave any real effort and just kept on expecting results to magically roll in, and would instead call the company a scam, you have my pity.
Legitimate and ethical network marketing is not for dishonest or lazy people. Actually, any d kind of legitimate or ethical work isnever for dishonest or lazy people.
If you entered usana with the mindset of scamming people, then you will never succeed, or you will always meet attrition. The ones who truly succeed take care of everyone who enters under them, and when they no longer have the capacity care for more people, they teach and mentor others to do it for them.
Ive beenin the company for one year, and spent my first 6 months with little results, in a country where network marketing is immediately met with allergic reactions.
I didn't think i needed training or to study what i was selling, since just taking the products, memorizing the presentation and winging it, much to my upline's stress and frustration with me.
I didn't even take theproducts myself during that time, and told my upline i wanted to quit since the whole thing was a scam because nothing was happening to my business. Then she asked me if i used any of the products, to which i said no.
When she found out, she literally facepalmed and told me "how can i ever hope to sell something that i never even really studied about, or evenpersonally experienced?" She challenged me to stay in the business for 2 more months, with the condition that i actually use the products i bought and attend the trainings she's been telling me to attend every week, and if I did so and STILL have no significant results, she will personally pay back every peso of my investment in the business.
So, with the prospect of getting my money back, i acceptedher terms of actually attending trainings, taking the products everyday and do my own independent research on the company and products, as well as how the compensation system works.
DeleteDuring her two month ultimatum, She never paid me back, because i made enough money to cover what i initially invested and now had actual results which my 6 months of "winging it" never produced.
Im now doing the business for over a year, and im happier as well as healthier for it. It was only when my body showed objective proof that the products made a significant difference that made them look at the business, and now they're working under me.
And i make sure to teach my new downlines the hard lessons ive learned so they dont haveto do the same half-baked mistakes i did, and they're all doing well in their businesses, while the newer ones are getting started on their training.
I am thankful that i was recruited by an upline who actually cared about helping me earn with her, and didn't leave me alone even when i gave her every reason to.
And she was abandoned by her upline two weeks upon joining. She actually took initiative to learn the business, the industry and did her own research on everything she could find about usana, from legit sources like research jounals, nyse, wta, fda, etc.
She is living proof that if you actually take initiative and treat your usana business as an actual business and not do things half-baked , you will definitely get results, regardless of whether you have a good or bad upline.
The 1 biggest complaint I have with Usana associates id the fact that they try peddle supplements when 99% of them are not even accredited medically or even as much as a sports science qualification. Why would you buy supplements from someone who has not even studied how the body works? The effects of exercise? I could go on...
DeleteThe fact is most associates are regurgitating what they have been fed without even knowing it for themselves. Talk about the blind leading the blind.
And the funniest thing about associates is the fact that they call themselves 'entrepreneurs' and dress in suits when they are out there selling vitamins. What a joke.
Are you sure that none of the money you say used for purchasing starter kits does not go into anyone's pocket? How about your upline? You earn points if you have convinced somebody to "purchase" your starter kits. Those points are $ when you meet a certain number of points, isn't it? So don't you say it does not go to anybody's pocket. Is what you are doing in USANA charity work that you don't get a dime for it? Let's cut the crap ok. You joined because of the potential to earn. Admit it. That is the selling point of most USANA associates that is why you display all these big houses, cars, travels, etc... giving your prospect the imaginative dream that they can afford this as well.
DeleteI know an USANA associate, he rented out ferraris and lamborghinis to show off. He has this big house (mansion) claiming to be the fruit of his labor in USANA yet it is only rented out. He travels abroad and says its the benefit of being part of USANA family, then pays off close 7,000 USD off his credit card for a two-year loan period. Funny.
The reality here is that an MLM networker will have to show off even though he/she does not have it. Why? No one will believe them! If I am an USANA associate and approach you in not so well done clothes or say, shabby clothing, will you believe in me that this business will make a difference when I cannot buy decent clothing at all?
Hi to all!
ReplyDeleteJust call me Kim from Singapore.
I was trully shock for what i've read about usana. To tell you all that i am a user of usana for 3 months now and the reason is that i want my health better and avoid any possible sickness that may occur in the future.
I just want to ask, if the USANA products good for the health? to tell you all you honestly that i have very less idea about marketing... only thing for me is important is my health.
Thank you Gent's
Truly Shock
DeleteUsana vitamins give a great placebo effect. Every distributor is told to make up a story of how the products have cured them or a close relative.. It is part of the spin on the product. A marketing ploy that is not legal in the United States. Just read the label on the products. They don't cure anything.
Usana products, plus healthy meals and exercise will improve your health. At least you will think you feel better because of the placebo effect.
Do you know who was put in your up-line today??
I look forward to their investigation of USANA. I had a chance to take a look into them and I am in agreement with you that they are a pyramid scheme that few make any money with. USANA Is A Scam? Yes It Is In My Opinion!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your blog. I just heard about the company and looked into them. I have done 2 other mlm companies in college years ago and can say that they all have the same pattern of doing business (just different products). Will never do a mlm again.
ReplyDeleteAny mlm that makes associates buy products monthly is a scam.
ReplyDeleteTo Kim, the products are good , expensive, but good and will improve your health with exercise and healthy diet.
'Will improve your health with exercise and healthy diet'.... then why would you even need the products? Just exercise and have a healthy diet...
DeleteSince August 2006, right? And I only see at most 60 comments per article. What about the rest of the millions who were 'duped' into joining USANA?
ReplyDeleteNot a very rewarding reaction for such 'thorough' and 'comprehensive' research, eh?
Or is this blog no more than 7 years of bitterness? I suggest you people grow up and move on. Quit whining and just go back to your day jobs. It' where you belong.
Will do Mr Conman sir!!!!
DeleteHmmm..did my post get dispproved?
ReplyDeleteOkay, let me try again.
So you have been blogging since August 2006? And your posts only get like 60-80 comments at most? Considering that anyone can post freely and anonymously? OK, so where are the rest of the millions of victims 'duped' into joining USANA?
99% of USANA associates lose, right? Do the 60-80 commenters represent this percentage? Or maybe they just don't care a bit?
I'm just curious, that's all. Considering the fact that almost all USAN associates lose, I'd expect this blogsite to explode with hits.
Or is this nothing more than just 7 years of bitterness? Does anybody really care about this site? Aside from a few critics and fellow bitter people?
I really would like to have you answer this for me, Mr. USANA watchdog. Or if you are at loss for words, then just let this be my personal message for you. So you can keep wake from your 7-year dream of USANA's downfall.
Oh, pity.
If you want to use that argument, then consider this. USANA's blogs combined get fewer comments than mine. Does that mean the percentage of successful distributors is what, 0.0001%?
DeleteCute, ehh!?
Another question, does USANA have a blog? How about the distributors? Do they use blogs as a means of marketing the product? I don't think so. Only a very few actually do this. Google it, dude. And see for yourself. You pride yourself in your so-called research skills. Go put them to good use.
DeleteAssociates would rather have personal interaction with customers. Successful associates do not use blogs, they go out and ACTUALLY DO SOMETHING!
NO, not like you, sir. Just sitting in front of your computer, trying to coax people to file a lawsuit. For SEVEN YEARS! Hah! And what has happened so far? Do people actually believe in all this so-called 'facts' that you write?
(I'm sorry if I touched a nerve there. Couldn't resist. I would understand if you don't approve this post. But at least you have already read it. 'Cute, ehh!?')
But, anyway that is NOT my point. My point is, why are a VERY FEW people interested in this blog? Aren't there 'supposed' to be millions of losers out there? Why can't I see them here?
Aren't they supposed to be blurting out there frustrations here, where there are supposed to be millions of fellow 'victims' who could relate to what they are going through? But, what am I seeing? Sixty people? Eighty people?
Come on, get real.
I've joined USANA January 2012 and I saw many blogs of USANA Watchdog since March 2012..I just ignored all the hates to USANA that I saw believing that it is all natural that USANA, being one of the best MLM companies, have haters. I ignored USANA watchdog for 2 1/2 years now. as of today, I'm a RUBY Director of USANA and I already earned more than $50,000 USD in commision and produced successful associates under my organization. I'm blessed that I just ignored USANA watchdog the way I ignored rejections from other people when I decided the business.
DeleteA person / company has so many haters for a reason. As 'successful' as you might be at the moment, you should think deeply where the money is generated from, whether it is ethical. The way I see you guys remains the same - you are just a bunch of thieves who try to dress themselves well and pretend to be well-spoken while attracting people to give in to your earnings. Wish you DEFINITELY NO luck with your SINISTER business.
Deletehttp://www.forbes.com/sites/nathanvardi/2014/04/01/the-man-helping-bill-ackman-investigate-herbalife-in-china/
ReplyDeleteUSANA has been operating in Singapore for quite some time and it has attaracted a lot of Singaporean and Foreigners working in Singapore. MLM / Pyramiding scheme is illegal in Singapore, not sure why it has been operating here. I believe it is hiding behind on the pretense of distributor/reseller of health products as per their business registration. However, if the Singapore government would look into the compensation plan of the associates and how they operate, they will immediately realize that this is illegal as per Singapore laws.
ReplyDeleteHere are some information where it is stated that MLM / Pyramiding scheme is illegal here.
http://singaporelegaladvice.com/is-multi-level-marketingmlm-legal/
http://www.mti.gov.sg/legislation/Pages/Multi-level%20Marketing%20and%20Pyramid%20Selling.aspx
Singapore laws are very strict, that is why it is branded by some as a "fine" city. To quote on the links I posted:
"Is Multi-Level Marketing(MLM) Legal?
No, multi-level marketing (MLM) is not legal. It is governed by the Multi-level Marketing and Pyramid Selling(Prohibition) Act.
Under the Act, all persons who participate in multi-level marketing or pyramid selling would commit an offence. This is because the participants would have played an active but destructive role of attracting others into the scheme. We believe that this is the best way to deter the potential promoters of such schemes.
A conviction under the Act will result in a fine of up to $200,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years, or to both. The fines are for the following offences:
- promoting or participating in a multi-level marketing, or pyramid selling, scheme or arrangement.
- registering a business which is designed to promote multi-level marketing, or pyramid selling, scheme or arrangement.
- registering a company which proposes to promote multi-level marketing, or pyramid selling, scheme or arrangement."
To tell you honestly, this is quite scary enough to steer away from USANA or any other MLM companies operating in the same manner. I advise, especially, the foreigners working in Singapore not to participate in USANA or other MLM companies as they are more directly committing an offense.
1. As a foreigner, your employment visa is tied to the company that sponsors your stay in this country. It is illegal to work or be employed under a different company (i.e. USANA), even though it is just part time work. Only Singaporeans or Permanent Residents can work part-time. In other words, you are engaging in illegal employment by doing so.
2. As a foreigner, you earn "income" from your MLM activities, the Internal Revenue Service will haunt you down for not declaring tax payment for additional income you earned if you do not declare. This is tax evasion. If you declare however, it is traced back to where the income came from and goes back to item #1 (illegal employment) as you cannot have two (2) sources of income aside from your working visa sponsor.
Please be guided accordingly, especially for the Filipinos working Singapore who are ignorant on such matters and have been "brainwashed" by USANA associates.
Sorry, your post is very confusing, you say Singapore is strict with regards to companies doing MLM, and foreigners and locals should be careful not to join Usana because its an MLM company according to you, but why do they have an office there in the first place??? Shouldn't the Singapore govt have screened the company first before they allow them to operate??? Doesn't make sense. Maybe you have proof its illegal, and your an expert in Singapore law, please show proof or quote a document so we'll believe you.
DeleteDude! Click on the link i posted. If you cannot click it. Copy and paste to your browser.
DeleteAs I said, the business registration states "reseller / distributor of health supplements" in whichever country you go to, that will get approved. Business licensing does not look at how they pay their employees or associates, its the labor department who look into that!
So it means that the 600 world class athletes including Manny Paquiao and Bradley plus their athlete guarantee program to these 600 athletes are all lie. Damn, Usana are everywhere outside America. What's funny is that they are in the "NutriSearch Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements" book and being marked 10 golden stars. Darn it, even Warren Buffet (one of the world's richest man) endorsed usana.
ReplyDeleteCan you please explain more, maybe you're a doctor or a billionaire too to say those words. Please don't tell me you're a nobody or you are from a pharmaceutical company just trying to destroy a wonderful product.
I just want to be enlighten. Maybe everything was a scam, the book, the Mr. Buffet thing and the 600 athletes are all lie. I even saw their products in MIMS book (a medical book used by doctors). By the way, I'm in the medical field. So maybe I should trust this blog and think that all is bogus including the books. Darn it! By the way are you a doctor or an athlete or just a nobody? I hope you're not just a nobody. :S
Do you have an article or link that proves Warren Buffet takes USANA or supports MLM?
DeleteI will let you answer this first because I have a link here that shows otherwise. And Warren does not support MLM. HerbalLife used Mr. Warren Buffet's name and they are now talking to Mr. Warren Buffet's lawyers. Hope USANA is not doing the same or be prepared for a lawsuit with the "Oracle of Omaha"
If you are in the medical field as you claim, then you would know that products listed in the MIMS & PDR book simply paid an advertisement listing fee to be there. It's just like a business being listed in the phone book. Big whoop. As far as Nutrisearch Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements, it was partly written by a USANA distributor. I go over all of this on the blog already.
DeleteAnd as the individual above me requested, please provide a link that shows Warren Buffet endorsing USANA.
If Nutrisearch is a fraud, why is it in its 4th edition now?
DeletePfizer, GNC, Olay, etc. These aren't just your typical mom-and-pop drugstores. These are giant companies. If people would realize that there supplement have little to no effect at all, do you know what would happen to these companies' credibility?
But, did you hear about any lawsuit? How long has it been since the book has been first printed? Did it get banned?
As far as I'm concerned, the book is still selling in the Philippines' biggest bookstores.
Of course he is a nobody! He doesn't even have an IDENTITY!
DeleteAnd what is the one thing you do about people with no IDENTITY?
DON'T TRUST THEM.
Well, I am a nobody, too. But, at least I'm just here to comment, not throw 'FACTS' around.
I asked my doctor if I should take Usana and she advised me against it because she wasn't sure what it contains.
DeleteIf what Usana claims are true, shouldn't all doctors know about this and recommend this to their patients, esp ones with weak immune systems?
Someone in the medical field, I don't really give a damn how many people endorse or like USANA's products. I think the main problem is the dishonest way they run their business that messes up a lot of people by giving false hopes. Quality of their products and their business approach are two separate things. I hope those USANA business people can just stop lying to people like that. I believe everyone lies, but please, not in that way that causes heavy losses of hard-earned money, time, effort and real friends. And hope people can stop being so stupid and lazy, qualify yourselves and get a honest job. Wanna do business to get rich?? Do it in a proper way without damaging other people.
DeleteDude, you say a lot but I hope u give as clue to where are you getting all this information? Do you have a reliable source or something? I mean I also investigated about USANA products, and they are in the books and also being used by the 600 athletes and some doctors. I haven't joined usana yet and I don't think I will, but I really want to know the effectivity of the USANA products. Please do blog also about it, but please provide your sources. I don't think it will hurt you if you provide your source since you said that you don't earn from this blog and your website.
ReplyDeleteWhat "specifically" do you want references on? I provide tons of them on my articles throughout my blog. If I forget to repeat the reference on every article, I am sorry. Just start from the beginning of the blog and you should find everything. You can also read my other website (that hasn't been updated for a couple years) www.mlmpyramid.com If I ever get time I will update that site since my blog (and everything from blogspot) is not accessible from mainland China and I think they really need access to this information...
DeleteYou speak as if because USANA products are mentioned in books that it lends credibility to their product. That's not true and someone in the medical field aught to know better. Just because 600 athletes use USANA doesn't mean the business model is not a pyramid scheme.
List the doctors that endorse USANA.
Doctors arent trained on nutritional supplements, they are only taught how to diagnose and prescribe medicine. Not surprised the doctor didnt know about usana. There are a lot of crap out there, centrum, one a day etc. These brands are top sellers but not best supplements, and give all supplements bad reputation. Usana makes good product, maybe not the absolute best, but pretty good, just over priced. A good book to read is What Your Doctor Doesnt Know Maybe Killing You by Dr. Ray Strand. Strand is former Usana rep and now with Ariix, but the book does good job pointing out what type of ingredients and vitamin forms to look for putting Usana aside.
ReplyDeleteYeah right...and USANA associates know better on nutrional health who are not even nutrionists or pharmacists yet they make bogus claim that its products can cure. Remember the sales pitch when your doctor Wentz took a cell with cancer and exposed it to Essentials and after 40 years the cell lives up to this day cancer free. Wow! Just wow, Unbelievable. :))
DeleteResearchers and scientist have there own specialty and field this is not just mambo jumbo like what your doing now.they spend time and effort about USANA products would they agree to be paid and give false hope to the needy .if you have doubt why was it aprroved by fda and other health care approvals. are you dumb? this person who made this page clearly doesnt know the effect that he is creating...are you a scientist who can do research or you just based it on the web and your personal ideas?are you making your own research so your an investigator wanna be? you have poor knowledge man..scientist dont make research and ask someone if its thru or not its tested by time and study...i think your name should be call the ripper :) there are better things to do..get a life
ReplyDeleteWhat "Approvals" are you referring to? Are you claiming that USANA's products have FDA approval? Where did you hear this? What health care approvals are you talking about?
DeleteHello I am from the Philippines and one distributor of USANA has presented me their products and he was proudly said that DOH has been deleted the written BFAD because it is already a medicine thus deleting also "No approved therapeutic claims" and labeled instead a "Home Remedy".. I answered him that DOH (Department of Health) does not allowed herbal products or food supplements that are not certified by BFAD (Bureau of Food and Drugs) and they may will be labeled "Home Remedy" are considered a treatment that employs common items from the home
Deleteclearly the person who mad this page is full of crap.do you think the health approvals and health care that approved for usana is being paid so its all false?then who can we trust you?oh cmon i think your just an investigator wanna be.researchers spend time and effort to made this product it is tested by time and it was approved they spent time and effort studies..so how can you say its not effective answer pls?can you tell me?or you just base your research on other peoples opinion and internet now thats not reliable man your promoting gossip ..I hope you realize what your doing instead of educating the people about it what is true your making it worst.what do you contribute really?wake up and do something better ok peace out..
ReplyDeleteUSANA supporter, I strongly believe USANA business is a cult that brainwashes stupid/lazy/hopeless people who just wanna get rich without working hard. The first time I attended one of those 'family meetings' I already noticed they were just showing off how rich an extremely small amount of them got while hiding a lot of ugly truths. I think it's OK for people to try their products, but I get seriously annoyed that those people always try to get people in their group and lie to them about their business success. I respect the fact that there are a very few of them who can get rich in USANA, but how likely everyone else can too? More importantly, the way they profit is not honest and ethical. Only a very few of them profit when a lot more of them lose. I'd rather be less rich by earning in a honest way. This kind of business just stinks too much.
DeleteI believe watchdog is doing what you say, educating the people and contributing to the society by opening up the minds of the people and be aware what you don't see behind an USANA associate's sales pitch. It has saved people from being duped from their hard earned money and from being scammed.
ReplyDeleteClearly the Person
ReplyDeleteYou have been overwhelmed by claims made solely by Usana.
There is no evidence that Usana products are better than any other products.
The Usana products are made from the same raw materials, (mainly from China) that are used by every other vitamin company. Usana makes unsupported claims and you believe them. Do you still believe in Santa Clause or the Tooth Fairy.?
The Comparative Guide is a sales tool for Usana. It was written by Usana insiders.
Usana products were given number one status by using Usana's formula as the baseline with which to compare all other products.
When companies advertise, they all claim to be number one. Read all the labels on all the Usana products and you will not find one with a claim that it cures any disease.
I defy you to find one claim in any medical journals that state that Usana products cure anything. Usana's magic pills reside in the realm of pseudo science. Why don't you ask Andy?
Do you know who was put in your up-line today?
Real Lesson in life.
ReplyDeleteIf you find a gold, you would keep quiet and dig it yourself instead of bringing more people together with claims "I wanna do good things and share my wealth", which i think is a pure BS!!!
This is no different than getting charging entry fee to mine in this supposedly "gold mine" + monthly Fee for staying there. And they get commission in recruiting more diggers in the pretext of "Lets dig and be rich together". In the end the one who will be rich is the founder of the "gold mine" and some people who joined early.
these so called "young professionals" (what they called themselves when I was lured into their meeting) really lacks common sense these days. There is no such thing as a "get rich fast" in this world. Unless of course you are truly talented like bill gates, Steve jobs, etc.
Stop being lazy, and get a real job
USANA Associates sucks!
ReplyDeleteA friend invited me to their headquarter to listen to whatever kind of marketing/presentation they have. Right after the presentation, one by one, each member of her team talked to me and telling me successful stories they have gained by joining USANA. I am actually not interested because I don't have that money which is a prerequisite. Because they're seeing I'm not amazed with the stories they have, after the other finished talking to me, another one in line will talk to me. I'm sick and tired of it, it was late time and wanna go home, its about 12am and I'm still there talking to them. So I decided to fool them, I got the application paper and fill it out so that I can go home (In my mind I will not join I'll just sign the application to get rid of them, that's it.). To my surprise they want me pay the membership fee upfront. I thought I will not pay at that moment, they even asked me to withdraw money from my card. One said that if my money is not enough I can pay an amount he said and asked me to borrow for the rest. The hell, what kind of business do they have. Asking someone to borrow for money to be a member so that they will earn?!!! Then I talked to my friend tell her that I'm not interested and left. I even received text messages if I am still interested to join... It was a worst experience!!!!!
What you went to was a "boiler room" where they recruit many people at once. How much were they asking you to spend/purchase?
DeleteWOW this is a very interesting article. Herbalife and now USANA? What company next?
ReplyDelete