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I am contemplating signing on with a friend who gave one of the full size "puppy" kits. I'm not a "germphobe", but I'm a little uncomfortable knowing that the bottles are used and will be used again after I'm finished.It was briefly mentioned in another post the idea of using sample sizes. Is this going to happen? I would feel much better about offering a sample to people that won't be used again for more reasons than one. Has this been addressed by others?


Thanks for any feedback.

Of all the samples I have given out I think two
people actually used them and used them
correctly. In my experience they don't work.
I am now using the full set, but I put the night
cream in a separate small container. We will see
how it works; I gave out my first "puppy" today.


Terry and Betty smileys/smiley32.gif

My upline has told us that the full size set is better than the samples because they are actually all in pump type bottles, with the exception of the night cream, which like Terry and Betty we all put in another container. It also lets them see the full set and size that they would actually get if they were to purchase it. Just a thought. That's what we were told.

Everyone that I have given the full size pup to was thrilled and actually commented that they loved getting the full size products to try. Plus, it's SO much easier for them to use one pump of the products, instead of fussing with the sample pack.

But what about the cleanliness/contaminates/my 2 year old pumped out all the lotion/the top is dented/the lettering is coming off the bottles...need I go on? I'm not talking about sample packets. I mean miniature bottles that are maybe 1/4 of the full size.Much more sanitary.


I can't believe I'm the only person to feel this way. Like Isaid, I'm not some anal retentiveclean freak. My house is a mess, dog hair everywhere, coffee stains, lipstick, markers on the sofa.


Maybe I'm the only person who has received a used puppy to try.

Did the person who gave you the used puppy "clean" it up?

It also seems that I remember in reading the Arbonne web
site that the official way is to give out a sample with the
"puppy" and not have them actually use the "puppy".


Terry and Betty smileys/smiley32.gif

I have NOT had good luck with the samples. I always wipe down the bottles with antibacterial wipe, but truthfully, the people I give them to are very respectful of the product, they have been returned in good shape. I picked up a pup from someone yesterday that said they probably would NOT have tried the sample. I think its a marketing thing to receive the full size set. They truly are "trying before they buy!" I can't explain why it works, it just does! Of course, if you sense a reluctance from someone, you could always offer samples instead. I spoke to a DM who has 6 full size sets in circulation all the time - she even ships them out of town! She started just before me & made DM last month!! I am trying to be coachable & not re-invent the wheel, if it is working for my upline, I'm duplicating!

I understand your hesitance since it sounds like your set may have looked a little old. However, the lettering does come off of the bottle quite easily! The standard is to give a full set -- WITH A SAMPLE. The idea is this: If you give someone just a sample, they will most likely not use it, use too much, or use it unevenly (like spilling the toner), etc. and not have enought for three days (optimal time). However, if you leave someone a full $266.00 set -- 1. They KNOW that you are going to come back and get it. 2. They see the pre-metered, quality product. 3. They tend to feel that you have invested more in your choice of asking them to try the product. So what Arbonne suggests is giving them the full "puppy" along with a sample, and ask them to use the sample and only open the full set if they wish to buy it.


Now, I usually give a sample with the Full set but I tell them to keep the sample and use it after I pick up the set because most people fall so in love with the set that they kind of hate to stop using it while their order comes in. But if your concern is that people will see the "used" puppy as unsanitary, you should try as Arbonne suggests and give a full UNUSED set along with the sample. Because, most likely if you just give the sample you will have much less success.


smileys/smiley1.gif Try it with people you know first anyway!!

I have thought about this a lot. The reason that Arbonne doesn't want us using the pups anymore is because some loser people sent the pup out and then returned it to Arbonne if the client did not purchase it. This was really unfair and caused a huge amount of returns/refunds. I use the full set and have purchased the spatula's for the night creme. Everything else is pumped and can be cleaned thoroughly before the next use.


Keri Burks


www.PureSkinSystems.myarbonne.com

Good idea to leave a sample. Many times they will not want to give back the set after they've ordered it. I've had several ask me to let them keep it until theirs arrives. I've ordered samples, but still waiting! I did receive the deep cleansing duo & I usually include that in the pup. I've also ordered the thermal fusion mask sample, but not gotten it yet, either!


I'm thinking of making a "my favorite things" basket & including the small sea salt as a gift, the mens & woman's re9 full set, the thermal fusion mask, extra strength mask, body lotion & serum, body wash, unwind mist, shampoo & cond samples. I'd give this to my top prospects, ones that I think will fall in love with the products & can afford to "Arbonnize" their home. Just something I've been kicking around.

A favorite list is something I do at my presentations. I often offer 10% off my favorites or no shipping etc. People always love a sale!!!


A favorites basket is a great idea for prospects...


Keri Burks


ps. I just ordered another pup:)))

Well, I appreciate all the feedback. I can tell you all have put a lot of thought into this topic.


I don't want to sound negative, as you are all so helpful, but I just don't dig the used products being passed around.


I'm going to a meeting tonight, so we will see what happens.


Thanks again,


Katey T

Katey


If you aren't comfortable, then don't do it. You have to have confidence & belief in what you are doing or it will come across to your clients. Find what you can believe in & go for it!

Hi Katey...you are not alone. I actually feel the same way. If someone gave me a used skincare sample, I'd wonder how much bacteria it had in it, lol. And I'm also not a neat freak at all. I guess it's just mental programming from when I was a child or something. My mom always told me not to share that kind of stuff, even with my best friend!


Since so many potential customers seem to disagree with me and tend to love this tactic, I wish that I could afford to invest in one anyway. A hacker recently destroyed my computer, and I had to buy a new one with my marketing money! So I'm going to have to be extra-creative and cheap, lol. smileys/smiley36.gif


--Meredith

I have yet to run into someone being put off by trying the full sized tester bottles. Seriously, what's the difference- don't you use the pre-metered soap dispensers in public restrooms? Just seal the bottles with a label sticker around the rim so you can tell if someone opened the bottle or not, other than that- there really isn't a way to contanimate the product. And the thing about cleanliness- if I go to someone's house to drop off a "partner" of mine, and I see a messy unclean stinkyhouse I opt to leave the sample pack instead. If the house is in shambles, then how can I trust them to take care of my partner? You can kinda get an idea before you even ring the doorbell as to if you shoudl leave a fullsize tester kit or just sample pack, and I'm not talking about if it's a "rich" house, but is it "kept up"? Is the yard neat? Hope I'm not coming across as a snob, but if it's obvious to me that they don't take care of their own possessions, how can I trust them to take care of mine?smileys/smiley2.gif

and another thing I feel I need to add.... if one of my "partners" comes back damaged (like a dent?) I eat the cost of that bottle and send out a new one. Maybe you feel bad about the fullsized testers because they LOOK like they've been in a war zone? If you were trying nicer bottles, maybe you wouldn't be so put off?smileys/smiley2.gif

so sorry if I'm sounding harsh,smileys/smiley9.gif it's Friday and dh's been gone all week on a golfing trip and I'm here with my 3 kids (ages 6 and under) and needing a breaksmileys/smiley19.gif, or at least a drink! or two!smileys/smiley36.gif

I think that giving out the full size testers gives us Arbonettes and edge on the market. Lets face it, everyone gives out regular samples. It sets us aside and I have never had anyone not buy the "pup." I think people are honored that we trust them enough to loan them a set... I think you are more likely to pick up a disease in a million other areas of life. It is pumped and I use spatula's taped to the top of the night creme. It looks really professional and I put it all in the gold bag. I THINK IT LOOKS GREAT AND IS VERY PROFESSIONAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Keri Burks


www.PureSkinsystems.myarbonne.com

maybe I need a drink too... Cassandra you started this:))))))


Keri

I don't know how single mothers do it! ...???... well, let's just say I'm anxious for their bedtime! smileys/smiley36.gif then I'm off to a nice tub of Unwind bath salts, with a glass of wine, and my copy of The Gift!!!smileys/smiley4.gifsmileys/smiley4.gifsmileys/smiley4.gifsmileys/smiley32.gif

Sounds like a plan - I am a little stressed today too! Soccer all day followed by a 6yr olds sleep over party tomorrow...yikes, bring on the unwind and wine...


love ya people


Keri

One thing I would say or caution is how people present these full size "pups". I was on a forum that had nothing to do with Arbonne but some of the gals that posted talked about Arbonne consultants passing around "used" sets. It comes across very negative to some people who are looking at our products for the first time. I have not done the "pups" yet but when I do will put a sample on the top of the set with instructions on how it is used. The sample lasts for three days if you use the "pin" method and after 48 hours you're following up anyway to see how they like it. From a psychological standpoint looking at a brandie new set is enticement when the sample runs out, lol. smileys/smiley9.gif

Big Cheese,





Thank you for looking at this "used samples" issuerealistically. A very thoughtful reply to what I consider to be a genuine concern.


I am still doing "market research" in consideration of joining Arbonne or not. I'll keep you posted.


Katey T.smileys/smiley4.gif

I think we need to listen to those who are making megabucks at this biz and see what works for them. Soooooooooooooooo, we need to be DUPLICATABLE, be coachable (open) and TEACHABLE...


This biz will not work if we are constantly trying to re-invent the wheel. One of my team members went to a results approach presentation of a new RVP who made it in 5 mths while being pregnant with 3rd child and working as an RN!! What does she do? She has 4 pups and meets with people one on one 3-4 times per week. NO, she does not have 4 new pups every week... I am sticking with what is working for others.


Keri Burks

Thanks, Keri.


I'm with you.


Terry and Betty smileys/smiley32.gif

This biz will not work if we are constantly trying to
re-invent the wheel. One of my team members went to a results
approach presentation of a new RVP who made it in 5 mths while being
pregnant with 3rd child and working as an RN!! What does she
do? She has 4 pups and meets with people one on one 3-4 times per
week. NO, she does not have 4 new pups every week... I am
sticking with what is working for others.


Keri Burks



While I agree with what you're saying I only caution that if you are
using that method to make sure your sets are in pristine condition
before it leaves your hands to go to another.

A friend had emailed me about a thread about Arbonne on a Beauty forum
and I posted to set the record straight about the pups method as this
gal had received a "used" one in not so good condition.

While we as Arbonne reps know the pumps keep the product clean people who are not familiar with Arbonne see it differently.

Many in my upline do not use the pups approach and many are going back
to building their businesses the "old fashioned" way it was when
Arbonne started. Karen DiCenzo is my NVP and I've met and talked to her
and trust me I'm following her lead...'specially when I saw that
gorgeous Mercedes SUV parked next to my car, lol. That's one of the
things that sold me on Arbonne, the fact that the business can be done
in so many ways.smileys/smiley9.gif

As I understand from my up line, and from studying the Arbonne
web site, the Results Approach with the use of "pups" is the
official Arbonne system. The only difference is that the company
is on record as saying to use samples to prevent contamination of
their products. That, I think, is to cover their "bottom".


When you view the Arbonne University courses, they present the
use of "pups" and doing presentations. That is the beauty of
this opportunity: one is free to build HIS/HER own business.


One can become an Arbonne consultant and not use "pups" and/or
not give presentations/classes.


It appears to me that all of us would do well to go back to the
Arbonne web site and look at what it is training/teaching us to
do/use. If anybody wants us to succeed and sell the products,
it is Arbonne International.


It also appears that different NVPs are doing things differently.
None of those people made it to NVP level by accident. There is
NO ONE WAY to do this business. It depends on what you want
and the way you decide to get there.


Just my 1/2 cents worth.


Terry and Betty smileys/smiley32.gif

Edited by: major26

I think the party system has always been around, they actually used to do full facials on guests, imagine that? They would do one on ones also for people who may have missed a party or didn't want one, but it was just recently when the "pup" system was introduced.... and instead of taking a few years to get to vp level, people were making it in ALOT shorter time periods, as short as 3 months, but probably more along the lines of 6-9 months. It appeals to nearly everyone because people can so Duplicate this system more so than to "do parties", seriously- if Andy Inman, a retired middle aged golf pro can do this a go to the top, then... ?smileys/smiley5.gif No offense to Andysmileys/smiley2.gif. I've never really gotten into the whole "don't reinvent the wheel" thing tho because, after all- Andy reinvented it with the puppy dog system, and the team that went the "network of consumers" route, they all were "reinvented" and guess what? They are all the ones who made it to the top in less than a year, HOWEVER , what I do disagree with is that these people are making it to the top so quickly that their downlines are not being trained properly and thus you get broken and bruised pups, ebay, ioffer, etc. I believe that is why corporate changed the qualification period to a definite 2 months for Area regardless of what your volume is, am I correct on that? I remember a few months ago getting an email saying that to ensure that people get trained to manage their teams, they will have to do AM in 2 months.... ANYHOW, find a system that works for you, plan to work and work your plan... it's ALL good!smileys/smiley2.gif

Just wanted to add...


Whichever system you do, it's not really about the bottles vs. the samples, it's more so about the COMMITMENT AND THE FOLLOW UPthan on what they are using.

Katey,


One of the wonderful things about having your own Arbonne business is that it is your business. If you are not comfortable using the REsults Approach with full size products, you don't have to. You get to do what is right for you and you can experiment to see what works for you. I LOVE this business and the opportunity that is available to everyone who works their business. There are so many tools in place (with many more on the way) to help us succeed. Arbonne makes it so that the only thing that can keep me from succeeding is ME!I have experimented with different approaches and finding out what works for me.


Good luck to you, I think this company is definitely the right answer for anyone who is interested in owning their own life. PM me if I can help in any way!