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Please help! I joined Arbonne 2 weeks ago mainly b/c I love the product. I joined in the 6 puppy dog level. Mainly b/c I didn't know there was another option. It was more money than I was comfortable with but I believe in Arbonne products and felt I had an opportunity to show others our great product.


Since I have joined I realized that my market is saturated w/ Arbonne consultants and If I approach anyone that isn't signed on I hear "you aren't selling that too" I always respond and say have you even tried the products. I joined b/c I love the products.And I can share this with others.


I am in the fastest growing market in Arbonne history. My RVP made it in 3 monthsbut I don't think people are knowledgeable about what they are doing. They are just trying to sign everyone in town up. I received and email Saturday from my upline and it stated.


"---As I pointed out, we have moved to the 8-pup system. The bottom-line investment is about $1,700.00. This is definitely better not only for our team, but for any new team member who wants to get on the fast-track right away."


I am so discouraged b/c I don't want to pressure people in that way. I believe that they should be offered this Fast Track option as well as the other options. I just think not all people are willing to spend $1,700 but may spend $500-$800 and sell twice as much and the upline is just getting greedy.


Has anyone else experienced anything like this? If so,how did you handle it? I mean I am receiving an email every couple of days that is discouraging me more and more...............Edited by: smiley

Smiley


I see the potential with the fast track system if that is what people want to do but I don't think it should be mandatory for people to sign up that way. If my sponsor had told me it would cost $1700 to joinI would have said no thank you. I do like the Puppy Dog system as far as a way to share the product with people. I teach school and when I get home I am too tired to go out and do presentations.


I will offer people the business option and several ways to join. They can join for the $29.00 or I will tell them about the "Spa Packages/Puppy dogs. If they just want to be a wholesale buyer then great.If they just want to be a reorder customer then great.I am not as aggresive as some of these girls and don't feel comfortable forcing people to buy a lot of puppy dogs.You need to do whatever is comfortable for you. It is your business to run as you wish.I went to the Atlanta training on June 4 and this team(Susan Hutton/Shannon Johnson) really push the system you were signed under.It almost looked like the don't sign people if they don't commit to this.Andy Inman who is part of that team spoke that day and he said to do whatever works for you.Do not feel guilty about not purchasing more Pups. I have one pup and am getting ready to buy more RE9 to add to some products I have to make 2 more sets.If I am successful with the puppy dogs then I will order more as I have a long list of people to share the pups with.I will do it on my time table.Don't be talked into something you don't want to do!


Just my 2 cents


Kris

smileys/smiley3.gifOne of the reasons I joined Arbonne was because there was not this kind of pressure from my upline. Wow, I'm just amazed people are operating this way - but I guess they can do the business however they want to. Personally, I'm not on the fast track. My bottom line is helping others, period.


Don't give up, Smiley. Just do the business in the way you feel comfortable. smileys/smiley31.gif

I have to agree with the other ladies. Do what you feel confortable with. It is your business to do how you choose. Research all the systems we off & do what makes you feel the most comfortable with. Your upline may not help you with some things if you choose to go a different route but don't let that stop you.


I would never pressure anyone to invest more than they can & do not agree with the business being done like that. But, part of the beauty of the company is that we can all do our businesses how we want. In our Nation we offer several choices for sign up but those are really guidelines. If someone can't afford the cheapest package then we do what they can afford. And you can still do Arbonne even in a market that seems saturated. I'm in Oklahoma which is the most heavily populated state for Arbonne but we haven't even scratched the surface yet. It seems like everyone & their dog knows about Arbonne sometimes but that isn't the case. I run into just as many people who haven't tried Arbonne as I do people who have a sister/friend/cousin/niece doing it. So don't give up!

I understand the puppy concept and in order to use that approach you
need product...but $1,700? What happened to you can sign up for
$29? It sounds like Arbonne is getting away from their
roots...healthy product ingredient knowledge and teaching others the
same. Now they are moving to the "sign anyone up no matter what"
mode?



Yes, these areas are building fast, but do the consultants even know
what they are selling? I hope they are still getting trained on the
products, because that is what is important. If the consultants
are buying products and not knowing how to sell or even what they are
trying to sell, then the uplines are getting rich off their
downlines purchases, not sales. Is Arbonne a wolf in sheeps
clothing-pyramid scheme posing as a direct selling company? I am not
saying it is, but it sure is starting to sound like it the way the
NVP's are training. I hope I am dead wrong.

I am sorry that you feel you were pushed into getting the 6 RE9 systems to Pup-out. I completely understand why you are so frustrated with not being given choices and all the information. All I can say is, you can learn from your up-line. Think of it this way, "My down-line is not going to feel this way about me!"smileys/smiley2.gif

Chersgiftsngemes,


I hope you are wrong too, but it does seem like some of the new Regions and Nations are training this way. I think it is wrong and is against Arbonne's policy against Front Loading. We are not supposed to be carrying huge inventory and must sell 70% of what inventory we do have before we restock, right? I do believe in the Puppy System but I don't believe in the Fast Track system, especially when new consultants like Smiley aren't being told there are options and they are being duped into thinking they have to makea huge investment. I started with One RE9 set to pup and since have bought a few more. It will take me alot longer to get to Region/Nation but I know that my down-line trusts me and that's what counts the most for me.

Thanks toall of you! You did a wonderful jobof motivating me again! I joined Arbonne b/c I believe in the products and that is what I plan to sell. I may not get to the top as quick as others want me to but I will get there and never feel that I compromised my values.


Thanks Again!

Yes, Smiley that's the spirit! And remember, it is not what
OTHERS want for you, it's what YOU want for you. Your goals must be the
ones that you have set for yourself, not someone else's goals that have
been set for you. You'll do just fine, best wishes to you!



Cassandra, do you think Arbonne corporate backs this type of training?
I know that when I first joined Arbonne there was a big shake up in the
training over the "scare" tactics that were being used to sell
products. Now this. I wonder if corporate will put a stop to it,
because as you said, it goes against the consultant agreement.
Then again, Arbonne International is a big business now and they are
making big bucks off of these consultants buying a lot of
product. Still, it's not right.

Yes, these areas are building fast, but do the consultants even know what they are selling? I hope they are still getting trained on the products, because that is what is important. If the consultants are buying products and not knowing how to sell or even what they are trying to sell, then the uplines are getting rich off their downlines purchases, not sales. Is Arbonne a wolf in sheeps clothing-pyramid scheme posing as a direct selling company? I am not saying it is, but it sure is starting to sound like it the way the NVP's are training. I hope I am dead wrong.


I truly believe in Arbonne and their integrity. I think there eventually will be further policies/training/restrictions based on this over-agressive type of marketing & sponsoring.


Let's face it ... having consultants sign up with an 8 puppy set is NOT DUPLICATABLE. For goodness sake, I'm not even doing this business with a credit card! If someone told me I'd have to invest in even ONE puppy set, my answer would be "forget it".


This was bound to happen with the explosive growth Arbonne is experiencing ... you get people in the business who are savvy with numbers and know how to work them to "get on the fast track". They use slick marketing tactics to recruit others who want to earn fast, but they lose sight of what is really important ... which is what Cheryl mentioned above. I can't even tell you how much time I've spent doing independent research on product ingredients and gathering information - all of which completely backs up Arbonne's research and development ... that is why I trust the products.


It is far better to focus on what makes the products & company great and what our products can do help people - to improve their quality of life, whether it be helping with weight loss and nutritional goals or finding the right products for someone suffering with acne ... it's ALL about helping others first and foremost.

I saw the OP early this morning and was going to respond immediately. However, I decided to wait, knowing that you more experienced Arbonne-rs would come in and set the record straight for Smiley. You all did a terrific job in representing whatI think the company's all about. Bravo! smileys/smiley32.gif


Thankfully, I have a wonderful upline that is supportive and helpful without being pushy. Do what you feel comfortable with, Smiley, and you'll be great!

I think this is the future. Corporate is working on a unified training manual for puppies. I attended a training class yesterday and the message was - invest $$$$.


Lucy

I have puppy dog training with my upline tonight, so I'll hopefully have more information; however, when I met with my RVP last Thursday, she said that we shouldn't invest in a huge number of puppy dogs and based on where she thought the company was going, four (I think) was recommended asthe max.


It'll be interesting to see what I learn. Will definitely bring these issues with me though for clarification and discussion.

I too wondered in Atlanta do they even try to sell any product!! My uplinesaid she went to a training and the RVP there said if people were doing presentations they would be left in the dust. All the RVP's and NVP's are seeing the big picture with the money they can make with the Puppy Dog System. Rita Davenport spoke at the seminar so they are aware of what people are doing. I just don't think they know that some consultants are refusing to sign people up unless they purchase a huge package. This sounds too muchlikeanother skin care company we all knowabout and we certainly don't want that. I know this type of recruiting is going to leave a bad taste in somepeople's mouths and they will tell others to steer clear of Arbonne.I really hate to see that because Arbonne is a wonderful company.


I am so glad that many of us will not be so rigid in our recruitinig practices. Again we need to do what works for us.


Kris

I think this is the future. Corporate is working on a unified training manual for puppies. I attended a training class yesterday and the message was - invest $$$$.


Lucy





I attended a training this past Saturday given by my Nation about the puppy and she said if you have someone wanting to sign up and do the puppy system but can't get the puppies, loan them yours until they can afford their own - volume counts for you anyway.


As for the misconceptions out their that some consultants are feeding their new consultants-- I was at a CATS (consultant area training seminar) earlier this year and they asked how many of us opened our accounts with Arbonne just to get the discount? I would say over 75% of us raised our hands! So the message was-- Why wouldn't you sign people up for their own accounts if they want the discount? You know that the more products they use the more their belief will grow, the more they'll want to "do Arbonne". So for those of you who don't want to sign anyone up unless they 'invest', send them my way!

They actually said that doing presentations you'd be left in the dust?
6 months ago all we heard was doing presentations was where it was at!
And a revised training for puppies only? Wow...

Our team focuses on the Puppy approach as I've mentioned many times here. No one has ever pressured me into purchasing more than I was comfortable with. I did do the 5 pup (one for me and 4 to pup out). I was comfortable with that. I saw the advantage to doing that. It gave me $1064 in volume right off the bat. Very helpful in qualifing for DM. Unfortunately I didn't qualify those first 3 months. But I don't regret it.


As for the other products, I do offer those. I use the pup as an avenue to introduce Arbonne to others. I let them know that there are 6 industries we have to offer. I let them know that if they don't feel the RE9 is for them, we do have other lines that may work better for them. I personally am finding the moisturizer a little to much in these summer months so I'm trying the Bio Matte out. I have a customer that is slowly building her stash. She has ordered 2 pups (the initial and a replacement) and now ordered some cosmetics.


When I approach people about the business opportunity, I let them know that $29 gets them access to the computer as a purchaser. Then they will need to decide how much they want to invest in their business. If they want to go further with the conversation, I will show them how 3, 5, 6, pups etc will benifit them. My one and only recruit purchased one pup. Then she built another pup w/her $100 for $20. That was what she was comfortable with.


I'm sorry that there are those out there that are making it seem so difficult to duplicate. It's really the most simple thing to do. Don't get discouraged. Arbonne is a great product and a great way to gain financial freedom.

I know how you feel ladies. I emailed a woman in my upline (one way up there) and asked about flyers. I asked if I was allowed to use the ones on the website or if I had to make my own. She wrote back saying that flyers don't work and didn't answer my question.She also said to "do the system". I wrote her back and explained to her that I am not financially able to afford puppy dogs and that I like doing parties, etc. At the point in this career that i make some money to invest in puppy's i may do that. She wrote back and said I should get a loan from the bank to buy the puppies. That really discouraged me and makes me wonder if she is really encouraging me or just trying to make money you know? I hate to say that but that comment left a bad taste in my mouth. I feel awful even saying this...


Michele

No Michele, don't feel bad. A loan to purchase puppies?? That is totally unacceptable. I just can't even imagine advising that! smileys/smiley6.gif I've heard that it works that way for other skin care companies. I'm so sad to hear that it's come to that for some of the people in Arbonne. Edited by: chrlstoncharmed

Thanks. I couldn't believe it either. I want to enjoy this business. I don't mind if I make $100 or $1000. I want to have fun and teach about skin care and Arbonne!


Michele

Everyone should be able to do what they are financially comfortable with. I've signed2 business builders - and I'm not "pressuring" them to purchase $1800. I would not have done it either. However, after a few days, I realized I needed the Pups in circulation. I started with 2 and then I bought 2 more. I've also purchased other Arbonne items and love all of them. My BB have started off with just their RSVP orders. We all still need wholesale customers also.


Lucy

How come you guys doing pups dont just give sample packs?

Michelle, is your upline a former Mary Kay director? Some of the directors
in Mary Kay encourage loans for inventory. But, everyone knows that
Mary Kay likes you to come in with inventory and there is nothing wrong
with their approach because they tell you up front that inventory is a
good thing.



However, Arbonne consultants are told that there is no inventory
required when they join, so now all of a sudden they are being
"encouraged" to buy 5 or 6 sets for the puppy dog approach at $244 a
pop retail?



I'm sure there are those who can afford that and feel comfortable
purchasing that much, but personally, if I was going to spend over
$1,000 retail on products I would be getting a variety of things, not
just RE-9.



Michelle is right, Arbonne has great sample packs. Problem is
Michelle, sample packs don't count for volume therefore a new
consultant coming in and purchasing only sample packs doesn't help
herself or her upline move up. That is why the big guns came up
with using retail products to "loan" out to potential customers.
It is a great scheme to get consultants to buy products without calling
it inventory.



As in any MLM company, don't do what you are not comfortable with financially.



Sorry, I got my people mixed up in my post!



Edited by: Chersgiftsngems

How come you guys doing pups dont just give sample packs?





Great question : This is a response from our RVP! After people have had problems with items being on backorder. At first it was suggested that we order sample packs but obviously it was reconsidered:



Pass this on as usuall to your teams: After thinking this sample idea through you may or may not want to do this. If you purchase the sample packs to fill in for the backordered items you do not want to set a precedence for future business builders to think that buying samples are an option and a way to build a business. This may seem far fetched but you would be amazed how many people look for creative shortcuts.I dont want to confuse just want to present all angles after thinking through this. THE SAMPLE PACKS WOULD ONLY SERVE AS A TEMPORARY THING. If you choose to do this make sure all involved understand that this is not the pup method and will not work for people who say they do not have the money to start the business. it will take them lightyears to get to the top of this company. This was an old method used by the homeshow clan. It is not how our team is winning with such big checks and going to top fast.

Chersgiftsngems,


First of all, the RE9 sets as puppies aren't looked at as inventory- they are looked at as "partners". The problem with the sample packs is not that they don't count for volume- the problem with sample packs is that many people with just toss them into a drawer and never get around to trying the products. Having the real full-sized bottles in your home for only a few days has urgency to it and people will use it. And the ones who came up with the "puppy dogs" were not big guns when they started this new way of doing things. I believe the story is Andy Inman had the hots for a certain lady and thought it would be a nice gesture to let her try an RE9 system. She called him a few days later and wanted to know how she could get more sets and she then loaned them to her friends and the realization of the "Puppy Dog" came about-- basically by accident.

I have heard several people say that this is the way the NVPs are going
now. That's not true. It's the way SOME NVPs are going, but
not all or most of them. I've even heard people say that Cecelia
Stoll is switching over to this method. I am in her successline,
and that's not true. We still do the system that made her
successful. 2 classes a week and maybe 1 one-on-one (could be a
puppy if that's what you like) per month.



I signed on as a wholesale buyer with a $100 order. I did not
have the money to invest in a business that i wasn't even sure I would
like. I used the profits from my first classes to buy the tools
for my business. I told my sponsor that I didn't feel comfortable
investing more money to start off. She worked with me right where
I was. My first classes were in December, and I finished DM in
March. I have made my bonus both months and hope to go first step
Area this month. I may not be moving as fast as some others, but
I hear a lot of people doing the puppy dog approach with all that
investment, and many aren't moving any faster than I am.



I love my Arbonne business and am proud to have done what was
comfortable with me and at the same time follow the training available
from my upline.



Make sure that you are communicating your wishes to your
sponsor/upline. Maybe they think you are ready to move more
quickly or have more money to invest. They can only know if you
tell them.



Good luck!

about sample packs- at a boothe recently at a womens fair, my team and I handed out about 40 RE9 sample packs. Did follow-up calls 10 days later and only6 had actually tried them!6 out of 40! That is why I say the sample packs don't work.

I'm not saying I disagree w/ the "Puppy Dog" at all. After all that is how I learned about Arbonne I actually had my Pup for aseveraldays and I didn't want to give it up. I belive in what Andy Inman had the right approach in getting people to try the product. I don't believe in the level that this has gotten to. if you want to try the pup approach w/ just one pup then you shouldn't feel as if you are bringing your team down. And our entire teamis not presuuring this way just the ones at the top.

My upline is using the pups to "enhance" your business. Just a good way
to build your current business of Classes, one on one's and personal
opinon appointments.

yes amymcg, I think the puppy is a great way to enhance your business. I do presentations and puppies-- if someone I pup is hesitant at the wholesale price but really wants the RE9 system, I tell them about hosting a presentation. Then I take their guest list and ask them who are the 3 or 4 (I have 3 pups- one of which is usually loaned to someone new- and the fourth one is my own set I sometimes use for 'emergencies') in their guest list they think would benefit from the re9 the most and I pup them before the presentation, so even if they aren't going to be able to make it to the actual presentation but still want product- they'll count for the host rewards. It's sort of like getting a referral list before closing the sale. Then if any of the guests are interested in signing up I then tell the host that she already has a team starting up so she may want to think about the business opportunity.

I just started the puppy dog system and I say to the person that we have three speeds and three options.


Option one: Be my customer.


Option two: Be a wholesaler.


Option three: Business Build....Speed One ....do a basic package with our see now products. Investment option of your choice. I even allow them to sign with out a $100 order.


Speed two... Buy two pups and Arbonnize home.


Speed three....Fast Track with 6 pups and I say," Only choose this if you wish to be coachable, can show me a list and be accountable, and that you are willing to keep moving and never let the pup sit!"





So far so good! I have to say out of the hundreds of samples I have given out, this has already payed off and I currently have 10 pups.


Ann :)