WAHM Forums

Hi Ladies,


I am fairly new and I wanted to know how many of you have used the samples to hand out vs. the entire RE9 kit? I was approached by an Arbonne rep back in July of last year and when she bonbarded me with having to buy all these kits to hand out I was completely turned off. I was later approached by another Arbonne rep who hands out the samples instead and it sounded more feaseable to me. I know the biggest reason they say to do the kits is because it forces you to follow up, but what are other advantages to doing this. I mean I definitely don't have $1000 sitting around to buy kits.


Thanks,
Bridget G

I bought 1 kit when I started. It has been incredibly more successful than samples. People tend to put a sample pack in a drawer, misplace it, throw it out, etc. The kit does force you to follow up. People tend to use afull sizekit when it's sitting right in front of them. :-)


Remember, if you're inyour start month, you could also take advantage of the RSVP ($700 for $350). Someone in my downline, had a party, had the $350 in sales, so she got an RE9 Kit and a few other things for free.


You can do whatever makes you comfortable.

That kinda makes sense because it not only forces you to follow up, but forces them to use it smileys/smiley2.gif, but I still have a problem with buying a kit because of the cost. It took me over a month to buy my OWN set. On top of that my family and friends won't listen to me so to pass this out to a stranger. hmmmm there hasta be something I'm missing. Besides my RE9 kitsmileys/smiley36.gif

We had a bid conversation about this on here just recently...you might be able to find it.


From what I understand, Arbonne does not want you to pass out the full sets for people to try because of contamination issues and such. They say that you need to give out the samples instead. You can let someone take the sample and the full set but tell them they cannot use the full set unless they want to buy it...it is so they can see the size only.


So, my 2 cents? Buy 1 or 2 to show people but don't buy thousands of dollars worth...otherwise you could have a bunch of open sets you can't sell.


Hope that helps...and best of luck to you in the business!

Great! Thanks Cindi, I'm going to try to find that. You must have read my mind because that was my next question about cross contamination.

In my opinion, the kits, as many as you can comfortably afford!!!!

If you are looking for a "reason"to schedulea follow up (no urgency in a sample pack alone) you can place the sample pack with maybe the ArbonneNOW brochure and ArbonneNOW CD in a gold tote, then you'll have a reason for a scheduled follow up- to pick up the gold tote. You could put in whatever samples you think they will appreciate, even a daily detox tea bag and maybe a berry burst chew!Edited by: cassandra

I am trying to save up to buy one or two pups. I like it because people see what they are getting size wise.

This may be a bit controversial, but it is my opinion from my personal experience. The benefit of buying full-size sets is to boost your sponsors volume to help her promote quicker. Why do you think alot of sponsors are pushing $2000 + startup inventory??? It is not a big inventory that makes you successful, it is selling product - not buying in. The samples work just fine. You just have to make sure to follow-up. Sure, if you hand a complete stranger a sample and count on them to call you, well, you might not do very well. But if you treat your sample like your handing out a full-size set, you will have results. (samples aren't necessarily dirt cheap, so I still treat them like goldsmileys/smiley2.gif)


If finances are an issue, and it sounds like they are, then definetly just purchase samples. I would use the money I am willing to invest on buying several different products for personal use. We have so many awesome products, and having a personal use testimony makes a big difference. Yes, the RE9 is awesome, but I wouldn't want to just focus on that alone.


Sidenote: What is going to happen if arbonne makes it policy that we cannot pass out used sets for sampling? There will be lots of unhappy consultants w/ a couple grand sitting on their shelves. I started w/ the full-size approach (pushed by my upline), but when I finally started finding business builders myself, I really searched my heart to decide how I felt about this approach and what would be best for my new consultants. I would feel awful if they were stuck w/ a bunch of used sets b/c they are no longer allowed to sample them out.Edited by: bbrown1226

bbrown, I am the same way, Iam not comfortablepushing the sets. If you troll other message boards, there are a lot of bad opinions being formed of Arbonne because of this approach, and it saddens me. It *can* make it look like frontloading or a scam. Especially when Arbonne corporate has made it pretty clear to not pass around used sets. It is too risky, IMO. I use samples and it is fine for me.


Not that I spend all my time trolling other boards, but I like to be aware of what is out there, so I can answer questions in an informed way. I also know if I had been pushed into the sets, I never would have signed up. And I can not in good conscience tell other people to use credit cards or borrow money to buy sets.

The samples are so beautifully done, I would definitely hand out
samples. Making up a prospect kit with the product samples, Arbonne NOW
info in a gold bag is a great idea! You do not need to hand out a
complete set to do follow up.



What about hand demonstrations when you are talking to people? Carry a
few of the products with you with some soft cloths/tissues. Pump
a little of the RE-9 Facial scrub on their hand and then spritz it with
the toner. Wipe it off with a tissue and finish with the Day
Creme. You know</span>
their hand is going to look and feel great, plus they can smell the
wonderful orange scent of the products. They will also see the
packaging and sizes. Then ask them if they'd like their face to
feel the same way. They will say yes, and then give them a sample pack
to try. Tell them you will call them in 4 days and then CALL!



If money is an issue for the customer when they want to buy, they don't
have to buy the whole set. Make up a starter set for them and tell them
they can add other products later.(Face Wash, Day Creme, Eye Cream) or
(Face Wash Toner, Day Cream) or (Face Wash, Day Creme, Serum and Night
Cream). Most of those sets will retail for over $100, tell them how to
get it for 35% off, plus get one product FREE.



Be creative. smileys/smiley32.gif

oh! You ladies are AWESOME! I'm so pumped up from these responses I'm going to order the gold bags and some more samples. Maybe get a little creative and call it spa in a bag or something. ENDLESS ideas are running through my little headsmileys/smiley23.gif

And that is what will make you successful Bridget! Allows looking for new ideas and getting your business out there! Best of luck to you!

I still struggle with this issue myself, however here's another perspective on having at least four sets...


When you make an investment in your business, such as purchasing the four sets, you will treat it more like a business. You will have more sets to rotate out and you will not have to wait to get a set back before dropping it off to another person. The sets are not to be used, so you don't have to worry about contamination. They are just to show people what they get when they purchase the complete set. You can show them how the pumps are designed and how the products last about 6 months and how they will get every last drop out of the product bottles.


People who are interested in starting a small business will not balk at purchasing four sets (or more) to use as their "employees". You put the sets to work for you, not leave them on the shelf. It's a lot less expensive than starting a franchise or another kind of small business such as a store or service.


Plus it creates a duplicatable system. If you start the same way and teach your team to start the same way and they teach others the system, it streamlines the whole process and your organization will grow faster. If you need confirmation of this, read Michael Clouse's books.


As I said, I am still struggling with this because I know some people who may be interested in the business but are not willing to put in the investment. For them, maybe signing up as a wholesale buyer is the way to go. Maybe they will not be your business builders and that's okay.


Make it a great day!


Rhonda

The kits are so much better! The samples tend to get misplaced, lost, etc. Nobody is going to misplace a full sized kit in a pile of paperssmileys/smiley36.gif


I have actually had people take my kits and buy from me over someone else who had in the past offered them samples.

I have a couple bb's who just bought samples and they treat it like a business. I don't think spending alot up front makes you work harder or be more successful. I think more often, it puts undue pressure on the new consultant and it is giving arbonne a bad name. You don't need to buy 4 sets to show a potential customer what our set looks like, or how it is designed. Just show them your personal use set and give them a sample. I have had so many people "balk" at the idea of buying so many sets. I don't mean to sound defensive or rude, Rhonda, but what you have said is the exact same thing my upline says to people to get them to drop $2500 to start up. I just don't agree. I would rather be duplicatable by showing a consultant how to sell lots of different products, than be duplicatable in trying to find people to spend so much money. The product sells itself; the notion to spend $2000+ does not.


If anyone does not want a business builder who will not invest so much, send them my way. I would be happy to sponsor them and train themsmileys/smiley2.gif

Arbonne International has prided itself on the premise that you can
start a legitimate, successful business without inventory. Of course,
you will want to purchase some products for personal use and to
possibly demo at shows. That is why Arbonne offers the RSVP, Purchase
w/ purchase, bonus products etc. It is the same reason Arbonne has such
wonderful sample packs with information!



It was not </span>Arbonne corporate
who came up with the idea of purchasing sets to lend out, which is
essentially inventory purchasing to build volume. And in fact they are
discouraging it. Yes, those people who have done it may have
built fast, but who did they burn along the way? I am totally
with Barbara and her philosophy. Frontloading, pushing inventory etc is
what gives companies a bad rap. We have heard numerous stories on the
forums from former consultants from other companies that have been
strapped with inventories that were "reccommended by uplines" only to
find out they don't like the business.



Arbonne is above that, I hope.

I agree with both sides really. No one should be pressured to buy multiple sets, but it is an option, and it should be offered. I think it really is up to the individual. Ihave thought a lot about it. I think that some people prefer to run their business with a direct sales model, focusing on the products first. Others lead with the business, and follow an MLM model. Either system is duplicatible, and its up to the individual to determine his/her comfort level along with his/her approach. The people we see promoting to RVP in 3 months are following an MLM model, and are in consistent activity.


I personally started as a $100 consultant. I did eventually purchase 4 sets. I only put them out with samples becasue the re-use thing grosses me out (personally. I wouldn't want to use a set that someone else used in there home before I got it, and I am also leery of the dept store samples. ICK!), and I often only give samples. Follow up is the key in either scenario. I've had success (and less than success) with both.


It is unfortunate that some people are out there pushing the 1064's as the only option to start the business. If my sponsor had done that, I probably would not have joined. I needed to get comfortable with the company and the products on my own, and then I took the initiative on my own. Since that's how I felt, I don't pressure my prospects either. $100 WB...Great! RSVP...GREAT! 1064 set Great!


The important thing to me is getting the word and the products out there, and sharing this great company with others.


Just my .02 for what its worth!


Meg

When using the Samples....what literaturedo you give them with the samples. Also, do you put the samples in a cello bag...or how do you make them look great!!!

I think the samples look wonderful on their own! They were put together so beautifully by arbonne. All I add is a more detailed instruction sheet. If I am doing a one on one/results approach, I always ask if I can take about 20 minutes of their time to show them some other products, sea salt scrub, foot lotion, tea, etc. This is when I give them a business curiosity pack to look over as they try the sample. Again, I think the samples look wonderful on their own.


Meg, I do agree that people should be given several options. To me, the only benefit of a large investment order is to qualify for DM right away. It takes care of the $1000 PRV, and gets them on the road to DM. BUT, I always make sure that the new consultant understands that there is a maintanence once you reach DM. I think alot of new recruits are blindly led to reach DM, and then left to fend for themselves if they haven't been able to find anyone to sponsor to help maintain $2500 a month. So, if someone is ready to go and wants to reach DM right away and understands everything involved, than I think a bigger investment is smart. But, from what I have experienced, it has been pushed on everyone, no matter their financial situation or what they want from arbonne. Get a credit card, some say. There are still people who just want an extra $500 a month and don't care to have the mercedez. Everyones situation and wants and different.Edited by: bbrown1226

I agree with you Barbara. Pushing a new consultant to spend big bucks is not the way to go. The 'kit idea' works great, but a business can be built with samples, or in the beginning just acatalog and word of mouth among family and friends can generate your first few initialsales.


In onecase, Iloanedabusiness builder one of mykits for amonth so they couldget on their feet before spending any money (except the initial $29). She sold $1000 her first month, andnow can affordher 'demo' products!

Thank you Barbara....you are right...the samples do look great! Just one more question..... if you are just leading with sampling the product...what info do you give them specifically about the RE9?

Does the RE9 full-size have more info. on it than the samples? I may have missed something. I give them specific directions on how to use the samples, and what to expect. I let them tell me what they loved about it and what results they saw. I don't want to overwhelm them w/ too much info regarding AHAs, BHAs, bla bla bla. I tell them the basic arbonne difference and let them see the results. After that, they usually start asking me about everything and I don't have to "vomit arbonne", like some saysmileys/smiley2.gif

And give them the RE-9 sell sheet and then maybe make up a special
sheet with your "starter set packages" if they don't want to or can't
purchase the whole set. But be sure to share how they can get it for
35% off with one free product too.



By the way, this has been a great discussion and I am sure it has helped a lot of consultants. smileys/smiley32.gif Way to go, ladies.

I am very strong on my position, but I welcome everyone's view on how to do their business, b/c in the end, it is our own business. I wish everyone so much success and I look forward to watching everyone here grow in their business and the titles change under their signature!

Personally, I can see both sides of the issue.<?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

I also think if you do choose to go the route of actual sets there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. Yes, there are people out there doing it the wrong way &amp; pushing the sets on people. And it is infuriating b/c it’s giving everyone else a bad name.

But I don’t think it’s fair to say that everyone who chooses to do the system that way pushes the sets on people or that they are doing it with their own best interests in mind of getting volume to promote. There are benefits to the prospect of signing up with sets as well.

Regardless, in my opinion, our job is to give the prospect all the information &amp; then let them decide. If they take that information &amp; decide that they want to come in with their $29 start up fee &amp; a $100 retail order then that’s fine. There sponsor should start from there. Likewise if they want to come in with a $1500 retail order then that works too. It all comes down to what works for the person signing up. My opinion either way shouldn’t even be brought up.

Bridget, obviously the first rep’s approach was all wrong. You should never bombard people, no matter what approach you use. I don’t think that it the two experiences were so different b/c one had samples vs the other having sets…I think it’s more b/c of the consultant in each instance. There are some people who are just going to be more aggressive no matter what &amp; I think those people are going to turn a lot of people off.

You have already read some of the negatives of getting sets. And they should definitely be considered. You asked for other benefits besides being able to follow up. First, you shouldn’t be giving sets to people you don’t know so in that instance you should use a sample anyway b/c it’s a gamble if you give them a set. If you are using the results approach then you are going to be setting up an appointment whether you use a sample or a set.

A reason people buy several sets is 70-80% of people will do what you do.
This creates a ripple effect which equals momentum.

For example: You do a $3000 Retail order- find 4 business builders who do what you do, and that is $15,000 in volume, that is finishing DM and doing 1<SUP>st</SUP> step for AREA! Or you do a $500 Retail order- you do the same amount of work, and find 4 business builders who do what you do and that is $2500 in volume, that is first step for DM, which is also great but if you had chosen to do the larger order then you would be farther along.

Obviously not everyone can or should have a start order of $3000 retail. Just realize that is you decide to come in with a smaller order then that just means you have to find more people than someone who came in with a bigger order.

And I understand some of your points as to comparing it to frontloading. But I see them used as a sales tool in this instance just like demo products are used at a party. It is no different to me.

And Barbara point about maintenance is right on. If you are going to invest that kind of $$ then you dang sure better be ready to get active &amp; work to get those business builders so your investment isn’t for nothing. Maintenance can be done on your own (I did it for a bit) but I wouldn’t recommend it!

Lots of great ideas &amp; points of view in this thread. It all comes down to knowing all your options, the good &amp; bad of each option then making the decision of what is best for you. smileys/smiley1.gif

There are some really great ideas here.


One thing I might add is that even though Arbonne discourages the passing around of full size kits, there is the Results approach set for purchase where you get 4 kits, 4 bags, and 4 samples. You give a person the samples and a kit, and if they love it and want their own they can open the kit they have and they do not have to wait. If they want to sign up as a WB, or BB you just have them give you the new kit when they get it to replace yours.


So therefore I do not see that Arbonne is discouraging ordering 4 kits at one time since they do offer the results set.


Just my $.02!


Have a great day!

I think at this point it is a matter of preference and what your budget will allow. The first consultant actually did offer me the kit in a great way, she made me feel special that I was picked to try her product. However, it was HER AM that tried to push me to buy all these kits in order to join Arbonne and that is what I seen wrong and put a bad taste in my mouth. I truely believe though that both OPTIONS should be given, like was said on this board already. The key word being "Options". I think that is very important in a business like this because if you truely love the product you should be aware of all ways you can become a part of such a GREAT companysmileys/smiley32.gifBecause had I not come across the second rep I may not be here today.


Bridget G

I don't think Arbonne is discouraging what Maddiesmom said about the 4
kits. I think they are concerned with the consultants who are passing
out kits for customers to use, collecting them and passing them out to
someone else. As far as purchasing, I think you just have to be
careful how you offer the opportunity and not tell people they have</span> to purchase the kits in order to be successful. Like Bridget said, it's all about offering options.

Okay Jennifer, I RARELY disagree with yousmileys/smiley4.gif, but I have to on this one...


For example: You do a $3000 Retail order- find 4 business builders who do what you do, and that is $15,000 in volume, that is finishing DM and doing 1<SUP>st</SUP> step for AREA! Or you do a $500 Retail order- you do the same amount of work, and find 4 business builders who do what you do and that is $2500 in volume, that is first step for DM, which is also great but if you had chosen to do the larger order then you would be farther along.


Where would you be if the four you sponsored had a hard time finding their 4? I'd rather build a "concretestructure" slowly with clients/wholesalers purchasing from me and my team steadilythan with going fast and hoping/praying that my "house of cards" doesn't collapse on me in the future. That is just my point of view. We are all individuals with different views and different lives. You know, you say PotAtoe, I say Potatoe. If it's working for some, that's terrific! I just don't have the stomach for it! My nerves wouldn't be able to handle that!smileys/smiley36.gif But more power to those of you who can!smileys/smiley2.gifsmileys/smiley4.gifEdited by: cassandra

Okay Jennifer, I RARELY disagree with yousmileys/smiley4.gif, but I have to on this one...


For example: You do a $3000 Retail order- find 4 business builders who do what you do, and that is $15,000 in volume, that is finishing DM and doing 1<SUP>st</SUP> step for AREA! Or you do a $500 Retail order- you do the same amount of work, and find 4 business builders who do what you do and that is $2500 in volume, that is first step for DM, which is also great but if you had chosen to do the larger order then you would be farther along.


Where would you be if the four you sponsored had a hard time finding their 4? I'd rather build a "concretestructure" slowly with clients/wholesalers purchasing from me and my team steadilythan with going fast and hoping/praying that my "house of cards" doesn't collapse on me in the future. That is just my point of view. We are all individuals with different views and different lives. You know, you say PotAtoe, I say Potatoe. If it's working for some, that's terrific! I just don't have the stomach for it! My nerves wouldn't be able to handle that!smileys/smiley36.gif But more power to those of you who can!smileys/smiley2.gifsmileys/smiley4.gif





awww, Cassandra...say it isn't so. smileys/smiley2.gif


You're right, it is not a guarantee that they will find their four fast. They have to understand that before the decide on what they want to come in with. If they can't handle that thought then they shouldn't do it. They shouldn't be doing it as a way to "BUY IN" but as an amount the are comfortable using to invest in their business. There are no gurantees in this. It is up to them &amp; how much they are willing to work. If they aren't going to have the work ethic needed tobe consistentlyactive then they probably shouldn't invest in a lot of products.


But really, it doesn't matter. The prospect should make the decision on her own &amp; if she can afford to buy more products then there is nothing wrong with that. You know me &amp; know I do not push anything on anyone. I give then all the options Arbonne has &amp; let them decide. And I am happy with whatever that is. I've had people sign up &amp; they couldn't even afford the $100 retail. No biggie to me. We'll just work harder.


And personally I don't think going fast is all that important. I too plan to have a strong foundation with mybusiness &amp; I will get there when I get there. The amount of time it takes really doesn't matter.

I personally love the idea that someone can just sign up for the $29 and start a business! I am working with 2 ladies right now who can not afford to get the 4 kits right off the bat- both are buying their own kit and then purchasing samples to start working with-- I also encourage getting together to purchase the samples- going from 22.50 per 10 to 15.00 per 10 on the re9 samples is alot of money saved! same with the masque/scrub set!


I love the idea one of you gave about putting it all in the gold bag-- I am going to tell them that! I think it will make it more of a presentation plus be a great motivator to get back with that person on the samples!


I was able to go in with the 4 kits at the beginning( and I am currently working on getting 4 more) but I realize not all can-in my gold "employees" I have both the full size set as well as the sample set- I also throw in the masque and scrub set samples as well..I find people have liked this so they have both choices to chose from using- those who use the samples during their 2 day trial always say they like having the full set in thereso that they can actually see how much they should be using- they can pump out the exact amount and see it versus me telling them...


I personally do not think that these 2 ladies are not serious- I think it will make them work harder to start getting a few kits together(which is both of their goals) I will work just as hard to help them as I will someone who buys 4 kits or more to start off with! it is not everyones first goal to drive the mercedes and have that kind of income- for alot of families an extra 500-1000 a month is a godsend and can make a huge difference in their families lives!