Imagine if you could join your forces with a partner that has been already more than 60 years in business. All his experience, wisdom and products would be with you. That’s possible with Shaklee.
However, I am not affiliated with their system and in this review, I am going to show you why. Is Shaklee a scam? Is Shaklee worth it? Are their products any good? You will get answers to all of these questions in the next 1-3 minutes by reading my honest review.
I have reviewed more than 300 make money online opportunities and tens of MLMs so I know how to evaluate Shaklee. I am sure you’ll enjoy the article and find it helpful!
Shaklee Review
Name: Shaklee
Founded: In 1956 by Dr. Forrest Shaklee
Advertised Cost to Get Started: $349
Type: MLM-Program. Healthy Weight, Nutrition, Home, Beauty Products
Short Review: Shaklee has a long experience in the health industry. They are offering a large range of high-quality products. In my opinion, their products are too expensive if you care about price/quality ratio. If you don’t care so much about the price, the products are fine.
As a money-making opportunity, I would rather recommend this program because then you are not stuck with the same products. You can sell any products you want and earn a living anywhere in the world.
What Is Shaklee?
Shaklee is a health-based Multi-level marketing (MLM) program that has been around already for more than 60 years. That’s pretty huge time to be in the business while most businesses fail during the first 5 years. They are still going strong and there are no signs that Shaklee would go out of business in anytime soon.
In this article, I am going to evaluate Shaklee as a business opportunity but I’ll also take a look at their products. If you are considering joining their business, it’s important to evaluate whether Shaklee products are worth it or not.
Over the years Shaklee has added a huge number of new products and nowadays their catalog is pretty impressive. Let’s have a closer look at what they are offering nowadays.
Shaklee Products – Home, Weight Management, Beauty, And Health
I assume that you already know something about Shaklee products when you came to read this article. They have the idea of being “Green, natural, organic and healthy.” I am sure this appeals to many women and also some men nowadays.
However, you need to notice that many companies are making their prices higher when they add the word “organic” or “green” to their products. Those are magical words that somehow add value and the price. Don’t be fooled by that marketers’ trick.
In this article, we can’t go through all the products but I would like to raise a few questions:
- Are Shaklee products really different than in other MLMs-systems?
- Why are their products so expensive?
- Are they really so high quality or is it only their way to milk more money from customers?
There are hundreds (or even more) similar MLM-programs like Shaklee in the world right now: Zija, Herbalife, Zurvita, and so on. Of course, they have some little differences in their products, compensation plans, and marketing speeches. But all of them have one big thing in common:
All these MLM-systems claim that they have the best products in the world.
Why would a customer bother to buy Shaklee products when he can find similar products from a supermarket for 5-10 times cheaper? In my opinion, it’s a highly important question to answer before you can consider joining Shaklee. Many people say they have a better quality but the challenge is that all companies say quality is better. I am just giving you questions to think about so you can make up your mind.
Shaklee Compensation Plan – How to Make Money with Shaklee?
The following video is created by Shaklee distributors and they’ll carefully explain to you how their system works. Notice that the video contains some promotional material because it’s created by one of their distributors. However, it’ll explain the compensation plan well. That’s why embedded the video here.
Here’s a screenshot from the video which explains a little bit how you can make money with Shaklee:
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Many MLM-programs want to make you think that there are numerous income streams. That’s partially true but on the other hand also a bit misleading. You are completely dependent on their system unlike with affiliate marketing where you really have numerous income streams.
There are two activities to earn money with Shaklee:
- Sell their products.
- Recruit new people.
That’s how it simply works. The more products you sell and the more new members you recruit, the more money you will earn. If you want to make big money, you need to recruit lots of people or boost your sales online. This step-by-step training could significantly help you to succeed with Shaklee or other MLM-programs.
The cheapest option on Shaklee to get started costs at the moment $349 (sometimes $299) so you would need some initial investments in the beginning. In addition, you’ll most likely spend money on their products if you continue in their system.
Shaklee Reviews – Better Than Most Similar Programs
Shaklee has a better reputation than most of its competitors. They are enjoying many positive reviews all around the Internet. Naturally, their experience beats most of their competitors who don’t have so many skills and experience in the health industry.
Despite their high prices, Shaklee products are also getting tons positive reviews on Amazon. It seems that many people are ready to pay $50 for a little bottle of wellness pills. In addition, their protein powders have many 4 or even 5 out of 5 ratings on customer reviews. If you are ready to pay 2-5 times higher price to get their products, then they could also be suitable for you.
However, there are also many people who don’t recommend joining Shaklee nor buying their products. More than 95% of people fail to make a significant money with their system. You need lots of hard work and persistence like with any other MLM-program.
Some people even claimed that Shaklee is a pyramid scheme. Is that true? Let’s have a look in the next chapter.
Is Shaklee a Pyramid Scheme?
Even though all MLM-systems are working in a form of a pyramid Shaklee is not an illegal pyramid scheme. They have products and the only focus is not on recruiting.
Shaklee is accredited by BBB (Better Business Bureau) and they have an A+ rating which is the best possible. You have also probably figured out with common sense that a company that has been in the business for 50-60 years, can’t really be an illegal pyramid scheme.
The fact that Shaklee isn’t a pyramid scheme doesn’t mean that you should join it. There are thousands of reliable MLM-businesses in the world so you can’t invest your time on all of them. I don’t personally want to join Shaklee for several reasons. Let me explain them in the last chapter.
Conclusion – Is Shaklee Worth It?
In my opinion, Shaklee is not worth it. Their products are so expensive that I prefer using my time and money on products that have a better price/quality ratio. Then it would be a bit dumb to join their MLM-program if I am not using their products myself. The best product to sell is something that you use yourself. So, in my opinion, Shaklee isn’t worth it.
I am not a big fan of MLM-programs for several reasons that I have discussed in other posts. One of the reasons is that their products are most of the time overpriced compared to their counterparts. And, of course, their systems are usually more complicated than affiliate marketing. Many MLMs are pretty shady and there’s lots of controversy going on. It doesn’t deny the fact that some of them are great businesses.
Anyhow, I can honestly recommend Wealthy Affiliate because their program has taught me how to make a living online. It’s not an MLM-program but I’ll offer you personal support during your journey. Then they have a comprehensive step-by-step training which walks you through everything you need to know to make money online. In addition, you can get started for completely free.
What do you think about Shaklee? Do you think their program or products are really worth it?
Have you tried Wealthy Affiliate to make money online?
Let me know in the comments below! 🙂
I’ll be more than happy to discuss with you about different online business opportunities. Also, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave them below and I’ll be more than happy to help you out.
I went to this Doctor and she tried to sell me these expensive products. I just went in for my yearly checkup. It made me nervous and I didn’t think this was right. I found another doctor after that!
Sounds surprising that a doctor was selling them. Thanks for sharing Janice!
I’m considering going into Shaklee. The price is very high and so I was looking for a reviews and I appreciate the fairness in your statements. From what I read about the company and the in depth purification process as they go through the difference in their products is the science behind them.
They go the extra mile to ensure anything that’s put into the product is pure and not contaminated with GMOs or chemicals or processes that harm animals or the environment. Their company is zero carbon footprint which in my book is a Big E to start with. So the ingredients that go into the products are the best that there can be.
I believe there is some cushion built into the price to cover the expense of doing the extensive purification and maybe cost of business. But if athletes are performing at higher levels because of the quality of this product and the clinical studies which it says arm multiple hundreds of clinical studies. So that could be. I am still considering the investment.
Hi Catherine,
yeah, Shaklee has many benefits compared to other MLM-companies. Personally, I am not a big fan of the network marketing because it’s quite controversial business model. I mean, some people love it while others hate it. I have quite a neutral opinion.
Anyway, if you decide to move forward and join Shaklee, be sure to apply the 4-step process to make money online that I teach you in my newest Ultimate Guide to Make Money Online in 2018 (and beyond!).
The same 4-step formula works with all kinds of companies (including Shaklee).
60 years that is a lot…Too bad that they’re products are really overpriced and not worth the time as you said.
I feel like 350$ is a pretty big ammount to invest in a MLM website.
Also, i want to say that your reviews are really good and I’m really happy that you make them honest..Because a lot of people nowdays get payed and do fake reviews…
Thanks for the article!
Yeah, Shaklee products are pretty expensive like in many other similar MLMs. On the other hand, I see that they are a reliable company and doing some valuable job.
Thank you for the positive feedback! I do my best to provide valuable information for you and other readers. I believe that the way to build a successful business is through long-term commitment. There are no shortcuts and honesty is a way to go.
Continue writing like this, very informative content, nice way to write, a real pleasure to read.
I’m glad you enjoy Jeniferfer.
I have always stayed away from MLM programs because I am not a good salesman, I can hardly convince people to buy products and I am not good at recruiting people to work for me. Even though I don’t have anything to say against Shaklee, I am not going to try this.
First of all the products are so expensive that I don’t think I can sell their products. When I can’t sell products, I will not be able to make money. Secondly, I need leads to generate income. However, where can I find leads, I know not.
Hi Vinaya,
I understand. However, I believe that you will become good at selling and recruiting if you want. Actually, I think life is all about “selling”: You sell yourself to a girlfriend and her parents. You sell your ideas to your friend in a conversation. You sell all the time even though we don’t usually use the word “selling”.
Anyway, I think Wealthy Affiliate will be much better for you because then you don’t actually need to sell anything but you can earn money just by helping people online.
I have participated in several multi-level-marketing programs in the past and I finally found the opportunity that serves my passion for a service as well as my desire to succeed as an entrepreneur.
What makes a product-based MLM a particular challenge is the fact that once a new product has been made popular through the introduction by a networking company, it is most often picked up for distribution by some large company like Walmart, or a drug-store or grocery chain.
The end result is the product can be purchased at greater savings without shipping costs that obtaining it through the MLM distribution chain. This company’s products are of good quality, but as has already been noted, too expensive.
Hi Deborah,
that’s a very good point. Most of the time you can find MLM-products for a much cheaper price at a local supermarket. That’s why I don’t usually like buying MLM-products.
I would love to hear which MLM-programs did you join and which one was the best?
-Roope
Very detailed review, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this! I’ve come across some similar programs before that were also MLM geared towards health products and they really all seem to be very similar.
It does look like a good enough opportunity for what it is, and the fact that it is available worldwide does help. I will check this out as well as your other recommendation and weigh my options between the two.
Hi Fantasia,
yeah, it’s surprising how many similar MLM-programs there are. Probably it’s pretty profitable to create a health MLM-company because new ones keep on popping up almost every year.
However, joining such a program isn’t even as close as profitable as creating. The people in the top of the pyramid make the most money while those who join in the end, won’t earn much.
Shaklee seems like a really worthwhile experience, that hires everyday people to sell amazing natural products, it seems awesome I can’t wait to check it out!
Great to hear that you like it. I would love to hear your experiences also after using it. Looking forward to hearing from you later Ishmael 🙂
I agree with you Roope, I don’t think Shaklee is worth it, first of all, I’m no interested in any of the products they offer, and they’re too expensive. I don’t like MLM programs either. I’m more into Affiliate Marketing, where there is more income, as you said.
I’ve never Wealthy Affiliate, mainly because I think I can’t use it in my country, I’m from South America. But I’ll give it a try Roope! Excellent article!
Hi Wizkha,
I’m glad to hear that you like also affiliate marketing. I hope you will enjoy great success. I didn’t know that Wealthy Affiliate isn’t available in South America.
Chris Farrell Membership and Affilorama are two other great options. Have you tried them?
-Roope
Maybe I’ll just “Do It Yourself” some products that can be done with products that can be bought from the market. It’s just all about words these days. Nevertheless, keep up the good work in informing us with helpful knowledge. You’ve literally help us be a critique. Good JOb
I’m glad that you enjoy my content. If you have any requests for the future posts, I am always available.
It seems that the price of the products seems to be the biggest problem with a lot of these sites. Add to that, the high cost of getting into this program and it is just a massive surprise that anyone would even bother with this website and its products as a money making program.
The high costs just mean that your job as a seller is even more difficult and getting that initial investment back would be almost impossible.
You are right that huge price will scare many people away. Sometimes it makes people think that the product has more value when the price is higher.
Anyhow, I prefer offering products with the best price/quality ratio. By doing that I am able to give the best value for my audience.
-Roope
I agree with your opinion. I don’t see the point of selling something that can easily be bought in a supermarket and you can get very similar stuff for a lower price. The idea of selling healthy beauty products and such is cool but if there are things that are more or less the same but cheaper then everybody knows who’s gonna win.
Hi Felabruno,
That’s true. If the prices are 5-10 times more expensive than in supermarkets, it means that the quality must be much higher. However, there are no guarantees about that. With affiliate marketing, you can sell any products you want and still make a living online.
Wow! This is a nice website. This helps us to absorb and learn more about business mindsets and techniques on how to properly handle a certain business. I hope you could create more informations about online businesses and may help us to be educated. More power to this website and God Bless.
Thank you for the positive feedback Eugene. I will be adding more and more helpful content over the time course. YourOnlineRevenue.com is growing rapidly and we have already hundreds of visitors every day. My goal is to help people to make a living online like I do.
This is really impressive! To stay in business for whole 60 years is not easy for sure! And this is a company that really promises success.
Hi SuncicaZ,
yeah, 60 years in business is very impressive! Not many companies will do it. That requires lots of commitment and a wonderful planning.
Is it like a recruitment Firm? How does it go? are the products legit? Thanks!
Hi Troilus,
Shaklee is not a recruitment firm. It’s a typical MLM-company where recruiting plays an important role in your success. Their products are legitimate but in my opinion, they are a bit overpriced. Have a look at this program if you are interested in a better way to earn money online.
I do not have a clue how these companies work. I do not think i will ever try get recruited in a situation like this. Maybe this would happen if i talk to a person of the company to explain to me exactly how things work and what will be my profit.
I like selling things but as you said they look expensive. I am sure there are people out there that are buying their products but its even more difficult to find them when selling prices are high. I have learned a lot from your posts Roope so i am going to put your page to my favourites!
Hi Xagiate,
I was glad to read that you have learned a lot by reading my site. It means that I have done something right ;).
To my eyes, Shaklee seems better than most MLM-programs but still their prices are higher than supermarket products.
Wow nice info, but what do you mean by recruiting do you mean by referring people? through a referral code?. and also the selling of the products how is it handled, i mean the shipping, are the one to ship to your client or do they have a different way of handling it. thanks once again for this info awaiting your reply.
Hi Decypher,
yes, recruiting means referring new people into the program. It means that your referrals also become distributors of Shaklee.
People can also directly order their products on Amazon or on their website. Then they’ll be delivered to your home or wherever you want. Distributors get a “15% discount”. In my opinion, it already tells how big profit Shaklee is making by selling their products because they are able to give such big discounts easily.
-Roope