Welcome To My Melaleuca Review!
People are asking the following questions all around the Internet,
- “Is Melaleuca a scam?”
- “Is Melaleuca a pyramid scheme?”
- “Is Melaleuca a good business opportunity?”
- “How can I make BIG money with Melaleuca?”
In this brutally honest review, I am going to answer ALL your questions reveal the truth behind Melaleuca.
Also, Congratulations for taking your time to research this business opportunity and look for legitimate ways to make money from home.
I advise you to fasten your seatbelts because I am not affiliated with Melaleuca in any way. Meaning that I am 100% free to tell you the whole truth about this company.
By the way, we have published +100 reviews on different MLM-companies on YourOnlineRevenue.com just like Melaleuca so we are one of the leading experts on this topic.
Are you ready? Let’s go!
Melaleuca Review – Quick Summary
Name: Melaleuca
Founders: Frank L. VanderSloot
Field: Multi-Level Marketing Programs. Health & Wellness Industry.
Overall Rank: 50 Out of 100
Best for: Hard-working people who like multi-level marketing and health-related products.
Melaleuca Homepage
Summary: Melaleuca is a company that has already a very long experience in the health & wellness industry. Still, there has been lots of controversy around the company over the years which quite typical for this kind of MLM-companies. Their products are fine but quite expensive compared to other similar products.
Is Melaleuca Recommended? Depends. If you want to make big money with it, you need to know how to market their products well and recruit tons of people to your downline. If you would like to learn how you could make money online with or without Melaleuca, take a look at my #1 recommendation below:
How to Make Money with Melaleuca? – My Video Instructions
Before you run into my article to reading more details about Melaleuca, I want to offer you an opportunity to have a look at my video where I show you a simple 4-step process for making money with Melaleuca or any other business online.
I use this simple strategy myself and I have numerous friends who make their living online also with the same strategy.
What Is Melaleuca? – An Old MLM-System Since 1985
Melaleuca is a multi-level marketing company which is selling more than 400 different health, cleaning, nutrition, and beauty products. Their business is already more than 30 years ago because Melaleuca was founded in 1985. It falls into the same category with Herbalife, Amway and other “veteran” MLM-programs.
We can honestly say that a company must have done something right if they are still around after 30 years. Most businesses fail during the first 5 years but having the company for +30 years requires lots of work, persistence and making customers satisfied.
However, we need to remember that the age of a company isn’t a guarantee that you should join it. You may remember from our reviews of Amway and Herbalife that even though they have been around for +50 years, I couldn’t recommend them. We need to analyze each company individually to really see their business potential.
If we are honest, most people join MLMs mainly because of the feeling that it gives. It feels nice to belong to a group and be an “insider”. MLM-events have lots of feelings and you get to know new people.
Everyone is smiling and you hear lots of success stories from the stage. But is it only because of the hype? Well, it depends. Let’s take a closer look at Melaleuca products.
Is Melaleuca a MLM?
Let’s use a classical duck test:
If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.
Melaleuca is obviously a multi-level marketing company. I know that some people say it’s not an MLM because they know that network marketing has a bad rep. However, we can’t deny the facts.
They have downlines, compensation plans that multi-level marketing companies use, your goal is to climb up in the pyramid, there is a huge focus on recruiting new members to the system, etc.
Melaleuca Products – Overpriced Wellness Products
If you have seen other wellness companies in the past, you probably know that all of them say the same mantra, “Our products have the highest quality. These are tested in the laboratory and even Dr. Jackson (or someone else) confirms that our products are special.” Well, Melaleuca is not different in that sense.
Product categories of Melaleuca.
In the picture above, you can see what kind of products Melaleuca is selling:
- Nutrition
- Medicine Cabinet
- Beauty
- Household
- Bath & Body
- Essential Oils
They want to bring a message that their products are very natural, green and organic. However, I noticed one very interesting thing with their products: They are pretty expensive.
Some popular Melaleuca products.
By the way, you can’t buy products directly from their online store if you are not a member. But you can always order them from Amazon.
Melaleuca sports nutrition product.
I don’t know how much you are used to paying for 1kg (2,1 pounds) of a protein powder. But I have never paid $44 (or $35) even though I have been living in expensive countries in Europe like Finland and Austria.
There was only one review of this product in Amazon with a comment, “Taste good.” Well, I know that protein powders usually taste good but the other thing is that is it worth the money.
Melaleuca vitamins for women.
There is another example of Melaleuca products. Many customers have liked their vitamin products and are saying that they, “Feel better throughout the day.”
Overall, customers are quite satisfied with Melaleuca products. Still, it’s important to remember that you are not paying only for the product but also for the brand. When you see vitamins, protein powder or a shampoo bottle with the mark “Melaleuca” you know that there is some extra in the price.
I can’t deny the fact that Melaleuca is providing good products. They serve their purpose for sure. And if you are ready to pay a little bit extra just for the brand, why not?
Making Money with Melaleuca – An Uphill Battle or Just a Breeze?
Okay, now we have seen some of their 400 products. Could you become successful by selling them yourself?
First of all, I recommend that you are already using them yourself if you are even considering selling them. It’s much more convenient and effective to sell something that you use. If you say for prospects, “This is the best health product you can have”, you are most likely using it yourself.
In order to join Melaleuca, you must buy their products because otherwise, they will kick you out from the system. You can join their pyramid system by paying $80. Then they will also charge you a monthly fee and send their products in return. Sounds like a typical MLM, huh?
I had a quick look on Melaleuca income statistics from 2016. It showed that more than 95% of their distributors and sellers are earning less than a full-time income. Of course, there is still a few percent left who earn good money with Melaleuca. The higher you move up the pyramid, the more you will earn.
In the highest category, people are making 6-figures or even 7-figures annually. We must remember that those are in the highest step of the pyramid are either founder of the system or they have joined already a long time ago.
You can be 100% sure that making money with Melaleuca won’t be a breeze. There will be failures like in any other business. You may feel like quitting and nothing doesn’t seem to work out. But if you are persistent enough and develop your skills, you can make your living with this MLM-system.
Should I Join Melaleuca? – Yes, If You Want to Lose Some Freedom
I would think twice.
If you join Melaleuca, you will become a dependant of their products and business. You are not your own boss because the people who are higher in the ladder will decide products, prices and many other aspects of the business.
Of course, it can feel nice to go to a Melaleuca event and have some party. However, it doesn’t guarantee Melaleuca would be the best business opportunity for you.
I like the fact that I can decide myself what kind of products I am promoting. I don’t need to depend on Melaleuca or any other system because I have a freedom to choose. You can have that freedom as well by following this step-by-step training.
With MLM-systems you need to sell products that they give you but with affiliate marketing, you can choose whatever product between the heaven and Earth. In addition, many times you can give bonuses or discounts for your customers. In Melaleuca and other MLMs, you can give so-called discounts but we all know that products are still more expensive than their counterparts.
Joining Melaleuca isn’t the worst decision you could do. Still, I don’t recommend doing it unless you are totally in love with their products and you have lots of persistence to go through the hard times.
Melaleuca Compensation Plan – Big Promises, As Always…
This video explains the compensation plan of Melaleuca. However, I advise you to be very careful because they are trying to sell the system in the video. I show it to you just to inform how their compensation plan works.
Is Melaleuca a Pyramid Scheme Or a Scam?
Better Business Bureau has accredited A+ rating for Melaleuca.
Melaleuca is not an illegal pyramid scheme or a scam. They are providing high-quality (yet overpriced) products for their customers without a doubt.
Also, some people have become successful by selling their products. Even though +90% of the members fail to make good money in their system, it’s possible to become successful.
Of course, Melaleuca is a pyramid in a sense that it’s a ladder to climb. The higher you move up the pyramid, the more income you earn from your downlines. But it’s not an illegal system. It’s just a normal MLM-scheme.
I believe you would be interested in hearing a few reviews from their members. Let’s have a closer look at positive reviews and Melaleuca complaints.
Melaleuca Reviews – Positive And Negative
First, I want to show you a review of Connie who has been their customer for more than 27 years.
Connie has been greatly satisfied with Melaleuca.
Connie’s experience shows a great example that many people are satisfied with their products and customer service. Notice that Connie isn’t saying that he would have made money with their service. He has been a just customer buying their products. What about complaints?
It’s not hard to find complaints of Melaleuca on the Internet so let’s have a look.
This is quite a typical complaint of Melaleuca.
In my opinion, Aalyiah makes a great point in his review. He points out that canceling Melaleuca membership isn’t that easy. They have made it difficult on purpose so more people would stick to their system.
Another great argument he says is, “Why wouldn’t you just shop at your local Walmart?” If you ask me, I would prefer shopping at Walmart rather than buying overpriced products from Melaleuca
Of course, buying something from Walmart doesn’t give you the same “feeling of belonging” than when you buy Melaleuca products from your friends, for example.
Conclusion – Is Melaleuca a Good Business Opportunity?
In my opinion, there are better opportunities out there. Nowadays you can make big money online with a little risk or reward and you don’t need to sell products that Melaleuca or any other MLM-program forces you to do.
I am an affiliate marketer and I make money from the comfort of my own home or wherever I go to travel on my laptop.
If you are interested in learning how you could learn affiliate marketing as well, I recommend taking a closer look at this step-by-step training. It’s completely free to get started. You will immediately get 20 interactive video lessons and other great resources.
They have also a premium membership available if you want to take your business to the next level afterward. I have used their services already for 2 years and I am greatly satisfied. Their training even leads me to quit my 9 to 5 job because I saw a much bigger opportunity with affiliate marketing.
Do you have experience of Melaleuca or other similar MLM-programs?
Do you prefer Multi level marketing or affiliate marketing?
Let me know in the comments below!
If you have any questions, just leave a comment below and I will be more than happy to help you out.
I don’t normally comment on things like this, but I thought it important to mention that those products listed on Amazon are actually against company policy. Melaleuca’s policy clearly states that reselling products is not allowed. Anyone selling them directly to their own customers or selling them online in any form are violating policy. Also, the prices on Amazon are at least 2 or 3 times that of the preferred member prices.
Thank you very much for the info Mahalah May.
When you sign up for melaleuca there is a yearly membership fee, there are different options to buy, if you sign up to be a preferred you get a huge discount and pay way less then Amazon prices, and cheaper then buying main stream products in the store. But being a preferred member mean you will buy monthly with them 35 points which is about $50 worth. Products like shampoo toothpaste coffee etc…. if you dont spend 35 points worth you don’t get billed monthly fee you just pay normal a prices and loose your discount.
Thanks for the update Jerrod!
You’re correct that Melaleuca products are available on Amazon. But only a limited variety is available and the prices are double that of member prices.
Thanks for sharing Nathaniel!
I actually am a Melaleuca member and first of all, this is a common misunderstanding for the company. I even thought it sounded like an MLM, but it is in fact not. The follow a CDM(Consumer Direct Marketing) approach and their compensation plan is part of a referral system, which you don’t have to be a part of if you don’t want to.
As for the price, I do notice you only base your research on Amazon. Firstly, I had to check for myself because I was surprised that the products were available even on there. Even checked Young Living products. I’m shocked, and honestly as much as I love Amazon for shopping, have used both products, I would still purchase directly from the company. If expensive is your argument, you’re right, because Amazon selling the products is VERY expensive. However, first hand experience, I’m definitely paying A LOT LESS than what you’re referencing.
I’m not trying to be that person, but merely sharing honestly that misconception of your article. I hope you have a wonderful day!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences Gauri!
Well, just like all MLM programs Melaleuca showed what they are all already known to come with, as success in the business rely on your ability to market the company’s products and get many downliners. The only good thing about Melaleuca is that their health products are good and users are satisfied with it, the only problem is that these products are expensive.
This is the first time that I am hearing about Melaleuca. It sounds interesting but the problem is that something like this isn’t for everyone. Some people may have success with it but others will just have wasted their money with it. The one benefit for many though is that the nutritional products might be easier to sell since a lot of people nowadays are addicted to being healthier.
I think the best way to make money with Melaleuca or any other MLM-company is through the Internet. It’s possible to reach thousands or even millions of people through the Internet which would be very challenging with face-to-face or telephone marketing.
You are very correct with that statement about how the use of internet to reach thousands of people when marketing one’s product of MLM programs. It’s evident with lots of MLM companies using the social media (Facebook Mostly) to carry out extensive marketing of their products and it’s actually selling for them.
I think I would just consider other companies if I were to want to join an MLM because even though they are an older company and has that as a foundation, I think the extremely high price of their products would not only be difficult to sell to others but also be too big of an investment for me to just try them out.
I like trying out products before I sell them to others or else I would feel guilty that I’m just lying and saying the product is good just to get a profit, so in this case not only would I have to spend a lot just to test out each product myself but also would have to work so much just to convince others that it is worth the price.
I understand. Have you been considering to join some other MLM-program recently? Which one?
In this kind of business, being over 30 years in the market isn’t a guarantee for anything. Back then, people often made the assumption that expensive = quality, so whatever product looked fancy and costed quite a bit more than average was instantly bought, which made companies like Melaleuca a constant in the market.
That said, nowadays things are very different; expensive things are not always good things, and most people have realized it, therefore pushing and selling these products is twice as hard. Why join Melaleuca when it’s clear the benefits are low? Not only are you paid almost nothing, but you will have a hard time selling the products AND there’s almost no chance of climbing the ladder to the top, since they’ve been around for over 30 years and their ranks are well established.
This seems like a complete waste of time, and I thank your honest review for making it very clear!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Rosette. Yeah, Melaleuca is an old multi-level marketing business like Amway, Tupperware and many other ones. Actually, I am a bit surprised that some MLM-compnaies have lasted for so long time. The networking effect is probably so strong. People like to buy products from their friends and from the people that they trust that they end up doing not-so-wise choices.
Some MLM-companies are fine and Melaleuca isn’t doing anything illegal either but I’m still not a big fan of this kind of systems.
This company has high quality yet over priced products. It’s the same as the Apple products. Besides the undeniable quality of the product we pay a little more for the brand as well. I don’t see a problem here, everybody is free to decide how much they are willing to spend on different products.
Now about making money with Melaleuca or other similar profile company means, exactly as you said, giving up your affiliate marketer freedom. Anyways, I am just at the beginning of my journey with affiliate marketing but for all I know I want to keep my integrity and sell whatever I like. Thanks for the great article!
Yeah, with high prices Melaleuca is similar to Apple but it has a completely different business model. Apple is a normal company while Melaleuca is a multi-level marketing company where most of the money is made by recruiting new people to the system. With affiliate marketing we don’t, fortunately, recruit anyone if we don’t want.
I think that if you’re really into that kind of product and you really believe in what you sell, you’ll earn and gain customers. It doesn’t matter if it’s overproced. If it’s effective and does what it says, people will buy it.
That’s true Hanna. I’ve learned recently that price isn’t that big factor for buying decisions as I thought. For example, today I paid almost $5 for 0,66 liter of water. Was it overpriced? Definitely! Was it worth it? Yes it was because I needed it.
Still, I am somehow not a big fan of MLMs. I prefer promoting products that have a great price/quality ratio.
I used to sell and use Melaleuca products.I loved their products but it was too difficult for me to get people to make the monthly commitment.
I fully understand. Most people struggle with the same thing. I think the most efficient way to do network marketing is through the Internet like I explained in the video. Anyway, I am not a network marketer myself because I think they have often way overpriced products.
The reason I wouldn’t recommend most of these MLM companies to people is that they will make one be like a slave to them which is really bad of them. At the beginning, they will paint it as heaven on earth till you have registered and get to see what is really in the business. Selling of overpriced wellness products ain’t a good one for me when I’m thinking of joining Melaleuca.
You are right. That’s the reason why I don’t like MLM-systems either. Often they give exaggerated promises and sell overpriced products.
The promises is all about to bring some unaware prospects into the business promising them heaven on earth and the funny thing is that some that just recently joined might be doing a form of marketing for them not even knowing the trap they got themselves into.
That’s true.
Henry, You nailed it!
See my thoughts on Melaleuca, here – livingCloud.systems
I “Ken Klocke, was involved with “Melaleuca, Inc. for Sixteen years… a few of them actually weren’t bad. And, we enjoyed using many of the products. However, as the years went by… it became very scheme-ish. I believe Melaleuca, Inc. Is a, Senseless, MLM, Pyramid _-_ Scheme.
Hello sir Admin, I’m no to MLM because I have experienced on how they work to convince me to join their team. I studied about how MLM works and I figure out that I’m only fooling my self. They get rich because of my hard works and if I stop selling, I don’t get my money.
I completely understand your point. With MLM-systems the people on the top of the system only make big money. Others don’t make anything or make only very little.
They sell it too high price to make profit. Obviously they do that to introduce to people that their network have a big profit. So that they will able to convince them to join and make some more referrals. Its sad to know that they can convince some buy saying wonderful words, words seems good to be true but not true. The up lines are getting rich and richer after sometime they will declare that the network is bankrupted and they will take the money of the members.
I want to learn online jobs, because I no longer working, because I do take my first born son. I will explore this site more.
That’s exactly true. They need to have overpriced products in order to pay good commissions for their members. That’s why I am not a big fan of these MLM-systems.
Take a look at this list of best online jobs.
Let me know if you have any questions. I would be more than happy to help you out!
Hey,
Just wanted to say thank you for sharing! I found this article to be super informative and well-researched. I also appreciate how you’ve written this mostly from a non-biased perspective which I found to be honest and refreshing.
I hadn’t heard of Melaleuca before, but it does indeed sound like an interesting brand to work for! However, when you said it came under the same category as Herbalife and such, it made me a bit wary. I previously joined up with Younique when it first started up, but I completely underestimated the amount of work that went into selling products like that, so I stopped.
I personally think it’s best to stay away from these types of business opportunities unless you’re already an experienced salesperson with clients to sell to. Otherwise, it can seem tedious and like a waste of time.
Yeah, these network marketing companies often give exaggerated promises. Making money with a network marketing or with any other business requires lots of work if you want to become successful. I think the best way to sell products is through the Internet because once you get the work done, the things will run “on autopilot” and you can make money even while you are not actively working anymore.
I also don’t like Network Marketing. In my country it is the in thing with products like Forever Living, GNLD and Ed mark. My family joined a Network Marketing company that sells luxury holidays. I swear it’s the hardest thing to do! You lose all your friends and family because you’re always trying to sell to them. Thanks for the tips about Affiliate Marketing I’m certainly going to try this route.This maybe the breakthrough I’m looking for.
I understand. I’ve heard so many “horror stories” from people who joined a network marketing company and burned some important relationships because they were just trying to push the product to their friends and family members.
I think if anyone does network marketing, the best strategy is to do it online because then it’s possible to reach hundreds of thousands of people who are already interested in the products.
Never heard the melaleuca before, thanks for the info. I really wanted to earn affiliating program, but I’m still in the process of making my own website. And thanks for the review, even somehow I think it’s hard to understand, It’s really looks like pyramiding scam.
Let me know if you need any help with your website. I can provide feedback and ideas. Have you started the step-by-step training on Wealthy Affiliate?
It infuriates me how people like you claim to be in the know and make such inaccurate statements. Melaleuca’s products have super low costs. An example you use was with Amazon. Melaleuca does not sell the products on Amazon. People who know they can get the outlandish amounts due to knowing people want amazing products are selling them that high.
For example, Renew on Amazon sells for $40 a bottle. Melaleuca sells it direct for less than $10. Another example, Amazon sells Melaleuca’s tub and tile cleaner for $20. Melaleuca sells it direct for $5. These examples can go on and on.
Hi Janice,
thank you for your comment and information.
If I compare Melaleuca (and other MLM-system) prices to the products that I find on the supermarket, they are still way more expensive.
They may provide some value and it’s up to you to decide whether it’s good enough or not. I just shared my opinion here and I am not a big fan of overpriced MLM-systems.
$69.95 for a bottle of shampoo? Ae you joking.
I can get a medium size bottle of Dove or Tresemme shampoo under $5 in my local supermarket. Why would I spend such a big money on a dubious product while I can get a product tested and approved by the mass for a small price?
I don’t think I can benefit from this program even though you have given good rating.
Yeah, probably it was just some individual shampoo bottle of Melaleuca as Joseph pointed out. Anyway, Melaleuca prices are expensive.
$70 for shampoo? I don’t know where you got that price from, but I can tell you it doesn’t cost that much under a preferred member account. Also, you don’t buy products from people and it’s not complicated to quit Melaleuca either. All they need you to do is sign a form and fax it to them for review.
I don’t know why some people have had trouble in the past according to the BBB complaints. In my opinion, it’s a great company. I recently joined and the products are terrific! Because I’m a preffered customer, I can save lots more compared to what I would have spent at the grocery store.
Melaleuca is not supposed to be a scheme in any way. They really are trying to help people. If you check out their videos in the Learn To Earn section, you’ll see what I mean. As for the 90% failure rate, that’s not just a failure rate for MLM, that also applies to small businesses.
Hi Joseph,
that $70 shampoo was on Amazon. I am happy to hear that you can get it for a cheaper price. It’s good that you enjoy Melaleuca products.
Yeah, most businesses fail because people treat it like a hobby, not like a business that requires work and constant growth. I know from my own and other people’s experience that success requires lots of persistence because there are times when you don’t feel like doing it but you still need to push forward. 9-5 job is easy because you just need to do what your boss says, in general.
It still doesn’t make sense as to why you pulled a price off of Amazon to give a review off of it instead of using Melaleuca’s ACTUAL price. In my mind, it’s pretty misleading and shows how biased your review blogging strategy is. I’d also like to add that I haven’t lost any freedom after joining Melaleuca. They offer plenty of business strategies for you to grow off of and are 100% supportive to the end. Oh, let me guess. Because I mentioned business strategies, you’re probably going to falsely accuse Melaleuca of being a pyramid scheme when it’s far from one.
Well, I have nothing against Melaleuca. I am glad if you enjoy selling their products. I just noticed that their products are being sold for a huge price so I wanted to inform people about it.
I hope all the best for your business. I hope it will affect positively on your and other people’s lives.
Again, nobody sells Melaleuca products besides the people already doing it on third party websites such as Amazon or eBay. The reason why is because it’s ILLEGAL to personally sell the products. The company takes full responsibility for the selling and distribution of the products, NOT THE CUSTOMERS. Also, these products are only going for a high price on third party websites such as Amazon and eBay. WHY? Because the sellers are risking GETTING SUED.
Thank you for the information, Joseph! I’ll remove that $70 shampoo bottle example from the post because it seems to have been an individual case.
I had never heard of Melaleuca until today,
The products seem to be a bit pricey at $69 for shampoo, but i am a typical guy
I don’t pick or chose hair product, I just grab the one labeled shampoo and job done.
I dont have a problem with MLM type programs as long as they sell real products and not just an opportunity to sell and opportunity.
Hi Thomas,
that’s how I usually grab my shampoos as well.
Many MLMs sell great products but products are way too overpriced compared to their counterparts.
That’s why I prefer affiliate marketing or selling my own products.
-Roope
Good review. Melaleuca, from your description seems to follow the path of all MLM’s. The few at the top get rich and the poor at he bottom stay poor and at the bottom. Their pricing is ridiculous. What in the world would drive people to pay those kind of prices for anything?
If I paid almost $70 for a bottle of shampoo I’d expect it to grow back the hair I’ve lost over my 68 years, as well as restore it”s original color. I’m amazed that they’re still in business this long with those prices.
As for affiliate marketing, I joined Wealthy Affiliate 5 weeks ago and haven’t looked back. I certainly enjoyed your review and think it’s great.
Hi Ron,
that’s what happens with most of MLMs: few at the top get rich but the most of the members stay poor.
Yeah, that shampoo was just a radical example how overpriced some MLM-products may be. At least the sller makes a nice profit there, huh? ):
I am glad that you have enjoyed Wealthy Affiliate. Stick to the training, put it powerfully into action and you are on your way to becoming a successful online businessman.
Cheers,
Roope