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154 hits
for all lebanese and all arabs no body work in this company its very big lie and also its have branch in isreal and you know what its mean its mean support isreal to kill children and i hope no body work in this company.
Oct. 17th.
I got suckered into this program back in year 2000. Spent all the necessary money to get the "info" on the so called "business". Once I found out what it was I thought I'd try it. Spent over $2000 to get to the "Supervisor level". Needless to say I was stuck with GIVING away these products just to get rid of them and ended up throwing away a bunch of it too because I was too afraid to use it or give it away after it had expired. I had way too much inventory to try to sell myself and it was stuff people were just really not interested in. After all most "herbs" you can get at a local drugstore or natural herb store. And, as you said there are tons of websites out there with these products and to get business to your website you'd have to spend a fortune to advertise or market it.
I found you site while looking up "Global Online System" in the Google search engine because I saw an ad where someone is trying to help others get started in a home-based business..and in the text of their website I found the words Global Online System and I figured it was a cover for the "real" business.
Thanks for warning others about this business. Definately one to stay away from!
take care,
Donna Gorenflo
Oct 18th
Hi Rob:
I wish I'd read your website before I invested in this crap. I seem to do things on impulse when I'm desperate for cash.
I'm on disability and it's hard to find a job at home. OK this is not a real home job as we both found out.
I just want my 90-day money back guarantee (less shipping) but I do not know who to write to. I contacted the "mentor" but he has not responded. Then I looked online for the main company (where I found you). Do you have any information that can help me?
By the way, I'd crusade like you if I could walk and take down every sign here in Valencia (CA) too. I will tell everyone I know about your website and email them a copy too.
Thank you,
A Orland
Oct 31st
Rob,
So there goes Herbalife at work. I got a job interview two days ago offered by a company called Lobo International, whatever. The job I applied for is Marketing Executive, but the interviewer said it is about customer service ??? After a brief introduction of what kind of product the company is marketing, and myself the interviewer led me to a theatre room with an audience. Soon, a show began with a company’s management staff introduced about something of the company’s background, how success it has been all over the world, etc. A part of the seminar (show) was a parade of staffs (distributors) telling their success story and how much money they make at most per month. They didn’t tell how little they ever make per month. It ended with a structure of the income scheme in brief. The whole thing appeared still a bit mysterious to me. So I asked the seminar host how the distributor gets their customer most likely. Her reply was it is through peer contact.
Throughout the whole interview, I have kept a skeptical mind about the business of the company. The picture is clear to me now. It is the kind of multi-level marketing business. I am not quite sure whether it is legal in Hong Kong, but it sure smells stink. So when I was asked to attend a mass training section a week later, I replied that I need some time to consider the matter. I have already decided not to have anything to do with the company, Herbalife. Having staff to invest (purchase) this and that in a marketing job is a sure sign that it is some kind of scam.
Oh, one more thing. They said the company is going to expand into Asia Pacific (Oh, no). That is probably a true statement if there is any gram of truth in what they have ever said.
KC
Hong Kong
Nov. 1st
Rob,
I have lost a lot of money with Herbalife. Now looking back on it I can see all the mistakes that I made.
First, the way that you make money with Herbalife is to get your distributors to consume as much product as possible by hyping them up with group phone calls and having the upline constantly giving them pep talks about filling the pipeline. It takes time for the pipeline to fill up and then your money will flow in. By that time you are broke.
Second, the other way they make money is to start up a sideline business. One lady sells names for mailings. Another sells the flyers for the mailings. There is a group that sells software so you can keep tract of your sales, which are almost nonexistent. Your mentor constantly talks you into signing up for phone service, credit card machines, and an array of other so called business related necessities. Of which they get a kick back.
As a Herbalife distributor you are treated as a sow hog with everyone looking for a nipple to latch onto. And after they have gotten all they possibly can from you, they lose interest in you real quick.
If you need anymore information for your story, write me. I would really love to prevent anyone else from being scammed by this outfit.
Frank Folkerts
Ava, Mo.
Nov. 9th
Hi Rob,
I loved your website! I only wish I had seen it 6 months ago. I, unfortunately, was scammed lately. I contacted a company called Global Online System, who referred me to a woman who works with them selling Herbalife. I was interested, of course like so many people, in working from home. I wish I would have done my investigating like you did about what I was buying from her but all she told me was that it would "all be laid out for me in the package" and if I didn't liked what I received, I could always return it with their money back guarantee. Well, I'm sure you probably have figured out, of course, I did not get my money back. I was told to send the package back to her, which I did, to the same address it came from and she claims she never received it. (Stupid on my part to have sent it without a signature return!) Anyway, keep doin' what your doin' and get the word out there. I, too, cannot stand the litter that is being created with the flyers!!! My best to you.
Pam in Michigan
nov 23
Rob,
Thanks for your internet article on Herbalife. Unfortunately, it was
too late for me as I lost about $20K to them two years ago. I am still
paying off the debt. I got out because I could not bring myself to do
what they wanted me to do to make sales and recruit people. It just
didn't feel right. Too many half truths and blatant lies.
Thanks for trying to save others from this company.
Robin Shilkey
Jefferson, WI
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2004/23/c6609.html
nov 1
Rob - I wish I'd read your information sooner. I spent the money for the 4,000VP AND have bought more for my son to try and other promoting tools. I had a feeling in my gut but thought it was my own "fear." The sad thing is I think my "mentor" really is a nice guy but he had the money to invest. I told him I one credit card in collections and I was on disability and have been ill for a while. He thought "this was
perfect" because I would be motivated. Just like some others I read I, too, have felt worse since taking the products - nausea, headaches and weight GAIN. After telling my mentor what was going on, if he had any "soul" would have recognized that I maybe wasn't a good candidate. Sure in the past I was a go-getter but I've been ill for 10 years and haven't worked in 5! Do you think I could really go out all of a sudden and be comfortable talking to anyone and have the energy to work on this 8+ hours a day? No. In fact, the stress of this has made me more depressed and it's only been a month.
I have canceled all accounts and websites (3 of them: 1 for product, 2 for work at home). I had a Merchant Account, etc. Maybe I would have recouped some of the money after a while but after reading your stats I know it would have been a long while and I would still
be putting out more than I was taking in.
What's really sad is my mentor was a Christian like me and also a recovered alcoholic like me - both of us sober quite a while. But as a Christian he should have been more sensitive to notice that I just wasn't well enough to do this. Even if he just started me as
a distributor that would have been better. I bot so stressed out after a few weeks that I cried for days.
It is clear to me that only those who have the money to invest and a go-getter personality will be successful. I was impressed by the "coaching" I received but after I knew the basics and showed an understanding I stopped getting daily phone calls from
my coach.
I, too, was shocked about Mark Hughes. I know anyone can fall from grace but this is big. I was also pulled in by the medical personnel on their board and the CEO who used to work for Disney. I should have just done more research.
Hopefully with the money I get back and recouping my loss during tax time I can get my dignity back but I have definitely lost a few thousand.
Keep up the good work.
Sue, Fremont, CA
Oct 20
Rob,
I just finished reading your article, and I wish I would have found it sooner. I became an Herbalife distributor through a company called "Global Online Systems" a little over a month ago. I went to a search engine and typed in "work from home" and found the Global Online Systems page. The website did not tell about the products in any way, shape, or form. They just stated something like, "What do you do when you run out of milk? Go to the store. That's what happens with our products, but they aren't sold in stores, so your customers will come back to you."
I submitted my e-mail address and requested a free video. They have replaced the 14 page booklet with a free video. This video still does not introduce the products, only gives testimonials and shows the fancy houses and cars. Of course, I never took the career part of this seriously. I'm a full time student and work full time, so I wanted something I could earn extra cash easily and quickly with.
The prices you mention in your article have gone up as well. The first package your purchase is the International Business Pack which is $48.95 and includes manuals, marketing tips (including the hot pockets and flyers idea), and a button to wear that says, "Lose Weight Now, Ask Me How". After that there is another investment to become an international distributor that costs
$399.00. With this you get samples of the products, training videos, marketing videos, advertising videos, and a training cd rom. (I think it needs to be mentioned that the advertising video contains testimonials from the "highest paid" distributors). The others I did not open, so I don't know what they contain. You are now able to PURCHASE two websites (retailing and recruiting), there is also a reaccuring fee of $12.95/month/website for the websites. To use the websites you must also sign up to accept credit cards
online which is expensive in itself and also carries a monthly fee.
$$$$$$$$$$ To this point we've invested quite a bit of money. $$$$$$$$$$
Now that we've bought the materials it's time to get started, but wait, what's the product? Oh, it's another diet corporation and they want me to lose weight so I have a testimonial! I don't need diet pills...nobody will believe I lost 40 pounds, I'd be dead if I did! Now it's time to become a supervisor and buy those 3,000 volume points for $2,000.00
On your website you mentioned shipping and handling for $1.25. Not anymore, try a minimum of $6.00 Even if you only buy a paper thin booklet, you have a $6.00 S&H fee. What's the point of keeping the products on hand? If you have them on hand why should your customer expect to pay S&H, it's not being shipped from anywhere. So you lose all of your S&H investment.
The prices in the catalogue are so highly priced (but you don't get to see that until you've already paid over $400.00) that nobody will want to even try the products. You can get them from avon for over 90% cheaper. I couldn't even sell single product to my own mother. Usually mothers are the easiest target. That's when I knew I would never earn my money back. I cancled my websites right away (thank goodness I hadn't changed long distance plans or received credit cards yet). Now I'm in the procuss of shipping all of my products back for a full refund (you have 90 days to get your money back).
Just thought I would share with you.
Ashley
Jan 8th, 2005
Yes Rob...people should do their homework before getting involved with Global Online Systems aka Herbalife. I'm just getting out now. It took me about $7,000.00 to finally figure out that I have been a SAP SAP SAP! Suzanne
Jan 25th, 2005
Rob,
I really liked your article on "Herbal-life." I make sure I let as many people, especially my friends about the rip off scam of that so called home business. I myself got ripped off, after a week or two realizing (after the many calls trying to get me to fork over even more money besides the $36.00 decision package, then the $198.00 IBP) I wanted nothing to do with this and cancel my membership with the "90 day money back guarantee" option, only got half that money back, because of what they called a "re-stocking fee." Which that was not stated in the guarantee. Needless to say I got burned, and like I said, I'm glad your bringing this to light. Later.....
Joel Sherey, <><
jan 29th, 2005
Rob,
Just wanted to let you know that you are right about everything in your story. I got suckered into Herbalife & now I am trying to get my money back that I spent. They are charging more for their starter packets now. I hope you can make a difference in California. People need to know that Herbalife is just a scam to get your money.
Charlene
I lost close to $5000.00. Ouch!
feb 24th, 2005
Hi Rob, my name is Gary and I live in the UK about three years ago I answered an add that had been stuck on the reverse of a road sign, it was one of the Own a computer, put it to work ones, well we answered it, spoke to a man named Paul Symmons who lived in Leicester who said they were having an opportunity meeting in our area that it would cost £75 and that lunch would be included (This turned out to be Herbalife shakes), I went to the meeting and was told that people like me were earning £500-£1000 per week working in there spare time, they had some of these people at the meeting. I was convinced and decided to sign up, I paid £45 for my international business kit and I was ready to start. Unfortunately the kit didn't contain anything useful, my sponsor, Paul informed me that I would have to start advertising the opportunity and the product if I wanted to make money, I ordered 10,000 leaflets for £35, half were lose weight now, the other half own a computer, I put out 200 of each every day, I was told to pay for linage adds in local papers, at least £80 a week worth, I bought a web site and signed up to a voice mail account, I also put up Pole Posters, and got myself a second phone line, I even got my Supervisors order £2000. To be fair I did get phone calls, the local council say take down the pole posters or we'll prosecute you for litter (Arse!). I did also get people interested in buying the products, but when they found it was £100+ a month for the weight lose program there interest vanished, they wanted to lose pounds but not those kind. So a huge pile of pills and potions sat gathering dust on my bedroom floor, my wife was less than impressed. After 6 months and more than £4000 spent I called it a day, I'd had two customers in that time and one of them was my father. I am still in MLM, but now I'm actually making money with a British company called Kleeneze, to anyone thinking of replying to a work from home add remember to ask the person you speak to how much they're making and if they can prove it, if they wont give you a straight answer don't touch them with a bargepole.
Gary Norwood
march 19, 2005
Hi Rob
Two years ago I fell for the Herbalife opportunity. This was a group, now as large as David Beven, called 60 Minute Money, run from South Florida, initiated a few years ago by Russell Gain, Palm Beach FL.
This is a further scam to conceal the fact it's Herbalife. In fact take a look at our website www.the-success-happening.com , the one out of three sites, the recruiting one.
I was conned all the way, and now both my wife and I are ill, and splitting up because of the pressure. It's fine until the investment money runs out, then you are left to rot.
We were told 8 months in that we were the best distributors ever to enter his organisation. Now we're broke, ill and splitting up. Please look into this organisation and warn people they need $200,000 minimum to make it work.
thanks
Rob Phillips, Herbalife Global Expansion Team Member.
March 22, 2005
Hi Rob
I came across the 60 minute business from a work at home link and parted with £27 for the cd. I worked through all the testimonials and recognised the signs ( If it looks too good to be true, it always is). When after spending a couple of hours of listening to Russel Gain's amateurish presentation, I finally got the confirmation thrugh the link to "View our products" and Herbalife was a revealed. What? I've wasted my time & money to find that it's the same tired old crap. I had hoped it was something new and exiting. The first product | checked out was Glucosamine Sulphate, available anywhere at afraction of the price they charge. No wonder they say that 78% of the price is paid out in commissions.
I did a bit with Kleeneze. I knew that their stuff was dramatically overpriced, but I also knew from a manufacturer of hosiery, that supplied both them and Betterware, that the sales were huge. Sme old story, though, you've got to buy loads of admin stuff from them. Everything costs you and eatsw into your "profit". When I returned stuff, they said it was too late and wopuldn't credit my account. I refused to settle my outstanding account with them & got a bad crdeit rating as a result. People will no doubt make money, but guess who gets the cream?
Cheers
Howard
Yorkshire UK
March 31, 2005
Rob, I just read your article about Herbalife, and it's very good, It seems to me like you read, and read a lot to put everything together...
And I know what you're a talking about , because I was a Herbalifer before, actually when everything started in DownUnder,
...yes they give you all this fantasies, and dreams about making money, here and there, and nothing ever happened, in fact, my "mentor" in USA.
Told me if I keep on working as hard as I was I would make lot of money , and fact was that I lost a lot of money -- Why, because the market was so saturated with "work from home oppor..." that opportunity didn't give anything in return ...in fact, my and my wife lost about $1000.00 Australian Dollars, that's about $760.00 USD. just to join! Or to be Supervisor, ha!
For what? I never got to sell anything, offline and online!
All my efforts were "unworthed" ha!. You know I was just looking on the Net, just to see how Herbalife was doing, and after I read your article ...they're doing fine --- the distributors bad...
In Australia, they passed along a new law on enviroment care, and that law forbids the use of E-Poles for any kind of advertising, why? because they saw it coming...in fact, before they approved this law, the streets in Australia were a bit "saturated" with Herbalife ads, and promotion !!! No joke!
On the other hand, I tried the products myself and nothing ever happened, I didn't lose a gram...nada! --Anyway, keep the good work ---I know what you talk about when you wrote what you wrote in that article ---I'm with you mate!
Anyway, drop me a line if you can!
Edwin Cartagena-Australia
May 10, 2005
Hello:
I was one of Herbalife distributors for over two years. You are so right that hardly anyone makes money. I did not. In fact I lost over 100,000 in this business – always hoping that the business would improve.
One correction thought – the first order either for 2500 US dollars or 4000 US dollars is always at 42%. One has to order product for 2,500 dollars i.e. 2500 VP and for us Canadians it used to be around 2700 2800 dollars. The 4000 VPS used to be an order around 4300 dollars @ 42%.
Though I am not doing the business any more, it really bothers and hurts me when I see more and more people are being sucked into believing that they can make money in this business.
Keep up the good work.
Rob - did your life suffer, losing all that money?
You bet my life suffered! I used up all our son’s savings for university. I used up most of our retirement money!! What else can I say?
I would stay up at month end till midnight to see if I had enough volume for the month to collect 5% royalty. Then at the last minute, I would fax in my own order to meet the deadline.
When I resigned, I had about 20,000 dollars worth of inventory. I asked my up line to help me sell it as she had collected almost 17% royalty (I was signed up under her daughter, so the daughter and then the mother above her collected royalty on whatever volume I produced). My up line refused saying that they are qualifying for some CRUISE VACATION and cannot help me in any way.
My advertising costs on the radio and TV used to be almost 1500 dollars a month.
YES I SUFFERED AND SUFFERED A LOT!!!
Please do not publish my name anywhere. I would like to stay as far away from them as possible. By the way, I was a GET Team member, i.e. Global Expansion Team Member!!
May 11th, 2005
I got scammed by herbalife- lost 3,500 that I still have'nt recovered from.
I have since hit an even lower point in my life. I would like to put these wealthy recruiters out of business. I feel like I was taken advantage of with lies and am really angry over it.
Stormy Stansel
The End. Thank you. -Rob Cockerham, Sacramento
I got suckered into this program back in year 2000. Spent all the necessary money to get the "info" on the so called "business". Once I found out what it was I thought I'd try it. Spent over $2000 to get to the "Supervisor level". Needless to say I was stuck with GIVING away these products just to get rid of them and ended up throwing away a bunch of it too because I was too afraid to use it or give it away after it had expired. I had way too much inventory to try to sell myself and it was stuff people were just really not interested in. After all most "herbs" you can get at a local drugstore or natural herb store. And, as you said there are tons of websites out there with these products and to get business to your website you'd have to spend a fortune to advertise or market it.
I found you site while looking up "Global Online System" in the Google search engine because I saw an ad where someone is trying to help others get started in a home-based business..and in the text of their website I found the words Global Online System and I figured it was a cover for the "real" business.
Thanks for warning others about this business. Definately one to stay away from!
take care,
Donna Gorenflo
Oct 18th
Hi Rob:
I wish I'd read your website before I invested in this crap. I seem to do things on impulse when I'm desperate for cash.
I'm on disability and it's hard to find a job at home. OK this is not a real home job as we both found out.
I just want my 90-day money back guarantee (less shipping) but I do not know who to write to. I contacted the "mentor" but he has not responded. Then I looked online for the main company (where I found you). Do you have any information that can help me?
By the way, I'd crusade like you if I could walk and take down every sign here in Valencia (CA) too. I will tell everyone I know about your website and email them a copy too.
Thank you,
A Orland
Oct 31st
Rob,
So there goes Herbalife at work. I got a job interview two days ago offered by a company called Lobo International, whatever. The job I applied for is Marketing Executive, but the interviewer said it is about customer service ??? After a brief introduction of what kind of product the company is marketing, and myself the interviewer led me to a theatre room with an audience. Soon, a show began with a company’s management staff introduced about something of the company’s background, how success it has been all over the world, etc. A part of the seminar (show) was a parade of staffs (distributors) telling their success story and how much money they make at most per month. They didn’t tell how little they ever make per month. It ended with a structure of the income scheme in brief. The whole thing appeared still a bit mysterious to me. So I asked the seminar host how the distributor gets their customer most likely. Her reply was it is through peer contact.
Throughout the whole interview, I have kept a skeptical mind about the business of the company. The picture is clear to me now. It is the kind of multi-level marketing business. I am not quite sure whether it is legal in Hong Kong, but it sure smells stink. So when I was asked to attend a mass training section a week later, I replied that I need some time to consider the matter. I have already decided not to have anything to do with the company, Herbalife. Having staff to invest (purchase) this and that in a marketing job is a sure sign that it is some kind of scam.
Oh, one more thing. They said the company is going to expand into Asia Pacific (Oh, no). That is probably a true statement if there is any gram of truth in what they have ever said.
KC
Hong Kong
Nov. 1st
Rob,
I have lost a lot of money with Herbalife. Now looking back on it I can see all the mistakes that I made.
First, the way that you make money with Herbalife is to get your distributors to consume as much product as possible by hyping them up with group phone calls and having the upline constantly giving them pep talks about filling the pipeline. It takes time for the pipeline to fill up and then your money will flow in. By that time you are broke.
Second, the other way they make money is to start up a sideline business. One lady sells names for mailings. Another sells the flyers for the mailings. There is a group that sells software so you can keep tract of your sales, which are almost nonexistent. Your mentor constantly talks you into signing up for phone service, credit card machines, and an array of other so called business related necessities. Of which they get a kick back.
As a Herbalife distributor you are treated as a sow hog with everyone looking for a nipple to latch onto. And after they have gotten all they possibly can from you, they lose interest in you real quick.
If you need anymore information for your story, write me. I would really love to prevent anyone else from being scammed by this outfit.
Frank Folkerts
Ava, Mo.
Nov. 9th
Hi Rob,
I loved your website! I only wish I had seen it 6 months ago. I, unfortunately, was scammed lately. I contacted a company called Global Online System, who referred me to a woman who works with them selling Herbalife. I was interested, of course like so many people, in working from home. I wish I would have done my investigating like you did about what I was buying from her but all she told me was that it would "all be laid out for me in the package" and if I didn't liked what I received, I could always return it with their money back guarantee. Well, I'm sure you probably have figured out, of course, I did not get my money back. I was told to send the package back to her, which I did, to the same address it came from and she claims she never received it. (Stupid on my part to have sent it without a signature return!) Anyway, keep doin' what your doin' and get the word out there. I, too, cannot stand the litter that is being created with the flyers!!! My best to you.
Pam in Michigan
nov 23
Rob,
Thanks for your internet article on Herbalife. Unfortunately, it was
too late for me as I lost about $20K to them two years ago. I am still
paying off the debt. I got out because I could not bring myself to do
what they wanted me to do to make sales and recruit people. It just
didn't feel right. Too many half truths and blatant lies.
Thanks for trying to save others from this company.
Robin Shilkey
Jefferson, WI
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2004/23/c6609.html
nov 1
Rob - I wish I'd read your information sooner. I spent the money for the 4,000VP AND have bought more for my son to try and other promoting tools. I had a feeling in my gut but thought it was my own "fear." The sad thing is I think my "mentor" really is a nice guy but he had the money to invest. I told him I one credit card in collections and I was on disability and have been ill for a while. He thought "this was
perfect" because I would be motivated. Just like some others I read I, too, have felt worse since taking the products - nausea, headaches and weight GAIN. After telling my mentor what was going on, if he had any "soul" would have recognized that I maybe wasn't a good candidate. Sure in the past I was a go-getter but I've been ill for 10 years and haven't worked in 5! Do you think I could really go out all of a sudden and be comfortable talking to anyone and have the energy to work on this 8+ hours a day? No. In fact, the stress of this has made me more depressed and it's only been a month.
I have canceled all accounts and websites (3 of them: 1 for product, 2 for work at home). I had a Merchant Account, etc. Maybe I would have recouped some of the money after a while but after reading your stats I know it would have been a long while and I would still
be putting out more than I was taking in.
What's really sad is my mentor was a Christian like me and also a recovered alcoholic like me - both of us sober quite a while. But as a Christian he should have been more sensitive to notice that I just wasn't well enough to do this. Even if he just started me as
a distributor that would have been better. I bot so stressed out after a few weeks that I cried for days.
It is clear to me that only those who have the money to invest and a go-getter personality will be successful. I was impressed by the "coaching" I received but after I knew the basics and showed an understanding I stopped getting daily phone calls from
my coach.
I, too, was shocked about Mark Hughes. I know anyone can fall from grace but this is big. I was also pulled in by the medical personnel on their board and the CEO who used to work for Disney. I should have just done more research.
Hopefully with the money I get back and recouping my loss during tax time I can get my dignity back but I have definitely lost a few thousand.
Keep up the good work.
Sue, Fremont, CA
Oct 20
Rob,
I just finished reading your article, and I wish I would have found it sooner. I became an Herbalife distributor through a company called "Global Online Systems" a little over a month ago. I went to a search engine and typed in "work from home" and found the Global Online Systems page. The website did not tell about the products in any way, shape, or form. They just stated something like, "What do you do when you run out of milk? Go to the store. That's what happens with our products, but they aren't sold in stores, so your customers will come back to you."
I submitted my e-mail address and requested a free video. They have replaced the 14 page booklet with a free video. This video still does not introduce the products, only gives testimonials and shows the fancy houses and cars. Of course, I never took the career part of this seriously. I'm a full time student and work full time, so I wanted something I could earn extra cash easily and quickly with.
The prices you mention in your article have gone up as well. The first package your purchase is the International Business Pack which is $48.95 and includes manuals, marketing tips (including the hot pockets and flyers idea), and a button to wear that says, "Lose Weight Now, Ask Me How". After that there is another investment to become an international distributor that costs
$399.00. With this you get samples of the products, training videos, marketing videos, advertising videos, and a training cd rom. (I think it needs to be mentioned that the advertising video contains testimonials from the "highest paid" distributors). The others I did not open, so I don't know what they contain. You are now able to PURCHASE two websites (retailing and recruiting), there is also a reaccuring fee of $12.95/month/website for the websites. To use the websites you must also sign up to accept credit cards
online which is expensive in itself and also carries a monthly fee.
$$$$$$$$$$ To this point we've invested quite a bit of money. $$$$$$$$$$
Now that we've bought the materials it's time to get started, but wait, what's the product? Oh, it's another diet corporation and they want me to lose weight so I have a testimonial! I don't need diet pills...nobody will believe I lost 40 pounds, I'd be dead if I did! Now it's time to become a supervisor and buy those 3,000 volume points for $2,000.00
On your website you mentioned shipping and handling for $1.25. Not anymore, try a minimum of $6.00 Even if you only buy a paper thin booklet, you have a $6.00 S&H fee. What's the point of keeping the products on hand? If you have them on hand why should your customer expect to pay S&H, it's not being shipped from anywhere. So you lose all of your S&H investment.
The prices in the catalogue are so highly priced (but you don't get to see that until you've already paid over $400.00) that nobody will want to even try the products. You can get them from avon for over 90% cheaper. I couldn't even sell single product to my own mother. Usually mothers are the easiest target. That's when I knew I would never earn my money back. I cancled my websites right away (thank goodness I hadn't changed long distance plans or received credit cards yet). Now I'm in the procuss of shipping all of my products back for a full refund (you have 90 days to get your money back).
Just thought I would share with you.
Ashley
Jan 8th, 2005
Yes Rob...people should do their homework before getting involved with Global Online Systems aka Herbalife. I'm just getting out now. It took me about $7,000.00 to finally figure out that I have been a SAP SAP SAP! Suzanne
Jan 25th, 2005
Rob,
I really liked your article on "Herbal-life." I make sure I let as many people, especially my friends about the rip off scam of that so called home business. I myself got ripped off, after a week or two realizing (after the many calls trying to get me to fork over even more money besides the $36.00 decision package, then the $198.00 IBP) I wanted nothing to do with this and cancel my membership with the "90 day money back guarantee" option, only got half that money back, because of what they called a "re-stocking fee." Which that was not stated in the guarantee. Needless to say I got burned, and like I said, I'm glad your bringing this to light. Later.....
Joel Sherey, <><
jan 29th, 2005
Rob,
Just wanted to let you know that you are right about everything in your story. I got suckered into Herbalife & now I am trying to get my money back that I spent. They are charging more for their starter packets now. I hope you can make a difference in California. People need to know that Herbalife is just a scam to get your money.
Charlene
I lost close to $5000.00. Ouch!
feb 24th, 2005
Hi Rob, my name is Gary and I live in the UK about three years ago I answered an add that had been stuck on the reverse of a road sign, it was one of the Own a computer, put it to work ones, well we answered it, spoke to a man named Paul Symmons who lived in Leicester who said they were having an opportunity meeting in our area that it would cost £75 and that lunch would be included (This turned out to be Herbalife shakes), I went to the meeting and was told that people like me were earning £500-£1000 per week working in there spare time, they had some of these people at the meeting. I was convinced and decided to sign up, I paid £45 for my international business kit and I was ready to start. Unfortunately the kit didn't contain anything useful, my sponsor, Paul informed me that I would have to start advertising the opportunity and the product if I wanted to make money, I ordered 10,000 leaflets for £35, half were lose weight now, the other half own a computer, I put out 200 of each every day, I was told to pay for linage adds in local papers, at least £80 a week worth, I bought a web site and signed up to a voice mail account, I also put up Pole Posters, and got myself a second phone line, I even got my Supervisors order £2000. To be fair I did get phone calls, the local council say take down the pole posters or we'll prosecute you for litter (Arse!). I did also get people interested in buying the products, but when they found it was £100+ a month for the weight lose program there interest vanished, they wanted to lose pounds but not those kind. So a huge pile of pills and potions sat gathering dust on my bedroom floor, my wife was less than impressed. After 6 months and more than £4000 spent I called it a day, I'd had two customers in that time and one of them was my father. I am still in MLM, but now I'm actually making money with a British company called Kleeneze, to anyone thinking of replying to a work from home add remember to ask the person you speak to how much they're making and if they can prove it, if they wont give you a straight answer don't touch them with a bargepole.
Gary Norwood
march 19, 2005
Hi Rob
Two years ago I fell for the Herbalife opportunity. This was a group, now as large as David Beven, called 60 Minute Money, run from South Florida, initiated a few years ago by Russell Gain, Palm Beach FL.
This is a further scam to conceal the fact it's Herbalife. In fact take a look at our website www.the-success-happening.com , the one out of three sites, the recruiting one.
I was conned all the way, and now both my wife and I are ill, and splitting up because of the pressure. It's fine until the investment money runs out, then you are left to rot.
We were told 8 months in that we were the best distributors ever to enter his organisation. Now we're broke, ill and splitting up. Please look into this organisation and warn people they need $200,000 minimum to make it work.
thanks
Rob Phillips, Herbalife Global Expansion Team Member.
March 22, 2005
Hi Rob
I came across the 60 minute business from a work at home link and parted with £27 for the cd. I worked through all the testimonials and recognised the signs ( If it looks too good to be true, it always is). When after spending a couple of hours of listening to Russel Gain's amateurish presentation, I finally got the confirmation thrugh the link to "View our products" and Herbalife was a revealed. What? I've wasted my time & money to find that it's the same tired old crap. I had hoped it was something new and exiting. The first product | checked out was Glucosamine Sulphate, available anywhere at afraction of the price they charge. No wonder they say that 78% of the price is paid out in commissions.
I did a bit with Kleeneze. I knew that their stuff was dramatically overpriced, but I also knew from a manufacturer of hosiery, that supplied both them and Betterware, that the sales were huge. Sme old story, though, you've got to buy loads of admin stuff from them. Everything costs you and eatsw into your "profit". When I returned stuff, they said it was too late and wopuldn't credit my account. I refused to settle my outstanding account with them & got a bad crdeit rating as a result. People will no doubt make money, but guess who gets the cream?
Cheers
Howard
Yorkshire UK
March 31, 2005
Rob, I just read your article about Herbalife, and it's very good, It seems to me like you read, and read a lot to put everything together...
And I know what you're a talking about , because I was a Herbalifer before, actually when everything started in DownUnder,
...yes they give you all this fantasies, and dreams about making money, here and there, and nothing ever happened, in fact, my "mentor" in USA.
Told me if I keep on working as hard as I was I would make lot of money , and fact was that I lost a lot of money -- Why, because the market was so saturated with "work from home oppor..." that opportunity didn't give anything in return ...in fact, my and my wife lost about $1000.00 Australian Dollars, that's about $760.00 USD. just to join! Or to be Supervisor, ha!
For what? I never got to sell anything, offline and online!
All my efforts were "unworthed" ha!. You know I was just looking on the Net, just to see how Herbalife was doing, and after I read your article ...they're doing fine --- the distributors bad...
In Australia, they passed along a new law on enviroment care, and that law forbids the use of E-Poles for any kind of advertising, why? because they saw it coming...in fact, before they approved this law, the streets in Australia were a bit "saturated" with Herbalife ads, and promotion !!! No joke!
On the other hand, I tried the products myself and nothing ever happened, I didn't lose a gram...nada! --Anyway, keep the good work ---I know what you talk about when you wrote what you wrote in that article ---I'm with you mate!
Anyway, drop me a line if you can!
Edwin Cartagena-Australia
May 10, 2005
Hello:
I was one of Herbalife distributors for over two years. You are so right that hardly anyone makes money. I did not. In fact I lost over 100,000 in this business – always hoping that the business would improve.
One correction thought – the first order either for 2500 US dollars or 4000 US dollars is always at 42%. One has to order product for 2,500 dollars i.e. 2500 VP and for us Canadians it used to be around 2700 2800 dollars. The 4000 VPS used to be an order around 4300 dollars @ 42%.
Though I am not doing the business any more, it really bothers and hurts me when I see more and more people are being sucked into believing that they can make money in this business.
Keep up the good work.
Rob - did your life suffer, losing all that money?
You bet my life suffered! I used up all our son’s savings for university. I used up most of our retirement money!! What else can I say?
I would stay up at month end till midnight to see if I had enough volume for the month to collect 5% royalty. Then at the last minute, I would fax in my own order to meet the deadline.
When I resigned, I had about 20,000 dollars worth of inventory. I asked my up line to help me sell it as she had collected almost 17% royalty (I was signed up under her daughter, so the daughter and then the mother above her collected royalty on whatever volume I produced). My up line refused saying that they are qualifying for some CRUISE VACATION and cannot help me in any way.
My advertising costs on the radio and TV used to be almost 1500 dollars a month.
YES I SUFFERED AND SUFFERED A LOT!!!
Please do not publish my name anywhere. I would like to stay as far away from them as possible. By the way, I was a GET Team member, i.e. Global Expansion Team Member!!
May 11th, 2005
I got scammed by herbalife- lost 3,500 that I still have'nt recovered from.
I have since hit an even lower point in my life. I would like to put these wealthy recruiters out of business. I feel like I was taken advantage of with lies and am really angry over it.
Stormy Stansel
The End. Thank you. -Rob Cockerham, Sacramento
