Forever Living Products (FLP), founded in 1978, is one of the largest direct sales companies, primarily known for its Aloe vera-based products. It operates as a multi-level marketing (MLM) business, where independent distributors (called Forever Business Owners or FBOs) promote and sell its wellness, personal care, and beauty products. While the company boasts a global presence and has millions of distributors, the MLM model raises questions about its business viability for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore what it means to join Forever Living, its pros and cons, and feedback from actual members.
Overview of Forever Living Products
Forever Living focuses heavily on natural wellness, with Aloe vera as its cornerstone ingredient. Its product line includes items such as skincare products, nutritional supplements, drinks, and more. The company claims that its products promote health and wellness, although they cannot make medicinal claims due to lack of FDA approval. Their business model is a typical MLM structure where distributors earn by selling products and recruiting others into the business.
How the MLM Model Works
To become a Forever Business Owner, you can either join for free through an existing member or purchase the “Start Your Journey Pak” for approximately $330. The potential to earn income comes from two main avenues: direct product sales and commissions from recruiting other members into your downline. You can buy products at a discount (around 35-48%) and resell them at full price for profit. Additionally, you can earn a percentage of the sales made by the members you sponsor.
Real Member Feedback
Like many MLM opportunities, Forever Living has both supporters and detractors. Some members praise the community and personal growth opportunities, while others point out challenges within the business structure.
Pros of Joining Forever Living
- Product Discounts and Flexibility: Members can purchase products at a discount, which can be beneficial if you genuinely enjoy using them. As one FBO put it, "I joined because I loved the products. It helped me get discounts on my personal purchases, and I made a bit of extra money selling to friends." The company also offers incentive programs, such as recognition awards, bonuses, and paid trips for high performers.
- Supportive Community: Forever Living is noted for its strong network of support. Many members find motivation in the teamwork aspect of the business, which can foster a sense of belonging. “The community here is amazing. Even when you have rough months, you still feel like you're part of something bigger,” shared one distributor.
- No Income Cap: Unlike a traditional job, Forever Living does not cap how much you can earn. The more you sell, the higher your earnings. High achievers can even advance to leadership positions, with significant bonuses and perks.
Cons of Joining Forever Living
- High Initial Investment: To start, you may need to invest around $330 to purchase the "Start Your Journey Pak," which gives you the product credits needed to begin earning commissions. This can be a hurdle for some, especially when there's no guarantee of sales..
- Income Variability: The vast majority of members (almost 90%) do not earn a significant income from the MLM structure. Most earn little to nothing from retail sales, and only a very small percentage of distributors make substantial income through commissions.
- Sales Pressure: Some members feel pressured to sell products and recruit new members to maintain their business status and grow their downlines. "It can get overwhelming," noted one FBO, "especially when you have to meet certain sales goals to advance. It’s not as easy as they make it sound".
- Inactivity Penalty: Forever Living has a 36-month inactivity policy, meaning that if you don’t purchase products within three years, you risk losing all downlines and commissions. While this may not seem unreasonable, it adds pressure to consistently buy and sell products.
Conclusion: Is Forever Living Right for You?
Forever Living offers real opportunities for those who are passionate about its products and have the skills (and time) to sell them effectively. The business structure is ideal for individuals who thrive in a direct sales environment and are motivated by bonuses and incentives. However, the majority of distributors earn little to no profit, and there’s a clear requirement to invest both time and money to succeed. The sales pressure and the need for recruitment may not appeal to everyone, particularly those looking for a low-commitment side hustle.
In the words of one reviewer, “Forever Living isn’t a scam, but it’s not a quick path to wealth either. You get what you put into it, and success isn’t guaranteed”.
Before joining, it’s crucial to weigh these pros and cons, understand the costs involved, and consider whether you have the drive and network to succeed in this competitive MLM environment.