Shaklee is a well-established health and wellness company, offering products ranging from nutritional supplements and weight management programs to eco-friendly household cleaners. Founded in 1956 by Dr. Forrest C. Shaklee, the company has positioned itself as a pioneer in promoting wellness through natural products, while also providing an opportunity for individuals to start their own business through its multi-level marketing (MLM) model.
What Does Shaklee Offer?
Shaklee’s product line includes a wide variety of health and wellness items:
- Nutritional Supplements: Products such as the Ready Set Wellness Bundle, which offers personalized supplements based on an individual’s health needs, are popular among users for supporting energy, sleep, and overall health.
- Skincare and Beauty: Shaklee's beauty range, including the Youth Luminous Gel Oil Cleanser, is praised for being gentle yet effective, offering vegan and cruelty-free formulations.
- Green Home Products: Shaklee has been a leader in eco-friendly household products like the Basic H2 Biodegradable Cleaner, which is highly appreciated for its effectiveness and environmentally friendly formulation.
Pros of Joining Shaklee
- Reputable Products: Shaklee’s commitment to quality is evident in their rigorous testing. They conduct over 100,000 quality checks each year, and many members report positive results from using their products. For example, one long-time customer stated, “Their cleaning products are incredible... I can’t imagine my life without Shaklee” .
- Flexible Business Model: Shaklee’s MLM structure allows individuals to sell products without needing to recruit others, which sets it apart from some other MLMs that heavily focus on recruitment. This flexibility appeals to people who prefer focusing on direct sales rather than building a large downline.
- Sustainability and Ethics: The company places a strong emphasis on environmentally sustainable practices and clean product formulations. Many users appreciate the brand's dedication to using non-GMO ingredients and cruelty-free processes.
- Longevity and Trust: As a company that has been in business for over 60 years, Shaklee has a proven track record in both product development and business operations. Long-term users often express high levels of trust in the brand, with one member commenting, “I have been using Shaklee products for over 20 years, and I love them.
Cons of Joining Shaklee
- High Product Costs: One of the most common criticisms is the cost of Shaklee products. Several reviewers have pointed out that while the products are effective, they come with a high price tag, which can be a deterrent for both customers and potential distributors.
- Business Model Challenges: Like many MLMs, success as a Shaklee distributor largely depends on your ability to generate leads and build a network. Some members have struggled with recruitment, finding it difficult to maintain sales momentum. One user noted, “It’s hard to succeed without mastering lead generation”.
- Mixed Customer Service Experiences: While many customers report excellent service, others have had negative experiences with Shaklee’s customer service. For example, one user complained about difficulties in changing their distributor or canceling an order within minutes of placing .
- Focus on Recruitment: Although Shaklee allows for earning through direct sales, the compensation plan incentivizes recruitment. Some distributors have expressed frustration with the emphasis on building a team to achieve significant earnings, making it difficult for those who prefer to focus solely on selling.
Member Feedback
Shaklee’s members have provided a wide range of feedback, reflecting both positive experiences and challenges. A longtime user highlighted the benefits of the products, saying, “I’ve seen my health and the health of my family improve over time”.
However, another member expressed frustration with the business side, explaining, “I just want to leave something for my kids... but I can’t afford to buy anymore leads”.
Conclusion: Is Shaklee Right for You?
Shaklee offers a broad range of well-regarded products that focus on health, wellness, and sustainability. If you are passionate about natural wellness products and are comfortable with the MLM structure, Shaklee might be a good fit. However, it's essential to carefully consider the cost of the products, the potential challenges of building a successful business, and whether you’re comfortable with the recruitment aspect of the compensation model.
For those primarily interested in using Shaklee’s products, joining as a customer can provide access to high-quality supplements and green products. For those considering the business opportunity, success will depend on your ability to market and sell effectively in a competitive industry.