Watkins 1868 is a company with a long-standing history, offering natural and high-quality products since its inception in Minnesota. Known for its spices, extracts, home care, and personal care items, the brand has built a strong reputation over the years. One of its key selling points is its commitment to natural ingredients, which resonates with customers seeking clean and sustainable products.
Company Overview
Founded in 1868, Watkins is one of the oldest companies in the U.S. and prides itself on being the first to introduce the money-back guarantee. This legacy of quality and customer satisfaction continues today with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee for their products. Their offerings range from gourmet food products like extracts and spices to environmentally friendly cleaning supplies and personal care items.
Becoming a Consultant: Pros and Cons
Watkins 1868 operates through a direct sales model, where independent consultants (often referred to as "The Watkins Man" historically) sell products to consumers. This business model allows individuals to run a home-based business or take advantage of discounts for personal use.
Pros:
- Low Start-Up Costs: Joining as a consultant requires a small investment of $29.95 plus tax, which includes access to a consultant website and training materials.
- Product Variety: Watkins offers over 100 products, many of which are natural, free from artificial additives, and made in America. This product range includes everything from gourmet spices to apothecary products, catering to diverse consumer needs.
- Flexible Sales Model: Consultants can sell products online, through catalogs, or in person at booths and parties. This flexibility allows individuals to choose how they want to build their business.
- Reputation and Legacy: The company's long history and reputation for quality products make it easier to market to customers. As one consultant shared, "I’ve always trusted Watkins since my grandmother used their products. It’s a brand that stands for quality".
Cons:
- Retail Availability: Watkins products are available in many retail stores across the U.S. and Canada, which can be a disadvantage for consultants trying to sell directly. Many potential customers can simply purchase products elsewhere, reducing demand from consultants.
- Complicated Compensation Plan: Some reviewers have noted that details about the compensation structure, especially regarding team-building and residual income, are hard to find. This lack of transparency can make it difficult for new consultants to understand the full earning potential.
- Saturated Market: While the Watkins brand has a strong legacy, the direct sales industry is competitive, with many consultants in similar niches (e.g., gourmet foods or natural products). This can make it more challenging to stand out and build a significant customer base.
Feedback from Real Members
Watkins consultants generally have positive things to say about their experience. One long-time user recalled, "I remember as a kid in the 1950s having Watkins products in our home, and the brand still brings back great memories of quality and reliability" Another consultant praised the company's support, stating, "The training materials and community are incredibly helpful for someone just getting started".\
However, some challenges were noted by consultants, particularly around the difficulty of building a team and achieving higher bonuses in a crowded market. "The team-building aspect sounds good, but it's tough to get others onboard when so many other options exist," said one consultant.
Conclusion
Watkins 1868 offers a great opportunity for individuals looking to sell high-quality, natural products with a low start-up cost. The company’s long-standing reputation and strong product variety are appealing to both consumers and consultants. However, those considering becoming a consultant should be aware of potential challenges, such as competition from retail outlets and navigating the compensation plan.
Overall, for individuals passionate about the products and motivated to build a personal business, Watkins can be a rewarding venture. However, it's important to carefully consider the pros and cons, especially if you're entering a highly competitive sales space.