Considering joining LifeVantage, or just curious about whether this health and wellness MLM is a legitimate opportunity or a risky venture? You’re in the right place. LifeVantage has been around since 2003, offering a range of anti-aging and wellness products through its network of independent distributors. As with any MLM, the promise of financial freedom and a flexible lifestyle is enticing, but the reality can often be more complex.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into what LifeVantage is all about. From its product offerings and compensation plan to the real-life experiences of its distributors, we’ll explore whether LifeVantage is a viable business opportunity or just another MLM with hidden pitfalls. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether LifeVantage is the right choice for you, or if it’s worth considering other options.
Let’s get started!
Disclaimer: This LifeVantage MLM review has been thoroughly researched with information and testimonials that are available online to anyone in the public. Any conclusions drawn from that information are my own opinions.
LifeVantage MLM Review Overview
Product Name: LifeVantage
Owner: Publicly Traded
Product Type: Health and Wellness MLM
Price: $50 = £50-$1,250 to Start + $130/month to remain active
Best For: If you love their products and can sell
Pros
- Proven Company
- Positive Product Reviews
- Charitable Initiatives
Cons
- High Product Costs
- Emphasis on Recruitment
- Low Earnings from Most Distributors
- Legal & Ethical Concerns
Quick Summary
Recommended? No. It Will Be Really Hard For Anyone To Get Started & Be Successful Here
Table of Contents
Is LifeVantage MLM a Scam?
LifeVantage is not technically a scam. The company sells legitimate products and pays its distributors as promised, which differentiates it from outright scams. However, the way LifeVantage operates has led to concerns and accusations that it might be a pyramid scheme in disguise. This is because the business model heavily emphasizes recruitment over product sales, making it difficult for most participants to earn significant income without recruiting a large downline.
The reality is that while you can earn money with LifeVantage, success is rare. The company’s own income disclosure shows that over 83% of distributors make less than $67 per month, and when you factor in the costs of staying active (such as purchasing products to meet monthly quotas), most people actually lose money. This makes LifeVantage’s business model highly questionable and raises ethical concerns about whether it truly offers a fair opportunity for all participants.
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What is LifeVantage MLM?
LifeVantage is a Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) company that specializes in health and wellness products, particularly those aimed at anti-aging and improving overall well-being. The company was established in 2003 by David Wood, who was already a successful entrepreneur and network marketing industry veteran. Initially, LifeVantage focused on products to improve financial well-being, but it later shifted to health and wellness, which remains its primary focus today.
The company’s growth has been notable, especially after its pivot to health and wellness. By 2013, LifeVantage had achieved annual sales of around $200 million. The company is based in Sandy, Utah, and is publicly traded, which lends it some credibility. LifeVantage’s flagship product is Protandim, an antioxidant dietary supplement that the company claims can reduce oxidative stress and promote healthy aging. However, it’s important to note that these claims have not been evaluated by the FDA, and there is some skepticism regarding the product’s effectiveness and safety.
If you want to learn more, here’s a 4 minute video about the company and their business opportunity:
While this video presents LifeVantage as an incredible opportunity, it’s important to look beyond the hype. If you’re here, you likely want to dig deeper and understand the reality behind the claims. That’s exactly what we’ll explore in the rest of this review.
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Who Owns LifeVantage MLM?
LifeVantage was initially founded by Dr. Paul N. Howard in 2001 as a research and development company. However, it wasn’t until 2003 that the company made its shift into the MLM model, under the leadership of David Wood. Wood was an experienced entrepreneur with a strong background in network marketing, which helped guide LifeVantage through its transition to becoming a health and wellness-focused MLM.
Today, LifeVantage is headquartered in Sandy, Utah, and is a publicly traded company, which means it has a certain level of transparency required by law. This public status can give potential distributors a sense of security, knowing that the company’s financials are more open to scrutiny than those of privately held MLMs. Despite this, the company has faced criticism and legal challenges, particularly regarding its business practices and the efficacy of its products.
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Is LifeVantage MLM a Pyramid Scheme?
Technically speaking, LifeVantage is not classified as a pyramid scheme. The company sells tangible products, and distributors can earn commissions by selling these products, which is a key differentiator from illegal pyramid schemes that solely focus on recruitment.
However, the line between a legitimate MLM and a pyramid scheme can often be blurry. In the case of LifeVantage, the business model places a heavy emphasis on recruitment. Distributors are encouraged to build a downline, and the majority of significant earnings come from the sales generated by these recruits, rather than from direct product sales. This structure has led to accusations that LifeVantage operates like a “pyramid scheme in disguise.”
What is a Pyramid Scheme?
A pyramid scheme is a fraudulent business model where participants are promised payment primarily for recruiting others into the scheme rather than for selling any products or services. These schemes are unsustainable and eventually collapse because they rely on an ever-increasing number of recruits to provide returns to earlier participants. Most countries have laws that make pyramid schemes illegal because they inevitably cause financial harm to the majority of participants.
Is LifeVantage a Pyramid Scheme in Disguise?
While LifeVantage does sell legitimate products, the fact that the most substantial earnings come from recruitment raises red flags. The company’s compensation plan rewards those who can recruit others, and without a significant downline, it’s nearly impossible to make a substantial income. This emphasis on recruitment over product sales aligns with how many pyramid schemes operate, even if LifeVantage skirts the technical definition.
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How Does LifeVantage MLM Work?
LifeVantage operates as a Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) company, which means that it relies on independent distributors to sell its products directly to consumers. These distributors earn commissions on the products they sell and have the opportunity to earn additional income by recruiting others into the business, creating what is known as a “downline.” As these recruits make sales, the original distributor earns a percentage of those sales as well.
The core of LifeVantage’s business revolves around its “anti-aging” supplements and wellness products. The company promotes these products as being scientifically backed, with claims of significant health benefits. However, the effectiveness of these products has been questioned, and some of the claims made by the company have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Distributors are encouraged to purchase products themselves, not only to familiarize themselves with what they’re selling but also to meet the monthly sales quotas required to remain active in the company. This can create a situation where distributors end up spending more on products than they actually earn in commissions, which is a common pitfall in MLMs.
In essence, LifeVantage works by leveraging the sales and recruitment efforts of its distributors, with a significant portion of income potential tied to building a large downline. This structure is why some view LifeVantage as being closer to a pyramid scheme, as it heavily incentivizes recruitment over direct product sales.
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Turn Your Passion into Profits
What Products Does LifeVantage MLM Sell?
LifeVantage offers a range of health and wellness products, primarily focused on anti-aging and overall well-being. These products are marketed under several categories, each with its own line of offerings.
Understanding these products is crucial for anyone considering joining LifeVantage, as they form the basis of what you’ll be selling.
1. Nutrition:
- Supplements: Includes Protandim NRF2 Synergizer, a flagship product aimed at reducing oxidative stress.
- Price Range: $60-$67 per month for retail customers.
2. Beauty:
- Skincare Products: Ranges from $15 to $141 per month, covering products like shampoos and anti-aging creams.
3. Fitness:
- Fitness Supplements: Such as whey protein and fat-burning pills.
- Price Range: $41-$141 per month.
4. Pets:
- Pet Supplements: Specifically designed for pet health.
- Price: Around $26 per month.
It’s important to note that while LifeVantage claims its products are based on scientific research, some of these claims are met with skepticism. The products are often priced significantly higher than similar items available on the market, which can make them a tough sell unless the distributor can convincingly communicate the perceived benefits.
Healthline even suggests that taking antioxidant supplements in excess can cause some health problems such as:
- decreased exercise performance
- increased cancer risk
- birth defects
It can actually do the exact opposite of anti-aging if you take too much, so it is vital that every consumer does their own research and consult with a doctor!
The 3 minute video below explains more about the Protandim…
Moreover, potential distributors should be aware that there are numerous other companies, including other MLMs, offering similar products. This competitive landscape means that selling LifeVantage products might require significant effort and a strong belief in the product’s unique value proposition.
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How to Make Money with LifeVantage MLM?
Making money with LifeVantage involves two primary methods:
- Selling Products: As a distributor, you can earn commissions on the products you sell directly to customers. This is the more straightforward approach but often yields lower earnings unless you have a large customer base.
- Recruiting Others: The more lucrative, but also more challenging, way to earn money is by recruiting others to join LifeVantage as distributors. As you build a “downline” (the network of distributors you recruit), you earn bonuses and commissions based on their sales and recruitment efforts. The company’s compensation plan includes various bonuses, including:
- Smart Start Bonus: Earn 30-40% commissions on the initial product orders of your recruits.
- Unilevel Commissions: Earn 2-9% on sales made by your downline across multiple levels.
- Generational Matching Bonus: Receive a 10% match on the unilevel commissions earned by your downline.
- Rank Achievement Bonuses: One-time bonuses for reaching higher ranks within the company.
- Elite Bonus Pool: A share of 4% of the company’s total sales is distributed among top-ranking distributors.
While these potential earnings might seem appealing, the reality is that most distributors struggle to earn significant income, with success largely dependent on your ability to recruit and maintain an active downline.
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How Much Does It Cost to Join LifeVantage MLM?
Joining LifeVantage as a distributor requires an initial investment:
- Starter Kit: $50 – This includes basic materials like a blueprint for success, product samples, and guides on how to get your business started.
- Launch Kits: If you want to start selling products immediately or try them yourself, you’ll need to purchase one of the following kits:
- Silver Kit: $350 – Offers a 20% savings on products.
- Gold Pack: $650 – Includes a 25% savings.
- Gold Performance Pack: $650 – Also offers a 25% savings but with different product combinations.
- Platinum Pack: $1,250 – Provides the highest savings at 30%.
Additionally, to remain active and eligible for commissions, you must meet a monthly sales quota of 100 Personal Volume (PV), which typically equates to about $130+ worth of products. If you fail to sell this amount, you’ll need to purchase the products yourself to stay active.
Moreover, there’s also a requirement to purchase at least 40 PV of products personally each month (around $50), adding to your ongoing expenses.
In total, your first-year expenses could range from $1,960 to $2,860, not including additional costs like marketing, ads, and further training. These ongoing expenses make it essential to carefully consider whether you can realistically recoup your investment and make a profit. (LifeVantage) (International (en)
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LifeVantage MLM Compensation Plan Explained
The LifeVantage compensation plan is complex, with multiple ways for distributors to earn money. The plan is heavily focused on recruitment, which is common in MLM structures. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the main components:
- Smart Start Bonus:
- Earn 30-40% commissions on the first order placed by your new recruits within their first month. The percentage you earn depends on the product volume (PV) of the orders.
- Launch Bonus:
- Receive bonuses when your recruits achieve a minimum of 200 PV in their first month. This bonus is designed to encourage new distributors to hit the ground running.
- Unilevel Commissions:
- You earn a percentage of the sales made by your downline across multiple levels. The commission rate typically ranges from 2% to 9%, depending on your rank within the company.
- Generational Matching Bonus:
- This bonus offers a 10% match on the unilevel commissions earned by distributors in your downline. It’s intended to incentivize you to support your recruits in growing their businesses.
- Elite Bonus Pool:
- LifeVantage allocates 4% of its total sales revenue into a bonus pool that is distributed among top-ranking distributors. This bonus is only accessible to those who reach the highest ranks.
- Rank Achievement Bonuses:
- These are one-time bonuses awarded when you achieve specific ranks within the company. The higher the rank, the more substantial the bonus.
- Business Centers:
- Once you reach the Premier Pro 5 rank, you can create additional “business centers” under your own name, allowing you to effectively double your income streams by operating multiple distributor accounts.
While these earning methods might seem attractive, it’s important to understand that success heavily depends on your ability to recruit and build a substantial downline. For most distributors, the reality is that they’ll struggle to advance to the levels where these bonuses and commissions make a significant difference.
The 16 minute video below explains more about the compensation plan if you’d like to learn more…
Or you can find the full 8 page LifeVantage compensation plan here.
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Can You Make Money With LifeVantage MLM?
The short answer is yes, but it’s very difficult. LifeVantage’s own income disclosure indicates that the vast majority of distributors earn very little, with over 83% making less than $67 a month. Given the costs of staying active in the company, including purchasing products to meet the monthly PV quotas, most distributors end up spending more money than they earn.
To make a significant income with LifeVantage, you typically need to reach the higher ranks, which requires recruiting a large downline and maintaining high sales volumes. Even then, the percentage of people who reach these levels is very small. In fact, only about 0.61% of distributors earn more than $35,000 annually, and many of those who do earn more are spending considerable time and effort on recruitment and sales.
This data highlights the challenges of making a sustainable income with LifeVantage. While the potential for high earnings exists, it’s largely reserved for those who can excel at both sales and recruitment, which is a difficult balance to achieve.
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LifeVantage MLM Online Reviews
When considering joining an MLM like LifeVantage, it’s crucial to take into account what current and former distributors, as well as customers, are saying about their experiences. Online reviews offer a mix of positive and negative feedback, giving a fuller picture of what you can expect if you decide to get involved with LifeVantage.
Common Positive Reviews
On platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor, some distributors and employees have praised LifeVantage for its supportive community and the potential for personal development. Common positive themes include:
- Supportive Community: Many reviewers mention that LifeVantage provides a positive environment with supportive teams, which can be motivating for those new to MLMs.
- Growth Opportunities: Some distributors appreciate the personal growth and leadership opportunities that come with rising through the ranks.
- Product Satisfaction: A segment of customers express satisfaction with the products, particularly the Protandim line, citing improvements in their health and wellness.
Example positive reviews:
- “LifeVantage had many growth opportunities and was a fast-paced health & wellness-focused company. The best part of the job was the people and the great culture.”
- “The company culture was great, and there was a lot of emphasis on personal development and leadership.”
Common Negative Reviews
On the flip side, there are numerous negative reviews, particularly around the sustainability of income and the company’s emphasis on recruitment. Common negative themes include:
- Income Challenges: Many distributors report difficulty in making consistent money, with some stating that the costs of staying active in the company often outweigh any earnings.
- High Pressure to Recruit: A significant number of reviews mention the high pressure to recruit others as the only viable way to make a substantial income, leading to frustration and burnout.
- Product Pricing Concerns: Some customers express concerns over the high price of LifeVantage products, questioning whether they provide sufficient value compared to more affordable alternatives.
Example negative reviews:
- “Unstable working environment. In the year I was employed, they reorganized and terminated key management, making it difficult to feel secure.”
- “The focus is too much on recruitment, and it’s hard to sustain any real income without constantly bringing in new people.”
These mixed reviews are typical of MLM companies, where success can vary widely depending on individual circumstances. It’s clear that while some find value in the products and community, many struggle with the financial aspects and the heavy focus on recruitment.
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LifeVantage MLM Review: Pros
While LifeVantage has its challenges, there are some key benefits that may make it appealing to potential distributors and customers alike. Let’s take a look at the main pros.
#1 Proven Company with Longevity
LifeVantage has been in operation since 2003 and is a publicly traded company. This gives it a level of credibility and stability that many MLMs lack, as many MLM companies fail within their first few years. LifeVantage’s long track record can provide reassurance to those concerned about the company’s stability and future prospects.
#2 Positive Product Reviews
A number of customers have expressed satisfaction with LifeVantage’s products, particularly the Protandim supplement, which is touted for its health benefits. Positive feedback on product effectiveness is crucial for distributors who rely on repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals to build their businesses.
These reviews help validate the product offerings and can make it easier for distributors to make sales.
#3 Charitable Initiatives
LifeVantage is involved in various charitable activities, which can be appealing to those who value corporate social responsibility. The company’s efforts to give back to the community may resonate with distributors and customers who want to support a business that contributes to social causes.
This can also enhance the company’s image and attract more ethical-minded individuals to the business.
LifeVantage MLM Review: Cons
Despite its advantages, LifeVantage also has several significant drawbacks that potential distributors should consider carefully before joining. Here are the main cons.
#1 High Product Costs
LifeVantage’s products are priced significantly higher than many comparable alternatives on the market. This can make them difficult to sell, especially when customers can find similar products at much lower prices elsewhere. The high cost also means that distributors often end up purchasing the products themselves to meet the sales quotas required to remain active, which can quickly eat into profits.
#2 Emphasis on Recruitment
The compensation plan of LifeVantage places a heavy emphasis on recruitment rather than product sales. Most of the higher earnings are tied to building a large and active downline.
This structure has led to criticisms that LifeVantage operates similarly to a pyramid scheme, where the focus is on recruiting new members rather than selling products. This can be discouraging for those who prefer to focus on selling rather than recruiting.
#3 Low Earnings for Most Distributors
According to the company’s income disclosure, the majority of LifeVantage distributors earn very little, with over 83% making less than $67 a month.
When you factor in the costs of staying active, including product purchases and other business expenses, most distributors end up losing money rather than making a profit. This reality underscores the difficulty of achieving financial success in LifeVantage without significant recruitment efforts.
#4 Legal and Ethical Concerns
LifeVantage has faced legal challenges and accusations related to operating like a pyramid scheme. These legal and ethical concerns can be a major red flag for potential distributors and customers. The high-pressure sales tactics commonly associated with MLMs also raise questions about the company’s business practices, which could impact its long-term viability and the personal integrity of those involved.
LifeVantage MLM Review: Conclusion
In conclusion, LifeVantage presents itself as a well-established and credible MLM company with a focus on health and wellness products. The company’s longevity and public trading status lend it a level of stability that many MLMs lack, and its products, particularly the Protandim supplement, have garnered positive reviews from a segment of users.
However, potential distributors should approach LifeVantage with caution. The high cost of products, the strong emphasis on recruitment, and the low earnings reported by most distributors are significant drawbacks that cannot be overlooked. Moreover, the legal and ethical concerns surrounding its business practices raise additional red flags.
If you’re considering joining LifeVantage, it’s essential to weigh these pros and cons carefully. Success with this MLM will likely require a strong ability to recruit others and a significant investment of time and money. For those who are not comfortable with the recruitment-heavy nature of the business or who are seeking more straightforward product sales opportunities, LifeVantage might not be the best fit.
Ultimately, while LifeVantage could offer potential benefits for the right individual, it’s crucial to have realistic expectations and to thoroughly research the commitment involved before diving in. As with any business venture, make sure to consider your financial and personal goals, and explore all your options before making a decision.
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