Are you considering joining USANA but worried about whether it’s a legitimate opportunity or just another pyramid scheme?
In this comprehensive USANA MLM review, we’ll dive deep into the inner workings of USANA Health Sciences, exploring everything from the quality and pricing of their products to the realities of their multi-level marketing business model. Established in 1992, USANA has been a prominent name in the wellness industry, promising potential financial freedom and health benefits through its vast range of products.
However, with any MLM, there are several facets to consider before making the commitment. This review aims to provide you with all the information needed to make an informed decision about whether USANA is the right path for your entrepreneurial spirit and wellness goals.
Disclaimer: This USANA 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.
USANA MLM Review Overview
Product Name: USANA Health Sciences
Owner: Myron W. Wentz
Product Type: Health/Wellness MLM Company
Price: $29.95 starter kit, plus $100 monthly to remain active
Best For: Established Network Marketers Wanting to Expand Range
Pros
- Products Have Positive Reviews
- Long Standing Business
- Strong Endorsements from Athletes
- Marketing Opportunities For Those That Have the Skills
Cons
- High Product Costs
- Mandatory Purchases To Remain Active
- Low Success Rate
- Saturated Market
Quick Summary
Recommended? No
Table of Contents
Is USANA a Scam or a Legit MLM?
USANA is definitely not a scam; it’s a fully operational MLM with a real product line. However, despite its legitimacy, I have reservations about recommending it because of the generally low success rates associated with MLMs. If you’re considering joining USANA, it’s vital to look at how real customers feel about their products.
Would you start a business without knowing if there’s a demand for the products? Probably not. That’s why it’s heartening to see that many USANA customers have left 5-star reviews. In fact, in my research, I found that over 80% of the feedback on their products was overwhelmingly positive.
It’s also worth exploring how USANA treats its associates. For a more nuanced view, checking out testimonials from former members on platforms like YouTube can provide valuable insights into their experiences.
In summary, while USANA sells genuine products and operates legally as an MLM, the common low success rate of MLMs means you might want to consider other business opportunities.
Keep reading my detailed USANA MLM review to uncover more about the company’s operations, its range of products, the compensation structure, and both the advantages and drawbacks of joining their network.
Related Post: Isagenix MLM Review
What Is USANA Health Sciences?
Founded in 1992 by immunologist and microbiologist Myron W. Wentz, USANA Health Sciences is more than just an MLM company—it’s a research-driven enterprise operating across 24 countries, including markets in New Zealand, Australia, Colombia, Mexico, China, Japan, and Canada.
USANA takes pride in developing and manufacturing high-quality dietary supplements, balanced foods for healthy diets, and personal care products, which are marketed directly to Associates and Preferred Clients. Notably, around 67% of their products are manufactured in the U.S., with the remainder produced in China.
To boost its visibility and credibility, USANA has forged partnerships with high-profile figures and entities, including frequent mentions by Dr. Oz on his TV show. Additionally, USANA serves as the exclusive supplement provider to over 1,000 athletes globally, known collectively as “Team USANA”—notable members include tennis star Caroline Wozniacki and professional boxer Austin Trout.
While the brand’s popularity and high-profile endorsements are impressive, these aspects also lead to scrutiny about whether USANA’s business model veers into pyramid scheme territory. This review will delve deeper into those concerns, but let’s first discuss their product offerings in more detail.
Related Post: Pampered Chef MLM Review
What Products Does USANA Sell?
USANA stands out in the crowded MLM health niche by offering a range of dietary, personal care, and weight management products. A unique aspect of USANA’s product line is their nutritional supplements designed for children as young as two years old. Their innovative approach is showcased in their latest product ranges, CellSentials and Celavive (a skincare line), both of which utilize USANA’s patent-pending InCelligence Technology.
In terms of pricing, USANA’s products are comparable to other MLMs offering similar types of health and wellness products. There isn’t much price differentiation, suggesting that the value proposition is more about the unique qualities and claimed benefits of the products.
For a closer look at one of USANA’s flagship offerings, check out this short video:
What Are USANA's Most Popular Products?
USANA currently markets 97 different products, with prices ranging from $18.73 to $112.47 and an average cost of around $43.90. Here’s a snapshot of some of their most popular items:
- Retail Sales: Earn the difference between the wholesale price and retail price.
- Weekly Commissions: Up to 20% on personal and team sales.
- Lifetime Matching Bonus: Additional incentives for long-term success.
- Travel and Other Incentives: Rewards for meeting specific targets.
- Elite Bonus: For top-performing associates.
- Leadership Bonus: For those who build and maintain large and active teams.
- Celavive Product Bonus: Specific to sales of the Celavive skincare line.
USANA operates on a binary payment plan, which involves balancing two legs of your business—the left and the right. You earn a 20% commission based on the retail sales and sales volumes from your team. Points not matched in one week roll over to the next.
Here’s another video detailing USANA’s compensation strategy:
Can You Make Money With USANA MLM?
The financial reality for many USANA associates can be challenging. In 2022, 31.3% of USANA associates did not earn any payment. Among those who did earn, only 4.7% made between $5,000 to $20,000 per year, and a mere 0.8% earned between $20,000 to $50,000.
These figures do not account for business-related expenses, such as the mandatory monthly purchase of $100 worth of products to qualify for compensation. Although the compensation plan may seem attractive on paper, the actual potential to earn a sustainable income with USANA is limited and requires significant investment in both time and money.
USANA MLM Reviews and Complaints
When evaluating the legitimacy of USANA MLM, it’s crucial to consider online testimonials, which offer a glimpse into user experiences with the company’s products and business model.
Positive Reviews
Most USANA reviews, particularly those focused on their products, are favourable. On platforms like TrustPilot, USANA has earned a “Great” rating, with over 67% of reviews praising the products.
Additionally, on Amazon, more than 80% of product reviews are 5-star, indicating high customer satisfaction. Here are a few examples of such reviews:
- “I’ve used USANA’s products for four years. They are effective when paired with proper diet and exercise. However, the product costs are high. If you plan to turn this into a business, you need to commit fully because only mediocre effort will yield meager sales. Would I recommend the products for quality? Definitely. As a business venture? Only if you have capital to invest.”
- “I have been using USANA products for 10 years; they are amazing and I love what the company stands for. They are the best supplements on the market, in my opinion. I truly believe they helped me recover from cancer. Thank you, USANA!”
- “With all the GMOs in food these days, none of us are getting the nutrients we need from diet alone. I have tried other multivitamins, but none hit the sweet spot like these do. Plus, fast-growing hair and nails are a great side effect!”
Negative Reviews
While positive feedback is abundant, there are occasional complaints that potential users should consider:
- “I bought USANA products because I heard a lot about their potency. However, after taking them twice daily for two weeks, I haven’t felt any improvement. Also, the vitamin bottle wasn’t sealed properly upon arrival, which made me question if the products were genuine.”
This negative review, albeit isolated, highlights the importance of consistent product quality and customer satisfaction.
While many users express satisfaction with the product quality, the MLM aspect of USANA receives mixed reviews. The difficulty in making a significant income through product sales or recruitment is a notable drawback. This aspect might deter those looking for a straightforward business opportunity.
In summary, the vast majority of reviews about USANA’s products are positive, suggesting that the company offers high-quality supplements. However, the MLM business model, with its inherent challenges in generating substantial income, may not appeal to everyone. It’s important to weigh both the product quality and the business model’s demands before deciding to join USANA MLM.
USANA MLM Review: What I Like
If you possess strong marketing skills, USANA offers a compelling opportunity to help others achieve their health and wellness goals through weight management and nutritious products. However, it’s important to understand that without these essential skills, you might find the venture challenging and potentially costly in terms of both time and money.
In this part of my USANA MLM review, I’ll delve into several aspects that stand out positively and contribute to the company’s appeal.
#1 Effective Products with Positive Reviews
One of the standout features of USANA is the overwhelmingly positive reception of their products. These products, extensively backed by scientific research, have instilled a high level of confidence among consumers. This is reflected in numerous positive reviews across various platforms.
The company’s founder, Myron Wentz, is renowned for his clinical successes, which have earned him multiple awards and contributed to the brand’s strong reputation.
#2 Long-Standing Business Stability
While many MLM companies struggle to survive beyond their first few years, USANA has defied the odds. Established in 1992, USANA has not only survived but thrived, continually posting significant earnings. This longevity is a testament to effective management and the capable team behind the scenes. The company’s ability to stay profitable over decades indicates a sustainable business model and operational excellence.
#3 Strong Endorsements from Athletes
USANA’s credibility is further enhanced by endorsements from specialist athletes who rely on their health supplements. The trust these athletes place in USANA products speaks volumes about their quality and effectiveness. Endorsements from such high-profile figures suggest that there is indeed something exceptional about what USANA offers.
#4 Marketing Opportunities for Skilled Individuals
For those with well-developed marketing skills, USANA presents a viable opportunity to promote products that support healthy living and weight management. However, it’s crucial to note that success in this aspect heavily depends on one’s marketing prowess.
Without these skills, the challenge becomes significantly tougher, potentially leading to wasted time and money.
USANA MLM Review: What I Don’t Like
While USANA offers many positives, it’s important to recognise that it might not be the best fit for everyone. Selling high-end products can be challenging, particularly if you don’t have access to a large target market.
Here are some of the aspects I find less appealing about USANA:
#1 High Product Costs
USANA’s products, such as the CellSentials which retail at $59.35 per container for 112 tablets, are priced significantly higher than similar products from mainstream brands like Centrum, which offers a bottle of 220 tablets for just $17.39.
While USANA’s offerings are backed by positive reviews and athlete endorsements, the price differential can make it a hard sell when cheaper alternatives are available.
#2 Mandatory Purchases
To maintain active status within the USANA MLM framework, it’s necessary to consistently make purchases—specifically, you need to sell or purchase $100 worth of products monthly. This requirement ensures USANA’s revenue stream but can be burdensome for members, particularly if sales are slow.
#3 Low Success Rate
The promise of “being your own boss” and “earning a full-time wage part-time” often doesn’t match the reality. In 2022, 31.3% of all active USANA members earned nothing, and 64.5% earned almost nothing. This highlights a stark contradiction in the potential for success versus the actual outcomes for most participants.
#4 Saturated Market
The health and wellness niche is incredibly saturated, making it difficult for new distributors to make their mark. Unless you have exceptional marketing skills or a large platform, the likelihood of succeeding in USANA is limited, reflected by the large percentage of participants who fail to earn significant income.
Turn Your Passion into Profits
USANA MLM Review: Conclusion
Are you still wondering if USANA might be a pyramid scheme? The answer largely hinges on whether there’s a genuine product or service at the core of the business—and in the case of USANA, there certainly is. This means that despite some drawbacks, USANA is neither a scam nor a pyramid scheme. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean I recommend it.
Since its inception in 1992, USANA has attracted numerous participants, making it increasingly difficult for new members to find success. The market for their products is saturated, and with consumers generally preferring established, cost-effective brands, USANA’s high-priced items can be a tough sell. This saturation and consumer conservatism contribute significantly to what I consider USANA’s downfall.
Furthermore, given the challenges and the slim likelihood of achieving substantial earnings, my advice would be to consider other avenues for generating income that might offer a better return on investment and less financial risk.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review on USANA MLM. Now, I’d love to hear from you! Do you think USANA is a pyramid scheme or scam? Are you or have you ever been a member of USANA? Your experiences and views are invaluable—please feel free to share them in the comments below!
How Do I Make Money Online?
If you’re looking to build a sustainable, profitable online business, I highly recommend you explore the affiliate marketing program that transformed my financial life. This platform provides everything you need to get started—from step-by-step, beginner-friendly training to world-class tools like web hosting, a website builder, and a comprehensive keyword research tool.
What sets this program apart is its leadership in the affiliate marketing training industry and its proven track record. It has empowered thousands, including myself, to earn substantial incomes by following its methods. With access to the largest online community of affiliate marketers, you’ll benefit from round-the-clock support and guidance from experts at every level.
Why consider getting tangled in the complexities and uncertainties of MLM when you can build your own venture with reliable, scalable tools and training? I went from earning nothing to pulling in thousands per month in passive income, all thanks to this exceptional program. Click here to start your journey towards real financial independence!
Thanks for reading my USANA MLM Review! If you have any questions, or any experiences to share then please write them in the comments below. ;).
- Selling Products: You can earn profits directly from selling USANA products to consumers.
- Recruiting Members: More significantly, you can build your downline by recruiting new members. This is where the real profitability lies, as you receive commissions from the sales made by your downline.
