- Report: #475949
Complaint Review: Melaleuca - Idaho Falls Idaho
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Melaleuca
3910 S. Yellowstone Highway Idaho Falls, 83402 Idaho, U.S.A.
Phone:
208-522-0700
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Melaleuca, Aka The Wellness Company, Aka Safer For Your Home Charged me for backup order AFTER I'd cancelled my account because THEY couldn't process necessary paperwork quickly enough Idaho Falls Idaho
I too am joining the ranks of people irritated and negatively affected by Melaleuca's ridiculous cancellation policy. Melaleuca claims their cancellation policy that insists on the receipt of a signed letter prior to the 25th of a month, is for the protection of the consumer. This is not so. This complicated and time-consuming cancellation policy is a money-maker for Melaleuca, just as overdraft charges are money-makers for banks.
I checked the ripoff report site before joining Melaleuca and at the time there were only a few reports, which I "wrote off" as sour grapes. I see now that there are many reports similar to the one I'm having -- difficulty with their cancellation policy and their practice of continuing to process charges after cancellation, due to loopholes in their fine print. I wish those had been there before I joined the company.
First, let me say that I actually DO like many (not all) of the Melaleuca products, so this is not sour grapes. I would love to keep using their laundry and some other cleaning products, but at this point, I can't afford to keep paying the prices they charge, plus shipping charges (plus the charges for the tools I was paying for monthly, to try to work the business opportunity). Had they simply cancelled my account as requested and not shipped and charged me for a backup order AFTER I cancelled my account and made numerous phone calls -- and sent 2 faxes, trying to assure this would NOT happen, I wouldn't be complaining about Melaleuca now. My complaint is not about their products -- it's about their policies and business practices. I am not complaining about their sales tactics -- direct to consumer sales can be legitimate and we are all adults and choose willingly to become involved in any business opportunity.
I am however, complaining and wanting to warn anybody considering joining Melaleuca and/or certainly considering signing up as one of their marketing representatives -- be sure you have plenty of money in your account. Be sure you read every detail of the fine print in the "Membership Kit" you will receive via mail after you have paid your membership fee AND your other fees. If you sign up online or by phone and don't have to send in a faxed/signed authorization, don't assume it will be that easy to cancel your account, because it's not. You can only cancel by sending a signed letter, to be received at Melaleuca by the 25th of the month. THEY will determine when they have received and are able to process that letter. Even if you fax and/or call and speak to a person who confirms that you want to cancel your account, NOTHING WILL BE DONE to actually cancel your account until they have the signed copy and it has been processed through the organization at Melaleuca. Don't assume they have received it -- you will be charged surprisingly, early the NEXT month, when they start processing the backup orders (vitamins, for $60+) after closing out the prior month. Even if you call then, they will tell you that your may have been received, but couldn't be "processed" until after the prior month had been finalized. Ironically, "finalizing" the prior month means all sales through the 31st, but not all cancellation notices -- interesting, huh?
Melaleuca is a multi-billion dollar company. Many people are making a legitimate income by representing Melaleuca. However, a big chunk of the profits are realized by selling the business opportunity and marketing tools -- and this commits you financially. It is true that you have to spend money to make money, so no one should be surprised by having to invest in your business if you expect to be successful. Where Melaleuca is WRONG is that when someone goes through every channel possible to cancel, Melaleuca makes it as difficult as possible, so that they can get another $60+ before finally actually cancelling the account.
Here's the shame -- Melaleuca could update their policies to provide actual protection for the consumer, rather than charging consumers who really cannot afford the ongoing monthly commitment. Melaleuca COULD offer a temporary suspension of the account and potentially save a LOT of customers who are simply enduring a temporary hardship. Melaleuca executives have chosen NOT to pursue such a policy, apparently because of GREED. Or, Melaleuca could make it less cumbersome to cancel. Melaleuca could do as numerous other companies have done and put in place policies and procedures that really do offer the CUSTOMER protection of private information, but allow the customer to cancel by phone, upon proof/confirmation of private information. The lack of willingness to do that is what provides interesting insight into Melaleuca practices. Melaleuca COULD turn a negative situation into a positive one, by simply LISTENING to their customers and offering some solution, rather than giving lame excuses about the fine print.
Melaleuca makes money by selling business opportunities. If you are a successful executive with plenty of money in the bank, who is looking for a part-time business opportunity -- you may do well. If you are a financially strapped, recently unemployed consumer, do NOT sign up unless you have enough money in your bank account right now, to cover at least 6 to 8 months+ of the $ needed to meet your monthly commitment order AND the costs of your business tools. Anyone trying to sign you up for the business opportunity who doesn't tell you that, is not someone you want to work with because they don't have your financial interest at heart. ASK about the $ required and if they won't tell you or give you a "song and dance" -- back off and find someone else to work with. And ask about the details of cancellation policy and make sure you are prepared.
Truthseeker
Westfield, Indiana
U.S.A.
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Melaleuca
I checked the ripoff report site before joining Melaleuca and at the time there were only a few reports, which I "wrote off" as sour grapes. I see now that there are many reports similar to the one I'm having -- difficulty with their cancellation policy and their practice of continuing to process charges after cancellation, due to loopholes in their fine print. I wish those had been there before I joined the company.
First, let me say that I actually DO like many (not all) of the Melaleuca products, so this is not sour grapes. I would love to keep using their laundry and some other cleaning products, but at this point, I can't afford to keep paying the prices they charge, plus shipping charges (plus the charges for the tools I was paying for monthly, to try to work the business opportunity). Had they simply cancelled my account as requested and not shipped and charged me for a backup order AFTER I cancelled my account and made numerous phone calls -- and sent 2 faxes, trying to assure this would NOT happen, I wouldn't be complaining about Melaleuca now. My complaint is not about their products -- it's about their policies and business practices. I am not complaining about their sales tactics -- direct to consumer sales can be legitimate and we are all adults and choose willingly to become involved in any business opportunity.
I am however, complaining and wanting to warn anybody considering joining Melaleuca and/or certainly considering signing up as one of their marketing representatives -- be sure you have plenty of money in your account. Be sure you read every detail of the fine print in the "Membership Kit" you will receive via mail after you have paid your membership fee AND your other fees. If you sign up online or by phone and don't have to send in a faxed/signed authorization, don't assume it will be that easy to cancel your account, because it's not. You can only cancel by sending a signed letter, to be received at Melaleuca by the 25th of the month. THEY will determine when they have received and are able to process that letter. Even if you fax and/or call and speak to a person who confirms that you want to cancel your account, NOTHING WILL BE DONE to actually cancel your account until they have the signed copy and it has been processed through the organization at Melaleuca. Don't assume they have received it -- you will be charged surprisingly, early the NEXT month, when they start processing the backup orders (vitamins, for $60+) after closing out the prior month. Even if you call then, they will tell you that your may have been received, but couldn't be "processed" until after the prior month had been finalized. Ironically, "finalizing" the prior month means all sales through the 31st, but not all cancellation notices -- interesting, huh?
Melaleuca is a multi-billion dollar company. Many people are making a legitimate income by representing Melaleuca. However, a big chunk of the profits are realized by selling the business opportunity and marketing tools -- and this commits you financially. It is true that you have to spend money to make money, so no one should be surprised by having to invest in your business if you expect to be successful. Where Melaleuca is WRONG is that when someone goes through every channel possible to cancel, Melaleuca makes it as difficult as possible, so that they can get another $60+ before finally actually cancelling the account.
Here's the shame -- Melaleuca could update their policies to provide actual protection for the consumer, rather than charging consumers who really cannot afford the ongoing monthly commitment. Melaleuca COULD offer a temporary suspension of the account and potentially save a LOT of customers who are simply enduring a temporary hardship. Melaleuca executives have chosen NOT to pursue such a policy, apparently because of GREED. Or, Melaleuca could make it less cumbersome to cancel. Melaleuca could do as numerous other companies have done and put in place policies and procedures that really do offer the CUSTOMER protection of private information, but allow the customer to cancel by phone, upon proof/confirmation of private information. The lack of willingness to do that is what provides interesting insight into Melaleuca practices. Melaleuca COULD turn a negative situation into a positive one, by simply LISTENING to their customers and offering some solution, rather than giving lame excuses about the fine print.
Melaleuca makes money by selling business opportunities. If you are a successful executive with plenty of money in the bank, who is looking for a part-time business opportunity -- you may do well. If you are a financially strapped, recently unemployed consumer, do NOT sign up unless you have enough money in your bank account right now, to cover at least 6 to 8 months+ of the $ needed to meet your monthly commitment order AND the costs of your business tools. Anyone trying to sign you up for the business opportunity who doesn't tell you that, is not someone you want to work with because they don't have your financial interest at heart. ASK about the $ required and if they won't tell you or give you a "song and dance" -- back off and find someone else to work with. And ask about the details of cancellation policy and make sure you are prepared.
Truthseeker
Westfield, Indiana
U.S.A.
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Melaleuca
3 Updates & Rebuttals
Morgan
windsor,New York,
U.S.A.
Melaleuca costomer service
#2
Tue, September 01, 2009
I have to say something here. We just ordered our value pack from Melaleuca. When it came there was a spray bottle missing. My wife called the company and they told her they would send one. I recieved the SPRAY BOTTLE by next day delivery ....My experience with Melaleuca is that they are very very helpful with intellegent people. Morons seem to have problems with them. Thats the way I see it.
Karen
Nederland,Texas,
USA
Report 475949 Melaleuca's Cancellation Policy and Business Practices
#3
Thu, August 20, 2009
I am currently building my business as a Marketing Executive with Melaleuca. I have to say that it is clearly stated in the Preferred Customer Agreement and Marketing Executive that you must cancel your membership in writing and that cancellations must be received by the 25th of the month. You have to sign an agreement to agree to participate so it does stand to reason that you would be required to cancel in writing. The give you a deadline for the month and if you do not have your cancelation to them by the 25th of the month, you will have your back up order sent to you and billed to your payment method on file. If a person had faxed their letter of cancellation to Melaleuca they should have kept a copy of the transmission report showing that was indeed received. I don't know anyone who does not realize the value of keeping transmission reports when needing to prove something was faxed, not because of Melaleuca, but because sometimes faxes do not go through. I know personally in my other job I have had people tell they faxed something to me and I never received it, it does happen. Anyone with proof that they cancelled their membership would be able to refuse a Melaleuca package if it was sent and file a dispute with their credit card company to have the charges reversed.
It is interesting that this person compared Melaleuca's cancellation policy to that of overdraft charges by banks. I don't know anyone who does not understand that banks charge overdraft charges if you do not have sufficient funds to cover the checks you write. Banks clearly state their policy and overdraft charges when you open an account. It is not a problem for people who keep the bank accounts in good standing, but I could see it being a sore spot with someone who did not manage their bank account as well.
The products are great as this person stated. But I do not understand not being able to afford them, there are clearly a better value than buying smaller quantities from the supermarket. Their cleaning products and detergents are super concentrated and they do last longer and are a better buy than supermarket brands. I save money with their cleaning products, their vitamins, the bath and body products, my son's baby wash and shampoo, my salon products, the skin care and cosmetics that I use, the items that I purchase as gifts such as candles and bath & body products. They are better products. The dental care products are excellent.
I am happy with the cost of the items and I knew what he cost of the items before I signed up because like most Marketing Executives, my enroller sent me a link to the Melaleuca Product Store, where I was able to take a look at the products before I enrolled, so there was no surprise in the cost of the products, I was able to see how much I would save before I signed up. I send a link to all of my potential customers so they can take a look at the products before they sign up.
As a Marketing Executive I have not been pressured in to purchasing any educational items - I chose to buy a DVD that cost 3.99. I can't count the ways I can waste $3.99. $3.99 for an information DVD was more than well worth the investment. Yes there are items and services you can suscribe to, but they are not required to be a Marketing Executive. There are plenty of free downloads and educational information on the Melaleuca Business Center. I have ordered very inexpensive brochures, business cards and a car magnet. I did not order that from Melaleuca I ordered it from Vista Print.
This is not a JOB with a guaranteed pay check. I am building a business which allows me to work from home. I do invest in my business just as one would invest in items that allow them to keep a conventional job. You spend money on clothing and uniforms to go to work, you invest in money for transportation to get to and from work whether it be public transportaion, the cost of you car note, gas, and servicing as well as parking, depending on where you work. If you have children you invest in the cost of childcare to leave your children to be raised by strangers. You spend money to work a regular job. Most families, if they put pen to paper to not make money when the wife works outside the home unless she earns a substantial wage. Melaleuca offers the opportunity for mothers/parents to work from home to earn an income. It can be a substantial income, or it could be a small income. It depends on the individual. It depends on that person's work efforts, the time they put in to it. Marketing is not for everyone. Some people advance very quckly. Everyone does not. This is the one area where your income definitely is dependent on your job performance.
I personally, have been one of the slower paced individuals. I took time to get to know all of the products, and I am very happy with them - I feel like am I doing people a favor when I tell them about Melaleuca. I am honest with the people I enroll about my success and how long I have been in the business. I do not feel like anyone from Melaleuca mislead me in anyway. Their compensation plan is available from the website, it clearly shows how many customers, directors and so forth needed to reach the bonus and commission structure.
Everyone can benefit from being a customer at Melaleuca, not everyone is cut out for Marketing. That is okay because we all have different strengths and weaknesses that make us better suited for various lines of work. Not everyone can work from home, because it takes more self-discipline that working a regular job.
It sounds like this person was probably not successful and not taking responsibility for their role in that, just as they are not taking responsibility for not taking proper measures to cancel their membership, and the remarks about the cost of the products that they stated they definitely did like but couldn't afford is absolutely absurd. There is a substantial cost savings with the very products they mentioned the cleaning products - their claims are unfounded and damaging to us hardworking and honest Melaleuca Executives.
Karen
Nederland,Texas,
USA
Report 475949 Melaleuca's Cancellation Policy and Business Practices
#4
Thu, August 20, 2009
I am currently building my business as a Marketing Executive with Melaleuca. I have to say that it is clearly stated in the Preferred Customer Agreement and Marketing Executive that you must cancel your membership in writing and that cancellations must be received by the 25th of the month. You have to sign an agreement to agree to participate so it does stand to reason that you would be required to cancel in writing. The give you a deadline for the month and if you do not have your cancelation to them by the 25th of the month, you will have your back up order sent to you and billed to your payment method on file. If a person had faxed their letter of cancellation to Melaleuca they should have kept a copy of the transmission report showing that was indeed received. I don't know anyone who does not realize the value of keeping transmission reports when needing to prove something was faxed, not because of Melaleuca, but because sometimes faxes do not go through. I know personally in my other job I have had people tell they faxed something to me and I never received it, it does happen. Anyone with proof that they cancelled their membership would be able to refuse a Melaleuca package if it was sent and file a dispute with their credit card company to have the charges reversed.
It is interesting that this person compared Melaleuca's cancellation policy to that of overdraft charges by banks. I don't know anyone who does not understand that banks charge overdraft charges if you do not have sufficient funds to cover the checks you write. Banks clearly state their policy and overdraft charges when you open an account. It is not a problem for people who keep the bank accounts in good standing, but I could see it being a sore spot with someone who did not manage their bank account as well.
The products are great as this person stated. But I do not understand not being able to afford them, there are clearly a better value than buying smaller quantities from the supermarket. Their cleaning products and detergents are super concentrated and they do last longer and are a better buy than supermarket brands. I save money with their cleaning products, their vitamins, the bath and body products, my son's baby wash and shampoo, my salon products, the skin care and cosmetics that I use, the items that I purchase as gifts such as candles and bath & body products. They are better products. The dental care products are excellent.
I am happy with the cost of the items and I knew what he cost of the items before I signed up because like most Marketing Executives, my enroller sent me a link to the Melaleuca Product Store, where I was able to take a look at the products before I enrolled, so there was no surprise in the cost of the products, I was able to see how much I would save before I signed up. I send a link to all of my potential customers so they can take a look at the products before they sign up.
As a Marketing Executive I have not been pressured in to purchasing any educational items - I chose to buy a DVD that cost 3.99. I can't count the ways I can waste $3.99. $3.99 for an information DVD was more than well worth the investment. Yes there are items and services you can suscribe to, but they are not required to be a Marketing Executive. There are plenty of free downloads and educational information on the Melaleuca Business Center. I have ordered very inexpensive brochures, business cards and a car magnet. I did not order that from Melaleuca I ordered it from Vista Print.
This is not a JOB with a guaranteed pay check. I am building a business which allows me to work from home. I do invest in my business just as one would invest in items that allow them to keep a conventional job. You spend money on clothing and uniforms to go to work, you invest in money for transportation to get to and from work whether it be public transportaion, the cost of you car note, gas, and servicing as well as parking, depending on where you work. If you have children you invest in the cost of childcare to leave your children to be raised by strangers. You spend money to work a regular job. Most families, if they put pen to paper to not make money when the wife works outside the home unless she earns a substantial wage. Melaleuca offers the opportunity for mothers/parents to work from home to earn an income. It can be a substantial income, or it could be a small income. It depends on the individual. It depends on that person's work efforts, the time they put in to it. Marketing is not for everyone. Some people advance very quckly. Everyone does not. This is the one area where your income definitely is dependent on your job performance.
I personally, have been one of the slower paced individuals. I took time to get to know all of the products, and I am very happy with them - I feel like am I doing people a favor when I tell them about Melaleuca. I am honest with the people I enroll about my success and how long I have been in the business. I do not feel like anyone from Melaleuca mislead me in anyway. Their compensation plan is available from the website, it clearly shows how many customers, directors and so forth needed to reach the bonus and commission structure.
Everyone can benefit from being a customer at Melaleuca, not everyone is cut out for Marketing. That is okay because we all have different strengths and weaknesses that make us better suited for various lines of work. Not everyone can work from home, because it takes more self-discipline that working a regular job.
It sounds like this person was probably not successful and not taking responsibility for their role in that, just as they are not taking responsibility for not taking proper measures to cancel their membership, and the remarks about the cost of the products that they stated they definitely did like but couldn't afford is absolutely absurd. There is a substantial cost savings with the very products they mentioned the cleaning products - their claims are unfounded and damaging to us hardworking and honest Melaleuca Executives.
