Shaklee MLM Review – Can You Earn Money With Protein Shakes?

Finding an easy way to make extra money that fits your lifestyle can be a challenge. Sometimes it's best to stick to what you know, right? Or at least, what you've heard of before. Shaklee may be very appealing to you because it's been around so long and you've probably heard about these products. Your friends and family may have even used them. They are no longer just a vitamin company. This Shaklee MLM review will examine whether this opportunity is better than others. It may not stand out in the MLM crowd.

What Is Shaklee MLM?

Shaklee has a long history dating all the way back to 1915 when Forrest C. Shaklee created his first line of vitamins called "Shaklee's Vitalized Minerals." In the mid-1990s, Shaklee Corporation was a major manufacturer of nutritional supplements. It's been through a few owners since then. 

As an MLM (multi-level marketing) company, its products are sold through independent distributors. The product line includes nutritional products,  personal care items, home cleaning supplies, and even pet food. 

In 2020, Shaklee had reported revenue of $700 million which has remained consistent over the last few years. So let's see what the products are all about.

Are Shaklee Products Worth Their Price?

Shaklee has an extensive range of products and all products are manufactured in the USA. It’s also important to note that Shaklee products are not tested using any form of animal testing. Shaklee also works to make sure that all ingredients are free of chemical contaminants. This is their Beyond Organic philosophy.

Let's take a look at one of the most popular products--Shaklee's Life Shake Plant Protein. This product is part of the Shaklee 180 Program that works to help you lose fat while preserving muscle mass.

The canister is 1 lb., 6 oz (14 servings) and comes in French Vanilla and Rich Chocolate. It retails for $57.05. The member price is: $48.50.

Staying true to their philosophy, there is a small amount of cane sugar in this shake while still remaining low glycemic. 

So are these products worth their price? They are competitively priced yet you can buy similar products at most health food stores.

Product Reviews

The product reviews tend to be pretty positive.  Below are a few quotes from customers:

"I have been using this product for about a year now and I am still on my first bottle. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me. My skin feels so soft, it looks amazing, and it makes me feel like myself again. I would recommend this product to anyone who wants to look younger and healthier."

"I have been using this product since last summer and I love it! It really helps with my acne scars and keeps my skin looking fresh and clean...."

"I have been a Shaklee customer for over 20 years. I’ve tried many products and always come back to Shaklee because they are the best quality at the best price!"

The Opportunity 

To become a distributor, you need to be sponsored. As a distributor, you will have access to samples, training, support, mobile apps, and a personal website space with your own online shop. 

You can sign up customers as members and they get a discount on all products they buy. You can also sell products directly to customers without membership.  

How Much Does It Cost To Join Shaklee?

Once you join, there are three starter kits to choose from:

• Meology Personalized Nutrition Kit: $60
• Prove It Starter Kit: $159
• Get Clean Starter Kit: $118.60

You will also be provided with your own personal website space. According to Shaklee, the personal website space is free for the first three months. There's no indication of what the monthly fee is after that. 

You will also have to take into account any hidden expenses. These include gas and maintenance on your vehicle, phone costs and any other personal expenses you incur while conducting business for Shaklee. 

Can You Make Money With Shaklee?

Shaklee calculates commissions using its own method called Price Differential. Your commission rate under this system is calculated by taking the difference between the Director Price and the Customer Price.

When customers pay the full retail price, the average difference is roughly 36%. But, if customers pay the member price, you only get around 16% commission. This means that commissions vary between 16% and 36%.

Recruitment is another way to add to your income stream. If you recruit three new people that each order $150 in products, you'll qualify for the $75 Star Club Bonus. You also earn $25 for each person you recruit as well as 10 Star Club Trip points.

A lot of the bonuses come from developing a team of other distributors. Whether you make money will depend on your monthly sales. 

Remember that in order to break even, you'll need to sell at least $120 worth of products just to pay for the starter kit. So, while it's possible to make money with Shaklee and other MLMs, you have to work very hard. 

Pros 

No Inventory: Shaklee distributors are not required to keep inventory on hand. 

Earn Points on Shipping: Distributors can earn one point for every $1 spent on shipping. These points can be redeemed for Shaklee products.

Decent Products: Because of the Beyond Organic Philosophy and the fact that no products are subject to animal testing, there would be higher level of trust with these products.

Cons 

Monthly Minimums: In order to remain an active distributor, you must have a minimum monthly order of at least 100 PV (Personal Volume). 

Loyalty Order: Shaklee distributors are encouraged to set up a $100 monthly Loyalty Order. Distributors earn points through this program that can be redeemed for free products. Points expire one year from the date earned regardless of how they were earned.

Customer Complaints: According to the BBB (Better Business Bureau) many customers have been unhappy with customer service. 

Is it a Scam? 

All in all, Shaklee isn't a scam and it isn't the worst of the MLMs out there. Based on customer complaints, Shaklee isn't the great company it once was. So if you join as a distributor, you may have a hard time selling these products no matter how much you believe in them. The products may be great but if customer service is sub-standard, it will be hard to make money here.

Final Thoughts

Selling products for MLMs is a losing game. The hidden expenses and initial startup costs put you in the red before you even make your first sale.  If you are looking into starting your own business then check out my #1 recommendation. You’ll learn how to start your online business from scratch with step-by-step instructions. Your membership includes a free website, training, 24/7 support, and incredible tools. Best of all, I’ll show help you!