Is This for Real? - Altamonte Springs,FL

Updated on October 13, 2008
J.C. asks from Altamonte Springs, FL
34 answers

Hi Guys, I just got a call from a cousin which invested some money into a business opportunity. She told me everyone in her church is getting involved. The product is Acai. A tropical fruit drink from Brazil which is suppose to work miracles in the body. She asked if I wanted to invest $250 and I would get two cases then I have to get two people to invest as well and I'll get my money back and if those two people get two people then I would get some income. Question: Has anyone done this and does it work? Just got laid off my job $250 is a huge investment for me. Ladies please be honest Is this for real?

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So What Happened?

Ladies, I am so Grateful that you all responded. I hope that I would be able to return great responses that you all have given. It really gives a sense of someone cares and has your back. I'll let you all know my decision. God Speeeeeeeeeeeeed;0

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A.G.

answers from Jacksonville on

It sounds like a pyrmard scheme. In the end if no one else buys or gets in anyone on the bottom of the chain doesn't get anything back.

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B.A.

answers from Tampa on

This is a pyramid scheme. Key word hereis scheme. Do not get involved. Nothing good can come of it.

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B.S.

answers from Tampa on

J.,

I don't know if the product is for real but the buy one and sell two get rich is network marketing and there are some people out there that are doing very well but you have to have the gift of gab and sales talent. If you have a big contact of people that you can get to buy from you and they can get people to buy from them, do the numbers. If you want anymore info, let me know. We did YTB (travel) for about 2 years and that is a network marketing opportunity also. barb

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D.N.

answers from Tampa on

It is for real, but I've invested in one of these type of companies before (on a "manager level" with $750! and never got my money back) BUT that's because I didn't put the work into it or bug everyone I know a lot. You have to be able to get out there & sell and I just don't have the personality to do it (or push it among family/friends who don't want it done to them--the pushing/selling). So, if you think you can sell it to outside people that you don't have close ties to (or family/friends who you ask ONCE), then go for it. There are a lot of these type of things out there. I know a lot of people who sell MonaVie and do well. I think this is along the same line. I tried buying it from a friend to just drink, but couldn't keep up with the cost of the juice. She kept trying to get me to buy in under her, but I just wanted to at least first make sure I believed in the product, but again, never could afford enough to get that far. So, if you want to put in a lot of effort, it can work, but if you don't make the sales or get others to join "under you" in the pyramid, you won't make your money back. I'm also a SAHM who needs to start making money and I wish I could find something and know too that it would work. There's another good place I've heard about like this called Audobon (that's how he said the word, but I don't know how to spell it), and someone tried to get me to join Melaleuca, but I never checked into it really enough to verify it and my husband didn't want me to join it at this time. But the person who tried to get me to join was on this website, so you can do a request for info. on that and I'm sure she'll respond. Best wishes!!

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H.C.

answers from Orlando on

Sounds like a pyramid scheme to me, and I wouldn't trust it. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. I understand being out of work and wanting to believe that this is the answer to your prayers, but please don't fall for it. I've heard so many stories of congregations investing in pyramid schemes, only to find out in the end they've been had & lost all their money. Just because it's your cousin & her church, doesn't mean that it's not a scheme...they've just fallen for it, too. Good luck with whatever you decide!

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G.C.

answers from Lakeland on

This is a multi level marketing scheme. I'm sure the juice is great, but just how many Americans are willing to invest money and belief in an alternative to doctors and prescription medicine?

Don't do it, $250.oo is alot of money. When you have an income and if you wish to invest in something, choose something other than a multi-level marketing scheme.

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J.P.

answers from Orlando on

This is an excitment tactic they get to sucker you in. I did it for a product called Via Viente with a less heftier initial investment of $130 but it was every month. I didn't catch that in the begining in all the "excitment." Is it a legitimate business? Sure, but there is ALOT of work involved, cold calling, ect.. and sales to get people to "buy into" the network and your product.

The product sounds like a "knock-off" of Via Viente and if you decide you would like to do it, I would recommend looking into Via Viente, by talking with Teri Thomlinson, ###-###-#### or researching their knock-off brand of Mona Vie.

It's all in the same category of business.

It's legitemet to a point of you're gonna work extremely hard to recoupe your money and you will be investing in it monthly.

The additional cases from the six months I was involved are being gifted as I can't possibly drink enough to deplete the amount I have. Via Viente is a great product and I truly believe in it, however, I have no desire to sell it or "buy-in" to the network.

Hope this helps. If you have more questions, email me.

J.

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K.W.

answers from Jacksonville on

Hi J.!

There are a lot of legitimate home-based businesses out there. And while some require an investment upfront because you are starting a business, you are getting things in return whether it be products, websites, or benefits. I started with my home-based business almost two years ago and it's truly been a blessing. So, working from home and being home with your kids is absolutely possible!! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. So many of my friends have also been successful with HBBs. The important thing when searching for work from home is to find a company that offers a service or product that you believe in and that you think people will need. So, if you can see yourself developing a passion for helping people get healthy with those drinks, then go for it. If you have a passion for it, you will succeed. But, make sure the company is reputable and established. I have done soooo much research on HBBs. It took me two years to find something I would even touch so I've pretty much researched everything. What is the name of the acai berry company? I know of a couple that offer that type of product. Let me know. Maybe I can help:)

Many blessings,

K. Wooten
Executive Sales Director
"Top Ten" ACE Recruiter 2006/2007
Top Producer 2006/2007
AmeriPlan USA
###-###-####
800-920-5701
www.freedomathometeam.com/KristieWooten
www.mybenefitsplus.com/KristieWooten

1 mom found this helpful

L.L.

answers from Fort Myers on

Just about everyone is getting into this - I personally knowfour no five people that sell it. Rather they buy it for themselves and there isn't much retail customer out there for the price. It does work. I know of our friend who sells it buys it for himself really-he is 74 years old.He said it helped his arthritis and helps him sleep better.......They are many accounts of good health stories out there but who can afford that drink retail?

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M.H.

answers from Sarasota on

yes, pyramid schemes are illegal and there are still hundreds of them out there. They use special wording and other tricks to get themselves out of the "pyramid" catagory, but they are what they are. I would wait a few months and see what happens with her and the others in her church. If their contact dissapears and money doesn't come back to them, then there you go! You can contact the BBB and check them out and I'm sure a basic google search with "reviews" or "scams" in the search should pull up some interesting reading too. These places can sound very professional, so lots of research is needing before making such an investment.

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S.D.

answers from Orlando on

Hey J.,
Sounds like a pyramid chain to me. I have never heard of the stuff. As tight as things are today, I don't think I would be throwing $250 away. I don't think God has anything to do with it either. It has to do with wether you are a good talker and salesman. I have already been approached regarding other things like Noni, Mona Vee, etc. I won't throw that kind of money away.
Sandi

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K.P.

answers from Melbourne on

No it's not. Any multi-level marketing (eventhought they say it's not, it is) is a fail situation. I know exactly what you are talking about, my parents tried it, and the product itself wasn't worth it. You can get Acai in any GNC, BJ's and Sams club etc. The people on the top are the one's who get the money. And I'm like you to invest is a huge risk...my advice don't do it. I also am a strong Christian, you can pray about it but I've been through it and you don't want to lose the money that can go towards your family.
From: K.P. mom of twin 4 1/2 year old girls. And love the Lord, my husband and my girls.....

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S.H.

answers from Tampa on

It's a pyramid scheme. Very rarely does it actually work!

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S.S.

answers from Sarasota on

Don't do it. We are heading into a possible recession and the last thing you need to be investing your money in is a new product marketing scheme. Acai berry juice is a wonderful antioxident and has boasted some incredible healing properties. However, take your $250 and put it into something that you can back in case you need it. Trust me, I know people who have been selling this and the craze tapers off after a while. People are willing to drink the juice, but not willing to keep paying the hefty price tag.

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R.

answers from Tampa on

I don't know anything about the business, but i do know that Sarah is probably wrong in the fact that it is a pyramid scheme. They are illegal and don't last long so I would guess that it's not. There are MANY Network Marketing businesses out there and they are legitimate. I believe any of them could work, but YOU have to make it work. So that being said, if you are interested in this product and believe in it then try to find two other people that are interested before you invest. This way you KNOW going in that you are going to get your $250 back. My husband and I are working to MLM (Multi Level Marketing) businesses. LOTS of reading material out there. LOTS of negative info out there, but mostly from people that don't work it once they invest or people that have not invested and are reacting to their fear. Having multi streams of income is a great way to secure you and your family financially. Sometimes it 's only a matter of a few hundred a month or thousands. It all depends on what you want to put in to it. I believe in taking it slow so you don't get disappointed as opposed to those who go in thinking that this is going to be the big one. As the previous post also stated you need to believe in it. If you don't then take a pass on it!! Good luck on your decision!!

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J.L.

answers from Tampa on

Unless you are a go getter salesperson, you will probably be buying $250 worth of product. It may be great and it may not. Whether or not you will make money, will be dependent on what YOU DO TO SELL THE PRODUCT. No product, good or bad, sells itself, even if the marketer say "This product sells itself!" They all say that. Go by your experience and desire to push the product.

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F.R.

answers from Pensacola on

Here's my two cents for what it's worth... I hear the drink is good for people and people seem to like it. BUT when one good drink comes out, everyone sees that and will reproduce their own version. Usually at a cheaper price. The majority of people will not want to spend more money for a comparative product without a really good reason. Here's a link to a free sample of a comparitive product so you can try it for yourself.. http://www.drinkpurple.com/freesample.htm
I don't believe that you will be profitable enough to make that $250 investment worth it in the long run. It takes a lot of time and effort to start up any business and there is usually a while before you actually see a profit or income. If you've been recently laid off, it may be better for you to seek out a "real" job and then if you still want to do this, get in later when the $250 is easier to come by.
But, in all instances, enjoy the free sample of Purple!

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M.A.

answers from Tampa on

real or not, it's not a good idea to make an investment in a new item when you've just been laid off... I wouldnt even invest in a scheme where you have to get others to join in order to succeed even if gainfully employed

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I.Y.

answers from Gainesville on

Hi J.,
A friend of mine got into this Monavie thing too. As well as my inlaws. Nothing came out of it if from either party. To me it sounds like a pyramid scheme. One person finds friends to invest, then those friends find friends to invest...then it turns into a pyramid! Hence Pyramid Scheme! Yeah, I would say usually when something is too good to be true, IT IS. I would suggest not to risk it.

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C.M.

answers from Orlando on

J., I would advise you to stay away from it, or if you do choose to do it be very very cautious. If $250 is a lot for you at the moment then I'd keep it in your pocket. Best of luck either way!

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S.W.

answers from Jacksonville on

I would start with something a little more in my price range. Avon has a $10 start-up fee and the continual investment is really reasonable.

I am a WAHM now because of that opportunity. I still have the freedom to be with my kids and can make money at it, too! 100 brochures only costs $19, that's only $40/month. Good deal, huh? I hand them out at church, to my neighbors, and even keep them in my diaper bag to hand out at the mall, library, parks, wherever I may go.

Check out my website to find out more about this opportunity: http://www.youravon.com/sarahwilde. Just select the "Become a Representative" link.

If you want more info, register at my site and email me your questions. I will be more than happy to answer any you may have.

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D.T.

answers from Orlando on

This is a multilevel network marking product. I am not familiar with it but I do assocate with Usana marketing and products. http://deetoohey.usana.com will show you how network marketing works. I can't speak for Acai's business model.

With Usana, you can be an associate and make money or just a preferred customer for free and purchase your own nutritionals as you want.

The products are great! Call me or email if you want info: ____@____.com or ###-###-####.

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K.O.

answers from Fort Myers on

my daughter has tried every diet. she and her girl friend bought into that. funny when i was there in oct this past year. they are not doing it anymore. i cannopt advise you either way. but if you have money to spare and need to use it yourself. but my duagher never offered to let me get into it. so i would think it is not all that it is cracked up tobe,
K.

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S.C.

answers from Jacksonville on

I have not heard of Acai. However, I sell XANGO. I love the juice, the company, and the business opportunity. Check out the company website at www.xango.com

The investment is less to start than the above product.
I personally have a health testimony of my own. I wear contacts and my vision became blurry after drinking the juice. I went to the eye Dr. and my eyes got better. Then they got blurry again so I went back to the eye Dr. and my eyes got even better! I went from a 4.75 to a 3.25 in a little over a month.

I am a working mom of 2 children, but really want to be a stay at home mom with my own business. I have tried many "party hosting" type businesses, but Xango is hands down been the best.

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M.T.

answers from Orlando on

My husband and I tried that program, after some friends introduced us to it. It is a GREAT product, very good for you. At the time we signed up, we had a lot of other stuff going on, including moving to Orlando. But I would research it more for yourself, and if it is for you than by all means go for it!

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J.M.

answers from Jacksonville on

If this is the same product I'm using Monavie which has the acai berry in it. I would say it is so worth it. It does take some time and work to get your business going to make the big money, but once it get going you can make a lot of money. Not only is this a wonderful business opportunity the juice is helping so many people with some many differnt illness. Here is a great web site to check out made just for Moms/Women about Monavie. http://www.momslanding.com/forum/index.cfm?page=home

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R.M.

answers from Tampa on

I think this is part of the MonaVie Juice. I went to the internet and searched Acai. There is a company called The Acai Berry Company that distributes MonaView Juice. Don't know anything about this business deal. Hope this helps some.

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C.W.

answers from Punta Gorda on

Hi J., Yes, I have heard of this Fruit Drink. It tastes great! But, it is very expensive for someone to purchase unless they are a rep. My husband has had cancer 3 times in 14 months. My mom was told about the healing powers and bought us a bottle.You would need the right customers to purchase this. It is expensive for most people. ( including us ) I, myself, would hold onto my $250.00 unless I had a customer base before hand. Good Luck!C.

By the way, my husband got the results this week from his CT-Scan. Two lymph nodes lit up. So much for the healing juice for him.

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M.H.

answers from Fort Walton Beach on

Hi J. and others,

This is ABSOLUTELY NOT a pyramid scheme. Is there a pyramid pay structure? YES. All corporations, churches, the military, insurance companies have pyramid pay structures. There is nothing wrong or illegal with that. A pyramid SCHEME is illegal in this country. That means NO product has changed hands and they are just selling a CONCEPT! If it is Monavie, it is a multi-level marketing company that has a right to do business in this country. It is probably not going to make you wealthy but it is legal and the product probably might be good (probably not as good as they tout it to be. Organic grape juice at the grocery store has an many antioxidants as some of the processed Noni and Goji juices.)

Ask your cousin if ACAI is a member of the Better Business Bureau. Multi-level companies (MLMs) can not be a member. Ask her if it is a member of the Direct Selling Association MLMs can be a member here along with other companies but have some standards to hold to. Is it associated with the US Chamber of Commerce? Ask her if they have full disclosure of income made (excluding distributor costs). Who are the executives? Is it publicly or privately owned? Ask her to tell you EVERYTHING and then you will make your decision.

My mother-in-law was a distributor for over 65 MLMs and never struck it rich. Not many, but some people do. My best friend sells Mary Kay makeup. MK is an MLM but most people, whether you like the product or not, will recognize it as a legitmate business.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

M.

P.S. If you don't have $250.00, you can't spend it,lol!

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C.C.

answers from Tampa on

I'd go with no.
I've tried MonaVie, which is similar. One of the clients at the holistic vet clinic I work for dropped off a bottle with the idea of getting my boss into it. It tastes nice - like pomegranate blueberry juice only thicker - but is terrifically expensive per bottle and you're supposed to drink a sort of ridiculous amount considering the cost. According to the literature left with the bottle Sumner Redstone swears by its near magical powers (whatever that means to you).
At least wait to see what happens with the other people.

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K.B.

answers from Jacksonville on

I am familiar with this product and with this "system" of earning income. The money will NOT fall into your lap. You can make money, but it isn't easy. You would have to constantly be looking for someone to buy your product. If everyone in your church is jumping on the bandwagon, what would be your potential market? Do you have a large family, large network of friends, friends and family from other states, etc. Be patient while you make a decision. If it is a great as you have been led to believe, it will still be great when you have given a lot of prayer and thought to the opportunity. This is very similar to what has been traditionally called pyramid marketing. Good luck with your decision!

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S.M.

answers from Tampa on

Hello. I have heard of several products like these before. You said be honest--NO this DOESN'T WORK. I was at a seminar last week that very well stated several times that "this"-meaning the juice that they were selling-- is not proven to cure or heal any ailments.

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S.P.

answers from Tampa on

Hi J.,

In response to your question about the business op: I know the company you're talking about, good product and opportunity. Whenever you take on a business like this, (networking) you need to look at it as such, it's not a job - it's work. You have to be committed to building a business if you want to really make money. That's scary for some, but a reality that pays off if your mind is in the right place. Leverage is a good thing, don't listen to negative people who don't really know how to handle such a task. If you're up for the challenge, it can be rewarding. There are many good opportunities for you to evaluate, do some research to make sure this is the right product and company for you before you invest.

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M.R.

answers from Jacksonville on

Ah, the Mona Vie gig. I have to be honest, my husband and I tried it. It sounded great, the great drink that is packed with nutrients, etc. "The product will see itself" I was told. Well my husband and I are not the "sales people" type. We tried it and figured if we like it than maybe we can just tell people about it and it will be a nice extra income. Plus I was told that if I hurry and sign up I will get credit for anyone who is signed up under me. Anyhow, we did it and I will admit I did like the drink. I used the regular since I am breast feeding and my husband tried the active (which contains glucosomine) Well to make a long story short, I let a friend try it and my sister try it and they both liked it so I signed them up. We drank it for about 3 months. We made a one time $40. I guess its something you can make money on if you are the aggressive type. You only get paid once for each person you sign up. Now, we cxl'd out so I don't really how far you have to go before a steady income comes in, but it was not really for us. As far as the acai berry (which is great and I love it) you can get it in other forms that are much cheaper. If you are looking for an easy income, like I said I think it depends on how aggressive you are. The other thing is they recommend you always have bottles on hand to let people try, well at $45 a bottle that also gets a little expensive!
If you choose to go for it, I hope you are successful at it. But I just think a pyramid scheme is what it is, a bit of a scheme. Remember, someone is getting rich somewhere!
Good Luck!

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