AdvoCare is a MLM company that sells a wide variety of consumer products. From weight loss to energy and sports drinks, this company has been selling items since 1993 and employs 200+ people on a full time basis. They also have a network of over 60,000 independent sales people working for them. As with any multilevel marketing company, there are some advantages and disadvantages that must be considered before getting involved or purchasing their products.
Here are some key pros and cons of AdvoCare to consider as you look at this potential opportunity.
What Are the Pros of AdvoCare?
1. There are more than 70 different products available.
Most of AdvoCare’s line of products is directed to better nutrition or lifestyle habits. One of their most unique products, the 24 day challenge, is a popular way to develop new eating habits that can lead to weight reduction. Their products are designed to improve metabolism rates while promoting immune system health. The goal? To build champions.
2. Retail customers have different opportunities to get involved.
Most MLM companies require customers to purchase products at a specific retail price. Sales representatives can choose to sell the products at a lower price, of course, but that cuts into their personal profit margins. At AdvoCare, there is a desire to reward the repetitive customers with a better overall base price. Wholesale customers are given the opportunity to become a distributor without sales requirements to others to take advantage of a 20% discount on items.
3. Downline commissions are simple and straightforward.
Wholesale commissions to distributors that have been sponsored by other AdvoCare representatives have a simple commission system that is 5-20% of the order that is generated. There are also leadership bonuses based on the amount of sales an entire organization is able to create that can be as high as 19.75%. This makes it a lot easier for all representatives to know what to expect when it comes to the money that they’re making.
4. New representatives have opportunities for bonuses as well.
Rookie sellers in the AdvoCare line also have a unique set of rewards that they can earn outside of the standard commissions and sales margins of all reps. There is a one-time Rookie bonus offered, pay-period bonuses, and other incentives that include fully paid trips. The requirements to achieve these rewards are clearly outlined so there is no question as to what needs to be done.
5. AdvoCare offers a debt busting program.
One of the biggest issues that self-employed individuals face is debt. It is easy enough to purchase items as a work expense without thinking about the consequences of that action in the future. The DebtBuster program from AdvoCare helps to establish a system of debt management that not only improves cash flow, but it can help households get out of the unsecured debt that can be costing them a fortune.
6. A six figure income can be achieved in as little as 3 years while representing AdvoCare products.
At the Ruby 6 Star rank for sales representation, the average annual income for those at this level is $105,477 in 2014. It takes an average of 39 months for a representative to make this sales level. At the next step above this, the Emerald status, representatives earn an average of just under $200,000 per year. After Gold status, each representation level is below 1% of total reps, but there is a decent chance to earn good money with AdvoCare.
7. The vitamins and supplements used are at least USP grade.
The formulas that are in the AdvoCare products are pharmaceutical or USP grade, which means they come with a certain amount of potency that is guaranteed. All products also follow good manufacturing practices to maintain a superior level of quality control over each product. Vendors are regularly screened by AdvoCare and only those in compliance with strict standards have ongoing business relationships.
8. Certain products are guaranteed to be banned-substance free.
For athletes, there are certain substances which they are not allowed to take as they are training for their events or games. If detected in their bodies, it can result in suspensions, job terminations, and other costly consequences. AdvoCare products come with a logo from Informed Choice that guarantees certain products do not contain banned substances which could cause trouble for an athlete.
9. Sucralose may help to limit sugar consumption.
Many AdvoCare products contain sucralose, which offers a low calorie substitute for sugar without reducing the sweetness of the product.
What Are the Cons of AdvoCare?
1. Many of the products sold are not suitable for people with food allergies.
Many of the replacement shakes, snack bars, and other products contain some of the top food allergy items that are problematic. Almost all of the products contain at least one soybean product, including soy nuts. Corn syrup, gluten products, other nuts, and dairy products are also common and not always listed as a potential allergen in the food product.
2. AdvoCare uses GMO food items.
Although this isn’t a game changer for everyone, the fact that genetically modified foods are used in the products will cause some to pause and evaluate whether to become customers of this MLM organization. Soybeans in particular are the most problematic ingredient. In the United States, up to 90% of soy products are genetically modified in some way. Add in the highly refined ingredients, such as protein isolates and fiber, and some people may have health issues develop from food consumption.
3. Many of the items used to cleanse the body are just laxatives.
The claims of the weight loss products from AdvoCare is that they will remove the toxins from the body so that losing weight is easier to do. The only problem is that the supplements being taken during this phase are laxatives, which means the weight being lost is water weight. Add in the Spark drink, a caffeinated beverage, and even more water loss occurs, which can quickly lead to dehydration.
4. What is the definition of core nutrition?
One of the biggest issues that AdvoCare faces is that it doesn’t clearly define certain terms within its products. A classic example of this is the “core nutrition” that is provided by the Max phase of the 24 day weight loss product that is offered. Without a definition of what is being provided, it is difficult to know for sure how a person’s body will react to the ingredients and supplements that are being taken.
5. There are several complaints of severe health consequences.
There are hundreds of complaints found online regarding health issues that have occurred because of taking AdvoCare products. Many of them tend to be allergy related, but some are serious like glucose spikes, changes in blood pressure, and stomach pain that doesn’t go away. Some people have even reported organ failure. Once the AdvoCare products were stopped, the health issues went away.
6. It’s really easy to overdose.
Sometimes Spark is sold in individual packets so that it can be added to a bottle of water, shaken, and this creates an instant energy drink. AdvoCare also sells a large container of powdered energy drink with a single scoop. This makes it easy to overdose on the amount of energy drink powder being used and at 120mg of caffeine per serving, the recommended safe level is just 3 of these drinks per day. Many of the products contain 2-3x the recommended levels of niacin as well, which can create a negative reaction.
7. It can be rather expensive.
Many AdvoCare products are available through ecommerce websites like Amazon. The 24 Day Challenge products are even available online. Priced at $167.95, that’s more than many people spend on groceries. With there not being any guarantee that the products are actually going to work to help someone lose weight, it is essentially a gamble and one that is expensive at that.
8. Most representatives make very little money.
34.5% of the independent sales representatives for AdvoCare are listed as a distributor, which is the lowest rank available. The average annual income for all active distributors in 2014 was $1,610. Another 58% of representatives are known as advisors and their average annual income was slightly higher at $2,190. It takes more than an year on average to reach silver status and a five figure annual average income.
9. AdvoCare products may interfere with medication.
This is especially true for the fiber and tea products that are sold.
The pros and cons of AdvoCare show that it can be highly beneficial to some people, but not necessarily to everyone. There are just as many highly positive reviews of their products as there are highly negative reviews. Each sales representation experience will be different as well. If you’re looking for a part-time sales opportunity or you just want to try certain weight loss products to see if they can help, then AdvoCare could be right for you.