Is Mona Vie a Scam or the Real Deal?

Someone I know has recently become a distibutor for Mona Vie, a juice which purports to give you increased energy, boost your immune system, rid you of any joint pain, feed the hungry and bring peace to the Middle East.

She has encouraged me to try it and become a distributor, but I have politely declined.  The distributor part.  I tried the juice.  It's tasty.  I didn't really stick with it long enough to see any noticeable health or energy benefits, so I can't speak to that part.

It's sold through a Multi-Level Marketing program.  Let's face it, I'm not enamored with the idea of MLMs.  I pretty much assume they are scams, unless proven otherwise.  There have been too many, from Amway to Quixtar, there were the long distance phone ones from about ten years ago, and the super blue green algae.  Remember all that crap?

So, I did a bit of digging.  Not a lot, but I wanted to know what the fuss was all about.  Online, there were a lot of positive things said about the juice itself.  How many of those online comments were by distributors of the stuff, we have no way of knowing.

I guess I have two problems with this juice:

1. The cost.
2. The business model

The cost

It's $30-$40 per bottle, depending on whether you get it at wholesale/distributor prices or retail prices.  Each bottle has 25.35 fl oz.  You are supposed to have 2 oz in the morning and 1 oz at night.  At that rate, each bottle will basically last you one week.  I don't know about you, but even at $30 per bottle, $120/month for an evergy juice sounds rather steep.

The business model

As I said earlier I pretty much assume all MLM distribution models are scams until proven otherwise.  So, I went on the Mona Vie site to see what the business side was all about.  Ultimately, the question for any MLM/Pyramid scheme is whether or not the distributors can expect to make any money on the sale of the product, or are they simply exptected to recruit more people who will recruit more people, and maybe some juice will be sold along the way?

According to the business brochure from Mona Vie, the ways that you make money are:

1. Direct sales:  you purchase at wholesale, and sell at retail for about a 15% markup, but given the cost of the bottles, if you have some regular customers you can make a bit of money this way.  Of course, if someone becomes a regular drinker, wouldn't you encourage them to become a distributor in your "downline?"

2. Bulk order bonus:  If you have at least 200 PV, each time someone you've sponsored orders a bulk order you get paid.  Good deal.

3. First Order Bonus:  Qualified Distributors with at least 200 PV earn a one time bonus for bringing new distributors under you.  I don't know what a PV is, but this part sounds distinctly like a pyramid scheme.

4. Star Maker Bonus:  for Qualified Distributors with at least 200 PV, each time someone you sponsor makes the rank of "star" you earn $40.  Again, money for recruiting, not selling juice.

5. Team Commissions:  This part is in all caps.  It says that the "TEAM COMMISSIONS ARE THE FUNDAMENTAL BUILDING BLOCK OF THE MONAVIE COMPENSATION PLAN."  Then it goes on to explain how the team commissions work:

"The team commissions portion of our plan is binary.  Binary means tha tyou will be placed in one of two legs (right or left) in your sponsor's organization.  You will then be compensated based on successfully building two legs of your own.  Your sponsor (or anyone else in your upline) may also place poeple in your organization.  As your group begins to grow, you are entitled to team commissions based on the total volume generated in your lesser leg."

Huh?

6. Executive Check Match:  From here, it sounds like the money can start to get pretty good.  I don't know how many people make it to the executive level , but I'm guessing it's pretty tough.

7. Leadership Pools:  They have reserved 1% of total company GV for the elite group of Monavie Blue Diamonds.  Sorry, don't know what this means. 

8. Multiple Business Centers:  This is a point at which you are making lots of money.  But like any pyramid scheme, does anyone other than the founders make it to this level?

Then at the end it has pictures of private jets and exclusive chateaus.

Comments

[Jason]

Very interesting...thanks for breaking this down. I've always been intrigued by both the product and the business model. One of the positive things related to the sales of Mona Vie is the recent news about wine sales in terms of the benefits to the cardiovascular system. Studies have cited antioxidants and ingredients such as reservotal for helping boost good cholesterol numbers. I wonder if Mona Vie's success will ride on the coattails of these studies.

[Lane]

If you study the compensation plan, you'll notice that the ONLY way commissions are earned is through the sale of product. Building a downline can build commissions, but only if those people in your downline are selling and consuming product.

A pyramid scheme is when bonuses are paid for recruitment that is not attached to the sale of an actual product. For example, if there is a $100 sign-up fee for new distributors, and $50 of it goes to the sponsor, that is a pyramid scheme. This company's compensation plan does not give any percentage of the distributor fee to any other distributors.

If anyone would like this explained further, feel free to contact me.

Lane

[Tyson]

Those things are real scams! I hate when people try to sell you crap you do not need!

[D Watkins]

This stuff is real, it cures cancer and heart attacks. Please sign up to help live longer.

[Christine Brooks]

I hate the Mona Vie company, I want all my money back, this is a scam. I am going to do everything I can to expose this awful business that makes friends hard sell friends and family.

Horrible way to do business. It may be legal but I will work to make other people know this is the worst way to do business ever invented. Oh and the Mona Vie stuff gave me a 3 day migraine. Horrible Horrible.

No way would I recommend this product as a way to make money.

[Christine Brooks]

I will check back tomorrow to see if this website actually gives people the pro's and cons from honest customers. I bet my post will be deleted. This is the kind of bad stuff this company is doing.

[LAMoneyGuy]

Christine,
if you think your post will be deleted, you clearly a) have never been to this site, and b) did not read the original post. My post was an analysis of whether or not Mona Vie is a scam or legit. In the end, my findings were inconclusive, but landed somewhere short of scam and somewhere in the land of "poor business model".

Also, you wrote "This is the kind of bad stuff this company is doing." Ummm... I have no affiliation with Mona Vie, they are not the CIA or something. They have no power to delete your comment on MY blog!

Jeez.

[Catherine]

Wow! It's amazing how we can have such strong comments and not "try" to work the "model" or "take" the product to see the full benefits it offers. It might be a good idea to take the product, and maybe pick up some exercise to rid of this anger, EFT might be good. Food for thought: We won't take the time to work a business that could be lucrative based on our efforts, instead of working a 9 to 5 and twice as long making less because we're worried about the guy that started the organization an he'll make more, shooting our own self in the foot, thinking that we can't or won't "get there"? Why Not? 2nd thought: How is it that we don't think twice about spending $5/day on coffee at Starbucks and not worried about the nutritional value and we won't look at something that is healthy and beneficial? And lastly: we talk about world peace, feeding the hungry and we scoff at those that try to make a difference? Incredible - without offending anyone. What is your contribution to society and to the world at large?

[Jordan]

Hello, my name is Jordan Hennessey and just a few months ago I put my mom onto Mona Vie, hoping it would help her out with all the symptoms that come with MS (Multiple Sclerosis). That's a disease where your own immune system makes these horrible lesions all along your central nervous system, making it harder to participate in the normal day to day routines. On top of it all, she is also going through menopause. Believe it or not, her MS, hot spots, and energy has improved incredibly. I have no doubt in my mind that it had everything to do with the Mona Vie. This really is the crown jewel of the world! It's not snake oil by any means! This is just my experience, but i'm sure everyone else's is different! I'm interested to see more of what people think of this product...yes it is expensive, but I do believe in my heart it is 100% worth it. To see my mother so lively is something I thought I wouldn't ever see again. Thank God for Mona Vie!

[Kristin]

I have been taking Monavie for a month now and use to have knee, foot and back pain. I couldn't use my eliptical trainer it hurt so bad. Also, going down stairs really hurt my knees. I now have zero pain! The only thing I have done differently is take the Monavie. With no pain and more energy I am using my eliptical every day for 30 minutes and now have lost 7 lbs! I really believe this is a wonderful product. Kristin

[Kristin]

I also wanted to mention that I gave my brother a bottle and he also had joint pain and achy muscles from doing physical labor for his job everyday. He said he doesn't feel sore anymore after a long day of work and he sleeps better. It has only been two weeks for him but it has already helped.

We both have one complaint about the product that I should mention. Both of us suffer from acid reflux and have found it does come up on you if you don't take it with a meal. Also, I only take it at lunch time now, my biggest meal. I don't have any more problems with the acid reflux that way.

I would love to get my day to take it since his body always seems to be in pain. He has diabetes though and I don't think he would be allowed as he can't have any fruit without his numbers going sky high. Does anyone else have any knowledge about Monavie and diabetes?

Please email me if you do. Thanks.

Kristin - [email protected]

[Rick]

Virtually all of the compensation paid to MonaVie distributors is generated from product purchase. Yes, the top levels earn far more money than the people who don't produce as many sales. That's the way it in every company in America.

MonaVie is not a miracle food and no reputable distributor would promote it as one. It's fruit juice ... just good scientifically formulated and healthy fruit juice. If it's too pricey for some they can simply buy one of the many competing alternative products. Just as a BMW costs more than a Chevy, MonaVie costs more than most other fruit juices. I'm in good health and plan to do all I can to stay that way. MonaVie is a convenient and important part of my diet. It costs me around 140.00 per month which I consider to be a bargain.

[Sheri W]

I was a sceptic too but I tried Mona Vie. I liked what I heard about it and thought, heck, give it a try. I have nothing to lose to just try it. No one forced me, it was my choice. I was shocked to see such a quick response to the Mona Vie. I am relatively healthy but facts are facts. Time is taking it's toll on me. After 2 bottles, I knew I want to have more. I liked how I felt and I liked what I saw. I've never been involved with anything like this before and from the research I've done so far, shows me that the company is the best and the product is the best on the market. I've tried the other products, and I'm not impressed. Also, for those who are so quick to point out it's a pyramid scam, look at your current corporate structure. CEO's, VP's, Directors and then there is all of the "grunt" workers doing the jobs to keep those executives in their cushy jobs and keep giving them their incentive bonus' when we all are told, "Times are tough and we'll have to pro-rate your yearly raises." But funny, no one pro-rates those big bonus'. How do I know this? Well, I process those bonus' repeatedly and heard the "times are tough" hype. BS. So, with that being said, Mona Vie is an amazing product that choose to take it to market by sharing it with all of us. Also, they are paying the distributors for sharing it with those we care about instead of hiring a big corporation to advertise it. Break it down! Cut out the middle man and pay the people for promoting it and sharing it. I wish my boss would have done that with me. No one is paid what they are worth today. In corporate America, we are paid the least amount they can to get us to perform the job at hand. Those who chose to work with Mona Vie and share it, are paid for their time and effort. Yes I am a distributor and yes, I can walk away at any time. It's a choice! If you don't like the product or the company, move on but at least know what you are talking about before labeling it as a scam!!!

[Meri M]

Just wanted to add how amazing this product truly is. My dad has suffered from really high blood pressure for almost seven years and the results his doctors are seeing are amazing. Mona vie has helped him loose 5 kilos last month as his doctors stresses the possibility of him becoming a diabetic if he didnt. My mother who has suffered from anxiety for so many years is like a different person today. With the addition of mona vie to her normal medication, I can say that this product has helped her so much. SHe is so much more calm and happier.
I myself, have been on this product for almost 8 months and my energy levels and outlook on life have just changed 110%. My low iron levels used to make me feel so tired and depressed.
I was the one who used to spend over $50 a week on coffees to stay awake.
Anyone reading this and who has not even heard of mona vie or tried it- I say one thing- Get your hands on it! Cos u dont no what ur missing out on.
I believe this product will literally replace orange juice in our refrigerators one day and I can not wait for that to happen.
Thnk about ur health because without it we are nothing.

[Meri M]

anyone have any questions pls dont hesitate to contact me
Im so passionate aboutt his product becasue money cant buy what a difference this product has made in my family.
[email protected]

[VJ]

I found this article to be mostly emotional and somewhat angry for no reason. In addition, many of the so-called facts were inaccurate. I also think that you really made yourself look bad by going-off on a product that you yourself did not even try consistently for a week. I think the powerful comments posted here are pretty much a testament that MonaVie really is worth every penny - and if you really understood how it works, it does not cost that much at all - there are ways to get it at a more reasonable price - oh yeah, but you politely said "no" to your friend, who is a distributor - you might have known that if you took more time to actually listen.

MLM's are a valid business model. Pyramid's are illegal. MLM/Network Marketing models are not the same as Pyramids. That's like saying oranges are the same as apples - which clearly, they are not.

The next time you try to bash a company's business model and compensation plan, I recommend that you try to understand the terminology, such as "PV" - which means Personal Volume. Just because it has a "P" in it does that mean it's related to "Pyramid?"

I would have given your article more credibility and consideration if it were based on facts and reasonable opinion, as opposed to an emotionally charged and inaccurate personal account of a product that is actually good.

[lamoneyguy]

It's interesting how many comments this has garnered. Most of them praising Mona Vie. An update, I have taken it consistently for about three weeks. I'm not sure if that's long enough. Do I feel better? Well, I don't feel worse. I honestly don't feel different.

Regarding the last comment by VJ, I'm not sure where you read angry in my original article. Some sarcasm, maybe, but anger? Not remotely. Maybe you're being a bit defensive in your reading.

I may get emotional over some things, subprime bailouts? absolutely. College students graduating with six figures worth of student loans and credit cards? No doubt. Fruit juice? You gotta be kidding.

[Trevor R]

Mona Vie is a great product. It has been proven to do great things. Has anyone read the experiment that the University of Florida did on leukemia cells and Monavie. The ORAC values are much higher than anyother product...it has a value of 1,026.9 per gram...if you can find something that has an ORAC value higher than that per gram let me know...also if anyone has any questions about Mona Vie email me.

[email protected]

[Larry Steel]

I think the product is great. The problem with MLM business model is it cheapens the product. If someone is selling me an Amway shampoo, they just lost me. I wish they could sell this product in the stores for a quarter of the price. That would be a great product. Eventually it will get over saturated and washed out like all the other MLM products.

[Lee Parks]

Okay so I just signed up to be a distributor. I've always been optimistic about mlm's but i figured if this juice might have health benefits, why not try it. we'll see how it goes, if i see some benefits from it, i'll keep doing it. I'll push the product as a health drink much like any other thing you can buy at GNC. Most of their stuff is not FDA approved either.

[Alison]

Hi, I've been in sales for about 4 years, and what I have experienced time and time again, is, the more I sell for my employer, the more commission he pays me. Please tell me, what's the difference with selling Mona Vie? I can't see any. If you pay close attention to the commission scheme, you will note that there are commissions paid on SALE OF PRODUCT, but also, bonuses are paid to people based on the number of people they have sponsored. So, if I have a lot of volume coming through that I get paid on, and I don't sponsor many people, I will not earn as much as someone that has the same volume coming through that has worked hard to sponsor a lot of people. This is because the company rewards people for their efforts. I have worked for companies as an employee in sales roles and been paid much lower commissions for much harder work, and in some cases, have been ripped off my commissions all together... it's not fun making soemone else rich.

Get over it, stop worrying about it, just try it. If you don't like the juice move on. Don't be so focussed on the business side, if it's right, it's right. I'm sure you could give up a cup of coffee per day for one month to see if this juice will really have a positive affect on your health. Do you really have to hear about what it's done to others? Try it for yourself, and then post a comment on here. And hey, if you make money along the way, its money in your pocket that you've made for yourself, AND others - its called SHARING (a concept that seems lost in this day and age)

Have a nice day.

[John]

I think that the company made a poor decision to make this company on the MLM platform. I don't know their specific reasons, but can testify that the drink works. I have had my C-5 vertebrate fractured 2 times before the age of 22. The last eight yrs have given me nothing but sleepless and restless nights. I've tried almost everything to help and this little juice does it. I am signed as a Distributor, but only for the "Discount". I don't plan on selling it, but I'll continue to drink it. I suggest giving it a try. Don't buy from me though...I only have enough for myself.

[Mark]

4 oz of Mona Vie per day is equivalent to 10 servings of fruits and vegie's, scientifically proven. If you think about it this way, it is a cheap way to get everything you need every day in the way of nutrician.

Given 66% of American's are obese, I think we should all be paying a bit more attention to our health and products like Mona Vie, especially, are a great start.

I bet you many of the bashers above spend $100 a month on pizza.

[oscar]

hi, i amabout to try it..
ill forget about drinking cocacola and sturbucks ill give this drink a try.. it if works ill let you guys know.. i really dont believe what people tellme i experience then i make a conclusion... this guy showed me his check this dude is really making 8,000dls per week.. so im just going to try it.to test the product for you guys... ill be back in amonth.. to give my testimony... dis dude is making big bucks.so on the business side. seeems to be there is apossibility to make $$ on the side positive sideeffects as you can see on all the above comments most comments are possitive about monavie...
oscar

[JD]

Come on..If MLM are scams, why did they generate over 40 billion last year. The people fail not the business.Its your fault and your fault alone if you are not maximizing your income potential. There are rules to each MLM. Some people are not committed to their product. They dont know how to take rejection. Find ways that work for you and stick with em. Im in Mona vie and I have had noone in my down lines doing anything. I have over 30 people that I personally sponsored. If I can get 30, you can get atleast 2 or 4. Im not a salesman but I believe in this product. Sure its expensive, but its the best product out. Thats not just my opinion. Its been proven. Negative people have never been able to keep me down or away from my goals, but maybe your not one of those people. Im a country boy who went to community college for a year. My parents raised my brother and I on 27k a year. So, if a 31 year old guy from the sticks can make something of this so can anyone..