Melaleuca ripoff Denies simple refund for Convenience Certificates never agreed to on Customer Agreement Idaho Falls Idaho

"I signed up with Melaleuca hoping to order some products at their wholesale price but discover that I must be on Auto-ship or have a Backup Order to do get the wholesale price. I had to Cancel the Backup order due to lack of income issues AND had to do that in writing with my signature before they would stop drafting my checking account!"

VERY hard to believe. It's very unlikely that your marketing executive that sat down with you did not explain the details up front, as is required, and taught from day one with new marketing executives. You would know up front before even enrolling for preferred customer status the difference between retail and the 'pc' or preferred customer prices as clearly indicated in ALL literature. You would know before enrolling that you would be committing to a monthly minimum of 35 product points worth of products (typically $40-$60) in order to maintain preferred customer status.

You would have also had it explained to you up front that you can cancel your membership at any time by very simply typing up a letter with your customer ID#, signed by you and faxing it to Melaleuca. Melaleuca has an unconditional money back guarantee. If for ANY reason, within 90 days of enrolling, you can redeem your enrollment fee, and costs for any products if not satisfied. Piece of cake. You have no case. Do you really have nothing better to do? You were not ripped off.....at least not by the marketing exec, or Melaleuca...perhaps by your own self who did not pay attention when enrolling. ;)

Thanks Wally,
yes, there are those of us out here that DO care about customers. Personally, I've always been of the opinion 'If I wouldn't use it for myself or my family, I won't use it for anyone else either.' Simply put, I refuse to do anything that I consider harmful and wouldn't allow anyone else to do it either if the choice is mine to make.

I still stand by my posts regarding cancellation. And if you look over my posts, you'll see I do actually make the comparison to cancelling your bank account.
My other business (I have a language business), requires that customers give at least 1 month notice prior to finishing, for whatever reason. This doesn't mean that they get ripped off, on the contrary, it means they don't get charged an extra month. They get all cr@ppy with me if they come to their last scheduled appointment, and THEN tell me they are quitting that day, and when they receive a final receipt, they find they have been charged for the coming month. Each customer is made aware of the policy upon signing to whatever department in the business. No one ever had any complaints. Why do I have such a policy? Simple, to ensure that I'm financially secure for the coming month(s). Several years ago I didn't have this system, didn't want it even! But people are people, and give them an inch, they'll take a metre! One year in particular, a bunch of clients went elsewhere when a new place opened up in town. In just one day I lost $1000's, and basically was screwed financially for the next 8 months! (The new place went out of business just 5 months after opening due to bad customer service!).
So, in that respect, yes, of course Melaleuca requires notice that you're cancelling your account with them. It's not even notice though is it. Because it's cancelled immediately upon receipt. I'm not aware of any time frames to be complied with, but if there are any, please let me know.

The comparison with the bank goes something like this: If you walk into your bank, you have to show some form of ID when taking out money, right? You couldn't just walk in and say, 'Give me some money.' The bank clerk asks you for ID and you say 'Oh, don't worry, it's me alright.' Do you think you'd get your money? Not a chance.

Melaleuca has a similar system in place to prevent anyone else doing something with your account. So it seems only right to have a system that requires written cancellation.
Here's another example for you. Yesterday I cancelled my Juice Plus account, over the telephone! Juice Plus is a great product, but here in Japan, it's just WAY too expensive compared to the rest of the world. I was surprised that they requested no ID to be sent, faxed or emailed. WOW! I could get on the phone tomorrow, pretend I'm another customer I know, and say I want to cancel my account! That customer then sits waiting for his next delivery of JP+, and when it doesn't come, he calls the company who assures him he cancelled! Hence, the requirement to write in and cancel seems logical and common sense practice.

Fortunately, Melaleuca of Japan, Inc, are honest people. The Japanese generally are anyway, especially in business. (To a point I admit).
As I was saying, most of these complaints are stemming from the USA, and to date, I've only read two complaints about products, and both were not backed up with any conclusive proof. The products are great, there's no denying that. The company is great too, and that's disputable I agree. What gives the company a tarnished image are those representatives that lie to get people signed on to Melaleuca by doing things that go against Melaleucas way of practice.
Unfortunately these Charlatans don't care about the damage they do to the company, so long as they get a few bucks in the bank.

This, like all work from home businesses, is very competitive and takes hard work and dedication. So far my experience has been nothing but positive, and I'm not 'brainwashed' or anything else for that matter. Melaleuca is legitimate, solid and reliable. It shouldn't be deemed otherwise simply because those with no scruples (marketers and/or call centre workers) dare to think outside of the correct procedures.
Sure, I agree, it's unethical to still take a person's money when they've already requested a cancellation, and without knowing the Head Office personnel, I can't say whether Melaleuca is at fault here or simply staff complacency.

That holiday destination sounds good. I'm going to check it out, me and the wife could do with a relaxing break! ;)

Bernie, why is it that all Melaleuca people are so defensive? Could it be that there is something not quite right in the business with such magnificent products. You omitted to comment on how you could possibly compare Melaleuca to a bank and their procedures.
If Melaleuca is such a pillar of the business community why do they force the thousands who want to opt out to beg to do so in writing. I guess I have answered my own question - 1000 x $70 less cost of product $10 = an extra $60,000 per month. Surely when everyone signs up to join they could establish a verbal access code so they could cancel on the phone. All in all very tacky. Any such business that does not have a refund sitting on the table at all times is not a business worthy of consideration.
In the real world people do get conned, coerced and lied to whilst getting signed up by some of your companys' 'representatives' - these people should be allowed to cancel via a simple phone call - they did nothing wrong!!!!! Please don't insult our intelligence by saying they signed the contract and the cancellation procedure is contained therein. The non ethical 'representative' usually does all he/she can to ensure that their 'victim' across the table doesn't get an opportunity to read anything in the contract.
In conclusion may I apologise to you for using the term ,'Bernies of this world'which you found offensive. You appear to be one of the very few that treats their customers with respect - more power to you and enjoy your Honda.
Thanks also for commenting on my use of www.caloundratourism.com in my reply. I regret to inform you that I have no lucrative interest in that market at all. I simply believe that everyone in business should devote some of their time to community service and that is where my interest in Caloundra Tourism comes from. Every hour spent by me has been voluntary and I have put in many thousands of hours over the years for no financial gain but a comforting sense of satisfaction and achievement. I guess my actions in promoting the web site may be a bit blatant but I live in Paradise and am more than happy to share it with everyone who wants a top, affordable, vacation.
Kind regards to all

Mercedes? Next MLM business opp better than Melaleuca? Hopping from one to the other?

Sorry, you've lost me mate! I don't want a Mercedes, I'm more than happy with my Honda!
And I certainly won't be joining anymore MLM opportunities if I ever decided to quit doing Melaleuca!

FYI, I don't 'approach friends' or anyone else for that matter. I did the seminars of mentors, the training programs etc, that showed me the do's and dont's of working from home.
I have a display of some of Melaleuca's products in my office. People sometimes ask about it and I tell them about the things I use. Usually I give them some info to take away with them, if they don't want it, no problem. If they do and they decide to try it out, I show them how to fill the forms out and make their first order. All the time I assure them about the guarantee. I've even paid member fees for them and told them that if they wish to discontinue membership within 3 months, they can even keep the fee returned by Melaleuca! If people ask to buy something from the display, they get disappointed (even if it's just a little), when I show them all the containers, boxes etc, are in fact empty!

I print my own leaflets and place them around various locations of where I live (and in Japan, you can only post leaflets in SET locations, and you have to pay for it!), I give away products for free for people to use with NO OBLIGATION whatsoever. There are a lot of people doing this business who don't care about others, don't care about the products either, just themselves. But there are some of us (few I admit), that DO care about others, and DO care that the products do what they claim to do!

And why did you advertise that internet site? Do you have some lucrative interest in that market? Nicely done!

Call it what you will, but very few people see the very thin line between MLM and CDM. Here in Japan pyramid schemes are NOT illegal, and many home based business companies still use them. Melaleuca does not.
Besides which, no matter how it looks, even if it was MLM or very close to it, SO WHAT?
MLM is a GREAT business! Just about every company on the planet uses it in some form or another to gain the edge on their competitors.
People discredit MLM simply based on their beliefs about it from problems presented by other big companies. If a company makes it clear what is required of membership, how does that make MLM a bad thing? At least with MLM every single person in the business, successful or not, started at the same level!

Stop referring to others as 'the Bernie's of this world'. That just shows how limited you are in your thinking! Trying to compare the whole world to one individual or 'thousands of' as all being the same is just nonsense!

You're also showing your limitations to think in broad terms by stating that all of us involved in home businesses want to get rich, drive flashy cars, etc. I've NEVER said I wanted those things, and I don't say them now!

Do you know why I quit Herbalife? Because it was SALES! I hate sales!
With Melaleuca I NEVER have to do ANY selling at ANY time WHATSOEVER! With Herbalife I jumped in with both feet, YOU might say I was 'brainwashed'! But their products are awesome! No doubt about it! I just didn't like the way the business side worked.
Before doing Melaleuca, I did my homework, researched the company, the products (and continue to do so 10 months on) and made an informed choice!
No regrets!

Some people just hate the fact that others are successful. If Melaleuca didn't work for me, I wouldn't care, the products are great (and btw, Herbalife has similar products in some respects, like the Shake drinks and shampoos, but are DOUBLE the price of Melaleuca!). I treat Melaleuca as a business, not a hobby, or something I hope is going to make me rich by me sitting on my backside all day long!

I'm not here to sell anything, not here to 'brainwash' people. If you think that's what people in these type of home based businesses do, then you're very much mistaken!

FYI...NO, I'm NOT military, and I NEVER said anywhere that I was. I know a LOT of military personnel here in Japan, based in Iwakuni. Heck, I even go riding with the motorcycle club from the base, in summer!

The ONLY reason you were restricted in what you could do is because the MILITARY restricted you, NOT Japan! But even so, I don't understand why YOU were restricted, as some military personnel I know of are doing businesses on the side with no problems and NO restrictions. One military friend and his wife are running an extremely successful NSA business here! They're actually the 2nd biggest business builders with NSA in Japan!

To correct you on other matters: NO, I do NOT have 'hundreds of dollars on phone bills' or anything else every month! But I DO have several THOUSAND dollars going into my bank account each and every month! But like any business, I work for it! This business is NOT a sit back and get rich quick scheme because you're lazy. Far from it. No-one ever got rich from doing nothing except inheriting money. I don't even expect to get rich, as this income supplements the income I earn from other business.

The products made you itch and gave you a blister on your right ear? Were you using Melaleuca? Never heard of anything like this before, especially as their products are darn near perfect for those with allergies!
If you had a blister over your ear after applying Melaleuca's products, then there was obviously a problem with your ear in the first place! Why else would you put the products on your ear in the first place? The Melaleuca would not be the cause of the blister, but would have started healing the underlying problem.

Sherri, don't try to diss me online. You don't know me! You nothing about what I do and my success.

Just because YOU had a hard time with Melaleuca, for whatever reason, is no excuse to try and move the whole world to go against such a great company and it's great, SAFE products, nor is it an excuse to have a go at me with snidey little comments, talking down your nose trying to make me out to be an idiot!

I'm WORKING my Melaleuca business, and my customers have NEVER had a negative thing to say about ANY of the products, at ANY time! Each person is free to continue shopping with Melaleuca or at the local stores, I'm no salesman, sell nothing, stock nothing. Oh, and that brings me to another point: are you trying to say that only the military of the US in Japan, are the only people to have 'sheds'? YOU'RE ROLLING ON THE FLOOR LAUGHING?
I live in a detached house big enough for 10 people, with a garden of approximately 30sq metres. And YES, I DO have a shed! It's full of Herbalife junk...anytime you're back in Japan and near Iwakuni, let me know, you're welcome to come see it for yourself!!

You really should clarify your information before ASSUMING facts. It's pretty obvious you don't like the fact that I'm defending Melaleuca, and that's fine, you're entitled to your own opinions of course. But when you state things you obviously have no idea about, then people are going to start to question your integrity!

Bottom line is, you DO have to purchase a set amount of product points each and every month in order to qualify for the 30%-40% discounts; you DO pay more initially for products, but when used CORRECTLY, overall costs are HUGELY cheaper! (You show me where else you can buy kitchen cleaner for a mere 12cents a bottle, without losing the quality!).

Melaleuca DOES issue warnings about products that are likely to cause problems if you have allergies, however, many of their products are perfect for those with allergies.
Had you read the information in the first place, you would have known this.

Melaleuca's products contain NOTHING that is unknown. Unlike products you can buy in the stores. EVERY single product that Melaleuca markets has NOTHING but TESTED chemicals. TESTED as SAFE for both HUMAN and ANIMAL use, as well as the environment!

Products are produced by EcoSense, Nicole Miller and others, Melaleuca markets these products for those companies because they are SAFE!

If you're not happy with Melaleuca, move on to something else! Don't gripe and complain about the success of others! I lost a LOT of money on Herbalife, but I'm not whining about it am I? Because I moved on. If my friends were successful in their Herbalife business, I'd be pleased for them, because they found something that works for them! I suggest you do the same!
And don't try to mock me again unless you've got FACTS about ME!

Instead of bothering to give Bernie or any other Melaleuca brainwashed person any credence ask to see their bank statements showing this 'fortune' that they make from Melaleuca.

We have thousands of 'Bernies' in Australia as well who hop from MLM to MLM seeking to make their 'big killing'. The pattern is the same - bag the hell out of their previous supplier because the new one is the real deal. You must be running out of friends to alienate by now Bernie. I have lost so many socalled friends and acquaintances over the years because I always ask to see their proof of earnings before I sign up. Funny how not one has been able to produce the evidence of earnings. They are all going to order their new Mercedes very soon, move into their new palace next year and retire within 5 years!!

Fancy comparing Melaleuca to a bank and I quote Bernie verbatim "Could you cancel your bank account over the telephone? NO! Of course not! You'd need to take ID in to the bank and verify your wishes. Same with Melaleuca (and indeed, with ANY reputable company!)". The reason you can't cancel a bank account over the phone Bernie is that banks are heavily regulated and have to answer to a number of Government regulators. The reason you can't cancel your measly $50-$70 a month Melaleuca account is because they want to squeeze every last cent out of their 'victims'.

As for Melaleuca not being an MLM I won't insult the genuine readers' intelligence by giving that statement any credence other than MLM is MLM is MLM!!!!! I guess simply put it stands for Melaleuca Loves Money!

In summary might I respectfully advise that when the 'Bernies' of this world approach you with the next 'opportunity of a lifetime', 'Product of the decade', 'only pennies a day', ' I'm ordering my new car next month',etc etc ask to see proof of their earnings. Believe me if I came across a product that was so wonderful that everybody would want to buy it I wouldn't be sharing it with anybody. If it is so 'saleable' the manufacturer would have it on the supermarket shelves and certainly wouldn't need we 'mums and dads' to hawk it around for them.
It is no different from the horse racing software that is on the market. If you came across a method that allowed you win every time by betting on the outcome of a horse race wouldn't you just use it yourself to amass a fortune? Why would you bother to sell it to anyone else - that just shortens the odds for yourself.

Bernie, instead of propogating the untruths about Melaleuca why not give the readers the opportunity of getting in on the ground floor with your next MLM - you know, the one which you will be telling people is so much better than Melaleuca ever was. On the other hand why not stick to your real job and give your employer the benefit of 110% effort from you - doesn't he, she, it deserve that?

Another suggestion I may make is that with all the fortune you are amassing from Melaleuca why not book your next holiday Down Under - have a look at www.caloundratourism.com.au - Caloundra City - home of the crocodile hunter. This invitation is extended to everyone of course - come visit us and see how laidback we Aussies really are.

Kind regards to all

I have been reading Bernie's letters from Japan and I am wondering how he is selling Melaleuca in Japan? We were stationed in Japan for 3 years in the military and they are VERY strict about the products that can be sold in their country. When we were stationed there, they would only allow Tupperware. Several of us had wanted to sell Avon or Pampered Chef and when the commander found out that some women were wanting to sell these products and lingerie well, the you know what hit the fan! We were told that ONLY Tupperware was authorized. And a "shed" in his backyard? Maybe if he is military. I know of people who sell other products and they don't stockpile them, maybe a few products but not a shed full.

And anyhow, do the math. If you are spending several hundred dollars on your phone bill and orders and only bringing in several hundred dollars a month, is it really worth it? Me thinks not!

And he talks about how wonderful the products are.
Well, those "wonderful" products made me itch like crazy! I had a blister above one ear! What the hey do they put in those products anyhow? So, I have to itch like the devil to be healthier? I am rolling on the floor laughing out loud at that one!

You said in your post ""You deal directly with the company" they say. Well, guess what, that's how it works even in the oldest MLM companies like Amway and Mary Kay etc these days - no-one stocks product anymore, everyone's customers order directly from the company ..."

PURLEEZE!

I was involved with one of those 'oldest MLM companies' right up until last year! And trust me pal, you DO have to stock products!! I've still got over $700 worth of product sitting in my shed to prove it!
Have you even bothered to try Melaleuca?
No, didn't think so, so how the hell can you have the nerve to call it 'semantics'?
Do you even understand the meaning of the word?

Get involved with Melaleuca and THEN try and tell us that it's all semantics!

What a load of nonsense! Don't compare Melaleuca to the likes of Amway, Mary Kay etc. Because there is NO comparison! All the others suck, and are nothing more than SELL SELL SELL companies! Melaleuca is NOTHING like them! When did you ever hear of a Melaleuca member being told that if they didn't buy tapes, CD's, go to meetings, buy stock to improve their level etc, etc, etc, they would be demoted, lose commissions, or be booted out of the business? Well.....?
N E V E R!!!!!! That's when!

Melaleuca is as honest as the day is long, and it's only the lazy good for nothings, who think investing a mere $30 for membership and a further mere $50 per month on regular shopping items, is going to build them a business. When they don't see great returns on their money, they whine and moan like babies!

Don't try to compare Melaleuca to the rest, it's a no brainer! And certainly don't whine about it being an MLM (it's so NOT - despite all those idiots out there trying to compare compensation plans with Amway/Herbalife/NSA etc - big mistake right there!)
Melaleuca makes you work for your money, no doubt about it, but at least your efforts are rewarded justly!

I hate how people whinge about not being able to cancel membership over the telephone, still receiving orders etc. Could you cancel your bank account over the telephone? NO! Of course not! You'd need to take ID in to the bank and verify your wishes. Same with Melaleuca (and indeed, with ANY reputable company!), so why oh why do people whinge and complain?

Melaleuca products are awesome! Worth every cent!!

Peoples' inconsistent reports whinging about the company and/or products are worth about $0000000000000000000000000000000000000000
and THAT'S being generous!

Sorry, but Melaleuca's "We're not Multi-Level-Marketing, we're Consumer Direct Marketing" ploy is meaningless semantics. "You deal directly with the company" they say. Well, guess what, that's how it works even in the oldest MLM companies like Amway and Mary Kay etc these days - no-one stocks product anymore, everyone's customers order directly from the company and your 'upline' gets its commission.

I have strong reservations about the whole "Alternative Medicine" and "Wellness" business anyway, but to each hs own on that side of things - but Mel trying to claim that it's not MLM to potential prospects is just deliberately misleading.

Melaleuca is very thorough in thier process of explaining their back-up order and policies in their customer and marketing executive agreement forms (by the way there are two separate forms that this is on--not just one that you must read through--and they must have signed copies of both, either by fax or via digital signature if you do an online enrollment). They are also very clear that any cancellations MUST be in writing.

Next time, if you want to cancel something and you are unsure how to go about it (I know people forget sometimes) try calling the customer service line as soon as you know--remember, very few things cancel unless you cancel them if they are autopaid out of a credit card or checking account, in fact you might find the same problem with a phone bill you had set as a direct bill to your account or many other things you may set up as direct billed to an account.

The other thing you can do is contact the person who enrolled you and ask them how to go about it if you don't remember where to find the customer service number and/or fax number. Also, once you have faxed your cancellation in to the company, follow up with them to be sure they have it. ALWAYS CONFIRM.

Melaleuca is a FANTASTIC COMPANY. I really hope that you were able to resolve things, and I understand that everyone goes through financial problems sometimes. By letting your enroller know, getting their directions on how to cancel immediately,and following up with the customer service dept, you can avoid many of the problems you have described here.

Melaleuca is NOT an mlm company, as many people know mlm. It is consumer direct-(still marketing)-meaning that you can and do deal directly with the company and never have to deal with any other distributors and their extra fees. This should be clear when you sign the agreement forms. This does not mean Melaleuca will be able to know that you hit a rough patch in your life, but it does mean that you can reach them to tell them.

You MUST submit your membership cancellation in writing--well--you have to do that for insurance of any kind too. Melaleuca's back-up orders function as insurance for you to keep your products coming even if you had an accident at any time (you would still need to wash your clothes when you came home), and they function for another reason for those who decide to build a business as well. If we forget to order for any reason--let's say we were too busy, the back-up order ensures our preferred customer status with the company, and makes sure we will continue to get our necessities, but it also ensures we don't lose the income we have worked to accumulate.

I am sorry you had a difficult experience with the company, and I sincerely hope that you are able to resolve your issues satisfactorily. If you never were able to try the products at all, I would recommend actually doing so, they really are great, and better for your home and environment. Melaleuca is a great company to work with, and while every individual has ups and downs, problems can usually be resolved amicably. I hope that things are looking up for you financially, and that you are able to make a happy life:)

I am sorry that Chris has experienced problems with cancelling the membership and the issue with the Convenience Certificates. The Customer Agreement states to receive the discounted prices you agree to purchase a certain amount each month and that if you do not you will receive a backup order.

If a backup order type is not selected, Melaleuca in the past sent a Convenience Certificate. Melaleuca has changed this policy because situations like this - the customer did not realize that a backup order would be sent, the customer was not properly informed of how backup orders/convenience cert. worked, etc...

Now, to receive a certificate as a backup order in case you forgot to order, the customer has to have been a customer for over 6 months and understands this policy.

As for having to send something in writing to cancel the membership, I know some people have a problem with this but I really don't understand that.

Would you like for someone to be able to call your bank pretending to be you and close your bank account with just a phone call? Would you like a credit card closed with just a phone call?

Some credit cards companies allow you to close accounts on the phone but you have to know quite a bit of info to do this. I know because I have been a victim of credit fraud and I appreciate that Melaleuca requires my signature to cancel my account.

I have been a customer for over 2 years and love the products. I won't ever use anything else. They have helped my family's health way too much.

Chris, if you call the company and explain the situation, I feel certain that you will be treated respectively - especially if you are respectful.

I also think they will refund the certificates to you if you talk with whoever the customer service representative suggested you call. Have you talked with the Marketing Executive who enrolled you and tried to get them to help you call?

I have never had any problems resolving any problems with the company. Yes, I have had some problems, Melaleuca is not tiny and error-proof. But each time, the problems have been resolved quickly.

I also think that some people feel that the Employee (Jennifer) who responded was being harsh. But I think she was just trying to get people to realize that if you sign something, please read it. Especially if it involves your money.

Good luck with your refund. There are those of us pulling for you.

I truly am sorry that you made decision about Melaleuca based on what the people here have written. Most of them really don't know what they're talking about. They didn't read their contracts right and are now mad at themselves, but taking it out on this company.
I have to tell you, I LOVE Melaleuca! Their products are amazing and my family couldn't get along without them. We use everything from the vitamins to the bath products to the cleaning supplies and I can honestly tell you, there's not one thing I don't like!
You've passed up an amazing opportunity to switch to healthier, safer products and it makes me sad for you and your family.

This web site may have well saved me hours of agonizing over a potential poor decision to sign up as a customer with Melaleuca just this morning. I just spent almost two hours with a representative from the organization and decided to do further research before making a decision. Upon reading all of these postings I am steering clear- that's for sure. Thank you again!

hehe...i used to work for melaleuca...employees call it mela-hell..anyway, it seemed like a good company to work for even though i was not there very long..it is a MLM company and the owners (last names are ball and vandersloot other wise known and b&v technologies..the dudes that own melaleuca) are making a lot of money...but isnt that the way its supposed to work??...the free market system at work..dont you hate that!
...i'm sorry that you had a bad experience .. maybe they are a little crooked and if they are then they need to get sued into bankruptcy so if you have a good case go for it!...

..and youre right bout the little chickie that told you to basically go to hell..she needs some help and a new job...customer service doesnt seem to be her thing..

...fyi the comppany really twisted the arms of the politicians in idaho falls to get their building permits..guess corruption is everywhere..too bad..i lived in idaho falls for a long time and like the city..

Since I wrote the original report I have written in AND Cancelled my membership along with a product return. My issue for a refund on the Convenience Certificates is that I NEVER agreed to have them issued on the Membership agreement like I stated before. It's NOT my mistake the Company is holding them for me and want to force me to make a product order! It was suggested I talk to the Company General Manager and try to get a Refund from the Top down. Let's see how accessable the top dogs are, who knows? Why is Melaleuca so set on keeping my money, Contract or NOT? Where's the humanity in a home business?

On the issue of ordering products JUST to return them, where's the common sense in that? The only people getting rich on that scheme is the shipping company!

I understand your frustrations with your situation. I am an employee who hears ALL of the complaints from customers. With every company, you have the good and the bad. With regard to the Convenience Certificates, they are not refundable. A Convenience Certificate, as with any back-up order, ensures that you get to keep your perferred customer status. There are thousands of customers that purchase every month and others do not. This "back-up" is CLEARLY stated on the back of the customer agreement form. The form is 3 pages, carboned copied and every customer receives a copy of this agreement. In order for Melaleuca to debit ANY funds out of a checking, savings, or credit/debit card, the customer has to sign the form stating that they give Melaleuca permission to do so. With any company you have great and not so great experiences. Granted some of the products can be a little pricey, but if you are willing to pay the price, then great. If not, there are always other options. I am not trying to lure any customers back, employees of Melaleuca are not allowed to be Marketing Executives and work with the company,it is that I get frustrated to constantly hear all of the negative comments day after day, with NO customer wanting to take responsibility for their actions. So my advice to anyone wanting to do business with any company, check them out with the Better Business Bureau and people please, read everything BEFORE you sign, I think that should be common sense by now.

Sorry, the above post in the first line should say Melaleuca NEVER makes claims.... etc.

Melaleuca makes false claims about what you're signing and why, if you choose to become a preferred customer.

Chris, you NEVER said you cancelled your membership, and it's right there at the top of the page! You tried only to cancel your BACKUP ORDER.

Looking at the membership form in front of me, I see there is a box you can check which clearly states your preference of shopping type. You can either be a Preferred Customer and shop for an agreed 35 points each month, or just a regular customer, who shops when they want and does not need to buy a minimum amount of points each month.

Why are you two trying to attack Melaleuca and say things like 'They should foster good customer relations'.???
Since I've been with Melaleuca, they've gone above and beyond customer satisfaction with me. A darn sight more than Amway or Herbalife EVER did!

If you want to yell about good relations, try fostering some understanding first! Melaleuca has done nothing to rip you off. As I said before, you signed the Preferred Customer Agreement, but now it seems like you don't want to agree to the agreed minimum points system anymore. That's fine, just WRITE IN and cancel your MEMBERSHIP!
You're not being fair to Melaleuca when you try to say that you did cancel your membership when clearly in your first posting, you say you only cancelled BACKUP ORDER.

Now, on the other hand, if you have cancelled your membership, and in writing, then you have a case. But if you're still not getting any joy, then why not just return the products as soon as they are delivered by refusing to accept them? You can also go to your credit card issuer and cancel the direct debit to the supplier.
I'm amazed that all of these so called 'complaints' are 99% from the USA.

If you really think you've got a 'case' to bring against Melaleuca, go ahead and do it, and then let us know the results (and case # so we can check it out).

As a Marketing Executive for Melaleuca, I ALWAYS make sure my prospects are FULLY AWARE of what they are signing. Heck! Even at presentations I NEVER allow ANYONE to sign up to Melaleuca at that time. I always give them a day or so to think about it so they don't come back and say 'I was all starry eyed when I signed up, but I don't want it.'
Then, when they are sure, I help them fill in the paperwork and make their first order.
Helping others helps me.
If you were lied to or feel you were manipulated by your ME, report it to Melaleuca.

But I still think you NEVER cancelled your membership. Your story doesn't gel.

We can thank Jennifer (and her condescending attitude toward customers)for making it clear that this company has no intention of retaining customers. Instead, she accurately points out that if we trust, offer personal details, and want to increase this company's profit, the message is "Buyer Beware".

Say, here's a thought. Instead of reading those tedious contracts, why not stop doing business by internet altogether? Maybe the loss of revenue will finally put the Jennifers and their employers in the right frame of mind toward customers.

I'm the one who wrote the original report. I thought it was clear that I Canceled my Melaleuca membership and the Back Order. My "simple" misunderstanding was to think that being a member would allow me to order products wholesale by JUST being a member! That's what most other MLM companies do. I was aware that setting up a back order made me a Preferred Customer but missed the implication that I was receiving their 30% discount. The plain truth is that the Company should try to foster GOOD public relations and understand everyone does NOT always have a steller income.

I'm sorry if I had expensive car repairs to pay for. Next time I join any MLM company, I'll be sure to have a brand new Mercedes or I'm more financially stable to withstand the Backup Order!

The newer trend in network marketing is to gain a large customer base AND not require the members to make any future purchase requirements. Naturally, someone should like the products SO much that they would want to purchase something on a regular basis and spread the good word.

Last but NOT least is the issue that a BIG Network Marketing company should NOT hide behind the Legal Contract when the choice should be to error on the public relations side and just approve the refund. What personal pleasure or financial stability does Melaleuca gain by keeping MY money for a Convenience Certificate I never agreed to. That box was NOT checked on the Member Agreement! If any party violated the Agreement, Melaleuca has by giving me the unwanted Certificates in the first place.

Why wouldn't the company want to earn a better reputation and give me a refund so I could mention how grateful I was when they supported me in my time of need? Why is this SO complicated? A Home Business should be fun and not become a terrible experience, like this is!

To whom it may concern,
I work at Melaleuca Inc. trying to retain customers. The number one reason why customers/ consumers are upset with our company is easily summed up...they do NOT read their agreement form when they are putting down personal information such as: social security #'s, address's, phone #'s, and their methods of payment. It is not the intent of the company to confuse or mislead customers. All of the terms and policies are on the customer agreement form. As a customer (and a responsible adult) it is your responsiblilty to read through those terms and policies before signing the Customer Agreement Form. Those who fail to do so attack associates and enrollers because they feel that their money was taken with out authorization... 9 out of 10 times customers did authorize charges. By avoiding to read something you are putting your personal information on and signing/agreeing to you are the one at fault.

Thank you for your time-
Your Perfectly Content Associate

You said :"I signed up with Melaleuca hoping to order some products at their wholesale price but discover that I must be on Auto-ship or have a Backup Order to do get the wholesale price"

First of all, did you read the agreement form? If you signed up then you would know that there is the requirement to have a backup order.

Then you say :"I had to Cancel the Backup order due to lack of income issues AND had to do that in writing with my signature before they would stop"

Trying to cancel your Backup Order is not possible if you've agreed to the terms of the agreement and signed the form. Signing the form means you have read and understood the requirments of membership, even if you at your own fault, did not do so. Melaleuca doesn't know if you read them or not, but if you signed the form, then they take it that you did. They are not at fault for this.

It seems like you didn't cancel your membership, so Melaleuca has the right, under the terms of agreement between you and it, to send you a backup order, or certificates for shopping. This rule applies to EVERYONE who signs up. If you can't afford a mere $50 each MONTH, then you shouldn't have signed up in the first place. It's just NOT possible to buy their wonderful products at WHOLESALE prices, without being a member.
If you haven't already done so, you should put your request for membership cancellation in writing also. THEN Melaleuca will stop charging you each month.
Personally, I don't rate your chances of success in a small claims effort against Melaleuca. They've stuck to their part of the agreement, so would expect you to stick to your part.

Not accusing anyone of trying to pull the wool over anyone's eyes here, but it sounds like you didn't cancel your membership. Without membership you'll have to pay the regular prices, sorry, but it's the same rule for everyone.