In its heyday, FarmVille farmers outnumbered real farmers 60 to 1. In the past few months, I’ve received more Jamberry nail party invites on Facebook than FarmVille invites in 2010. In a word, this epidemic is ridiculous.
And, quite frankly, it’s much sadder than plowing fake crops and building imaginary barns because Jamberry “consultants” are investing real money ($119+) in owning their “business” and expecting “financial freedom” in return.
Look, I admire your ambition to have “financial freedom”, and when you spam me on Facebook asking me to buy X, Y, Z product, I really feel bad for you and wish I could help you, but I’m not interested in spending $45 for you to make a $13.50 commission just to make you feel less stupid.
Also, $13.50 is not “financial freedom”. It’s a cheeseburger and fries. And you need to sell 27 Jamberry nail sheets just to break even with your “start up” fees of $119. Which means you need to sell 30 to afford a meal at McDonalds. Math, people. Learn it.
Let’s do the math, shall we? Jamberry promises its consultants a minimum 30% commission on products sold. So, if you sell $1,000 worth of Jamberry products, you’ll earn $300. The nail wraps cost $15/each.
That means you have to sell 67 Jamberry nail wraps in order to make $300. If “financial freedom” is your goal, that’s a lofty one.
In order to make the same amount of money as a minimum wage job before taxes, you would need to sell 258 nail wraps…per month. You’d make $1,160/month if you sold 258 wraps.
Since Jamberry likes to push the buy 3 get 1 free deal, let’s assume you can sell Jamberry wraps to customers 3 at a time. This means you need to have 86 people buy 3 wraps each every month.
Ask yourself: do you even know 86 people, much less 86 people willing to charge their credit card $45 for some ugly nail wraps?
Jamberry touts itself as being a cheaper, quality alternative to a traditional in salon/spa mani/pedi.
However, the reason I go out for a mani/pedi is to relax. To be pampered. For me, it’s worth the $60-75 trips to the salon or spa.
For women who regularly get manis and pedis, the salon is a method of relaxing and convenience – these women do not have time to fool around in the bathroom for 15 minutes with a blowdryer or mini heater and apply vinyl stickers to their fingers and toes. They just don’t.
That leaves us with Jamberry’s target demographic: stay at home moms.
Jamberry lures them in with the funky nail wraps and friendship of other moms, then goes in for the kill: what Jamberry really wants is not to sell vinyl nail wraps, it wants to sell you on the idea that you can be financially successful if only you would sign up and hand over $119 to push their products.
Think about it: does Jamberry need consultants? No.
When’s the last time you needed a consultant to buy nail polish or products? You hear about something through word of mouth or advertising, and you try it.
You might be thinking, “Well, that’s why Jamberry needs consultants – for word of mouth advertising.” And that assumption is incorrect because marketing consultants, in the real world, get paid to market a product – they do not hand over cash upfront in order to have the privilege of marketing a product.
They do not pay for the products they market. They are employees – not self-employed “business owners”.
Jamberry operates by scamming women into signing up to be consultants so they don’t have to pay employees or their benefits – not because they want women to become successful business owners or have financial freedom.
SO, ladies, please, stop signing up for Jamberry. Take that $119 and get your hair and nails done, or set up your own Etsy shop, or, hey, start a blog!
Jamberry is not going to give you financial freedom. It’s just going to make you feel like a dope and you will lose friends over it, or at the very least change your friendships with women who are judging you for being naive, who are disappointed in the product you endorsed, or who feel awkward about being asked to spend money they don’t have to make you $13.50/sale ($45 * 30% = $13.50).
I bet your friendships are worth more than $13.50 each, so lay off the Jam juice.
It’s not just me who knows Jamberry is a scam. Take a look at these other stories:
- Why I Left Jamberry Nails from Ooh La La Polish!
- We’re All Sick of Your Jamberry Nails from Reviews by Cole
- Moms, I’m Not Buying Your Shit. So Stop Asking. by user DomesticDisturbia on Jezebel
- 3-D Lashes, Jamberry & Other Ways to Lose Facebook Friends on ScaryMommy
Read the follow up post here.
Kimberly Wood says
I’m really sorry you have such a sour taste in your mouth! I personally did NOT sign up for Jamberry for “financial freedom”. I signed up because I was excited about the product, and guess what? I STILL AM. It’s been almost a year and I love that I get to work my business when I want. I love that I get to meet women from all over this country who have the same ambition that I do. I do this because it’s FUN. I make a few hundred dollars a month and haven’t lost ONE friend over it. In fact, some of my friendships have grown stronger because of it! I feel like if someone is offended that I asked them to host or come party with me, they probably didn’t know me well enough to know that I won’t be hurt if they decline. And while this business isn’t in my life long “get rich” plans (I could really care less about being monetarily “rich”), I do know, personally, several women who have been able to gain “financial freedom”. One of which was a SAHM who was able to buy a home in the neighborhood where she grew up & move her family 1/2 way across the country. Oh, and she retired her husband, too. BOOM. So please, take it easy, will ya? Your anger seems to be extremely misplaced. 5 blog posts are not going to convince anyone, especially over 100,000 consultants, that this great, open, & honest company is a scam.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Good for you. For the majority of women, they are sold a lie of “financial freedom” (I am not making that up – it’s straight from Jamberry’s website) and instead are left with a pile of product and debt. The success stories are outliers, and you really cannot believe everything you hear. From your own words, you’re only making a “few hundred dollars a month” – that’s not financial freedom, regardless of your needs/reasons/wants for selling the product. I’m not going to apologize for calling Jamberry a scam. #sorrynotsorry Also not linking to your Jamberry site. Nice try, though.
Erin says
Jamberry doesn’t require consultants to carry inventory, so there is no “pile of product” left at the end.
Shawn says
You have a lot of bad, misinformation spewing out of your mouth – it’s staggering. I am a Jamberry consltant that has made an average of $1800 every month over the last 7 months. And I project I will make about $32,000 for the year (due to my rate of growth). To some woman- that is financial freedom. Who are you to judge and say what financial freedom is to other women and interpret what Jamberry means? Jamberry isn’t a lie. True, you get out what you put into it. But isn’t that with any job? And for the record- that $1800/mo is working my biz about 11 hours per week. So- since you love to throw out numbers….how about that? 1800/4weeks/11 hours = just shy of $40/ hour.
And another thing…you certainly do not know how Jamberry works. First off….the notion that I keep asking my friends and family to buy my nail wraps over and over….well, that’s just silly. Who in their right mind would do that? Get a brain. You ask your friends and family to help you launch your business ONCE and move along. Duh. I haven’t asked ANYBODY more than once to buy my product. People book parties from the party they are in and bring a whole new set of friends to my business. Then one books off that party and violà….new set of friends. And it keeps going and going. I’m in Seattle and I’ve only done 2 parties locally and my other parties are all over the flipping country! I haven’t done a party for a friend or family member after the first month I was a consultant!
And you say if we leave the business we will be left with piles of inventory? Omg. Where are you getting your information?!?! The amount of product a Jamberry consultant has to have on hand is practically nothing. All product ordered ships straight to the customer from Jamberry. The only thing a consultant has to have on hand for the FB party is about 2 sheet of wraps you give away as a potential prize!
I just wish you’d get your facts straight before spewing all over a company that you really know nothing about.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Are you willing to share a screenshot of your pay stub, too?
Shawn says
Sure- if you find it really that hard to believe. And once you see people actually make money and love it – maybe you could post a retraction? Lol
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
No, I will not be posting a retraction. I will be featuring T.’s story to show the other side of the argument, but I will not endorse Jamberry nails or retract the math I provided in my post. The facts are most people are losing money on Jamberry. I will not deny that there are a few women who are earning an income from Jamberry, but it is not the norm. There is hard, government data on this. You can find IRS stats on direct sales business earnings – the top earners only average $900/year. If you’re earning more than that, great, you’re an anomaly. Anomalies exist in pretty much all data/stats/science. My post is about what’s normative.
sheadley651 says
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B879VRXpx50vcUt4ejU5cnFJdWc/view?usp=sharing
These are just YTD. I started October of last year. Any comment?
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Yes, congratulations. Is that what you wanted?
Shawn says
Nope- don’t want a pat on the back or a congratulations. YOU asked me to provide proof, remember? I did. You didn’t like it. Lol. Just want to show you that there ARE 2 sides to every argument. I’m just not the one who is holier than thou writing about it.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Once again, I’ve said there are two sides. I’m publishing the other side this week. My post contains lots of accurate math. Sorry if that offended you.
Beth says
The averages from the company is because people sign up and do -nothing- with their business. They just signed up to get the good deal – over $120 worth of product for $99, plus a chance to make some money if they choose. I actually spoke with someone from home office that told me over half of the company is filled with consultants that just sign up for the discount. They don’t work their business -at all-, which pushes your averages greatly down. The vast majority of the ladies who actually DO something with their business come out positive, and yes, there are outliers that make over $1,000,000 or whatever. But that’s with any direct sales company. There will always be outliers. I’ve used all of the money I made through Jamberry to purchase all of my marketing supplies, any inventory I personally want or would like to purchase for prizes.. etc.. and have still made a decent amount. http://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2013/04/01/can-you-really-make-money-in-direct-sales/#23ac2384fcb4
Jamberry wraps were created initially for people who would like to go to the salon, but are outraged at the cost and sometimes don’t have the time to spend, or would like to go with a group of girls, but schedules don’t match up. Like you, there are still people who prefer to be pampered at the salon, even if it means breaking the bank and exposing your skin to possible infections. http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/nail-care/health/5-nail-salon-infections.htm Did you also know you can purchase nail wraps at the salon? …Except they’re expensive as heck, and Jamberry wraps are made from salon-quality materials, unlike those stickers you see at RiteAid or CVS.
The idea of direct sales is to get behind a product you love and sell it. Every direct sales company boasts of financial freedom because there ARE cases where that has happened, and even for me, who has made about $1k, it has made a difference to our family, not only financially, but socially and mentally as well. I get to meet so many new and lovely people who share the same interest, much like you probably meet many people who share your views on your blog. I used to be in your shoes where I didn’t believe any good could come from direct sales, but I found a product that I love, got behind it, tried selling it, and love it.
Maybe direct sales isn’t for you, or some people, but I don’t think it’s the right approach to go degrading every human being, or the company itself, that decides to jump into the business of working from home using a direct sales company as their platform.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Direct sales is not for anyone. It is a con. There is much evidence and facts to support that. You know Jamberry hires actual sales people and marketing staff, right? But they just take money from “consultants” and make them “work” their “business” instead of paying them for their services. “Consultants” = customers. Plain and simple. Illusion of opportunity. It’s the oldest trick in the book.
beccamarie says
Oh my gosh this reply is so perfect! I don’t annoy people with Jamberry, they come to ME 🙂 AND the only inventory I have on me is the insane amount of incentives and prizes the company and my team manager have given me. Best. Business. Ever.
$$$$$$$$
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Glad you like it.
Snoookums says
“Jamberry wraps are made from salon-quality materials”
Please stop deluding yourself. You obviously know nothing about what salon grade is if you’re going to say that Jamberry actually compares. Salons don’t use that garbage.
NailSalonsHateJamberry says
You are so right. Nail salons hate Jamberry. First, no way do these Nailwraps last 2 weeks. Try 5 days and that’s pushing it. Salons base their reputations on the products they use and hiring quality nail techs. If a salon were to apply these Nailwraps and they came off…guess what…the customer is a) going to demand their money back, b) give them a negative feedback on Yelp, and c) never return. That is why Jamberry has very few nail salon owners as consultants. If it was professional grade and lasted 2 weeks like the company claims we would be seeing jamicures everywhere instead of gel/shellac nails. As to Jamberry’s other products they are mediocre and over priced
Nicole Friedman says
What you just described is exactly what an MLM scam is. The higher up the pyramid you go the more money you make, so congrats. However, a genuine business be based on selling product; not on recruiting others to become “consultants”.
Jennifer says
People do know that there are sales industries where your commissions are based directly on your own actual sales and efforts and not from getting other people to sign up – right? No one seems to be mentioning the fact that bonuses at jamberry are based upon TRV (TEAM retail volume), although yes, personal commission is based on PRV. Most ladies I know that are successful at Jamberry are making big bucks off of TRV bonuses and really only need to attain enough PRV each month to rerank to the position that they can get those bonuses from… Between 200-700’ish in sales, depending. To the woman who makes $1,800 a month – if that was based in your own commissions, that would mean you are selling $5,400 in product by yourself every month. Since even a Team Manager is only required to sell $700 to retain her title, I find it hard to believe that that is all based on commission and more likely that you are making bonuses based on your downline recruits.
Obviously I sell Jamberry, as you can tell. I like the product well enough but I do agree with this blog, for the most part. I would love for the company to release some stats to show to potential women about their ACTUAL likelihood of success, but was told that I should quit when I asked for such. I was also told to “compliment her A LOT” when faced with a potential “recruit” – a word that makes me cringe. I would much rather give her some sound business advice than a compliment, but alas, I don’t have the numbers to provide. My boyfriend also works in sales making over $200k a year (commission only, not MLM) and I can def tell you that men don’t compliment each other in order to push a sale… So I shy away from this tactic as I see it as pretty predatory towards someone who may need a self esteem boost and frankly, insulting to women.
And to the girl that said “I never sell to family and friends”… That’s awesome, but I don’t see that often. My team manager pushes us to try the “green light challenge” every WEEK. For those of you who don’t know what that is, it’s where you repeatedly message everyone of your friends that are “currently online” on FB (hence the name, bc when you’re online there is a green circle next to your name) and ask them to have a party and you keep asking until you get 5 no’s. Again, it’s awesome that you don’t have to do that but I don’t think that is the case for most teams.
Most of the girls in my downline are currently spending more than they are making, bc while you say you don’t need to carry inventory you do need enough for prizes and also events, if you want anything to show off besides a photo. Most women I know also will shell out the money at the end of the month to close their rank gap too, if they need to.
Again, I like the product well enough, but I would feel a lot better about myself if I opted to start a company in which I could pay the hard working girls in my downline a healthy salary for their efforts.
PS: stop personally insulting this girl for having an opinion on HER OWN BLOG! It does not make yourself or the company look good, and certainly is rather tasteless. She does not at all strike me as bitter, she just understands basic math and doesn’t want to condone predatory sales tactics. If you run your business with integrity then you should have nothing to worry about and bashing on her for writing this article shouldn’t make you feel good about yourself.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Thank you for your honesty, Jennifer! I never expected any sort of comment like yours, but I must say I am blown away by your integrity. Thanks, again. 🙂 You made my day!
Linda Templeton says
I joined Jamberry because I fell in love with the product after buying some at a party. I wanted to buy more and went directly to my consultants website the time and read about the company. I am in the USA so my kit was $99. Since I wanted to buy the heater and more wraps ant that would have cost me $64 I figured what the heck! For $35 more I just started my business! That was July 19th 2015! At My Launch party not only did I sell over $400 in product giving me $120 in commission I earned the hostess rewards and got $80 more product and the 3 Host Exclusive Month wraps, I could order 5 items at 1/2 off and if I wanted anything else I could get it at 30% off.
I also book 2 parties that were not great but earned yes a small commission. That was my first 2 months I still tripled the cost of my kit! I was never promised to get rich or financial freedom.I read that I could be a hobbyist and get a discount or build as high up with WORK! I dont wanna work. I do this for fun and because I cannot but the vinyl wraps ANYWHERE! And I enjoy the heck out of telling people about them and they are the only product that PROTECTS my nails without HARMING them! My nails are in the BEST CONDITION and LONGEST they have been EVER! I dont have to wait for my nails to dry to pee or eat or start my car
I was a manicurist for 18 years and would have loved to have this product! I cannot tell you how many of my clients had a special ocassion , a trip, or even at the holidays wanted me to do a design and I had to decline because I was unable to do what they wanted for the lack of skill or time.
I can buy candles in a store
I can buy make-up in a store
I can buy handbags in a store
I can buy jewelry in a store..
YOUR expectations exceeded the effort you were willing to put into the product…
YOU didn’t get compensated
EVERY CEO starts at the bottom and works their way up and gets compensated with hard work and effort and believing in what they do after years of hard work… maybe even decades ad expreience they gained working elsewhere
How long were you with Jamberry?
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I have never been with Jamberry. Looks like you’re the one who didn’t “read it all.” Take your pitch elsewhere, Linda. I’ve established the facts here. You know, facts that don’t come directly from Jamberry who is preying on the financially insecure.
Linda Templeton says
The promise from Jamberry for financial freedom comes with advice on how to do so and also tells you that you get what you put into it… You don’t read it all. you pick and choose what you want to see. If you ar feeling rippe off or in your words Scammed.. write a support ticket… If you have inventory you want to sell e-mail me and i would consider purchasing from you.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I have not and will not ever sell Jamberry nails. This is not a post looking for vindication. This is an article exposing the bullshit of Jamberry nails. You don’t get what you put into it. That is a lie that Jamberry pushes on the financially insecure to place blame on the “consultants” rather than the completely unrealistic “business model” it sells to “consultants”.
Again, you’re not a Jamberry employee – you’re a customer. And I’ve read it all. I simply understand the difference between reality and a sales pitch. Lay off the kool-aid.
lanaThorn says
My what a bitter negative person you are I honestly do pity you. Have you failed at a MLM at some point and resent others who dont? Im actually with younique and I paid £69 in November 2015, I have made that back now in commissions so I got that make up set free . I for one will join Jamberry as I can use that £69 for their kit and see how long it takes me to make that back. If you joined Jamberry early on and got a team under you and worked hard yes you can earn well. Your negativity you put out is all you will have come back to you . Enjoy your day and please remember what you put out there you get back !
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
No, I have never done any MLM. It is financially stupid to engage in that sort of business. There are real statistics from the IRS that back up the fact that MLMs are not prudent. Most people never make back their buy-in fee. I put out a cautionary post to prevent women from losing a ton of money. I’m not going to apologize for that, and that doesn’t make me bitter or negative. Have a good one.
Alb says
If you never worked for Jamberry, then how do you think your information is correct?
Not every business is black and white.
With this blog, I totally agree everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
However, I felt like I was sitting in church listening to the bullshit speaker telling me how things are and I should jump on the “Jamberry scamberry” wagon because you said so.
If you have never been a consultant for Jamberry, don’t pretend to know how it works. Just give your opinion and move on!
What gives you the right to bash a company you never worked for and preach to other women to stay away? I would be more willing to listen to your rant if you had a leg to stand on and had personal experiences with Jamberry.
It is an American right to purchase Jamberry just for the discount and women can actually like the product without having to sell it for profit. Which can make you just a customer, big effing deal.
Your stupid article doesn’t expose anything since you haven’t been a consultant to know how it works. I’m sure all your information came from reading the internet, which is always 100% accurate.
Your article only showed others that you might need medication for your anger.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I’m not angry. The information I provided was factual. Have a good one.
Erin says
Mrs. Bottlesoup,
You seriously know NOTHING about Jamberry! I actually make A LOT more than a couple hundred dollars a month…..try more like at least $1500 a month and also, I didn’t do it for the money!!!! I am also a stay at home mom and LOVE the product and wanted to sell it because i LOVE the product and LOVED the facebook parties and wanted something else to do other than taking care of my children! You should feel ashamed for speaking with anger about a company you clearly know nothing about! The president and CEO of Jamberry are AMAZING people and LOVE their consultants and WANT them to succeed.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
It’s interesting that all of these Jamberry consultants sharing their love of Jamberry make $1500 a month. I smell something fishy.
Erin, I know a lot about MLMs and I’ve done a lot of research on Jamberry. You are clearly biased because you are a consultant. I am not, nor have I ever been. The fact is there are more Jamberry FAILURES than success stories. Statistically, it is unrealistic that someone would make $1500/month from Jamberry, and I will continue warning the financial insecure women who wonder about “investing” that it is an awful, horrible, terrible waste of money.
BlameYourselfNotOthers says
Why is it so hard to believe that “financial freedom” means different things to different people. I made about $300/month as a consultant. $100/mo went towards my kids college fund and the rest to my mortgage principle. I shaved a year off of my mortgage! That’s pretty awesome! That was NOT from my purchases. I didn’t consider that in my calculations. You go on and on about how dishonest this company is. Jamberry does not promise anything. Every single detail about how the comp plan is explained before you sign up. There is not one hidden fee or anything that comes up unexpectedly. The business itself, as all businesses do, rely on the need and desire for a product. In my area (Long Island, NY) everyone wants to get pampered at a salon. They would laugh when I said DIY manicure. Yet I still made money.
The MLM business model is just another way of selling a product. Why is that so wrong? No one is cheated or lied to, consultants OR customers. If I thought of a product that 100’s of thousands of people would promote and sell for me, damn straight I would let them!!! They get a cut of the profits and all is well! There is no secret to your potential earnings based on the amount you sell. If ladies don’t do the math before signing up, they are ignorant and foolish. You are working for a company that pays you based on sales from yourself as well as your down-line so you better educate yourself to fully understand what you are getting into. It is not the company’s fault if people sign up without this knowledge. They don’t prey on the weak or the foolish as you imply, their main demographic is 18-46 yr old women. Unfortunately, this is the population of the country looking to make some money while raising a family and finding a job that’s flexible enough to work into their busy schedules. Of course you work for someone but essentially, you are your own boss regardless of what you think. You are the one deciding on how, when and where to market this product. You set up a contact schedule, create a blog and /or website, create template for all of your online parties, find inventive ways to disperse sample bags you have created, participate in events and fundraisers, plan at home parties, etc. No one is telling you how to do any of this and more. It’s all you. I don’t know if you have kids or are a SAHM but it is so easy to lose yourself. To lose what used to define you as a person and as much as we love our children more than life itself, sometimes it’s important to be more than “mom”. This gives women the ability to do that. To meet people, have a sense of accomplishment, learn about different aspects of the business and hopefully make some money doing it. There’s no schedule to abide by, no one is clocking in, all of my Jamberry work was done after the kids went to bed. It was wonderful. I work full time as well so this was perfect for me. It lasted a year before my well ran dry and I couldn’t book any more parties. So I dropped my consultant status and that was that! Made some extra money, met some wonderful people, taught my daughter hands-on about business, have an abundance of product that I would’ve normally bought anyway for a fraction of the cost and had a lot of fun doing it.
Bottom line is, Jamberry is not trying to scam anyone. Unfortunately, many women listen to the consultant that signed them on and do all of the things that they “must do” to make their business successful and THAT is where they lose money. It’s not the company. It’s the consultants who don’t care if you lose money buying goodies to give out at parties or breaking the bank purchasing unecessary inventory. They make money off of you so they want you to go ALL IN to try to make a buck. Don’t blame the company. As consenting adults, no one is to blame except the one in the mirror. It’s so easy to point fingers and blame others for your failures.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Plain and simple: marketing and outreach consultants are PAID to promote products. Jamberry itself employs actual marketing/public relations/outreach people and pays them a salary. Jamberry Consultants are not business owners; they are customers. The company is absolutely misleading women into believing that becoming a “Jamberry Consultant” is a viable career. In the overwhelming majority of cases, it is not a viable career. That is unethical. That is deceitful. That is disgusting. The linguistic gymnastics you perform trying to defend a company that knows the majority of its “consultants” are unsuccessful is sad. Would they defend you this passionately if you underperform? Think again.
BlameYourselfNotOther says
That’s the beauty of this type of business, the only consequence to “underperforming” is loss of commission that you didn’t earn because your sales were low. They compensate higher for higher sales, reinforcing hard work. No one comes down on you for underperforming. What you put in is what you get. It is a viable career for some of you are one of the lucky ones who find good consultants to join your team and are with the company for a long period of time. I know quite a few. I was not one of those lucky ones but being that I know about 40 Jamberry consultants and 7 of them pull in over $50,000/year, it’s a pretty good percentage for promoting nail stickers! So there absolutely IS potential. In their extensive training programs they reiterated over and over how promotions are difficult to reach and takes hard work, time and luck. It’s a job. You can’t expect to not work for your money.
You’re absolutely right when you say we are being paid to promote their product and no one is discounting that. We are the middle men and get a percentage of what we sell. I still don’t understand why anyone would say it’s unethical or deceitful. We are well aware they have a PR and marketing team that is on their payroll. They reach out to the consultants quite often. We are always receiving information from the various teams in management. I think it is the uneducated consultants who think they don’t have to work for their money that give direct sales a bad name.
JamberryistheNewBEC says
This is the biggest crock of shit post. Yes, Jamberry does tell women it’s about financial freedom. Obvisiously you have never read the bios in the catalogs or watched any of the training videos on the dashboard or listened to your Team Managers that tell you to “Fake it Til’ You Make It.” For instance, one recruiting training video suggests that we target our waitresses and ask them “is this really what you want to be doing in your life?” Then insert Jamberry “join my team” sales pitch. Go ahead and defend this deceitful company but know this… A Class Action Lawsuit is about to be underway… But go ahead and stay aboard a sinking ship!! That’s right… Stay Tuned because shit is about to get real and Miss Bottlesoup has the inside scoop. Hmm… Maybe Jamberry will rebrand again or maybe they will just settle out of court to get us all to go quietly. Go read the mommy threads and see what real women are saying about Jamberry and stop drinking the Jam Juice in the consultant Facebook pages. Btw, BEC stands for Big Evil Corporation… Yeah, that’s what the mommy threads are saying about Jamberry and the Consultants…they refer to you, as mombies and worse.
Jane says
Once again, BlameYouselfNotOther: Is that 50K number gross or net? Is that number before or after they’ve subtracted all expenses including product, marketing, airfare, and travel expenses? Why won’t any Jamberry reps come back and answer this question?
BlameYourselfNotOthers says
There is no reason at all to be nasty. I was not attacking anyone in my post as you are right now. If you read it, you would see that I am no longer a consultant and for the record, I couldn’t care less what mommy boards say hahaha. I’m on several mommy boards and can discredit 90% of the crap posted there about most topics.
I am in agreement that the company boasts financial freedom. What I am saying is that the term means different things to different people. I never thought any of the dashboard videos or consultant bios were deceitful. I think they are meant to be moral boosters and uplifting to show the potential. Every person working for ANY direct sales company has the potential to make a LOT of money. Does it typically happen, no but it does happen, albeit rare.
This is no different than the countless articles and studies I was given by universities about my profession as a speech pathologist that my potential earnings are well over $150,000. About 2% of the people I know in my field make that kind of money. It’s bs but it’s a marketing ploy. You have to be skeptical about anything you read or hear in life. ALL BUSINESSES DO IT. They make their product out to be the best in the industry and “just sign up now to make tons of money selling our product!” There are thousands of companies who use consultants.
We know (or at least I did) that we don’t own a business! We are consultants! We are people who give advice and information about a specific product. That’s all!
Just because there are upline consultants or team managers who tell you to be pushy and/or degrading to make a sale or find a recruit, doesn’t mean we all are like that. I would only talk about the product if someone approached me. Which is why my sales ran dry hahaha. We are sales consultants, same as a car salesman etc. There’s a certain way you have to be to be a successful salesperson. I just don’t understand why Jamberry is being targeted against all other sales businesses. If you sign up to be a sales person, you have nothing to complain about if you don’t make $$ because your sales suck.
I’m not defending the company, I’m defending myself. You are and MrsBottlesoup are insinuating that I am a stupid, foolish person who drank the Jam Juice and thought I’d be able to retire on my Jam income. They are $15 a sheet!! How much money can you really expect to make?!?! Hahaha I never felt mistreated by Jamberry or thought they were doing anything different than you should expect from a sales company. I guess if you’re unaware of sales culture, you may view them as unethical. That’s not their problem….it’s yours.
BlameOthersNotYourself says
Honestly, I have no idea if it is before or after expenses. Not my business. None of these ladies have gone to any conferences that require airfare, hotel etc and only one of them participate in local events so that is an expense. Even if it is BEFORE expenses and taxes, you don’t thing pulling in $25,000 a year is impressive to sit on your computer and mail shit out a few hours a week do I g something they think is fun?No matter what I say you will try to discredit and that’s fine. Ignorance is an awful character trait. Bottom line, there are people who make really good money selling nail stickers and enjoy doing it.
JamberryistheNewBEC says
I find it extremely hard to believe that someone who claims to make $50k a year doesn’t know what her expenses are and what her net profit was. Now that is stupid and ignorant for someone who claims to be business savvy and intelligent. And it makes me question the validity of her entire post. Also ladies learn to read between the bullshit… She said she is no longer selling because the well went dry?? What??? You have got to be kidding me, right? She claimed to sell $50k in nail stickers but it was only substainable income for one year?? Um, bullshit. You mean out of $50k in sales there was not 1 customer that would reorder to keep your business thriving for years??? You just proved my point, Jamberry is not a viable career not does it have a substainable product because most women either love it or truly outright hate it. The ones that love it become consultants. Which also leads me to believe that this woman claiming to make $50k had a team under her because as she said you don’t make a lot just selling nail stickers. It’s interesting to hear someone say that they made $50k just sitting behind their computer hardly working at all and just decided that enough was enough. Um, bullshit. Do us a favor and provide us your earnings? Or just your name and I will look you up. I hate liars and a can detect BS on this story. Go to the mommy threads and write your bullshit there… They need a good laugh! Here’s one to post on… http://pandce.proboards.com/thread/367567/jamberry?page=3
Go on, I double dog dare you. Stop posting here with your fake bullshit!
Data Junkie says
BlameYourselfNotOther: Jane is simply exposing the underlying deception of Jamberry statements about income. Your phrase “pulling in $25K per year” has a very different meaning if that $25K was gross revenue but costs (including ALL money paid TO Jamberry) were $15K, $20K or worse $30K for that year. So yes, gross vs. net matters a great deal in business. And in line with JamberryistheNewBEC’s comments on class action, Jamberry consultants need to make sure the majority of sales are to non-consultants to stay in compliance with FTC requirements. If not, they are at personal risk of prosecution for running an illegal pyramid scheme. Refer to the warnings in item #3 in the “Looking Ahead” section: https://www.ftc.gov/public-statements/1998/05/pyramid-schemes
JamberryistheNewBEC says
DataJunkie…this company most definitely is a pyramid scheme. It’s a 1,000% all.about.recruiting! Don’t kid yourself you make chump change selling Nailwraps…the real money is building a Team of Consultants who you sell on the idea on that they they can sell Nailwraps. Our Consultant pages are filled with new starts… Close to 3,000 newbies and most are striking out left and right trying to sell these Nailwraps. We’ve been hoodwinked…we are not Consultants…we are Customers. Plain and Simple truth. Most women don’t want to pay $15 for one Nailwrap when they can buy it on eBay from a Consultant destaching her wraps for half price. Some sign up as Consultants for the 30% discount and others sign thinking they will make money, whether it be pocket change or a livable income. People at the top of the Pyramid are making tons of money because they have a down line of thousands of Consultants. I do know anyone that makes any money selling Nailwraps.
BlameYourselfNotOthers says
If you actually READ my post, you would see that I was not claiming that I made over $50,000. I know ladies who do. I know exactly what my net profit was. $3,528. As I said, I stopped working for the company because my customers were no longer interested as they had enough wraps to last a long time or they just weren’t interested and I wasn’t booking any more parties. I made enough to put away some $$ for my kids college funds and I’m extremely satisfied with that. I get really pissed when my integrity is questioned as well as my level of education. Again, it would be nice to have an adult conversation but you are clearly not mature enough to participate in such things.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Let’s have an adult conversation about it. Let’s start with the fact that you’re acting as a cheerleader for a company that has an extremely high failure rate for consultants, and you’re defending the company with anecdotes and hearsay. You made $3,528 – ok, good for you. How long did that take?
By your own admission, you stopped being a Jamberry consultant because the market wasn’t sustainable. Please understand that this is one of the huge problems with the company’s business model and integrity. When people sign up to become consultants and dream of owning their own business, they don’t think, “Oh, I’ll make less than $4k and shut down.” That’s ridiculous. If we’re going to discuss this issue like adults, then please be an adult and be objective.
Taxandria Ataraxia (@Taxatarax) says
I totally get what you’re saying and agree with some of it, but I recently decided to sell the Jamberry nail wraps because I truly like them. In fact I have a hard time actually giving samples away because I want to collect them all. It’s a weird OCD thing, I guess:) I have a regular full time job and a freelance gig on the side and never thought Jamberry would give me financial freedom. I just had people commenting on my nails so much that I said hey, maybe I should sell these instead of directing everyone to my friend who sells me mine. I like them, they work for me. Maybe I’m weird because I don’t like going to nail salons and spas (I worry too much about the cleanliness of their tools. OCD again.) I DO agree that people need to chill on the pushy advertising and sticking their URL all over the place. Spamming makes me angry and also people who act like their MLM biz is holy and precious and no one can even think anything negative about it. But I don’t think the wraps are “ugly” — most of them aren’t, anyway. I think I saw a few I’d say were ugly but there are over 300 and I would say at least 275 of those are attractive. That’s just me, though. YMMV. At least these things don’t chip like polish (I am NOT buying no 20 dollar nail polish, ya crazy freaks! [sic] and they make me feel a little sparkly and pretty. I’m not high maintenance so I feel like Jamberry is a way for me to cheat a little and look nice without spending a lot of going to much effort. Plus I get bored easily so I like that I can switch them out often. I’m not orgasmic about everything Jamberry, but they work for me so I’m happy using them. If someone else wants to try them, that’s cool, too. Some folks prefer the salon and the acrylics etc. To each her own:) (And honestly I did find the drug store nail sticker ones not as good. I got one from Kiss I think it was and they came off within like a day. I was really disappointed.)
Shay says
Well good for you. This post isn’t about you- 86: about Jamberry.
Pamela says
Love your response. We should all be lifting our fellow women up and supporting whatever their endeavors are. I applaud all women who strive to be more, do more, and change the world… even if it is one set of nails at a time. 🙂
Jane says
“Bottom line, there are people who make really good money selling nail stickers and enjoy doing it.”
See, I don’t think I can know what to conclude if those posting here won’t or can’t exactly tell me or others who inquire what the difference between their gross and net income is. I’m starting to think that like the lottery, MLMs are for those who just aren’t that good a math. I’m not even that concerned about a consultant’s hourly wage. What I’m concerned about is that they are spending money and not apparently keeping that much track of their output/input numbers. Look at how much Mrs. Bottlesoup’s other column said some consultants were spending on postage every month. Can you imagine if you were applying for a job and you asked HR what your salary would be and they told you, “Well, I can’t actually tell you for certain what you’ll bring in, but I promise it’s good money!”
Jamberry consultants and their defenders seem awfully focused on the supposed “ignorance” of those of us who are asking specific questions, but from my vantage point, the ignorance, namely of math and basic accounting practices, appears to fall on only one side of this “debate.”
BlameYourselfNotOthers says
I don’t think anyone is stating your questions are ignorant. I am saying that it’s ignorant to believe that every consultant falls under the same category. Annoying, pushy, mombots, foolish and the like. It’s like saying all people in a specific culture are exactly the same. People place judgements on people based on their own personal experiences and those of the people around them. I would’ve been happy to make an extra $50/month to put into my kids college funds. That is success to me. Success is different for everyone and to think otherwise is ignorant. As I said in my post, it’s no ones fault but the consultant if she doesn’t know what she is getting Ito because everything is laid out clear as day by the company itself in my experience.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
You keep stressing that “financial freedom is different for everyone”, but the fact is the company uses language that implies or infers the possibility of success and financial freedom that is much greater than the reality for most consultants. In fact, most consultants never earn back enough money to pay for their starter kit. I said this in my other reply to your previous comment, but it bears repeating: when people sign up to sell this product, they’re dreaming of becoming business owners with a big fat check. They’re not insane; this is what the company wants them to believe so that they will hand over their money, time, and resources into purchasing product, promotional materials, and marketing the product to their network of family and friends without receiving compensation (unless there’s a sale through their specific portal). There are so many rules about who you can sell to and how you can sell to people. True business owners do not have these restrictions. This is why the direct sales/MLM structure does not work; it’s not empowering. It’s binding, prohibitive, and self-serving (from the company perspective).
Considering you did not make a ton of money AND you quit selling the product because the sales weren’t sustainable should tell you that this business model is a sham. But you are so stubborn in your support for a company that, quite frankly, failed you. If it was a great opportunity, you’d still be doing it. And let’s not pretend that people sign up to be consultants thinking there’s a limit to their sales and income.
brit says
You are quite sour…
nice try but you arent going to convince very many people that jamberry is a scam..
you have been extremely misinformed. they are not telling you to quit your job and ONLY sell jamberry for the rest of your life.
1) we make our own hours
2) we dont carry inventory arent expected to,
3) the extra $ gives us the financial freedom for EXTRA
i have been an independent consultant for a little over a month and ive made over $500, so your argument is invalid.
ANYONE would be happy about $500 extra in their pocket.
kthanksbye
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I’m not sour. I’m providing factual information without the bias of wanting to recruit people to Jamberry. Deduct all the expenses you have to “earn” $500 and you’ve probably made just a couple bucks. There are true, accurate tax records from the IRS that show the majority of people who sell MLMs don’t clear $600 for the YEAR.
Jacqueline says
There are complaints for every MLM out there.
The fact is people are all different, therefore results for each person will
be different. No one can or has the right to decide for anyone else what
there success will be. MLM in the Beauty industry for most women is exciting
whether they make money or not. So please let people just decide for themselves
what they wish to do and spend their money and timeon
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
There are actual statistics on MLMs and direct sales companies being unsuccessful, with the majority of “consultants” not earning the federal minimum of $600 to pay taxes. In fact the majority of people who enroll in these types of programs do not earn a profit. People are of course welcome to make their own decisions – but they should have all the facts, upfront and unbiased.
APRIL BAKER says
Haha. I couldn’t have said it better myself & her anger is misplaced. I feel like the tone if this article was very shitty. For me its a hobby & its fun
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Most people aren’t going into it as a hobby; they think they’re starting a business.
Sodoff says
My wife actually makes a decent amount of money off of Jamberry on the side. She isn’t a stuffy stay at home mom or an uneducated fool as your pompous ass comes across. Next time don’t fail at life and maybe you would have made money too.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Please define “decent amount of money”.
The Asian Girl says
BRAVO! I wrote a blog post debunking some Jamberry representative’s claims and months later, I still get spammed with JamBots like the two above. #canthelpthestupid
Dani FromPolishwithLove says
I love this and it’s so right on. I too wrote a blog post venting about the shit-ton of invites I get and thankfully, only had a couple of Jamberry TROLLS leave their .02.
T. says
I am a Jamberry Nails consultant, and whilst everyone is entitled to their own opinion – I’m NOT here to tell you I’m offended because I love my job – the FACTS are that the “financial freedom” doesn’t come from selling nail wraps every month – it comes from having a TEAM beneath you. I joined at the very beginning of February, and made $347 my first month, plus a $59.06 bonus check for my bonus commission (if you have over $200 in sales per month, you can earn additional commission up to 40% instead of 30%). Now, in May, I have 20 women in my downline. I still only made around $450 on my PERSONAL sales commission last month, but my bonus check for additional commission earned was $639.65. $171 of that was extra commission from my personal sales, and ALL of the rest was commission I earned on the achievements of my downline – it took absolutely ZERO effort from me. The reason the women at the top of the chain are getting $14,000-$25,000 bonus checks every month isn’t because they’re selling a million sheets of nail wraps every month – in fact, to be an Elite Exec, you’re only required to personally sell $700 of product per month, which is NOT all that difficult to do. I’ve sold over $1000 in wraps every month so far, and in March I sold over $3000 personally. They’re getting those huge checks because they’re making 12% commission on girls that signed beneath them, 7% on the girls beneath those girls, 5% on the girls under THOSE girls, as well as personal bonuses for being promoted, matching bonuses for the girls they signed being promoted, 10% commission on all of the total team sales for Team Managers under them, etc. The people who realize THIS, that the money and “financial freedom” are in building a team of motivated women – THOSE are the ones with real financial freedom. I’ve been promoted 5 times in 3 months, I’m a SAHM making over $1000 a month posting on FB for an hour or two every month and playing with my kids, and the checks just keep getting bigger and bigger every month – sorry, but I’m living THE DREAM. PS – I earned back the entire cost of my Starter Kit, tax, shipping, the whole caboodle – and then some – during my very first party (it lasted two weeks, entirely online), which ended over $400 – it’s not nearly as difficult to sell “ugly nail wraps” as you make it out to be…
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Please blur out your personal info and share your pay stub with us, because I don’t buy it.
T. says
Happily =) [IMG]http://i60.tinypic.com/300yv44.jpg[/IMG]
T. says
Also, in re-reading my post, I meant I spend 1-2 hours posting on FB a day, not a month. Still completely acceptable, less than an average part-time job.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I’ll admit, T., I am impressed with your Jamberry earnings. I’d love to chat more with you about your strategies and stats. Could you send me a link to your Jamberry shop? bottlesoupblog@gmail.com
beccamarie says
T. that is awesome! Way to go! For my first party I sold over $740. Its nicd to prove the debbie downers wrong 🙂
Glenda says
Just because you don’t buy it doesn’t mean it isn’t true. Thousands of women are not out to lie to you. You don’t have to love product. In fact, MOST consultants will honor your request if you simply deny the invitation and message that you’re not interested! I have a personal do not contact list and I will honor it until the day I die or retire. No, thank you is an extremely powerful phrase. Maybe instead of bitching about how much you hate a company that you have NEVER been part of, why don’t you take some initiative and tell these “trolls” no, thank you. And again, just because you don’t like the product doesn’t mean we’re trolling you. In fact, I’d say that YOU’RE attacking US.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Glenda, I’ve told these “trolls” no thank you. I’ve had many a conversation with my optimistic, fooled friends and family who have become consultants for Jamberry and other products, only to end up losing money and wishing they were warned. Thus, I took some MAJOR initiative and wrote this post to speak out against that type of predatory marketing. I have absolutely been trolled by Jamberry consultants who want to use my high traffic blog to link up to their Jamberry site.
And, if you’ll take note, Glenda, I did not once attack you in this post. I shared information and facts that you don’t like, because it makes the company you peddle look bad. #sorrynotsorry
Brea says
Jamberry is a big fraud. I used to be a consultant. All you do is lose money buying inventory. I don’t even think I broke even with this stupid company and feel like a fool for ever joining. Glad I wised up faster than most of them. What a joke!
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Sorry you lost money, Brea, but thanks for sharing! <3
Shawn says
Amen and ditto
B says
Love this, T! And you know what else, if you explain how CEOs earn their bonuses and million dollar paychecks, that’s legit, but when you explain how women entrepreneurs do it (often with no daycare or assistants yet working 20 hours a week or less), it’s a “scam”. Direct Sales is how people prefer to buy in this day. Why do you need a consultant? Because you still need customer service! And the marketing GENIUSES I work with blow me away. No MBA needed.
Steph says
“it comes from having a TEAM beneath you.”
Aka multilevel marketing/pyramid scheme.
Renee says
Wow… bitter, bitter women on here. I use the term women very loosely. I am a Jamberry consultant. I didn’t do it for financial freedom. I am already financially free. For my $99 investment I get the best looking nails anywhere for a discount. I couldn’t go to a beauty school and get 4 manicures and 2 pedicures for the $10.50 I spend per sheet. I have NEVER sent out an invite or asked a single friend to host any kind of Jamberry party. My friends, however do buy from me because they love my nails. So call me stupid…call me a troll…but I thank God you will never call me a friend. Life is too short to have so much bitterness, jealousy, and hatred.
Bye Bye Felicia!
Chari says
I signed up with Jamberry close to a year ago. I didn’t join for “financial freedom” or because I’m a SAHM looking to “get rich quick”. In fact, I am not even a mother and I own two successful companies. The ONLY reason I signed up was to have pretty nails (I guess I’m into “ugly nail stickers”) and meet new friends. I moved from out of state and didn’t know a soul and wanted to meet beautiful, KIND, like minded women to build friendships with. Mission accomplished! I don’t attempt to sell them and don’t host parties. I only wanted the discount on something I was buying anyway. I own a machine shop with my husband and after leaving my 18 year career as a Banker, I felt secluded and unattractive. I went from wearing heels, jewelry, make up and styled hair to jeans and t-shirts, no make up or jewelry and my hair in a bun every day. Owning a machine shop does not allow for styled hair (dying because your hair got wrapped around a lathe spindle is a pretty good reason for me). I get covered in oils, coolants, etc. so jewelry and nice clothes are out as well. Pretty nails is the only thing that reminds me I am in a beautiful woman in a dirty job. I am shocked at the cynicism, anger and spite to your blog – this article in particular. Maybe this is something you could actually benefit from. Not to make money or gain “financial freedom” but to remind yourself that women can be kind, caring and beautiful on the inside and out. If being a kind, hardworking woman who wears “ugly nail stickers” makes me a “troll” then I will be a troll any day of the week. It’s much better than the alternative, which is a beautiful woman filled with anger and skepticism who name calls and tears other women down.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I appreciate your concern, but I’m not an angry person, Chari. Some people do not understand my sense of humor. I’m not everyone’s cup of tea, and I’m cool with that. But please recognize that what you’re doing with your comment is an actual personal attack, where as this article? It’s a blog post, not a thesis on beauty or a directive on good behavior. Have a good one.
Shawn says
So this was supposed to be a “funny” post? Lol.
JB says
Um… Really? The anger! I have a full-time professional job, a college degree, AND I own my own small business! I also love Jamberry nails, so I signed up to “sell” them for fun and some extra cash every once in a while. I happen to like them and do not think they are ugly. Sorry. Also, since I do not expect any financial freedom, I do not “push” this on people. I have a separate Facebook page for anyone who WANTS to join. Geez…….
Erin says
Wow, what hatred! I too am a Jamberry consultant who did not sign up for “Financial Freedom”, nor was I ever promised financial freedom. I signed up because I love the product and was spending money on them anyway, and I wanted the discount. My start up kit only cost $50 (you can use hostess rewards from a party to go towards the $100 kit), and I made that back in a week. I ended up with a profit of $200 after my first month of selling, and I didn’t even TRY to sell them. The consultant that ran my party posted that I was now a consultant, and people started contacting ME to do parties for them. I’m currently in my second month, and have already made $150 (it’s the 5th of the month). Am I “getting rich”? Nope. But I’m making a little extra money while my kids take a nap. Yep, I’m a stay at home mom. Not a “Dopey” one though. I actually have a PhD from a respected University. I CHOOSE to stay home with my children. On an hourly basis, it’s MORE than a typical part time job. A part time job is not an option for me (nor is it a necessity), unless I don’t want to be a stay at home mom. I do. And even if I didn’t the math just doesn’t add up there (4 children are very expensive to put in daycare). Jamberry gives me a way to earn a little extra money and meet some pretty cool people while I’m at it, without sacrificing ANY time with my kids.
There Is Beauty says
Yikes. I have no idea what Jamberry did to hurt you so badly, but I hope they make it up to you. I joined Jamberry about a month ago, and I have earned an average of about $100 a week since then. I didn’t join for “financial freedom”, and was not promised it. I joined because I was leaving a dysfunctional company where I had worked for the past four years to stay at home with my daughter; and I discovered Jamberry at the same time I put my two weeks notice in, and I LOVE the product. I’ve always been big on doing my nails, but pregnancy hormones made polish peel off my nails in sheets, and it’s still happening almost a year after giving birth. I don’t have the time, let alone the money, to even want to go to a salon, and I personally like the look of Jamberry better than salon nails. Sorry that seems to offend you. Plus, it lasts so much longer than anything else on my nails. The main sales pitch that I have seen from Jamberry and their consultants about earnings is “What would you do with an extra $400-$600 a month?” This has certainly been a doable amount for me to earn, and with it I have been able to purchase a ton of Jamberry products for myself and giveaways (at 15% retail value), marketing materials, more than one meal at Burger King-thank you very much, and I still have enough left over to pay off my next two months of hospital bills.
I’m not pushy about selling (which is why I’m not going to link to my website), and I don’t post on my personal
Facebook about it. However, my friends and family have been excited about the product and placing repeat orders with me. Not everyone feels it’s worth it to spend $60-$75 at the salon, believe it or not, and this entire post comes off as extremely catty and self-important. You don’t have to like Jamberry, but there’s no reason to look down on people who do, or on people who are making money off of it and enjoying the experience.
beccamarie says
Ok, I’m gonna make this short and sweet. This post was so catty. Yuck. I joined Jamberry just a month ago and already made 4x what I spent on the starter kit (and haven’t even started building a team yet) and I have met some really cool chicks while making them happy with a product that proves itself. Don’t be hating just because there are women out there who have guts to get out there and prove you wrong.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Please tell me what was catty about the post? Math? Facts? The one time I wrote the wraps are, in my opinion, ugly? I think if you read my comments, you’ll see that I’m more than open minded. I’m not “hating”, and please look out for my post that will feature T. Have a nice day, Becca.
Kristy-Jo harber says
Your math is missing alot of calculations.
For those of us that know the real deal you look like a twat.
Ladies imagine what is said after this customer leaves the salon ????????????????
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I think your comment says a lot more about you than me. Have a nice day, Kristy-Jo.
T. says
Guys, stop bashing Mrs. Bottlesoup! I love Jamberry too, and I didn’t agree with the vast majority of what she said when she wrote this blog, but we are NOT CHILDREN!! People are allowed to have different opinions, and being rude certainly doesn’t encourage ANYONE to look at things from a different point of view. If you’re a consultant, you know that Jamberry values spreading the love for the product – nothing more, nothing less!
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Thank you, T. I’ll be sharing your story this week.
T. says
Thank you, can’t wait! Differing opinions are okay people! lol
Lulu says
I’d be interested in seeing this article about the other side of the story. I looked through your blog and didn’t see it. Did I miss it or did it not happen?
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
You can find it here.
Sarah says
Bahahaha….all the jamberry folks on here getting defensive. I don’t know how much you guys make and I don’t care. I do know that I have blocked friends because they will not leave me alone about jamberry nails!!! It is annoying. I don’t care about your stupid jamberry nails. Stop harassing your friends. There are some of us who don’t want to scroll through our newsfeed and see nothing but jamberry posts. Or get messages telling us we should cough up money and become a consultant. Or get invites to parties. I have like a gazillion friends selling this nonsense. Who am I to buy from? IT IS ANNOYING. And no, I’m not angry…I’m just…well, annoyed!
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Isn’t it funny how they’re all “offended” when most of my post is just math? I’m not angry or defensive. You can look up IRS stats on direct sales businesses….most people are not making any money. In fact, the “top earners” only average $900/year. It’s nice that some ladies have had success, but they’re not the norm. I’m absolutely open minded, but the hate mail is pretty ridiculous.
Amy says
Where do you get your stat that the top earners are making only $900 a month? You’ve asked posters to prove their Jamberry commissions, while stating “facts” that most consultants lose money, but you don’t offer any proof. The only way for a Jamberry consultant to lose money is to carry a ridiculous amount of stock, which they don’t have to do. The startup kit costs $99, but you receive $99 worth of product for that, PLUS catalogs, order forms, brochures AND samples. Where is the loss? I don’t carry any stock at all. I have wraps I’ve purchased for myself, and I earn free product that I use for prizes and giveaways. I have a small team of 4 under me, I just signed on in February, and in June I earned almost $600. Sure, it’s not financial freedom, but I stay home with my kids AND can still afford to do some extra fun things for them, like letting them go zip lining on our recent vacation. Your “facts” are bogus.
Mabs says
Hilarious! You are so sadly misinformed. Haha! All I can do it laugh. I bet you’re rolling it with this sad excuse of a blog. Bloggers always make millions.
You don’t understand the payment structure, overrides, how much an average part Makes and how many party’s the average consultant has. Selling 1000 is pretty easy! And I make 40% of that and has a team so make at least 5% of their sales. So, tell me, how is that not a sweet gig when I don’t even have to get out of my pjs??
My team manager makes over 35k each month, she posts pictures of her propay statements, no lying there. She does have a team of over 1000 girls but she bult that in one year.
Your entire article screams ignorance and jealousy. But good luck making it to be a famous blogger…. I must have missed the johnson and Johnson adds while I was reading your bs.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I don’t get out of my PJs most days, and I don’t have to sell anything. I’m not ignorant or jealous, most of my post is about math. And, if you research direct sales business, and, yes, Jamberry, you’ll find that most people are losing money, not making it. It’s nice that you have success and that some people you know are successful, too, but that’s not the norm, and it’s misleading for Jamberry to tell women they will have “financial freedom” when the reality is most women never make a dime from Jamberry. I’m going to be featuring T.’s story this week to show both sides of the argument, so maybe you shouldn’t be so quick to judge.
Also, Johnson & Johnson is not one of my sponsors. But you can check out my sponsored posts from all free clear, Huggies, Victoria’s Secret, and Neutrogena, to name a few. Have a good one.
Renae says
Just wondering…Where do you see that people are losing money? I can say that girls come into the business expecting to make money with no work. No knowledge of customer service etc. And I have seen them give up because they don’t feel like trying. But there is $85 worth of product in the kit. So the only thing they have to spend is $14. I have 54 girls on my team and Jamberry has helped my family with little things that we couldnt do before like some work on our house and is paying my trip to conference in TX next week. Never done anything like that in my life. I think it can definitely give financial freedom. But not without some work! It’s not a get rich quick thing. I am a believer in luck. The harder I work the more I have. 😉
Kristy-Jo harber says
Spoilt bitch then. Tell the girls at the salon!
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I’m approving this comment just so people can see how nasty the comments can get.
Ashley says
No body can be jealous of predatory tactics. I have dubbed in MLM marketing and let me tell you, only the top people make the most money. If MLM were all the rage, why didn’t the owners have their products in all the stores? You know why, coz they would not sell and they know that their products are too high priced. Another question is why do people have to pay into the business by buying their kits? You don’t hear of employees paying into companies to start working for them? I understand people defending Jamberry and other MLMs. One last thing, you do not own a business doing MLM. You are simply a sales person point blank period. The only names on the business documents is the owner. If he or she decides to move onto something else, you are left with nothing but unused products and a loss of your “entrepreneur” dreams.
Amanda says
You’re a sad, sad woman. Just another stay at home mom with too much time on her hands.
It’s always the bloggers out there who poo-poo direct sales the most. I bet you’re making bank on all those ads on your sidebar, huh?
From your Advertising page:
“For a media kit and advertising opportunities, please contact Mrs. Bottlesoup using the form below. BOTTLESOUP is open to paid promotions, banner advertising, and other forms of compensated PR. Let’s talk numbers, shall we? I’ll share my stats if you share your cash ”
How exactly is that different than selling a product?
Every post on your front page right now are sponsored or filled with affiliate links — and I’m sure you pin, tweet, Facebook, StumbleUpon, etc. every one of these posts.
How much money are you making from your blog, hmm? Care to share your paystub with the personal information blocked out? Any luck with the whole “I’m a writer” thing? Any published books? Do you feel less like a “dumb housewife” now that you can belittle other women? Cool.
What I’m trying to get at here is direct sellers and bloggers are all trying to get their products out there in the world AND bugging their friends about it. Some are just better at it than others.
If you were working on your blogging and writing half as hard as some of these direct sellers, you wouldn’t have time for petty name calling.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I’m not asking my readers to pay for my product (the blog). Very different from direct sales. And, please read the Jamberry article again and tell me where exactly I did any name calling? I did math. You don’t like it, get over it. We’re all adults here. I don’t need to approve your comments or entertain your drama, but I do in the interest of transparency. You’ve made some pretty vicious, personal attacks because I’ve spoke out against A COMPANY. Check yourself.
Bekki Pope says
Hey there, is there truly another blog post about Jamberry with T.’s story?? All the links I am clicking do not work. I would love to read it.
laurielvt says
The math is sort of correct- once a consultant hits $200 in sales they start making 33%, and that percentage increases all the way up to 40%. Additionally, you get bonuses for having consultants join your team and get bonuses for their sales. For me, I’m not making heaps of cash, but it’s enough to cover groceries, an upgrade on a vacation, etc. for me that’s financing freedom- having a little breathing room in our family budget. It’s not for everyone and the product isn’t for everyone- that’s why everyone has free choice. Do you have similar concerns about other DS companies? Mary Kay, Avon, 31 Bags, It Works,
Renae says
I think the biggest problem is people inviting every person they are “friends” with to their parties. I suggest my hosts keep it small and personal. Sometimes they don’t listen.
Kayla says
I bet this is true for some people. But I can do math. I wouldn’t expect Jamberry to pay me like a 40 hour per week job. I’m not working. I’m playing on the computer. What I do anyway. If it brings in a couple bucks, cool. But this isn’t a career for me. And anyone who thinks they’re going to be rolling in dough doing this IS naive. You’re not wrong, you’re just assuming that everyone is the same.
Jane says
For those of you posted your pay stubs, don’t you also have expenses? From what I understand, don’t you have to host parties with food? You have to subtract those expenses to come up with what you are truly making. Also, do you attend the conference that just ended? I had someone on my Facebook feed post about the dances, dinners and such in Texas. Unless that was a free reward for sales, this is also an expense that you have to subtract from your earnings. My guess is that you pay a conference fee, flight, hotel and other things as well. I saw someone on a personal finance forum that said his wife made 70K doing Jamberry last year, but then he admitted that she spent a lot of money on gas, food, beer, etc. He really had no idea what she was actually making.
Kara Goldberg says
What does “gas, food and beer” expenses have to do with online parties?
Jane says
Many successful reps don’t just rely on online parties. They drive to women’s shows held in gymnasiums or conference centers, as well as doing actual parties in peoples’ homes. I will grant you that online parties are cheaper, but I was under the impression that many Jamberry reps did much more. Plus the conferences and training costs.
Ry says
The way that you present your facts is so emotionally charged that it is almost impossible to take them seriously. If you are presenting your information as fact, then they should be presented as such… Not so clouded with opinion and bias that they become useless in your argument.
I joined Jamberry 2 months ago because my sister in law was selling them and I had a lot of fun buying them from her. I got so many compliments and gave out so many of her cards to random people that I figured I might as well be giving out my own cards and making some extra cash for having pretty nails, not to mention the discount. I was never promised a get rich quick plan, nor did I expect one. And 2 months later, I’m getting to buy some of my graduate school textbooks with my Jamberry money. No, it’s not “financial freedom” as I think you would describe it, but I’m ecstatic because as a newlywed and graduate student, every dollar counts.
I’ve seen firsthand the consultants you are talking about… The ones that naively join because they think it will be easy and they will make globs of money sitting on their asses. I’ve also seen the ones that annoy and bother their friends and family, and it bothers me too. But we’re not all like that, just like not all cops are bad and not all blondes are dumb. To paint that picture of ALL Jamberry consultants is really unfair.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
The facts are presented as facts. Any “emotion” you’re reading into the facts is your own – math doesn’t have feelings, opinion, or bias.
Once again, this article is specifically addressing the Jamberry company and how they are, in fact, telling women they will have “financial freedom.” That phrase is directly from the Jamberry website.
After publishing this post, I tried to be fair, and I was spoonfed a bunch of lies from several consultants. I have zero respect for the product. I have zero respect for the company. And I feel bad for any person who has been hoodwinked into peddling this garbage. I’m not backing down, and I’m not apologizing.
Bob says
I tend to agree with Ry that the reason why your comment section is so emotionally charged is because of the tone in which your wrote your article. You’re trying to say that you’re simply presenting the facts, but when you use phases like “this epidemic is ridiculous” and “it’s much sadder than plowing fake crops and building imaginary barns”…
How is that simply presenting the facts? Do you really think some people won’t take words like that personally when they have so much invested in what they’re doing? You have to see it from their point of view, which I think your article is missing.
And you do have to stand back for a moment and realize that you might not think it’s an emotionally charged article, but you cannot deny the fact that MANY other people view it as such. That should tell you that perhaps you should stand back and truly look at what you wrote objectively.
On that note, I do feel bad for you in regards to all the attack comments. That’s just silly and like some have said already, we are adults here.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I see your point. My purpose in those phrases is to add some humor and lighten up the piece, as is the tone in many of my posts. I love having discussions about these topics and appreciate when I can have a friendly debate with my readers.
Ms. R. says
I’ll confess, I haven’t read all of the previous comments, but I’m totally curious about why you are so passionate against Jamberry. I am a teacher and I’ve been selling Jamberry for 4 months, although I pretty much took July off with teaching summer school and vacationing. I’ve made right at $2,000 deposited right to my little Jamberry card. Is $500 a month “financial freedom”? I guess that’s defined differently for all people. Maybe I run in the wrong circles, but I sure don’t know anyone who would turn it down. You can keep your $119 (I only paid $49 plus shipping for my kit, btw), and I’ll keep my commission which, for me and my family, sure makes a difference.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
You don’t have to read all the comments. The math in the article says it all. Jamberry tells women they will have “financial freedom”, but it takes a ton of luck and far more hours than a full-time minimum wage job to even equal that in earnings. It’s a lie. And, no, women should not be paying money up front in order to be a consultant/salesperson. It’s unethical. Good for you for earning a little extra cash, but, overwhelmingly, that is not the reality of most Jamberry consultant’s stories.
Ms. R says
Where does Jamberry tell women they will have financial freedom? Also, you aren’t paying a sign up fee to have the privilege of being a consultant. You get plenty of product, so if you never made a dime, you haven’t lost anything.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
It’s straight from Jamberry’s website: https://www.jamberry.com/join/
And, thank you for proving my point: consultants are not business owners; they are customers. Consultants don’t “lose” anything because they get “plenty of product”? Please. Jamberry tells women they can be business owners with “financial freedom”, but if you don’t make any money from it, that’s fine because you have a bunch of nail stickers? No. Most women who want/need extra cash invest in the sign up fee/starter kit because they’re told they can make serious money. It’s not true. It’s a huge, deliberate, misleading scam.
Ishy V says
I came here wondering a bit about the company structure of Jamberry. I like their nail wraps, but I don’t want to get on some consultant’s mailing and phone list if I order from the main website. Though we don’t have many Jamberry consultants, we have a plethora of obnoxious doTerra consultants, and I wasn’t sure if Jamberry was run in a similar way, though it wasn’t hard to guess from their overpriced wraps.
The comments here have proved to me that I don’t want to have anything to do with this company. The consultants who have commented have shown they are as pushy and aggressive and defensive as I suspected.
It’s an economic fact that 99% of MLM consultants end up on the negative side, as the OP stated. The Pyramid Scheme Alert website has a lot of information on this. From what I’ve seen on blogs, there’s also a lot of companies who send people to jump on anyone who points out these facts, and this is what I see here. I don’t care about a few people’s financial statements, the official data speaks for itself. More than that, the way consultants act is just atrocious, as was proved here. I will never buy anything from an MLM ever again.
Steph says
Same here, the clueless and vitriolic comments from Jamberry moms have killed any interest I had. Well that and the relentless invites to Jamberry parties I get on Facebook. Oh and the Jamberry reps in real life who pester me when they see my nerdy nail wraps from a legitimate, non MLM company.
Collette Case says
This is the most misinformed, heinous and disrespectful blog I have ever read. You should be ashamed of yourself belittling women who are working to provide for their families. If you’re not interested in helping a friend succeed in her business, that’s your prerogative. Deny the invite and respect the fact that she is trying to better her life in some way.
If you weren’t so ignorant and angry, you may have found it helpful to learn about the compensation plan and bonus structure. You would’ve learned that the company DOES pay their consultants for marketing their products on top of their sales. So, Mrs. Bottlesoup, the math and facts you keep bragging about are wrong.
I feel bad for YOU that you can’t find anything else to blog about other than degradation of working women. You want to write about your hatred for the product, go for it. Don’t put other women down.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
So, your message to me is not to put “other women down”, as you’re putting me down? Cool!
My beef is with Jamberry the company, which preys on women and is deliberately deceptive in its marketing strategies. I did learn about the compensation plan and bonus structure. My post reflects that research. I’m not ignorant or angry, but it seems as though I struck a nerve with you because I’m telling women the truth, which is to stay away from Jamberry, while you are trying to convince women that Jamberry is something worth their time. You’re wrong, and I’m not going to back down on this issue.
HT says
I’m a Jamberry consultant. I’m not upset with you posting your math. I didn’t join Jamberry to make money. I’ve actually very honestly spent more money than I’ve made because I want to share the product. I joined to have FUN and because I love the product.
The part that upsets me is the comment that I WILL lose Facebook friends. First off, my actual friends aren’t going anywhere because they are my FRIENDS. Second, I’ve actually reconnected with friends that I haven’t spoken to in YEARS thanks to Jamberry. And no, I did not reach out to them….they came to me.
I’m not bitter, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. All I’m trying to say is that it’s not always about the money. It’s about relationships I’ve gained.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
The “relationships” you’ve gained by having your “friends” overpay for something you’re making a commission on? Save it.
Kara says
Wow… You’re evil! Some of your comments are unnecessary and as a “writer” you should really learn a more adult way to converse with people with opposing views.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I’m EVIL? Omg, I did not know that. Thank you for enlightening me. What would I do without you? #not
Data Junkie says
Mrs. Bottlesoup, you are not alone. For nearly three decades I have worked to steer people away from MLM before they get sucked in. Most recently, a young friend (a SAHM) posted the new Jamberry Income Potential chart on Facebook. In a comment on that post I indicated that the chart was misleading, and offered to help her create a “net” vs. “gross” income version of the same chart (by level). I also offered to create a model in Excel to forecast the down-line needed to meet and sustain her financial goals (I’ve done this for MLMs in the past). I never once indicated in my comment that she would not be successful. I just hoped we would go over the model in person and she would come to that conclusion on her own.
But I never got that chance. Her husband called me and up chewed me out for 45 minutes for offering unsolicited advice (he accused me of being “pushy”), and for my (supposedly) arrogant “tone”. He demanded an apology (I happily apologized to his wife…I guess I should have called instead of commenting?). I then asked (foolishly, I now know) if he would be willing to answer questions about their Jamberry business. He went off on me yet again, this time insisting that I never again talk to them, in any form, about their business. Doing so would be a violation of their personal boundaries. In all of this, I never had a chance to say anything about Jamberry beyond my concern that the Income Potential chart is misleading.
They subsequently scrubbed my comment from their Facebook post and unfriended me. These dishonest MLM companies are willingly and successfully exploiting so many young couples just like these folks. And I probably lost this friendship by simply offering to help them better understand their own business. Friendships are just one of the many casualties of this unhealthy business of MLM. It is enough to make this grown man cry.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Thanks for your story! I’ve found a lot of consultants get super sensitive about this because they know they’re losing money but they want to believe the Kool-aid/Jam-juice headquarters is selling.
missyanne36582 says
I just want to apologize for those of you who felt like the Jamberry consultants defending themselves on this post were offensive.
With that being said, I understand why one would want to defend this company. I’ve had an amazing experience building a business with Jamberry. I’ve been able to save up and pay for my kiddo to go to a private school that we wanted him to go to, buy christmas presents that I wouldn’t have been able to afford and REALLY give my family a little breathing room financially. It’s not a get rich quick scheme like some MLM companies boast. But you certainly can make money and friends doing this and have a ton of fun in the process!!
The bottom line is, Jamberry is a job. It’s a job that has unlimited earning potential. It’s a job that empowers women to take control of their own personal style and finances. It’s a job that brings people out of their shell and gives them confidence to really do something big! On my team, we think of ourselves as life changers. We are very selective about who we extend an invitation to join so there is no “jamnazi” spamming. We are better than that. I have had women on my team with severe anxiety disorders really start to gain some confidence and be able to work vendor events! Anyone who has anxiety realizes, that’s kind of a big deal.
It’s not just about earning potential. It’s about empowerment, in my opinion.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
You’re kidding, right? You just posted a huge advertisement for Jamberry. You’re not spamming? Please.
Kara Goldberg says
You can slam jamberry because of your opinion but someone eloquently explains the pros of selling jamberry and that’s spam? No wonder you write a random blog and are not a legitimate writer or author.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Where’s your legitimacy? Commenting on blog posts is legit? Wow. Thanks for the info!
Jane says
I have to admit that I look differently at my friends and acquaintances once I learn that they are involved with an MLM like Jamberry and once I see firsthand how passionate they are about something that requires them to harness their personal contacts exclusively to make money. I think of them as somewhat gullible. Perhaps that makes me a terrible person, but I’m just telling you what a portion of your friends on Facebook are thinking when you post about Jamberry and include #ilovemyjob, #ican’tbelieveigetpaidtodothis, etc. etc. They won’t tell you that this is what they are thinking, but they are. It gets repetitive, which frankly makes me think that you are instructed to be like this as a form of marketing. If you google Jamberry or other MLMs, it’s very hard to find the critiques of their products or negative stories. My guess is that this is not because everything is hunky dory; rather, my suspicion is that many of you have written into some sort of signed contact that you are not to ever criticize the company.
Jennifer says
YES! Exactly all of what you said. I wrote a somewhat critical (but honest) review of my experience as a Jamberry consultant….and sure enough one of my “Jamsisters” cried to Jamberry and I was immediately deactivated lol. I have written a follow up post to that one, sharing some things potential consultants are not necessarily aware of before they sign up. It is nonsense that potential consultants do not have an opportunity to review ALL of the information necessary to make an informed decision before you plunk money down on a “business opportunity”…including the perspective of women who have actually done it.
Jane says
Thanks, ladies, for your perspective! Definitely link to any blog posts or further information you have. I know I, and I imagine many others, would be interested in the details.
jensalittleloopy says
I did a follow up post to my review after I got the Jamberry bootprint on my buttocks, Jane, which is here: http://www.jensalittleloopy.com/jamberryisascam/
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I’d be happy to help, too. Jennifer, if you’d like to collaborate let me know…or I’d be happy to introduce you both via email if you’d like.
jensalittleloopy says
Mrs. Bottlesoup, I’d be more than happy to collaborate with you and Ms. TiredoftheBS for a follow up post. Feel free to email me and/or put Ms. TiredoftheBS in touch with me. Good lord the comments you have gotten on this post!
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Insane, right?
Kearstie says
Wow you are AWFULLY judgmental. Considering you clearly know nothing at all about our comp plan, you should probably stop spouting nonsense. Some people (like me) do FANTASTIC selling Jamberry… I personally now make 50% more a month than I did with just my 9-5 job. And loads of people (like me and the multitudes of repeat customers I’ve had over the last several months) LOVE the product, the convenience, the price, and that they can do it themselves, at home. Your opinion on whether or not to use the products is your own, but please cease and desist from telling people not to join a company that you clearly know NOTHING about, strictly based on your own prejudices and opinions. Keep going to your salon, but kindly shut up about my Jams, which look amazing, and make me and many others happy.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
“Cease and desist” LOL really? This is my blog and my opinion. If you don’t like it, don’t read it.
Darcie says
I agree, majority of my income comes from the bonuses. Mrs. Bottlesoup, your math is correct, but it doesn’t account for the perks and bonuses the company gives us. I earned my kit cost back in the first month, plus extra and I make more now than I did as a pharmacy technician. I don’t think anyone is daft enough to think they are just going to magically sign up for Jamberry and be financially free. This is a home business, so you get what you put into it essentially. Majority of people I know who joined, did it for extra spending money or to have the boost of self esteem to know they are contributing to their family. Sure I love making money, but I genuinely cherish the fantastic women I have met over the last year. Some are truly inspirational!
I think the animosity towards Jamberry stems from people with really, REALLY poor social media etiquette. I don’t spam people or my personal page, I don’t add hundreds of girls to my parties without their permission, and group messages…….ugh…..don’t even get me started. These are all things I teach my team, in addition to practicing myself. I cringe when I see it happening. Treat others how you want to be treated, not the World is my playground! After all, this opportunity is really about what you can do for others, as their consultant. Not what can others do for me.
Sunny says
Ok, so I don’t normally get caught up in comment threads like this one, but I do have a couple of…well, comments.
First off, Mrs. Bottlesoup – high-five to you for not backing down off your position. Also, a second high-five for having an open mind a posting T.’s story about how the company worked for her.
Next up, to all the Jamberry consultants jumping up to defend their company and slap the author around for expressing her opinions – Guess what…you don’t have to read them. Just close the window and walk away. That’s your argument for people who feel like they’re getting spammed with Jamberry invitations, right? So why not take some of your own advice.
And last – I’m sorry, but MLMs are not anything new. If you put out money to join a company without doing the research, I’m not going to feel bad for you when you lose out on the money. I’m also not going to slap around the company for using whatever marketing techniques they feel necessary to help increase their profit.
I always hear people saying “It’s your life – do what you want!” Well, on the same note, its your money – make it how you want, spend it how you want. I was a direct sales consultant for almost 5 years. I did it part-time for fun, and full-time for money. I left the industry for a 9-5 corporate job – exactly what most direct sales companies will say they can help you escape from. But you know what – it works for me.
Hope y’all find what works for you! 🙂
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Most people don’t know the term “MLM” or understand direct sales when they get involved. Is it their fault for not reading the fine print and doing the research? I guess you could say that, but it’s really quite cruel to exploit people who are easy to trust others due to their honest personalities.
If it works for you, great. But preying on people who you know it won’t work for? That’s what I have a problem with. I’m not saying you do this…I’m just responding to the “I’m not going to feel bad” comment.
Dree says
I haven’t been selling JB very long, but I’m under no illusions that I will be doing this as my full-time job or for more than a couple of years. This is a great way for me to make a few bucks on the side while I’m in college, and kind of a nice stress relief. Running the games is kind of fun.
My goal is just to put about $100 a month in a savings account to take my family on vacation in about a year or so. S If I get there, great. If I don’t, then I just put what I do make and don’t stress about it. I’m not buying the marketing supplies or other swag. (I haven’t even bought any of the fall catalogs *wink*). I’m not doing home parties. Hell no to going to market shows, etc. This isn’t even going on my resume.
It’s important to be realistic. I mean, I DO know people who are hitting rank in a short amount of time, but they work on team development and they put a lot more work into it than I’m going to. I have no interest in recruiting because I don’t have time for that, and I’ve already asked if I can refer them up-line because I just don’t want to be in charge of anyone. Everyone was cool with it, so maybe I just have a very easygoing group.
The rest of the people I know do it as a side income, like I do. If it makes them happy, then I can’t complain. I already buy the product, so the discount is nice, and like I said, I actually enjoy the party part.
I can say it’s a lot less stress and cost than Mary Kay. I’ve watched many a friend go down that terrible pink path and wind up in some SERIOUS debt. I’ve gone with them to team meetings and it’s really creepy the way MK ties religion and peer pressure into it. This one team had a team prayer, a team dance and song, and for all the MK visits, I was required to wear a skirt. It was awful, and I even like wearing dresses, but I don’t like being told I HAVE to. I went to wait in the hallway because their manager was so pushy and rude. She even followed me outside to confront me over why I left the meeting without permission. I had no problem being confrontational right back.
Basically, if it turns out selling JB sucks, I can quit and I’ve only lost a small amount of money at this point. Maybe my feelings will change in six months (or the amount I spend), but I’m not going to lose any sleep over it right now.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
You seem to be very level headed and rational about selling Jamberry. I can respect that.
Jayme says
I joined Jamberry, but I was never under the impression I would get rich from it. I’d bought some from a friend’s party, and liked them. I went to buy more, and realized after I put what I wanted and what my daughter wanted in the cart, I was only a few dollars short of the consultant kit- which included what I was purchasing. I figured why not just do it for the personal discount? Generally, I spend more than I make, but every once in awhile someone buys something and it’s like a fun little bonus for me.
Kate says
Well, this “scam” is allowing me to take my family to Disney world in a month and a half and fully paying for the whole trip. Sorry you feel that way, but I won’t be thinking about you and your misguided ideas when I’m watching my 2 year old meet Mickey Mouse.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Really? You paid ALL your household expenses, then a trip to Disney, or is your partner paying for everything and your Jamberry income is fun money? Be real.
Ashley says
Mrs. Bottlesoup, if you wanted to make a point you wouldn’t belittle people while doing so. You look tasteless and seem to be picking a fight. You don’t need to call these people liars for defending their paychecks. You seem very bitter. Good writers can get their point across without spitting in people’s faces.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I’m not bitter. I am opinionated. You’re belittling me right now, but I’m sure you don’t see it that way. I’m not running for Miss Congeniality, so thanks for the scolding but I’m going to keep sharing my thoughts my way. Peace.
Collette says
Id love to see my comment approved from earlier. I’ve been waiting and waiting for your reply.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Hi, Collette. I don’t have to approve your comments; I owe you nothing. Your comment was rude, and I’m done indulging the Jamberry crazies. Have a good one.
Kara Goldberg says
You aren’t approving comments you don’t agree with but are responding to all of positive ones? Way to keep some credibility! *high five*
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
No, Kara, I am not obligated to allow comments that personally attack my readers or myself. I don’t need your approval to have credibility, either. Troll elsewhere. You’ve left 14 comments on my blog in less than 10 minutes. Cool?
An Interested Bystander says
Mrs.Bottlesoup,
I appreciate your cause, which all of you Jamberry ConsultantZillas are missing, to protect the vulnerable from getting in over their heads. The NORM is that you will not be “financially stable” exclusively from selling this product. Or any product, for that matter. I personally have had this experience with another company of the same ridiculous outline, with the same $99 startup kit and the same hoopla about becoming “free” from the 9-5 job world. It was extremely difficult for me to find a buyer for their products. I was suckered in, thinking that since I was a college student I would succeed in making a good amount of money from this. Lies. No one wants to buy anything now. Really. Facebook parties, being that annoying lady swindling this stuff out of her car, it doesn’t work. I considered being a consultant for Jamberry but it proves Very similar to the company that burned me in the first place. To those that have managed to do well from this? Cool. But Mrs.Bottlesoup is correct in her original post, stating that THIS. IS NOT. THE NORM. Results may vary. Do not waver from your OP, girl. You may just save someone $116 and a whole mess of a hassle.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Thanks 🙂
maybe try a real job? says
For all the Jamberry consultants posting that (1) they’re not in it to make money, it’s for the love of the nail stickers (??), and (2) they are making just HUUUUUUGE money, you’re not fooling anyone. We all know them– the moms who turn up on Facebook one day with their tacky nails (or jewelry, or skincare, take your pick), going on and on about this wonderful company. You sound brainwashed and everyone cringes when you come around about the parties, etc. I’ve never seen a single person with these nail stickers (Los Angeles suburb), who the heck is buying them? At least the jewelry is ok looking, albeit overpriced for what it is. And then responding that the real way you’re making money is “your team”? You mean the other people you dupe into joining you in this? Gross. You can troop into any blog with all your brainwashed buddies, but it doesn’t change anything. Everyone hates the pyramid schemes, and everyone rolls their eyes when some mom from school falls down this particular rabbit hole.
jen says
So, where are your nasty comments about other ds companies?
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I’ve discredited several other DS companies: 7 Idiotic Ways SAHMs Try to Earn Extra Income.
Just stopping by says
First, I would like to apologize on behalf of all of the Jamberry Consultants who have done nothing but insult you and try to belittle you. I am a consultant, and I hate to see that this is the way our company is being represented. It’s no wonder direct sales consultants get a bad rap sometimes. This is your blog, and your opinion…you have the right to say what you think. While I understand that some consultants are just trying to defend the company, they’re going about it in completely the wrong way.
As for your comments…I agree when you say that “financial freedom” from direct sales isn’t the norm. I understand that most people who decide to get into direct sales will never make full time income. However, I think that to some, “financial freedom” can mean other things. Perhaps they’re a stay at home mom, and making an extra $100 a month to contribute to bills makes them happy. Maybe other ladies are purely in it just for a hobby…they like the product, they like the ladies they’ve gotten to know through the company, and they’re happy with that. However, I do believe it is possible to make full-time income and become financially free doing direct sales. No, most people won’t achieve that. Yes, it takes a lot of hard work, lots of time, lots of effort to achieve. Am I there yet? Nope. Will I be someday? I certainly hope so…but I also know that it’s a long shot and I’m not putting all of my eggs in one basket. But it makes me happy to try…so I’ll continue to work hard at it. I still work my full time 50+ hour a work week job, and do Jamberry in my spare time. It’s allowed me to have some extra money to pay a few bills a month, and that helps take some stress off of us. If that’s all it ever turns in to, fantastic. I’ll be happy with it.
Ultimately, if someone is happy doing direct sales, I don’t think it’s anyone’s position to look down on them for doing so. Yes, it’s okay to be realistic with them, but I hate when I see people calling those in direct sales “brainwashed, stupid, gullible” etc. If it makes them happy & they’re not harming you by doing it, then let them. Just like they should let you voice your opinion on your blog…you’re not harming them. So please, don’t think that all Jamberry consultants (or direct sales consultants for that matter) are horrible people based off of the comments here. There are some truly fantastic, respectful (not spammy) ladies in the industry.
I wish you the best!
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Thank you for being honest. If you like doing it, that’s great. You seem like the “ideal” Jamberry consultant – approachable, fair, honest. I think the company would be a lot better off if more of the consultants took your approach.
Joanne Jenkins says
Amen to your comments. There have been several really ugly blogs lately condemning these women for trying to do DS. A lot of these women are straight out of their comfort zone. Maybe they want to do something a little on the side, maybe to connect with some adult ladies for comradeship. I mean I know quite a few SAHM who do this because it is a link with the adult world and they can fit it in between diapers, feedings and general family caretaking. Thank you for your comments. As women we should never put each other down, call each other names, etc. We should be encouraging and lifting each other up. Yes sometimes honesty is needed to reign them back into reality and quite honestly we all need that from time to time. There is very seldom a good reason to attack someone for doing something you would not yourself do. Notice I did say seldom there. So lets try to be different ladies. Lets use our tongues for the good.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Putting down a business and an idea is not “putting women down”. I don’t think women need a scam parent company to come out of their insulated home life. Women need honesty and community that does not require financial investment and the promise of monetary gain that, statistically, does not happen for the majority of consultants.
Student Mama says
I’m a consultant too, and I agree with the lady above me who says that “financial freedom” has different meanings to different people. I never try to recruit anybody because I don’t feel right about it just to get a bonus. If someone comes to me interested, then fine, but I don’t go searching people out. I also do not post ANYTHING about Jamberry on my personal facebook page. I have a business page for that, and I have made several posts stating if you are not interested, please unfollow or leave my group, no hard feelings. I also make that statement first thing when I host a party. Therefore, I am extremely annoyed and irritated when I get an angry message from someone to stop posting or “spamming” them, after I had made myself clear. A simple decline would have sufficed.
I’m only doing this because I am going to grad school, and the extra $100-$200 bucks a month makes a huge difference to a student with children when money is super tight as it is. And since being a grad student is a full time unpaid job on its own, this lets me pull in a couple of extra bucks on my own time since getting a “real” part time job is out of the question. I totally understand where you are coming from, especially if you have several friends as consultants and they do not advertise tactfully. I myself, am not interested in moving up the line, because I am happier with less responsibility and requirements. This way, all I have to do is sell the wraps, and no more than that. I have realistic expectations of $0-$200 per month. I understand you get what you put in. I researched very carefully and understood the pros and cons of doing this. I also researched several direct selling companies, and I must say that Jamberry is one of the better ones. Am I happy that I am doing direct selling? No. Am I happy to have to solicit friends and family? No. Do I still need food stamps? Yes.Will this pay the rent? No. But if it means that I can buy my son a birthday present, I’d say it’s worth being a small irritation to some.
Student Mama says
I also forgot to say some people hate our product, and some love it. But I feel that is the same way with almost any product.
jensalittleloopy says
Recovering consultant here! 😉 I wouldn’t go so far as to call Jamberry a scam, but I will say that consultants a) typically are their own best customers; b) are NOT making money unless they have built a team of consultants, all of whom are their own best customers; and c) lie about the quality of the product. I left the Jam Biz for family reasons, but reviewed my experience here: http://jensalittleloopy.com/2015/11/08/10-reasons-why-you-should-not-join-jamberry/
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Ha! Thanks for the read & the honesty, Jen.
Kate says
All of this can totally be true for some women, Mrs. Bottlesoup. I certainly do not deny it. Some women go about the wrong way of Direct Sales. It is wrong to keep badgering your friends and family. You have to treat it like a real business. Make a business page on facebook but make it private so only people who want to join that page can see your posts. BUT the main thing, DO NOT just do facebook! There are so many social media outlets, you have the tools just use them. Make an Instagram, Twitter, Youtube etc business accounts. People can follow you if they want, do not pressure anyone. You will see followers because people have so many different tastes. When you find one person who doesn’t like your product, you could turn and find 3 who do. Using all your tools can certainly reach your business way farther than your normal circle. It can reach to other cities even. The possibilities are endless with anything you do. I do appreciate your opinion, everyone should. Some things work for some that don’t for others. Everyone needs to stop being so mean though lol.
Kim says
The thing you have to consider before joining is whether you have people interested in Jamberry, even if it is only one or two people that can lead to so many more. I am planning on buying my starter kit tomorrow and I already have three orders waiting to be put in. I already have 10 people wanting to host parities! I didn’t join Jamberry because of the money I did it because I am absolutely in love with the product. I don’t plan on making a bunch of money just the bare minimum to stay a consultant. I love the discounts that comes with being a consultant and I love all the ladies that I have met right away. I think that you are just looking at the negative side. Before venturing out and doing something like Jamberry you have to have a few people on your side to help get you started.
Longtime Lurker says
This may have been asked before and I missed it but I’ll ask anyway. Many of the consultants talking about how they’re already making ALL THE DOLLARS have only been a consultant for few months, based on the comments I saw. I’m curious… now that a few more months have gone by, how’s your bank account looking?
And to the ones just doing it because you love the product, this post wasn’t about you. OBVIOUSLY. Unless you showed up and cattily told Mrs. Bottlesoup how catty and WRONG she was.
Side note… I know a lady who recently signed up to be a consultant. 2.5 months in she was going to send me a sample but had to wait until payday to buy stamps. Think about that – this wonderful opportunity with “unlimited earning potential” had this woman so broke that she had to wait until payday to buy a $9.20 book of stamps. (You know what else has unlimited earning potential? Walking around picking up spare change out of the street.)
I’ve known quite a few ladies, including one of my own sisters, who have attempted to make money from various MLM companies and it always turns out the same. In the beginning you make just enough to convince yourself this could be a great thing. By the end, you’re lucky if you break even. Don’t believe the hype, ladies.
Thank you for this post!
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Thanks for your comment! 🙂 I really feel for the lady waiting to buy stamps. This is exactly why I wrote this article – because MLMs like Jamberry are preying on people who are financially insecure. It’s such an unethical business practice.
Proud Consultant says
Lmao this post made me laugh xD you must have been one of those idiots that became a consultant thinking you would get rich. You know up front everything about Jamberry and exactly what commission you’ll be making off of your sales. A scam would imply being tricked, lied to, or taken advantage of. Jamberry is a business. You have to spend money to make money and if you aren’t willing to do so and put effort into it then it absolutely will not be worth it. Jamberry is a great way to make extra money like everything else you do in life the harder you work the more you’ll earn. If there are women out there considering becoming consultants that are dumb bitches like you and think you can just sit back and live off your jamberry earnings then DO NOT join the team… Y’all would only be bringing us down anyways.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I have never, ever been a Jamberry consultant. I have an actual education and understand the math behind Jamberry’s “commissions”. It absolute is a scam that preys on financially insecure people who are looking to make “extra money” to pay their bills.
And, as for calling me a “dumb bitch”? I’m not going to stoop to your level. You’re doing the work for me, girl. Have a nice day. Thanks for showing everyone how nice & positive Jamberry consultants truly are. /sarcasm
Kim says
I think the fact you say that you feel bad for the people who are inviting you to their Jamberry parties says a lot about the kind of person that you are and therefore gives your post less credibility as maths and facts. The fact that you somehow thing that you are above it all is hilarious. People should feel sorry for you Mrs Bottle soup. Your under some kind of illusion that you are better which in itself is quite sad. If you want your posts to be credible stick to facts and not your own agenda.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
My agenda is clear and unapologetic: I want women to be informed about how Jamberry truly operates, how much they truly have to sell to make an income, and how “financial freedom” is less likely to come by than winning big in Las Vegas. I am absolutely above deceiving and manipulating financially insecure women. #sorrynotsorry
jensalittleloopy says
Mrs. Bottlesoup can, and has, certainly handled her own with the derision and nastiness directed at her from Jamberry consultants here, who have agreed in the P&P to “Conduct themselves with the highest level of ethics, integrity, and professionalism,” and were recently reminded by Jared to not be nasty to other people on social media (too lazy to go dig the video up, check your workstations ladies – especially Veronica Frank who is running around *anonymously* calling people “real bitch(es)” in blog comment sections, keep it classy!). As a current, active (although completely inactive so essentially former, because I’ve checked out) consultant, I can tell you that I have more money in my pocket having walked away from Jamberry than I ever did selling those things. That may be a commentary on my ability to sell them, but based on what I have seen, consultants spend far more money on their own nails than people spend buying them. You know who is going crazy about GGG, TBT, and limited edition holiday wraps? CONSULTANTS. Not customers. Yeah, there may be a customer or two who loves them but doesn’t sign up as a consultant, but I’ve been around long enough to know how it really works. I have seen the consultants in the trade groups begging for people to buy the TruShine kit with a half-off code so they can make active for the month. I have seen women questioning how to get people to buy these things, what they are doing wrong, questioning themselves and their self worth over stupid little nail stickers that mean nothing. Are they all losers too, because they didn’t manage to build an armada of “their own best customer consultants” under them? Mrs. Bottlesoup may not have been a consultant, but I am (was), and she is absolutely correct. No sour grapes from me, sweetie, I’m just too smart to keep “spending money to make money” as Proud Consultant said. That advice applies to running your own business, not shilling cheap crap someone else is “paying” you to advertise.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Thank you for your honesty, Jen. It was much appreciated! I’m glad you saw the light, too. I hope you didn’t lose money.
Kara Goldberg says
I think that you don’t like Jamberry in general and that is why you feel as though it is appropriate to
slam Jamberry.
It is $99 not $119 to begin as a consultant for Jamberry, which is important to mention because that fact changes the math you did to explain how long until you recoup your “lost” money.
The $99 you pay to become a consultant includes a myriad of Jamberry products that are worth $99, so you are really buying $99 worth of useful and worthwhile products and then are given the opportunity to sell Jamberry to make money.
Calling Jamberry “ugly” seems exceptionally subjective and further fuels my thought that your article is based on some personal vendetta against Jamberry.
Do you know how to change your settings on Facebook? Acquiring that information could help you feel less bothered by notifications and requests.
I am only concerned that you may be a bit separated from women who need to find independent financial freedom. While it sounds wonderful and luxurious that you are able to spend $60-$70 on a trip to the spa, that illustrates the unlikelihood that you worry about independent financial freedom and ways to acquire it.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
It’s $99 plus taxes and fees.
The very fact that you’re BUYING PRODUCTS and marketing that as the “value” of the starter kit reeks of dishonesty. If the Jamberry model of success was truly attainable, the “starter kit” would be given to consultants for free. Instead, “consultants” are really the bread and butter of Jamberry: consultants are CUSTOMERS. Jamberry makes money whether you fail or succeed. And if you fail, you are not compensated for all the free marketing you’ve given their brand. This is unethical and disgusting.
I do have a personal vendetta against Jamberry and any other company that preys on women who are desperate for income.
Let me guess, Kara, you sell Jamberry?
Bec says
Absolutely agree, so glad I found this blog. I am a Jamberry consultant but joined mostly because I like the product and thought “hey I get a discount on products i already buy, why not!”. I have set up a business FB page but refuse to set up a group, I don’t want to add all my friends to it or beg them to join and I certainly don’t want to hassle them to buy a product if they dont want to. I post once every few days on my business page and from that my interested friends have come to me to purchase and tell their friends etc. I haven’t done a facebook party and I havent done anything inhouse, mostly because I hate when i’m invited to them and feel like I have to buy stupid expensive plastic containers because I want my friend to get her hostess drink bottle and salad spinner *sigh*
I’ll never get rich off of it or be “financially free” but if I have a little bit of play money occasionally, hey that works for me. I never joined for the income, I joined for fun and once I no longer find it fun i’ll be happy to stop and that’ll be that.
Ann Stringer says
You obviously don’t have a clue how Direct Sales works… let it be said, I’ve been a consultant for a year now with Jamberry and I AM experiencing financial success and freedom. I’ve been working hard, learning the business, serving my customers and I have just received a paycheck from my BONUS money – which is over and above my commissions for over $900 and that has become my STANDARD bonus money. Check your facts, learn about what you’re talking about before you slam women working to make their dreams happen into the ground.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I know exactly how direct sales works. It’s the very definition of peddling.
I am not slamming women. I’m slamming a company that preys on financially insecure women. I’m sorry if you don’t understand the difference.
Also, there are legitimate, non-anedotal facts from the IRS proving that MLMs and “direct sales” business models are not valid means of earning an income. You are, in fact, more likely to win big at roulette in Vegas than you are to ever make a true profit from companies like Jamberry.
Ann Stringer says
I love that you completely ignored that I ACTUALLY MAKE MONEY DOING THIS! Laughing at you and done with this.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
The fact is over 99% of people participating in MLMs never make a profit. If you are the tiny minority that makes a little cash, good for you, but that is not the norm. And I’m willing to bet you spend a lot of money and time to make very little money. $900 does not impress me.
Longtime Lurker says
Your experience with MLM (if you’re being honest) is the exception, NOT the norm. Just because you can convince yourself otherwise doesn’t change that. Accusing Mrs. Bottlesoup of putting women down because she isn’t drinking the Kool-Aid doesn’t change the reality of MLM, either.
Kitariel says
It’s sad when I see such educated people making statements without doing their homework first.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
It’s sad that you think a silly statement like that erases all the homework and research I did to produce this article.
suzy says
This is a silly post..i dont think jamberry is a scam at all..but i also was never sold the dream that i could earn millions from it either..ive probably made an extra $500 from having parties with people that just ask around to find out who sells those cute wrap things. Not everyone has $60+ to go to the spa or the time so this is perfect for many people. I was 100% a customer after i tried a sample so the 119 was a no brainer considering i got like $75 in wraps and a 30% off discount. Quit being so negative
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I’m not being negative – and your comment just illustrated my point exactly. You spent $119 to get the wraps and the discount; you are a Jamberry customer, not a “consultant”. It’s not a real job or business opportunity. It’s an absolute scam.
Traci says
I went to a conference yesterday and you wouldn’t believe how many people make this a career for them. Like I said before: you only get out what you put in. Yes I still buy the wraps because guess what… I LOVE them. You should be wary of someone that sells a product but doesn’t use it themselves.
I don’t think you know what a scam is… You’re buying a product, just like any other small business and it does exactly what the company claims.
And yes I am a consultant because I sell it.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I know what a scam is, Traci. Jamberry absolutely meets the criteria of scam in that the company and its propaganda swindles the financially insecure and is dishonest in its “opportunity”. If you’re making real money from Jamberry, you are the exception, not the rule.
Heather says
I just started as a consultant for Jamberry in November and made enough to pay a car payment in my first month. I continue to grow and make great commissions in just 2 months. I am using this as a supplement to my income. So far, I am having fun and loving it. Not one person has made any promises to me about income,etc so I don’t believe that it is a scam. It is a direct sales company like Avon, Mary Kay, PartyLite, etc. This is a personal choice and you need to work it like any business. It is ok that it isn’t for everyone but it definitely is not a scam.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
The information I shared is directly from Jamberry’s website. Jamberry’s website suggests you will have “financial freedom”. There is absolutely no incentive for Jamberry to have their consultants succeed – Jamberry wins no matter what when you sign up as a consultant. It is despicable.
Kate says
I have friends who have gone on all expense paid trips to tropical places, and on cruises all paid by Jamberry and Younique. They were top sellers or most improved sellers so they get rewards. Thats not an incentive? And guess what? You do the same thing when you buy clothes, food and beauty products..you are making that company even richer while their sellers/retail ppl are suffering with minimum wage. So everything is despicable really. We all make the richer more rich. Thats life.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
The difference is when someone is working a retail job they’re not told that the job has “unlimited earning potential”. And, they’re paid regardless of how much the company sells each day.
Kate says
I love Jamberry products so I am deciding to join the team next month. Even if I end up just buying my own product, I still get a discount and money back (commission). But I will have fun getting out there and making a lot of different social media groups/pages to promote the products but I will not be one of those people that push it down others throats. If girls want to join then only members of my groups will see my posts as my groups will be private as to not bombard unwanting customers with my posts lol. Also, I do not believe it is a scam because you should give more credit to home workers or home moms, they are smart, they know not everyone will be successful or over successful in this kind of business. But I have M.S. and I can not work outside the house. I need this, to be social, to have a hobby, to hopefully create a successful business, to keep myself busy. If this is such a scam, what do you suggest I do then? I think I will have fun doing this. As well as my new facebook book club I just started. So again, I dont think Jamberry is a scam, we are doing the same thing store clerks do. If someone comes into my group (store) then I will welcome them and help them with products..if they dont join my group well then they wont see my posts anyways so no annoyance, no bothering there. If anyone has read all this lol, then thanks for listening. 🙂
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I suggest you do something you actually have ownership of – like creating your own product or providing your own service. The situation you described essentially makes you a Jamberry customer, not a business owner. If Jamberry provided a real opportunity for women to earn an income, the company would not require that a consultant pay up front for the privilege of selling the product. If the business model was viable, you would simply get a check from Jamberry as an employee. Instead, Jamberry “consultants” are taken advantage of, do a ton of social media and in-person marketing for a company with very little reward. It is insulting to women to suggest this is a good idea for work. It’s a scam.
Kate says
Like I said in a previous post..there are trip rewards. Friends of mine with Jamberry and Younique have gone on tropical trips and cruises all paid for. They can talk and visit with the owners of the company and they get acknowledged at the meetings they have on those trips. Also, I AM working on something that is all mine as I am a writer. Also, like I said in a previous post, everyone is like Jamberry or any other direct sales company. When you go and buy things from the store, you yes YOU are putting money into the pockets of the rich while the retailers and workers are trying to survive on minimum wage and struggling. So everything is a scam really. EVERYTHING. So you may not buy from direct sales companies or you may not be supportive of who decides to work for them but you’re money is still going to big corporations and getting the rich more rich. Scam : A dishonest scheme, a fraud, a swindle…technically the definition of scam doesnt apply because people of direct sales companies do get paid..soo….
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
People in “direct sales” do not get paid based on the amount of hard work and effort they put into marketing the product. True marketing consultants get paid just to market a product. The fact that Jamberry consultants market the product and receive zero compensation for that effort is absolutely evidence of a scam. Jamberry swindles the financially insecure into promoting their brand for free – a lot of people buy Jamberry from Jamberry’s website and not through consultants, regardless of whether they heard all the information from a consultant. It’s not ok.
Jane says
ALL expenses paid, including airfare? If so, that surprises me. I have someone on my FB feed who goes to all the Jamberry retreats and conferences. I just assumed she was footing if not all of the bill, at least a significant portion of it.
nici says
What I got out of the post is that Jamberry works a lot like Avon, maybe with less on-hand inventory necessary to be successful?
Which means that, like Avon, anyone willing to put in the effort actually can make a living by doing this – which will partially be from their own sales effort and partially be from their downstream – or team recruiting – effort.
This is not my preferred method of working (but then, I’m not in sales) but for some it works. And I agree with the lady above that said she wished Jamberry would provide new recruits with actual success statistics. I wish Avon did the same. It doesn’t have to be fully public, but providing it to new recruits means that they get to make an _informed_ decision about whether or not to become a rep. It means treating people like, well, people – and not prey.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
It’s a lot more than being “willing to put in the effort”. You can pitch and try to sell every day, but if your News Feed is filled with 30 other Jamberry “consultants”, there’s too much competition for true success. The odds are against you. Jamberry should provide statistics, but they don’t because it’s not in their best interest. If they told the truth – that over 99% of MLM/direct sales “consultants” don’t make a profit, no one would sign up.
Mrs. Butterball says
I fell for the recruit talk. I do love Jamberry, I won’t lie. With a bad thyroid, the wraps do help keep my nails protected. I don’t like going to nail salons because of migraines. It isn’t worth the $40 to get my nails done!
However, my first party is a bust. I have not made a dime. I refuse to be pushy so we are having fun. I honestly think the main reason consultants make money is that they don’t use their personal discount and instead pay themselves to buy from themselves. This company caught my interest as I was wondering just how easy it was like all the consultants were just gushing about. knowing full well the negative side of the business. So far, it’s mythical.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Thanks for sharing, Mrs. Butterball. I’m sorry if you lost any money in the process but I truly appreciate you sharing your experience with my readers. <3
newjammer says
I am a new jam consultant… I paid off most of my kit with my first party… I get to have great looking nails, healthy nails, and can do it at home. im a nail art lover, hate nail salons.. and wraps are perfect because I can do what it would take me an hour or more in 20 mins in one application, no dry time and so much more detail. Im not in it for financial freedom.. sure, id love to earn big bucks… but at the rate I was applying polish for it to chip off the next day.. I have an application on right now and its going on 3 weeks.. horse rider and national champion, my nails work hard, but for the first time al my nails are long and get pretty when I get the chance. I wont push for sales, but if others, like me, love nail art and want to do it at home, then its the thing for them. its fun. I buy nutrimetics and mary kay, because I want the product because it works for me. Jamberry works for me. If I become a millionaire, YAY!! if not, pretty nails.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
You will never become a millionaire with Jamberry nails.
Again, understand that to Jamberry you are a customer, not an employee.
Kelly Lucas says
It’s actually $99 to join. This month, they are offering a $25 rebate, plus $50 from my party, 4 sheets of wraps ($45 value) and including 2 exclusive wraps with a value of $30. So even if I don’t sell a single wrap and keep them all myself, I saved money over buying wraps I wanted anyway.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Thanks, again, Kelly, for illustrating that in the Jamberry structure you are a customer – not a consultant.
Someone wiser than you says
Most people become Jamberry consultants for the fun of it, you know, interacting with people, having a good time, etc. If they make am extra buck, cool. Perhaps you know none of those things because you sound like a miserable person. How about be nice to others, don’t insult a bunch of people of whom you do not know, and learn how to operate Facebook settings.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I’m not miserable. I’m very happy, and I’m very nice. I won’t apologize for bringing attention to the predatory marketing and unrealistic financial expectations Jamberry promotes.
Not sure what your comment about Facebook settings is in reference to, but feel free to “enlighten” me. Thanks.
Shannon says
I have no dog in this fight and simply stumbled onto this blog. However, the description of your blog made it seem helpful to those raising families, going through pregnancy, etc. I found this post to be none of these and seemed overly critical of women who have, as adults, made financial decisions that suit them. Is the marketplace saturated with Jamberry consultants? Possibly. However, the same could also be said of bloggers, especially the self-righteous ones.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Cute, Shannon. Except this post absolutely fulfills my blog’s description, as I am helping women avoid making a serious financial mistake that could bring a lot of stress and hurt to their families. Just because you’re an “adult” does not mean you understand the financial impact your decision can make; it also doesn’t make you immune from making mistakes.
I’m not self-righteous, either, because that implies my certainty is unfounded. It’s not. I won’t apologize for my opinions or my confidence in my opinions. Have a nice one.
Kati says
Thank you! I am pedicure lover. And you nailed it…..I go to relax. To spend an hour by myself. How is applying stickers to my nails relaxing? Are the stickers going to massage? Trim my nails to perfection? Remove calluses? No..they are not. Sorry…but I can get a basic pedicure for $22 and it lasts (on average) at least 4 weeks. I will happily spend $22 a month (before tip) for an hour of relaxation….
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Amen, Kati!
Karen says
Hello Mrs. Bottlesoup,
I have a few friends selling things like Jamberry and skin care stuff made from Dead Sea minerals or something; which got me wondering if it’s possible to make money off this stuff? But something about it just didn’t click together for me. My husband passed away 3 months ago and I have a two year old. My finances are really bad right now, so I started thinking maybe??
I feel like you wrote this post for me. Thank you for saving me money, time and energy.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Karen, I’m so sorry for your loss, but I’m happy my post helped you. <3 I sincerely hope your situation improves.
Anita says
I don’t know about financial freedom, but I’m bringing home an extra $1500 per month for my family while staying at home. My bonus grows every month because of my amazing team. I love Jamberry, the company and the products themselves.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
That’s why you tried to share your Jamberry store link in the blog comment, right? Because you’re doing so well already? Not because you need more sales/consultants to make your quota? Please.
Andrea says
Hey, Mrs. Bottlesoup. I can’t believe you got so much bile thrown at you by Jamberry folks. But I’m glad you were able to wade through and stay relatively civil. Still, I’ve seen this with other MLM companies (Kaybots, anyone?), and it never makes the speakers or their companies look that great.
I have a friend who has started as a Jamberry ‘Consultant’. She just had a baby a month or so ago, and she’s talking about trying to save money to move back with family. I don’t want to speak ill of her, but all I can think is the money another friend of hers fronted for her Consultant kit could have been money given to her directly for moving expenses.
Which leads me into my next point…from a potential customer’s POV, their wraps look generic as heck. No, seriously. They look like something I could go to CVS or Rite-Aid and buy for 1/3 the cost they’re hawking them on their website. When I thought about buying a set of Jamberry wraps to help my friend, I poked around the site for a good 30 minutes before I realized that nothing interested me. They’re just so…blah. Not that they’re ugly, but there’s nothing that grabs me and makes me go ‘Ooh! Ooh! I need a set of these now!’. Contrast that with Espionage Cosmetics’ nail wraps; those are fun and glittery and geeky and everything else that catches my eye and makes me want to keep buying. And of course, even if I were going to buy a set from my friend, seeing how people treated you just turned me right off.
So sorry not sorry, Jamberry. If your bland products weren’t enough of a turnoff to me, the actions of your defenders sealed the deal.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Thanks for sharing! I don’t take their nastiness personally. I wish they’d wake up and realize they’re wasting their time and money on a “business” that will never work.
Mrs Swag says
I paid $99 to join, and made that back within a week of starting by having a Launch Party. Not only did I earn my kit money, I earned $100 on top of that. It is all about How YOU work YOUR business, not everyone will have the same experience because not everyone puts the time and effort into the business that others do!
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I’m happy for your success, but it’s not the norm. Most people lose money and are coerced into joining. They feel like their friend/family member won’t like them any more if they don’t join. It’s a lot of stress and it’s easier for many people to say “yes” than to arm themselves with facts.
Traci says
Then honestly, they have a terrible friend/family member and a consultant that doesn’t live by the Jamberry values. That is not how we are trained. It isn’t for everyone and we probably (most likely) won’t be millionaires, but it’s fun. The facts are a lot of people make it, most don’t. We are trained that a third of new team members stay as full time active consultants. If you go in with unrealistic goals, you won’t last long. Ive said it before: to each their own 🙂
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
“Most don’t” make it is not a company you should be proud to get behind. In fact, it’s pretty awful that you know most people are not successful yet you continue to take sign-ups from people, knowing they won’t succeed. Check your values.
another perspective says
I’ve been with the company for two years. I made back my investment the first week. My first full year I made 56k. Last year I made 73k. (I will happily share my 1099s) Like any other job, the motivated, driven, and dedicated will go far! I work at it, but the return is worth it. Jamberry recently released average earned incomes, which I would be happy to post here too. Am I the norm? Well, I’m the norm for those that work it like a business. I just attended an Executive retreat with about 140 other ladies just like me (there are more, this was the 2nd of two retreats offered). That’s a small percentage when you look at the total consultant base but look at any other career field. How many CEOs and Executives does each company have compared to how many minimum wage staff they employ? Being goal-driven and committed will lead to success in any field. Jamberry offers an option for hobbyists who just want to enjoy the discount and make a little side money and they also offer an opportunity to build a team and get paid to lead them. No different from a car dealership with a sales manager. My husband owns a contracting firm. He places staff on contracts and his company gets paid a portion of those billable hours. The more contractors he has placed on a contract, the more money his company earns to pay for overhead expenses, insurance, and my husband’s salary. His company is not a scam (it’s a government contracting agency) and neither is my business. Aside from the money, the amazing relationships that this experience has provided are priceless. A consultant on my team lost her son and we all rallied to raise over 8k to help bury him. Another consultant lost her husband and in addition to raising funds (last I knew they were over the 10k mark) she had women from all of the state bringing her meals, laundry service, housekeeping… A friend and consultant lost her baby girl who was born with a genetic disorder and thousands of women across the country supported her. These are the women of Jamberry. Are there are few negative, disgruntled, and overall unkind people? Yeah, we’ve gotten pretty big and there are plenty of those types of women in every workplace. There are lots of people who won’t work hard, want a handout, and then complain when the handout isn’t what they had in mind. That is our society at large, but there are those individuals who are willing to work hard and for those, any business will succeed. Mine just happens to give me great-looking nails too. 🙂
Jane says
Is your income of 56K before or after expenses are deducted? In expenses, I would include anything you spend on marketing, food for parties, airfare and anything else you spend while at a conference, etc.
Carolyn says
Oh my. I’ll make this short and sweet. I’m a full time RN. I choose to sell Jamberry because I love the product. My best customers are my coworkers. I make $400-$600 extra cash every month that I use as my “fun money.” Went on a shopping spree at VS. Went for a weekend getaway, that didn’t tap into my “real job” money. Plus, I earn free Jams. It’s a total win/win.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Good for you – but in your own words, it’s “extra cash” not a full-time livable income. The issue is women are lead to believe they will be able to support themselves on the income they make from Jamberry in the comfort of their own homes. This is not realistic or accurate.
Crystal Perry says
I don’t think the issue is the company preying on women who can’t afford to join or are too gullible to realize they probably won’t get rich by becoming a consultant. I think the real issue is with consultants who are so desperate to have a team under them that their moral compass ends up pointing slightly east or west of north and they end up encouraging, cajoling and prodding the wrong person to sign up without taking the time to assess. Or the recruiting consultant is too much of an idealist to step back and say, you know, this might not be for you because she thinks, ideally, everyone can make money doing what she does.
The DS hook is that for some the sky is the limit. There ARE women (and men) who do make a livable wage in almost all MLM’s, but you’re right, they aren’t the norm.
And let’s be honest, if someone is old enough to sign the consultant agreement, contract, what have you, they’re old enough to a. do the research, find out about the earning potential, etc. and b. know thyself. I know that I’m too dang lazy to put in the work hours and too introverted to really enjoy parties or vendor events so I know I’m not getting rich selling Jamberry.
Yes, I am a JN consultant and, yes, I am my own best customer, because though some might think they are “ugly” or “tacky” like a previous commenter stated, that, like most things having to do with style/fashion/etc. is their opinion. I happen to like many of the prints that Jamberry offers so I signed up, without even talking to the consultant who ran the party I was part of. And yes, I told her right off the bat that I’m not in this to form a team or to make any money. I like the product enough that I knew I would be spending money on it on a regular basis so I might as well get a discount for it and have the inside scoop that comes with being a consultant so I don’t feel as if I’ve lost money on it because it’s something I’d be buying anyway. And, NO, I’m not going to turn this around and tell you that it regularly pays bills or that now I’m making money off of it, because I’m not; I don’t put any work into it except for once a year when I do a fundraiser.
And as far as getting so many requests to join parties/groups that you wanna pull your hair out or throw your laptop across the room…yeah, that is straight up annoying af! Who wants to see that, nobody, that’s who! So, all you consultants out there…just stop.
Oh, and Jamberry posted this on their website for all who want to know about the real potential for earning. Notice the “Low” column, please. Don’t just pay attention to the “High”.
https://cdn.jamberry.com/s3/jb-prod-craft-assets/files/www/2016/02/StatementOfEarnings-USCA.pdf
Amanda says
I signed up about a year ago primarily to get the discount since I was wearing the nail wraps all of the time anyway and buying them through a friend. Selling them to a few family members and friends who wear them occasionally helps offset what I would spend on them for myself. I like the design options, which you don’t get with a traditional manicure, and the fact that I can do them myself and not have to go to a salon, which isn’t worth the expense to me. And since I’m terrible at painting my own nails, this was a good alternative for me if I wanted my nails to look pretty. I fully realize that I am primarily a customer. So what? A lot of people who sign up for Jamberry don’t go into it thinking that they’ll make a ton of money. It’s a unique product, you don’t have to keep inventory on hand if you don’t want to, it’s fun to trade with friends who wear them and with people on Facebook trade groups to try other wraps, and they aren’t expensive. For me and plenty of other women, it’s a hobby, not really a business. I wasn’t naive enough to think that I was going to make a lot of money off of a MLM company unless I put in a ton of effort, which I wasn’t willing to do. I’m a stay at home mom of two boys (5 and 2) with another little boy on the way this spring – for me, Jamberry nail wraps are a fun, girly, hobby that doesn’t take much time or money away from my family, especially now that I get get the discount and make a little money off of selling the products. It may not work for everyone, especially if they think they’re going to automatically get rich or something, but it does work for me a a few of my friends.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
If you’re ok with being primarily a customer and are comfortable with the lack of income provided by Jamberry, cool. It’s the women who think Jamberry is going to provide them with a livable income that are targeted and preyed on by some consultants that irk me. I appreciate your down to earth, realistic approach to being a “consultant”.
Lauren Starr says
Bless your heart. I’ll take a moment of silence for you when I’m in Punta Cana adjusting my sunglasses from the glare my shimmering nail stickers provide.
You’re totally right though. My 4 figure monthly income as a stay at home mom, countless new friends, personal growth, improved attitude and marketing skills, and… my ability to be a home-maker because of this company is CERTAINLY the product of a “business” that will never work.
If you spent half as much time investing in yourself and your career, as you do insulting other people’s profession… You’d probably be too busy doing backstrokes in a golden pool full of Oreos to post this hatefulness.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
You’re not a “stay at home mom” if you’re working and owning a business; you’re a work at home mom. Being a Jamberry “consultant” is not a profession at all; it’s insulting to women with real careers to imply otherwise. I built my success on truly helping women – helping them avoid scams like Jamberry/direct sales is one of my talking points. I want women to be successful. I love when my readers are business owners. I encourage them to think big and build a business beyond being a customer for a company that calls you a “consultant”.
Finally, no one gives a shit about Punta Cana. For approximately $600, you can visit with roundtrip airfare and stay for 5 days at an all-inclusive resort. You don’t need to sell Jamberry to go there. There’s nothing exclusive about it.
Juan says
You are an angry and sour person. To shame others because they might want to try to become something better. Who cares if the odds are stacked against you. Math, learn it people… that is by far the most arrogant and idiotic phrase a simpleton like you could say. Not everyone succeeds, there are people that will inevitable fail at this and only make cheeseburgers out of commission. My wife sells these wraps, its fun for her, she has a full time job as well. Ocassionally 100 bucks rolls in, or 10, in her case it doesn’t matter because she enjoys it. So there is something you did not take into consideration. Secondly, I have seen her be very happy and excited to design her own wraps and change them at home. Its become a craft now for her and she loves it. This is to your point about being pampered. I am glad that you find the time and the want to be pampered by others and like getting your nails done. There is nothing wrong with that, but again, simply because other people are trying it differently you think it to be okay to look down on them? Its a business, so if people post their links its only because the know what exposure is all about. I see advertisement all over your this blog, this clearly must mean that you struggle financially and need to shove other ads down my throat to make it a live right? This is how your small minded perception of the real world sounds. Feel free to delete this comment or not approve it, I’m not really sure how this works. I’ve never replied to a blog before, but your sense of self righteousness and blatant blanketed ignorance required action.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Your comment is full of false equivalencies. The point of my post is that Jamberry is not a financial plan for your future. “Consultants” aren’t employees; they are Jamberry customers. I understand you and your “wife” have a vested interest in protecting Jamberry’s image, but I don’t. Don’t like it? Don’t read it.
Traci says
You are not helping people’s perception of consultants with your comment. Everyone is entitled to their opinion
Mrs Swag says
I am a Jamberry Consultant also and while i understand your side, i think you are also providing a “false” light to Jamberry like you state Jamberry does to others.
I have tired multiple DS companies (including Avon, Thirty One, Pink Zebra and Pampered Chef)…and I have NEVER made the money, or friendships that I have gotten with Jamberry.
No it is not an easy money scam. No, you will not be a millionaire over night or get $10,000+ in sales your first month….but please show me a job that you do not do ANY work and make that kind of money.
This is a small business, YOU are the CEO, YOU are what determines how much you make, how many items you sell and how you reach your goals.
I personall work a FULL time job, on top of having 5 kids and my jamberry business. I dedicate 2 days a week (1 week day and 1 weekend day) to my jamberry business. I talk everyones ear off about it, i give out samples to every cashier and worker i come in contact with. I do not badger people who show no interest and even tell people they can tell me to go away anytime.
i have turned coworkers who never do their nails into jamberry fans.
This business is about the consultant behind it, THEY determine how much THEY make. Its all about math like you said. If you put 0 hours into your business, you will get 0 results. if you up 100 hours into your business, you will get a small payback, that will lead to more paybacks and more customers.
Walmart didnt start out as big as it is now, so stop expecting other businesses to!
SMM says
I’m sorry you feel the need to bad mouth an organization like Jamberry. I’m the proud husband of Jamberry consultant who has gone from being a zero-income SAHM to making nearly 140k a year and still being a solid SAHM. As for your claims that it never works, that is false claim. My wife works with dozens, yes dozens of women, both on her own team and those local. They are all making a solid income of $2000 or more per month.
It works. Nothing more, nothing less.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
The IRS has actual facts about the profitability of MLMs and direct sales. Statistically, your “wife” is the exception, not the rule. It’s statistically more likely to win roulette in Vegas than make a profit from Jamberry.
Data Junkie says
I question whether anyone should even try to make money this way. Jamberry deliberately uses terms like “make” and “income” to mislead, casually using gross revenue to imply net revenue. These posts are just littered with examples of this. Think of the gambler who shouts, “I just won $500!” but fails to acknowledge (or even keep track of) the $5000 in losses up to that point. The gambler then foolishly treats this new “income” as play money to spend boastfully and without guilt. You will notice Jamberrry folks never use honest business terms for revenue. I wonder how many keep a comprehensive balance sheet. You see this revenue “slight of hand” throughout these posts as well as on Jamberry.com. This is dishonest and wrong, but sadly, it is necessary. If folks could see the “net income” version of Jamberry’s official “income potential” chart, no one would ever get involved. Given Jamberry’s compensation structure, it is mathematically impossible for a consultant to sustain positive net revenue without corresponding down-line net losses. Is such a profit really something to be proud of?
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
EXACTLY! Thanks for this comment, Data Junkie. I love the gambler analogy!
I'm a Mum says
Noticed a tired looking new mother in the shopping centre out the front of Coles setting up a table to showcase nail wraps or “Jammie’s” while her weeks old baby was in a sling against her chest.
My internal dialogue…
I bet her nipples are cracked and bleeding and her pelvic muscles are still sore from birth feeling like someone’s punched her in the fanny, but being a savvy organic pretty nail sales women seemed empowering… Till she starts competing with her friends and sister in-law trying to get family members and Mums from play group and every single person she a friends with in Facebook to buy Jammie’s off of her… Causing subtle irritation and passive aggressive bitching with her mother peers until someone has a sick kid and no sleep for a week and then starts an all out war coz someone’s mother inlaw bought Jammie’s from Lucy’s sisters friends neighbor when they KNEW she sells them. This then escalates into an epic meltdown causing her milk drying up from stress and a urinary tract infection, right as babies first tooth starts to rapture and it catches croup from playgroup leaving her unable focus on the Jammie’s coz she’s so fucking tired and the baby never fucking sleeps and will only stop crying if it’s held 24/7. She ends up using the Jammie’s as stickers for a collage she does to entertain and distract her 3 year old son one afternoon after he has an epic tantrum because he wanted his milk in a blue cup not an orange cup and refused to eat or drink for the rest of the day. While she’s washing baby bottles and trying to decide what to prepare for dinner her 3 year old sneaks into her Jammie box and grabs a whole heap of nail wrap sheets and goes around the house sticking them all over her newly painted white walls and on the outside of the car adhering like frigging superglue to the metallic paint. As she try’s to peel them off the metallic paint peels off with them. Her husband arrives home right when she’s trying to peel them off the car while holding her screaming baby who has burped up half of its milk all over her top. Seeing the damaged paint in the car sends her husband into a moody fit and he blurts out “those stickers are ridiculous, whats wrong with normal nail polish” she bursts out crying and goes to the movies with Lucy from play group and sneaks in a bottle of wine, they get very drunk on the back row watching 50 Shades of Grey, goes home, spews all night and wakes up with a horror hang over and realises her life isn’t that bad and Jammie’s are over priced shit. Her phone then pings and its a text from Lucy inviting her to a ladies organic pampering morning tea and her sisters friends neighbor is bringing along some amazing body products made buy a company called Arbonne…..
Cherry Austin says
Only just read this. It’s genius! So much pathos, hope, despair, passion, persistence & humour in a few hundred words.
I just knew it would end like that … 😀
JamberryWillNeverGiveYouAHappyEnding says
Lol. Yes, it’s true. Atleast the last part when she realizes her life isn’t that bad and Jamberry is over priced shit and a subpar product. Been there, done that. Feeling the regret. Save time and money and Just Say No to Jamberry!!
ThereIsMoreToThisStory says
There needs to be a follow up to this blog. When can your readers expect to see one?
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Coming this week! 🙂
PerfectTiming says
So good… More, more, more. Wow! Can’t wait til next Tuesday.
Dennis fugate says
WOW! Really this needed to be said like this?
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Yes. It did. Have a nice day, Dennis.
BlameYourselfNotOthers says
Mrs. Bottlesoup…I’ve said it several times but no one is stepping out of their box to hear me. I am NOT a cheerleader for Jamberry. I am NOT defending them. I am saying that you are WRONG in assuming every consultant drinks the Jam Juice and expects to make a shot load of money. That is NOT the case. Whether you believe me or not, I knew damn well this would be short lived. They’re nail stickers!!!!!! Before signing up, I made sure I could book 25 parties so I would indefinitely make money. Got my starter kit for free and made a good profit, over $3000, for literally nothing. Lasted exactly a year, which was strange how it worked out but that was that. I left knowing I was ahead and before I had to start spending. So no, we aren’t all foolish and stupid. I used the company to make a few thousand bucks, again, sound nothing. All FB parties using a post scheduling program hahaha!!! Pretty GENIUS if you ask me! Stop spewing your degrading remarks toward people you don’t know. And AGAIN! Its the fault of the CONSULTANT if they are uneducated in the company they sign up with. Of course Jamberry will try to sell themselves as a wonderful company with limitless potential. You just live under a rock if you think this is uncommon practice!!!! Hahahaha
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I’ve read all your comments several times, Collette. You are all over the place with your stance on Jamberry, but through and through you take the company’s side over the individuals who have been manipulated.
Now your story is that you played Jamberry because you know how to work the system? Good for you, I guess?
Personally, I find your lack of integrity interesting. It makes sense to me, now, that you would not understand why the company’s practices are unethical. They deliberately use language to make people think signing up to be a consultant is something worthwhile. They don’t tell people, “You can make $3k in a year and quit.”
I know you think you’re so smart and such a genius for getting one over on the company, but I guarantee they made more profit and more sales (not through you and your team) because of your efforts than you were compensated for. How many hours did you invest in selling the product? You’ve invested a ton of time into commenting on my blog to argue about Jamberry – I can only imagine how obsessive and dedicated you were to pushing nail wraps. Do the math. You probably didn’t even make minimum wage.
JamberryNewbieOntheKoolAid says
Come talk to me when you are months into the game. You are still new to the game and wearing your rose colored glasses. Everything is exciting and new and you are gushing over making a few bucks with your first party. How much money have you invested so far into Jamberry to earn that $230? If nothing, kiddos to you but there are many of us spending more to start our business and are not turning a profit. And yes, I completed all 3 of my Fast Starts and I am a Lead Consultant now. I’m not going to bash you personally because we have all been there in the excitement of owning our own Jamberry business but there are things you need to know about Jamberry as a company. They are dishonest and deceitful and are currently under investigation by the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General. Also, there have been massive lay-offs at Jamberry Corporate Home Office with reports from insiders that the company is bleeding money and they are looking into retail space and are going to give all the Consultants the shaft. Do alittle research and digging before you become a cheerleader for this company. Just giving you the heads up because I wish someone would have informed me sooner rather than later.
Whinge Whinge Wine says
This is great! The figures really don’t add up do they.
Although Jamberry has yet to really make a dent here in the UK I’ve started seeing Facebook advertising for it and it’s only a matter of time.
I wrote a similar post because I was just sick of these bloody MLMs and the targeting of mums on maternity leave. You can read it here if you’re interested http://www.whingewhingewine.co.uk/2016/01/forever-you-herbalscents-plus-wonderful.html
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I loved your piece! I feel like we should share a virtual glass of wine and have sarcastic conversations together. Do you mind if I add it to my list in an upcoming post on MLMs?
WhingeWhingeWine says
Haha that would be lovely, given the time difference you’d probably have to have yours mid afternoon though… No judgement here 😉
Of course not. I loved reading this and the follow ups, can’t wait to get my first Jamberry invite and send them right here…
Danielle McLean says
I’ve been blessed to be part of this company, I’ve loved the people I’ve met and have no delusions about a get rich quick scheme. I’ve been working hard and enjoying it, I’ve been selling jams for over 16 months, and have been overwhelmed by the support of my family, friends, and strangers when I’ve shared the nail wraps. Some wanted to be customers, some wanted to join my team, and some wanted nothing to do with it. 🙂 As you originally stated, some women prefer the pampering experience of a salon, can’t argue with that! I am happy to share with those who enjoy it, as I do.
It’s been exciting to watch my team grow as we all love the products and how we feel when our nails are done. I care for them dearly and love the pride they feel when they show off their latest mani. I dont think you’re saying there’s anything wrong with that, I just feel compelled to share the joy that your post seems to overlook.
It’s a silly thing but feeling put together by wearing a cute unique mani that cost me less than $2 is definitely a concept I am happy to share with fellow women. I appreciate the noble calling you feel to educate women about what they’re joining up with, knowledge is power, but one can’t deny the caustic undertones of your blog post. Jamberry scamberry, luring women, going in for the kill…
I appreciate the colorful language many bloggers lean toward to draw in and engage your audience, after all, here I am typing up a response. 🙂 But it is offensive to me nonetheless, and to other consultants who do not prey on people or make false claims. You seem intelligent enough to know you could never stereotype Jamberry consultants to all be dopes, fools, and/or criminals.
The company website claims the opportunity to make lasting friendships, enjoy much-deserved girl time, earn additional income, lead and uplift others, and discover your own potential. I’ve taken advantage of all of those opportunities suggested. I can’t find anywhere that it claims “buy a kit and you’ll be financially free.” If some join under that premise, then yes, I’ll wave the flag of ignorance with you over them. Very few are destined to make 6 figures. It’s probably why they aptly chose the title “ELITE” executive for those who make it that far. But what are the odds that you can sell jamberry products to bring in an extra $100 or $200 for you to have drinks with your girlfriends, start piano lessons for your kid, or pay off your car faster? I’d argue they’re much more realistic–much more likely if you are actively sharing your products.
AGH honestly I feel more duped about sitting here for 20 minutes responding to this post than joining Jamberry. I truly do appreciate dialogue about misinformation, so please don’t read between my lines. If one person reads my response and feels comforted in knowing they didn’t join a malicious company, I suppose it was time well spent.
And I apologize in advance if I’m not quick to respond, should my post set off a backlash of comments, but I have five children, 2 with special needs, I volunteer too often in every organization I’m involved with, I have a million dishes to do, and I have some thank you cards to write for my scamberry biz. 😉
If anyone’s truly clueless about how direct sales works or is interested in a different perspective from Bottlesoup please check out some Direct Sales Association statues and premises that we operate under. Or if you’re a visual learner, you’ll appreciate this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlXSLrKl0tw
Bottlesoup, if your virtual wine party is open to more than just those who whine, I’d love to join. 😉 I don’t pretend to be an economist or financial adviser, but I make more money than I spend every month since I joined, which I’m fairly certain is called a profit in all circles. And that’s been my promise to myself since joining– As long as I’m making money and having fun, I’m all in. May not be for everyone, but it’s for me.
Danielle McLean says
annnnd I realize the DSA doesn’t have statues, but typos tend to emerge when I least want them to. 😉 STATUTES.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Danielle, I’m all about constructive dialogue. If it works for you, great! But understand that for the average person, this is not a viable source of income. I’d love to have a virtual wine party with anyone interested 🙂 Thanks for reading.
NedCauphee says
I feel like I have to be part of some elitist blog-hero super club to understand all of the acronyms in this post.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Which acronyms, for example?
Lisa says
Have you done a post on Lularoe?
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I will be doing one on Lularoe this week.
Olivia says
I am NOT a jamberry consultant. I do use jamberry and love them, but I’ll be honest, I buy most of them off ebay. Every once in a while I’ll buy a full sheet from my friend. I agree that direct selling of any kind is a scam. Going to the store or buying off ebay is so much easier for the consumer.
aaron m. says
Just leaving a comment to say how terrible I think it is that all of these horrible companies get rich by preying on women with promises of “financial freedom” while offering so little in return. I see stay at home moms pawning this stuff off all the time on Facebook. Jamberry or Arbonne or whoever else, it doesn’t matter. I report their post after 3 seconds of research to find out what kind of MLM scam they’re running this week.
How can people be so blind? It doesn’t take much to realize every single one of these companies operates like a damn pyramid scam. Getting involved with them is a waste of time and money. Because for every success story of someone making 50 grand a year, there are 99 other ones out there of failed businesses. Because no matter your best efforts, all of your biggest earnings at any of these companies is made by exploiting people and suckering them into a business that will in all likelihood be a complete, unsustainable failure.
Hell, if you can sell 50 grand worth of this garbage, who knows how well you’d do selling something people actually want?
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Exactly!
Nicola says
Sooooo the £204 I made this week is not worth it? Lol. And the £330 bonus I’ll get on the 8th? So for August I earned just over £1100. You’re totally right, complete scam.
Oh, and the reason I signed up? I HATE going to the salon. I do not find it relaxing, I find it stressful and time consuming and I’ve definitely found that many people feel exactly the same. It’s a bit mean to judge someone for promoting Jamberry, even if they do only earn £13 a week it may be just what they need to pay their gas bill at the end of the month. As for the ‘start up fee’, not really a ‘fee’ when you get a great big box of goodies.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
The point is you’re paying for the “great big box of goodies”. You’re the customer. Jamberry doesn’t care if you sell or not.
Data Junkie says
Nicola, this is your chance to prove that Jamberry is worthwhile! Add up all of your time and expenses spent on your business since you first started (every penny you have sent to Jamberry for product, samples, nail dryer, kits, monthly web-site fees etc. as well as outlays for training, conferences, travel, marketing materials, mailers, coaching, postage, party hosting costs etc.). Be as complete and honest as you can to determine your total cost. Now subtract the total cost from all the money you have “made” (£1634 so far?) and you will have your “net income”. If this is a positive number after 12 months, congratulations! This means you are in the <1% of MLMers who have made a profit. Next you can divide this "net income" value by the total number of hours you have invested in your business. This will give you your effective hourly "wage" (before taxes) for the year. Judging from your enthusiasm, this wage must be very impressive indeed. Can you please share a summary of your balance sheet (total costs and total income) and your effective hourly wage so we can see just how lucrative Jamberry can be? Thanks!
JJ says
While I’m in agreement with the author about about these MLM schemes… I feel she might have over looked something. There are A LOT of consultants that DO make bank with these products, because they sell it on third party websites like eBay, Poshmark, Mercari… etc. You will find most MLM merchandise on these sites. Sometimes cheaper than actual retail price. I’ve seen products listed on eBay go for a lot more than that. People will go into bidding wars over something that is highly sought after. It’s CRAZY!! Granted, it’s a no-no to sell the merchandise that way, but if people (particularly single moms) are looking to pay off loans, make ends meet, put food on the table without having to strip their clothes at some slimy club or work 2 to 3 jobs, they will find a way to make it happen. People that claim that they make $50k or more a year…I believe them, but not because they have parties booked out their @$$. It’s because they have other means of selling that stuff. Or maybe they’ve been with the company for YEARS and have a ton of people underneath them.
I have a friend that sells products from a MLM and has made $35k in a MONTH! It wasn’t from back-to-back party sells, or passing out catalogs, or defacing her car with those hideous decals, like the company wants. It was from straight up eBay.
And for those who say they are “in the business” not for the money, but because it’s “fun” let me ask you this…what would you consider the icing on the cake? Is it the “fun” factor? Or is it the money-making factor? Because you cannot tell me that if you were asked to host a party and you didn’t make ANY sales, you wouldn’t be pissed. Those parties take time and effort to plan and put together. Fun or not, you are going to expect to see $$$ by the end of your event. So, don’t even go there.
I do agree that these MLM companies doesn’t really care much about their consultants. They want the lemmings that will play strictly by their rules, no questions asked. And these lemmings get incentives for playing the game “the right way”. See, that what makes these companies borderline fraudulent. It’s dangling a carrot in front of the horse, and people buy into it and then they get burned out easily because the prize is so close, yet so far away. And I’m speaking of the majority of consultants, not the minority.
But if you are making more selling your stuff elsewhere… who gives a crap about the incentives? Once you buy the product, which is at whole sale when you become a consultant, it’s yours to do whatever you want to with. So, while it maybe against company regulations the joke is on the company, because they don’t have time to track every consultant to see if they’re doing their job by the book! And why would they as long as you’re buying their product. It’s no money lost on their part. Most customers want to buy the product without being guilted and strong-armed into planning a party. If you do your research you’ll find out what’s trending.
Go to eBay. You’ll find that there are over 22k listings of Jamberry products. That says a lot!! If there are that many listings for Jamberry products on eBay, that means it’s a hot product. So the people who are selling them (which is mostly consultants but you’ll never know for sure) are certainly making a profit. The product is also probably selling for more than the company’s retail price due to bidding wars. You would be surprised how much people are willing to spend for something they really want. Ridiculous? Yes. Is that the person who’s selling it their problem? No. Of course it isn’t. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.
Oh, and those who said they became a consultant just to take advantage of the discounts, who do you think you’re kidding?? $99 just so you can purchase on the cheap? Come on!! You know you can buy Jamberry for less than $10 on Amazon, right? BTW, that’s another outlet you can use to sell Jamberry.
Wendy says
This applies to any direct sales company, not just Jamberry. Tupperware are the worst pimps! Trust me, I’ve been there, don’t that and even for the t-shirt.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
I have yet to find one I would recommend, that’s for sure!
Kristy-Jo harber says
Wow. Jealously is a sickness. Get well soon!
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
What am I jealous of?
Danielle Marie Fisher says
I know this was a couple years ago. But yes! I agree with this whole article. A very very small fraction of women will actually make money where they can quit their day jobs. A very small fraction. If you are one of them… good for you. For the majority…it’s a scam. I was promised I would make money, I would earn trips, I would make so many new friends. I worked my butt off! I worked my “business” 24/7. I was eating, drinking and sleeping Jamberry. I did everything I was told to do and guess what….if you don’t have the friends that can just drop $45 a month on nail crap…you will not get anywhere. Eventually your friends will start ignoring you, you will lose customers and friends. I neglected my family, my garden of food actually all died because I was being forced to work. My team leaders didn’t care about my day or my life… they would ask me how I am or how my family is and then go right in to telling me what I need to do. Forcing me to message everyone that was online at the moment. I felt like a cheetah getting ready to pounce on my meal! I felt horrible. I worked for that horrible company from September 2015-July 2016. I thought about it for 2 months before quitting. As soon as I did, the stress lifted from my shoulders. I didn’t have to worry about getting parties scheduled, I didn’t have to contact anyone, my real friends started talking to me again…about life!! There were no more selfies that had my nails in the picture (a tacky way to sell). I’ve sold all my nail wraps that I bought, I gave all my nail lacquer to my daughters. I went back to store bought polish that doesn’t destroy my nails. My $6 store bought manicure looks better than my $120 gel Jamberry manicure. And I don’t need any special gel remover to get it off my nails. You want financial freedom!? Don’t buy Jamberry, don’t join them either because that “awesome discount” you get is still far more than buying it in store or going to the salon. Like others have said…there’s two sides to every story. And well, I’m not on the good side. And most consultants will learn this on their own as well.
Mrs. Bottlesoup says
Danielle, thank you for sharing your story. I’m sorry you had that experience but I’m glad your stress has been lifted now. Hopefully, other women will read your comment before joining and it will help others avoid this situation. Do you think that, at any point, there would have been a way to prevent you from joining Jamberry in the first place? What was your major motivation for becoming part of the Jamberry company?