Mela-Confusion

Last post I said to stay tuned regarding the returns process as I invoked Melaleuca’s 100% satisfaction guarantee. Well the follow up has come sooner than later.

I have decided not to even attempt to return my Melaleuca products, and here’s why:

• I have to return the un-used portion within 60 days. I’ve got a few capsules that may qualify from my last order.
• The return is per the member agreement I signed. I read this over carefully at the beginning, but forget all the fine details of it. I never purchased a sales presentation kit ($29); something Melaleuca says you “have to” purchase to join the program. This may cause problems. Whenever I placed an order, I was encouraged, but not required, to buy this.
• I also cannot find the member agreement I digitally signed when registering online. Melaleuca’s website takes me in circles, and the best I could do is find a copy that I have to pay to read. Melaleuca is getting no more of my hard-earned money.
• When a product is returned, the end user must choose one of several reasons why it’s being returned. While I’d invoke “Poor Results,” Nutra View never actually said anything about healing eye floaters. This was just Ron’s (refer to the last post) testimonial. So how could I really claim poor results? Perhaps Nutra View did make my eyes stronger; that’s all the product copy claims it may do.
• A return is sure to invoke a phone call from Marilyn and/or Gail. I’d rather keep the lid on that kettle of fish.

I think I’ve provided plenty of good reasons why shipping back a return is at my own risk (and at my expense). I’ve also been warned that I haven’t met my product purchase quota, even though as a direct customer I’m not supposed to have a minimum purchase requirement.

Are you confused? If it’s any comfort, I’m as confused as you are. Another interesting tidbit is Marilyn (my sales lady, and not her real name) emailed me a few months ago asking why I made the decision not to become a Melaleuca member, and then asking me if I tried any products. Huh? Again, I’m confused as you are.

Bottom line, Melaleuca is just like any other overpriced, gimmicky multi-level (think: pyramid) vitamin marketer. Surely some people use the products and swear by their authenticity. Good for them. As for myself, I find with the organic and natural sections taking center stage in grocery stores today, any better-for-you, sustainable products—whether it’s shampoo, lotion, vitamins, or disinfectant—can be had at your local grocery. Not only is it cheaper, it doesn’t involve jumping through hoops, confusing user agreements, and you get instant gratification when you buy at Nature’s Marketplace. My Melaleuca rep called the detergent aisle at Tops the poison aisle. Ok…to each their own. But surely Nature’s Marketplace isn’t a “poison” aisle too.

I’ll finish my last few Melaleuca capsules—it’s not like Nutra View is bad stuff. Then I’ll stop paying $20+ for a month’s supply of vitamins C and A, plus bilberry and blueberry extract. My research shows I can get similar supplements for A LOT cheaper at my local drug store. The quantity-per-capsule is also much higher. Here’s hoping my time with The Melaleuca Company is finished.

P.S. - Before puchasing from Melaleuca, I researched the company with the Better Business Bureau, who gave them good ratings.  However, start to type "melaleuca company" into the Google search bar, and it auto completes to "melaleuca company scam" as the first most common search.  Apparently the company hasn't paid for Google AdWords that would ensure Melaleuca.com (official site) appearing first in Google rankings.