Beware market studies that are not market studies ...

Amber_Sunshine · 19 August 2008 at 7:35PM

I don't know if this tactic is used in the UK, but this is a warning from Spain.

I answered an ad to participate in a market study (sorry if I'm using the wrong phrase, but I'm forgetting my own language ...) to test facial products. What it turned out to be was:

1) An attempt to sell the products

2) An attempt to sell weight loss products

3) A recruitment drive for the company concerned.

Did it work? Not on me. But then my suspicions were raised the moment I saw the name HERBALIFE ...

maninthestreet · 20 August 2008 at 12:02AM

How long will it be before new joiner to these forums adds to this thread, masquerading as a 'satisified customer' of Herbalife???

Amber_Sunshine · 20 August 2008 at 8:00AM

Or starts a new one ... well, any company that operates such tactics is not an honest one, in my view.

Amber_Sunshine · 20 August 2008 at 10:17AM

maninthestreet wrote: »

How long will it be before new joiner to these forums adds to this thread, masquerading as a 'satisified customer' of Herbalife???

Less than 12 hours:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=13500015&posted=1#post13500015

spuds_2 · 20 August 2008 at 1:55PM

This is a common tactic by many dubious companies. They will often claim they are testing a product, but the result is a very hard-sell demonstration.

Another one to look out for is the market-researcher who asks you some very basic questions but wants your name, address and phone number - this is just a way of getting info so they can ring up to flog you something or tell you that you have 'won' a competition.

gavc · 10 November 2009 at 6:58PM

Hi Guys,

Firstly, I've got to say I understand all your comments.
There have been numerous times when I have been 'sold' to, but I haven't wanted to buy. Then people just get pushy, I have a short fuse when it comes to things like that.

However, my wife and I need to earn some extra cash, just maybe a couple of hundred pounds/ month. Our friend has been running some weight loss classes, which will be advertised locally to you I am sure (Arriba weight loss challenge).
She has just helped 25 people lose over 350 pounds in 12 weeks, she hasn't forced them to use the Herbalife products, it's an option if the member wants something to help.
However, all the joining fee's went into the cost of the room, and a prize fund, where the 3 biggest losers won £600 between them!
Now that's pretty fantastic if you ask me???
Ok, my friend has made some money selling the products to the people who chose to use them, but then that is her income.

My second point is, a colleague of hers is such a pushy so and so, and obviously only wanting to 'get rich quick' from the business that we all avoid him at all costs!

So, I think someone else has already pointed out that it totally depends on the person, not the company.
We have used the products and feel great, we have told friends and family about it, if they want to have a go, they know where we are.

One more point, I was reading on the Herbalife website about their charity work, you guys should google Casa Herbalife. https://www.herbalifefamilyfoundation.org
They have helped so many children who live on the streets, if you think it's a scam, you are a heartless, and should take a long hard look at yourself!

I understand you don't want to become part of the business, and some people are very pushy, but while you are bad mouthing a very ethical, charitable company, you are spoiling the sole income of some individuals, and thus stopping those kids getting the help they so badly need!

Have a think before you post hey?

Freddie_Snowbits · 10 November 2009 at 7:02PM

:spam::spam::spam::spam::spam::spam::spam::spam:

Spam

Emergency Emergency

Mandypops_2 · 23 February 2010 at 7:00PM

'gavc': Can I ask you one question? Why is the group that you and your wife run called 'Arriba Wellness Club'? Why is not called 'Herbalife Wellness Club'? Is it because you know that people will run a mile at the name 'Herbalife'?

I have already posted a long page of my gripes about these 'Arriba' (Herbalife) groups on another thread, but, to sum it up, it does not become clear that these groups are a Herbalife vehicle until a week or so into the 'course'... by which time, the 48 hour money back guarantee has expired. You then have a choice of abandoning your 39 quid, or sitting through weekly, hour-long lectures on how you'll never lose weight (or keep it off) unless you use Herbalife.

Whatever 'charitable work' Herbalife has done, it's nothing compared to the desperate, overweight people they've ripped off.

Pollycat · 2 June 2010 at 12:00PM

Well guys, good old Gavc is at it again.

Posting on the Debt-free wannabe board this time:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2506811

heretolearn_2 · 4 June 2010 at 3:10PM

My bf keeps buying bloody herballife crap from one of his mates. It winds me up no end - it's expensive !!!!!. And he's even put bloody weight on, but because it's his friend he feels unable to say no.

Freddie_Snowbits · 4 June 2010 at 4:19PM

Ear to Learn. You have two choices as Freddie sees it.

1 Hope BF puts on weight. (We'll sort him out in the Dog and Duck)

2 Dump BF. For this, I suggest the relationship thread.

Pollycat wrote: »

Well guys, good old Gavc is at it again.

Posting on the Debt-free wannabe board this time:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2506811

Bu99er, its gone! Please enlighten us Polly

Beware market studies that are not market studies ...

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