Why is everyone leaving Plexus? Once hailed as the go-to solution for health and wellness enthusiasts, Plexus is now experiencing a drastic shift in fortunes. Gone are the days when social media feeds were filled with glowing testimonials and fervent recommendations about this once-beloved product.
Now, former Plexus ambassadors are quietly withdrawing, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions. What is causing people to leave Plexus? Why are people turning their backs on a brand they once championed?
The reasons behind this mass departure are many and kind of complex. After several customers showed their concern about the dangerous side effects of Plexus products, the FDA was forced to stop its sales across major platforms. But that’s not all; The FTC also concluded that Plexus is not an MLM but just another pyramid scheme. Therefore, it cannot be trusted.
If you have ever asked yourself, ‘Why is everyone leaving Plexus?’ then this article will uncover everything you need to know about the subject. Just keep reading!
Table of Contents
First, What Is Plexus?
Plexus Worldwide is a prominent company that has made a name for itself in the world of network marketing. The company specializes in health, weight loss, and beauty products. With its headquarters nestled in Scottsdale, Arizona, Plexus has experienced substantial success since its establishment in 2006.
The company offers a tiered ambassadorship program, comprising seven distinct categories that range from the entry-level “ambassador” to the prestigious “diamond ambassador.”
To join the ranks of Plexus distributors, individuals are required to pay an annual membership fee of $34.95 and buy a product bundle priced at either $99 or $199. In order to maintain their ambassador position, distributors must maintain a monthly personal volume (PV) that averages 100 points.
The allure of network marketing is often emphasized when pitching the Plexus opportunity to potential distributors. They are promised the chance to embark on their business journey without any initial investment, presenting an appealing proposition for those seeking entrepreneurial ventures.
Why Is Everyone Leaving Plexus?
#1: Plexus was banned in some countries
Plexus, once a global sensation, faced a significant blow when it encountered bans in some countries. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada took a firm stance against Plexus, prohibiting the sale and distribution of its products within their borders.
In Canada, for instance, the government issued a warning regarding the importation of two of Plexus products; the Plexus Slim Accelerator 3-Day Trial box and the Plexus Slim Accelerator pills. These products, despite being manufactured elsewhere, were being imported into Canada, raising concerns about their safety and compliance with local regulations.
The bans, accompanied by safety warnings from regulatory bodies like the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), have shattered trust and led many individuals to question their association with Plexus.
#2: Banned by Amazon in early 2014
In an unfortunate turn of events for Plexus, the e-commerce giant Amazon took a decisive step in early 2014 by permanently prohibiting the sale of Plexus products on its platform. One major factor contributing to the ban was the sheer volume of negative reviews Plexus products received from customers.
Overwhelmed by a multitude of one-star ratings, it became evident that a significant portion of consumers was dissatisfied with their experience with Plexus. Such a wave of dissatisfaction raised serious concerns about the efficacy and quality of the products offered by the company.
And again, report shows that Plexus products contain dimethylamylamine. This is a major red flag as to the integrity and compliance of the company’s formulations.
As a result, Amazon took a definitive stance, permanently barring Plexus products from their marketplace. Even to this day, two of Plexus’ products remain on Amazon’s prohibited list, reflecting the ongoing reservations regarding their safety and efficacy.
So, when you ask, ‘Why is everyone leaving Plexus?’ you should know that not many people will want to associate with a brand already banned from Amazon!
#3: FDA questions Plexus products
Plexus found itself in hot water when it received a warning letter from the FDA, citing serious concerns regarding three of its products. The FDA alleged that these products were not only hazardous and ineffective but also misbranded due to inadequate safety instructions.
Furthermore, the FDA raised objections to the improper promotion of these products as pharmaceuticals. In response, the FDA demanded an immediate resolution of these infractions and required Plexus to address the issues promptly.
The FDA’s questioning of Plexus products serves as a significant cause for alarm among consumers. When a regulatory authority like the FDA highlights potential dangers, inefficacy, and misbranding concerns, it raises serious doubts about the reliability and trustworthiness of the products in question. This development has undoubtedly contributed to the growing number of individuals choosing to part ways with Plexus.
#4: Misleading marketing claims
Plexus’s marketing efforts often involved making lofty claims about the remarkable effectiveness of their products. These bold assertions created unrealistic expectations among customers, leading them to anticipate miraculous transformations or rapid solutions to their health and wellness concerns.
However, when these grand promises failed to materialize, disillusionment quickly followed suit. The stark disparity between the marketing claims and the actual outcomes left individuals feeling deceived and compelled them to explore alternative options.
#5: Lack of third-party certification
Still on ‘Why is everyone leaving Plexus?’ and the next reason we found is the lack of independent certification or testing for its products. This lack of third-party validation has triggered a significant backlash against the company.
Customers have expressed widespread dissatisfaction and skepticism, questioning the reliability and safety of Plexus products without the assurance of independent verification.
Moreover, the Better Business Bureau page dedicated to Plexus is filled with numerous customer complaints, amplifying the mounting discontent among consumers. The absence of third-party certification, coupled with customer grievances, has intensified the doubts surrounding Plexus and contributed to the growing exodus from the brand.
#6: The pyramidal nature of plexus
One of the concerning aspects surrounding Plexus is its resemblance to a pyramid scheme, rather than a conventional multi-level marketing firm, as per the regulations set by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
This pyramid-like structure raises red flags, as it allows the operators of such schemes ample time to defraud unsuspecting victims before the FTC can intervene.
Compounding the issue, the income disclosure statement for 2015 revealed a disheartening reality for the majority of Plexus ambassadors. The report indicated that most ambassadors earned less than $5,000 annually, with an average income of a mere $417.
In fact, in the same year, Plexus Ambassadors at the Ambassador-Diamond levels earned an average of $1,885.99 in yearly commission, while the median annual commission was a meager $213.23.
These statistics highlight the harsh truth behind the financial prospects of Plexus ambassadors. The vast majority find themselves struggling to achieve meaningful earnings, while only a select few manage to attain modest returns for their efforts.
#7: Faulty compensation plan
Plexus also encountered significant criticism regarding the pricing of its products, leaving some consumers struggling to justify the high costs.
Moreover, changes made to the compensation plan for distributors had a direct impact on their earning potential and overall satisfaction with the company. These factors collectively eroded trust and loyalty within the distributor base.
The distributors, who were once the cornerstone of the vibrant Plexus community, found themselves disenchanted and actively seeking alternative business opportunities. These disrupted the equilibrium and left distributors questioning the viability of their involvement with Plexus.
Why is Everyone Leaving Plexus: Some FAQs About the Company
Why is Plexus banned in Australia?
Plexus is banned in Australia due to concerns about the safety and compliance of its products. The regulatory authorities in Australia have taken decisive action to prohibit the sale and distribution of Plexus products within the country.
What’s the difference between pyramid schemes and MLM?
The main difference between pyramid schemes and multi-level marketing (MLM) lies in their underlying structure and focus. Pyramid schemes primarily generate income through recruitment, where participants earn profits by recruiting others into the scheme. As the scheme expands, the emphasis shifts from actual product sales to recruiting more participants.
On the other hand, MLM companies focus on selling products or services. Distributors earn commissions not only through their own sales but also through the sales made by their recruited team members. MLMs typically have a legitimate product or service that drives their revenue, with compensation plans based on product sales rather than recruitment alone.
And based on FTC’s conclusion about Plexus, the company is not an MLM business but merely a pyramid scheme looking to make cash off the distributors instead of focusing on developing real products that actually work.
What are some plexus products?
Plexus offers a range of products in the areas of weight loss, health, and wellness. Some of the notable products offered by Plexus include:
- Plexus Slim: A popular weight loss drink mix that claims to help control appetite, support healthy glucose metabolism, and promote weight loss.
- Plexus Block: Designed to help block the absorption of carbohydrates and sugars, aiding in weight management and blood sugar control.
- Plexus ProBio 5: This is a probiotic supplement formulated to support gut health and promote a balanced digestive system.
- Plexus MegaX: A plant-based omega supplement that Plexus claimed to contain essential fatty acids to support overall wellness, heart health, and brain function.
- Plexus Nerve: Designed to support a healthy nervous system, reduce occasional discomfort, and promote overall nerve health.
Does Plexus make you lose weight?
Plexus claims that their product can assist with weight loss by enhancing gut microbiome composition, increasing energy expenditure, and supporting normal glucose metabolism. However, they have not provided scientific evidence from trials to substantiate these claims.
Therefore, the effectiveness of Plexus products in promoting weight loss remains unsupported by scientific testing.
Why is Plexus not approved by FDA?
Plexus is not FDA-approved because it has faced regulatory action from the FDA. In 2014, the FDA issued a warning to Plexus for unlawfully marketing several products, such as ProBio5, BioClense, and Fast Relief, as pharmaceuticals.
The compnay made claims suggesting that these products could cure various medical conditions, which violated FDA regulations. As a result, Plexus products have not received FDA approval.
Does plexus demote distributors?
Yes, Plexus has a system in place where distributors can be demoted if they fail to meet the monthly personal volume (PV) requirement. This can impact their earning potential and overall position within the Plexus distributor hierarchy.
Does Plexus contain Xylitol?
Yes, some Plexus products contain Xylitol as an ingredient. Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly used in various food and personal care products, including dietary supplements. However, you should note that the presence of Xylitol may vary depending on the specific Plexus product.
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