Market America & Isotonix OPC-3 Business Product Review

Posted in MLM, MLM Reviews

Energy drink sales are an exploding $10 Billion (yes that is a capital “B”!!) market globally. This market is projected to continue to double yearly. Since 33% of those aged 16-35 consume 1 to 2 energy drinks each day, proof stems from a 500%+ growth in the past 2 years. This demand indicates that more than 70 million are purchased every day. Why? Most all energy drinks claim benefits of both energy and health.

When speaking about the “energy claims” of most high energy drinks, the biggest concern is that the energy is short term. ‘Energy’ can be measured in hours. Most drinks face the oxymoron of using Guarana, Taurine, Green Caffeine, Tea Extract, or Sugar. The health claims of these individually or in combination will not be discussed here.

There are also energizers such as Red Bull and Monster consumed by the main target group. There are other concerns that an energy drink may or may not be the best way to get the short term energy jolt most are looking for, according to the experts. These are not sold in an MLM format, but are figured in the overall statistics in sales.  Here is where the healthy side of the argument looses steam. Most of the energy drink products do not have long term benefits or health benefits. Some of these ingredients can become addictive.

While considering if you will become a distributor/prospect in the lucrative MLM Healthy Energy Drink Market, make sure you understand how effective the energy drink product you are considering selling, is for both energy and health. I believe most would agree, it would be better to take a healthy energy drink with long term benefits if possible. Is the product scientifically formulated and backed by reliable clinical research? Remember the label of “energy drink” is left to the manufacture’s discretion because the FDA does not define the term. Other things to consider are how the energy drink product will be marketed, price comparison, accuracy of unsolicited testimonies, and where and how you can promote the product.

History:

Market America, is an internet market place and product brokerage company utilizing direct sales to sell numerous products in a variety of markets. Market America sells everything from their preferred brands and partner stores to travel. On the day of this writing, there were some hot deals, including jewelry, candy and fragrance. (Not long before Mother’s Day.) Market America is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina. The company was founded in 1992. One of Market America’s unique competitive perks in the marketplace is that this company serves more than 6 million customers and claims over 180,000 Shop Consultants worldwide. Three million customers have registered as “preferred”.  The company employs around 650 people worldwide in the United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines and the United Kingdom at the time of this writing. In late 2010, the company bought shopping comparison giant Shop.com for an undisclosed amount.

Isotonix OPC-3Drink Product:

Isotonix OPC-3, is a powder that must be mixed with the exact proportion of water and stirred for optimal results.

Calories: 10 in one serving, two servings are not recommended after the first 7-10 days.

Time to Burn that many calories: 4 minutes to burn10 calories, in a 150 lb person, walking 3 miles per hour

Artificial Flavors: No

Artificial Color: No

Artificial Sweetener: No

Preservatives: No

Carbonation: No

Carbohydrates: Yes, 2 grams

Sugar: Yes, 2 grams in the form of glucose and fructose

Energy Blend: Grape Seed Extract, Red Wine Extract, Pine Bark Extract, Bilberry Extract

Fruit Juice: Yes, Citrus Extract Bioflavonoid

Vitamins:  No

Business Goals and Mission:

Mission/Vision: Market America’s mission and/or vision could not be found on the website.

Quote from their website: “Built on product. Powered by people.”

Green Practices: The Isotonix OPC-3 Product comes in plastic bottles. Unsure of recycling practices at this writing.

Community Involvement: Market America was the title sponsor of the 10^th annual Fashion Art Ball to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in early April 2008.

Company

Founders: JR and Loren Ridinger

CEO: JR Rindinger

Senior Vice-President: Loren Ridinger

Products & Services: Market America sells household supplies, jewelry, personal care products, auto care, cosmetics, nutritional supplements, custom websites, water purifiers and more. Isotonix OPC-3 is a unique product in that you must mix the Isotonix OPC-3 powder with water in the cap of the bottle and stir. Isotonix OPC-3 is an antioxidant supplement. Two capfuls are recommended for the first 7-10 days, and only one capful is recommended after that for maintenance program.  The label warns that if it is not mixed correctly, it will not be “isotonic”. Market America products can also be purchased directly from the company on the website. It is unclear who would reap the benefits from these online sales.

Compensation Plan: Because Market America does not manufacture any product or service, the “compensation plan” is an incentive program for customers called the “Cashback” program. This is where a % of the sale is paid back to the customer. The site had $1.34 back to the customer on the purchase of the Isotonix OPC-3 on the day of this writing. The plan does not claim that immediate, residual, and/or leveraged residual income can be earned.

% of Payout: As a Market America preferred customer you are eligible to receive a percentage determined by the website. No other payouts, other yearly trips, retreats bonuses, or car programs were noted.

Isotonix OPC-3 Comparison to PURE Energy

Name: PURE Energy

Calories: None

Time to Burn that many calories: No time at all

Artificial Flavors: No

Artificial Color: No

Artificial Sweetener: No

Preservatives: No

Carbonation: No

Carbohydrates: No

Sugar: No

Energy Blend: Yes, Proprietary Amino Acids

Fruit Juice: No

Vitamins: No

Benefits: PURE Energy combines superior nutrients with patented laser enhancement technology to ensure optimum results. Not only will you enjoy the immediate mental alertness and focus effects of PURE Energy, you can rest assured that other metabolic pathways will also benefit. They include: healthy brain neurotransmitters, thyroid and immune system support, anti-oxidant, burn fat as fuel while preserving healthy lean muscle, detoxification pathways of the liver as it eliminates harmful impurities, maintains a healthy gut, and supports the cardiovascular system, impacting athletic performance and endurance. Try  PURE Energy now!

Cost Comparison:

Isotonix OPC-3	PURE Energy
$2.33 – 1 X Per Day=30 Servings $70 for 30 Days*	1 X Per Day $47 for 30 Days*
2 X Per Day=Not Recommended after 7-10 days*	2 X Per Day $94 for 30 Days*

* Cost before shipping and tax

Summary: Market America Energy is an option among many in the field of MLM energy drink companies. Typical ways of marketing these energy drinks are at public venues such as Community, County and/or Craft Fairs or duplicated websites. You are responsible to recruit others to purchase the products and maintain your level by showing others to do the same. Most who are interested in making a great deal of money have deserted this model of marketing the product for a variety of good reasons. If you are considering selling energy drinks to work from home and make you wealthy, please consider other alternatives, like a recession proof business like PURE Energy.

By: Genean (Genie Craff) Craig Visit the Genie Craff blog.