Maybe if Vemma reps/distributors put out a petition and get as many of their downlines to sign, that could help. The FTC Complaint cites the acts with quotes of what seemed to be actually said at meetings and such, so the Defendants would need to prove that they weren't making the recruitment aspect the main focus.

Vemma reps/distributors could ban together and help disprove the FTC's complaints. That's the best way to help their leadership (the Defendants) lift the shutdown, in my opinion, if the Defendants don't have the resources to fight the Complaint themselves.

The FTC thugs got out their dart board to make an example using their cookie cutter BS pyramid argument, and as usual, they will win for the only companies who can battle back are the ones with deep pockets like Amway and Herbalife.  So now we see a company with products and many years in business get brought to its knees and when a company is attacked by FTC which is civil, company is considered guilty until they prove themselves innocent. Hard to do when you are flat on your back with all funds seized, and that is their game, easy pickens to feed the pig, while distributors lose it all and that is the most sad part of all.

Success to all,

I totally agree about taking personal responsibility, because in the end, we all make our own decisions and nobody forces us to do anything we don't want to do (well, unless a gun is pointed at our heads).

But some people blame others for their misfortune, so that's when they start complaining to the authorities. There must have been a lot of complaints to have the FTC step in and investigate.

Companies like Herbalife, Amway, and a host of others, have had many complaints by disgrunted ex-reps/affiliates, but they're still around because the FTC can't find fault with the leadership doing what they consider pyramid-scheme practices. That 'pyramid scheme' aspect is what companies have to watch out for.

WatchDog said: I do agree that it's problematic if students were being targeted for the program, but wasn't that done by a specific rep? Or was it part of a company-wide program?

According to the FTC Complaint against Vemma, Section 19 states ...

"Vemma's marketing efforts included a campaign called the "YPR," "Young People Revolution" or "Young Professional Revolution," which targets young adults, including college students. Defendants visit college campuses ..."

They list Benson K. Boreyko (an officer of Vemma) and Tom and Bethany Alkazin (#1 Top Earners) as the Defendants, so this Complaint specifically cites them (see Section 8 and 9. They are being accused of participating in the acts and practices set forth in the Complaint).

I doubt the FTC would shut down a company due to what a few reps/affiliates do, but when the leadership is responsible for the direction it takes their reps/affiliates, that's probably when the FTC has a case for shutting them down.

Everyone should read the actual FTC Complaint PDF, because it's a good reminder of what to look for in the leadership of a company you join. The focus should be on sharing it others because of the benefits of the product rather than recruiting them for the money you (or they) can make. The FTC should have no complaints about a company who does that.

I need to go through and read the complaint in detail. I picked up bits and pieces from Vemma reps, some said there were complaints because students were encourages to walk over to one of the tables on campus where you can essentially get an instant Visa card, then use that card to buy into the Vemma program.

A month or two later they are calling their family to bail them out on the card payment.

I got my first visa card in college. I used it to buy beer. Lots of beer. Kegs of beer. Bad decision. But the FTC didn't shut down the brewing company. I'm big on personal responsibility.

I do agree that it's problematic if students were being targeted for the program, but wasn't that done by a specific rep? Or was it part of a company-wide program?

Here's the FTC's press release

Here's the actual FTC complaint

After reading the above links, it seems the FTC's main issue was the 'luring college students' part, and making it more about recruiting and making money than sales of product. It's possible that if the leadership hadn't focused on marketing to college students, they might not have been scrutizined by the FTC.

I've been in a lot of MLMs in the past and two were shut down. A company will normally be scrutinized by the FTC due to a number of consumer complaints. Many times those are by ex-reps/affiliates who are disgruntled because they had to spend a lot of money buying products to join/qualify, yet didn't earn the income they were hyped about, and instead loss money.

Here's Jewelway's FTC complaint. The below snippet is what normally gets a company in trouble ...

"Legitimate multi-level marketing plans are a way of making retail sales of products or services to consumers through a network of representatives. However, in an illegal pyramid scheme the main focus is not on sales, but on recruiting new representatives into the program. Typically, each new representative must buy a certain amount of products and must recruit a specified number of new participants in order to earn money in the program. In a pyramid scheme there is almost no emphasis on making retail sales of products to persons who are not participants in the program."

"In its complaint against JewelWay, the FTC alleged that the defendants were operating a pyramid scheme because their promotional efforts focused primarily on recruiting and not on retail sales to non-participants. The FTC further alleged that the defendants made deceptive earnings claims in order to induce consumers to make a token purchase of jewelry and become a JewelWay representative able to recruit additional participants for the company."

The best way to stay out of the FTC's eye, is for the leadership of each company to make it more about the product than just about making money. Also, don't target college students.

Stunned. Imagine a world where any company that has an autoship program, and reps or affiliates who encourage others to join because they may earn some income, is potentially subject to being shut down by the FTC.

I think that covers virtually every nutritional company operating in the direct sales space.

Companies like Jusuru, where you must buy a minimum amount of product each month to remain commission qualified, and who promote their business as an 'opportunity' would seem to technically be subject to the same kind of action.

Will the DSA need to change their entire rule structure, or with the FTC use the DSA list as a road map to each and every company that needs to be targeted next?

This is an industry wide game changer.

Very unfortunate indeed, WatchDog. Sad to see a company shut down and all their reps/affiliates losing their businesses, and also from being able to continue using a health/nutritional product that has benefited them.

I wrote a post in your other thread, but also wanted to express my condolences. Speaking from experience, it sucks when you've brought family/friends/associates/etc. into your program and then it gets shut down. It really sucks! =(

Bad news today for Vemma. The FTC apparently served them today, something to do with autoship although the complaint will not be unsealed until Friday.

Vemma sells a consumable product, has a top rating with the BBB ( not that I give much credence to the BBB, they are after all a pay-to-play organization at their very core ) but Vemma is a company that I've never heard any complaints about, I know reps who are earning regular checks, and the product is decent - just not my thing.

What's bad for the industry is the feeding frenzy that will immediately occur - there will be posts everywhere about "Lost your Vemma check? Jump over here!" and things of that nature. Reps tearing through downlines with the next new offer.

Vemma's autoship requirements were, as I understand, removed a while back. I haven't fact checked that - but I look forward to reading the complaint and trying to decipher what the target action is going to be.

Condolences to Vemma reps everywhere.

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Welcome to the forums Almas, hope to hear from you.

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@ Wallace L ~ Thank you. As a mother myself, I know I'm very selective not only about what I put in my own body, but what I give to my children. I'm also blessed with a thrift consciousness that tends to make me skeptical of products that have high costs and tout benefits that can be gained in other, less costly, ways. But, if you have it and are lacking in the nutrition area, then I suppose Vemma NEXT, along with all of the other Vemma products, will seem like a bargain lifesaver.

@ VemmaDiamond ~ Thank you for the links. Though I'd have to disagree in part with your statement, in that I do not personally know a single person who uses Red Bull or Monster, daily or otherwise, (though perhaps my circle is a bit different than that of many Vemma users to begin with), I can still appreciate and understand how the Vemma product line could be considered extremely beneficial to many people. Great info none the less :)

Vemma has been launching new products for quite some time. They have not just rested on their laurels, so to speak. Vemma NEXT and Vemma THIRST represent just two of their products. The Verve energy drink is a healthy replacement for people who drink off the shelf drinks like Red Bull and Monster - and it's much healthier for you. It's also a great market - we all know people who drink those drinks on a daily basis.

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Patricia, you couldn't have said it better, I think it sounds like a great product, but I think these kinds of things are better when they are specifically targeting individuals with deficiencies. Other than that, and of course the price of some Vemma Products, I am fairly impressed with what they are offering, especially when compared to the alternatives.

"For each month's supply of Vemma NEXT purchased, Vemma will donate a month's supply to a child in need. "

Assuming this product really is as healthy for the human body as it appears to be, I think this is a pretty good practice and I am impressed with the practice. I am also happy to see that there are finally products surfacing for children with no preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. On the other hand, I am wondering what the benefits of introducing such a potent product into a child's body could be if they already eat an organic, nutritionally sound diet, not only from a nutritional standpoint, but also for the price of consumption. Adults tend to have a harder time with this because we've had more time to develop habits, nutritional rituals, schedules, time constraints and more freedom to make poor nutritional choices occasionally, so I can see formulas being more helpful for adults. I'm not so sure I entirely feel that something like this is really beneficial for a kid, but who knows, it might be fantastic for kids that eat mostly junk food.

Finest and most complete might be stretching it a bit, but I will say that it looks as though Vemma NEXT has some benefit for children. The only ingredient that I found hard to digest, literally, might be the fructooligosaccaride. It is often used as an artificial sweetener, though it can be found in many fruits and vegetables. Known for promoting the healthy kind of bacteria that we all want, it also can produce the unhealthy kind in the intestines causing gas, if taken in excess. An average dose of no more than 5-10 grams per day for adults is recommended, and there is no recommendation for children.

I would like to better understand why my children would need to ingest Vemma NEXT if they were adhering to a whole and organic food diet with a normal vitamin and mineral supplement.

Vemma® Launches Vemma NEXT™ -- The Finest and Most Complete Children's Supplement Available

Vemma Nutrition Company launches Vemma NEXT, the organic liquid supplement for children ages 2 through 12. This physician formulated supplement has a delicious, kid-approved orange flavor, and is packed with antioxidants including quercetin and nutrients that meet or exceed 100% of the USRDA. With a complete dose of 12 full spectrum vitamins, over 65 plant-sourced minerals and 14 organic fruit and vegetable phytonutrient sources, Vemma NEXT assures delicious and balanced nutrition for children, including those with poor eating habits. For each month's supply of Vemma NEXT purchased, Vemma will donate a month's supply to a child in need. Vemma is also a proud partner of the wonderful non-profit, Children's Miracle Network®.

Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) September 3, 2009 -- Vemma Nutrition Company launches today a first of its kind, liquid children's supplement, Vemma NEXT™. Nutrition for the next generation, Vemma NEXT includes Vemma's clinically studied formula (Vitamins, Essential Minerals, Mangosteen, Aloe) along with key nutrients to support the growth and healthy development of children ages 2 to 12.* This physician formulated supplement has a delicious, kid-approved orange flavor, and is packed with antioxidants including quercetin and nutrients that meet or exceed 100% of the USRDA. With a complete dose of 12 full spectrum vitamins, over 65 plant-sourced minerals and 14 organic fruit and vegetable phytonutrient sources, Vemma NEXT assures delicious and balanced nutrition for children, including those with poor eating habits.

Vemma NEXT offers parents an easy solution to start forming a solid, results-driven nutritional regimen for their children. The formula contains choline and an all-natural vegetarian source of DHA (omega-3 fatty acid) known for its brain and eye support.* The fruit and vegetable extracts will also help parents with the dreaded mealtime vegetable battle since phytonutrients from broccoli, as well as other organic vegetables, are included in Vemma NEXT. In addition to BPA free packaging, the formula is also low in sugar, gluten free and preservative free with no artificial colors or flavors so parents can be confident they are giving their children a premium and healthy product.

Each month's supply of Vemma NEXT sold will not only benefit the health of one child, but also the health of an additional child somewhere in the world. For each month's supply of Vemma NEXT purchased, Vemma will donate a month's supply to a child in need. Vemma is also a proud partner of the wonderful non-profit, Children's Miracle Network®. For three months of the year, beginning now, Vemma will proudly display the Children's Miracle Network logo on the Vemma NEXT bottle. During this time, a portion of Vemma NEXT sales is also being donated to Children's Miracle Network. As the founder and CEO of Vemma, BK Boreyko has a passion for doing good things to make great things happen. BK assures, "In support of this fundamental value, we're working with deserving organizations to help the world's children live healthier lives, one child at a time. For every Vemma NEXT pack purchased, Vemma will donate a month's supply to benefit a child in need. What could be a better investment for the NEXT generation of our planet?"

I think its great that there are healthier alternatives to Monster Energy drink because that product is terrible for the body. The price of one shot of Vemma Verve is about equal to it's competitors who I feel produce a product almost unfit for consumption (not to be harsh, but read the ingredients in Monster). I could see Vemma Verve as being a good investment for entrepreneurs, perhaps well suited in gyms, salons, even college cafeterias.

Just wanted to post about my continuing experience with Vemma

I continue to receive and drink Verve - I've had three friends who used to drink one or two cans of Monster Energy Drink switch over to Verve. They like the product, and the fact that it actually has some nutritional elements vs just the guarana and boost they get from the store bought products.

I urge anyone considering a new business to get a free Vemma sample, or sign up with a growing team.

My checks continue to grow, and I have yet to have anyone express any dissatisfaction with Vemma, Verve, or the company support or any other products.

This is a first for me in network marketing.

I have to admit, I am fairly impressed about the money back empty packet guarantee, though I feel a $70 price tag seems fairly high for a nutritional drink that allots me 30 beverage packets, even if the ingredients are somewhat exotic. The Vemma THIRST web site suggests 1-3 servings per day, but for the average consumer, even drinking one a day at 70 dollars per month doesn't seem like a very sustainable nutritional choice, not to mention for larger families with even 2-3 adults or teens, let alone children. I think the product does sound very good, especially with low sugar and no artificial sweeteners etc, but from a marketing standpoint, I can't help but question the longevity of this product when considering the cost. Are there any plans on releasing a more cost effective version, or perhaps a boost in quantity? I can see athletes purchasing this, but even families that are particularly well off financially don't seem likely to continue the product for very long. Of course this is all under the assumption that its marketing target is the mainstream consumer, otherwise I can see specific types of consumers being very happy with the product.

Another new product from Vemma:

Performance Is Everything

Vemma THIRST is specifically engineered for athletes of all ages, from children to professionals, who are serious about their hydration, sustaining their workouts, help protecting their bodies and enhancing their health.* This nourishing sports drink alternative is also beneficial for anyone who needs to rehydrate in hot climates or high altitudes.

Healthy Hydration

Now you can get all the benefits of hydration without the undesirable ingredients found in other sports drinks, like over-abundant sweeteners and artificial coloring. A delicious, healthy beverage, Vemma THIRST harnesses the nutritional attributes of the mangosteen — a rare Asian superfruit that supplies some of the highest quantities of phytonutrient-rich xanthones found in nature. Whether you're running a marathon or pushing a stroller, power your daily activity with Vemma THIRST. Available in a convenient, portable packet, Vemma THIRST can be activated with water for healthy hydration anytime, anywhere.

The Vemma Comp plan is one of the simplest and most rewarding in the business.

You can earn money while you use the product and offer samples to others. If you drink energy drinks, or gatorade, or any similar product, Vemma has a better alternative.

Contact me for more info.