https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 24 May 2026 18:18:28 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2773604 Sat, 16 Sep 2017 10:46:32 +0000 Ms. RV 2773604@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anya: Yikes! While I agree that their new return policy makes sense (if you opened a fast food franchise, the mother company probably wouldn't allow returns of food you did not use), but they should have definitely made this from one point going forward not have made it apply to everything. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2773573 Fri, 15 Sep 2017 17:34:32 +0000 Anya 2773573@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Anyone see this? </p> <p><a href="http://allthemoms.com/2017/09/14/lularoe-return-policy-changes-outrage/" rel="nofollow">http://allthemoms.com/2017/09/14/lularoe-return-policy-changes-outrage/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766655 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 13:33:47 +0000 tramdoof 2766655@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I work in compliance and risk. Very little infuriates me more than MLMs when it comes to business ethics and regulatory compliance. I rarely post on Facebook, but any time an article like this comes out my husband has to talk me down from going into a full rant. </p> <p>Basically, almost none of these companies are in compliance with FTC guidelines and they know they are not, but the FTC doesn't have the time or resources to go after them because their time is and should be devoted to more high profile violations, so the companies continue to operate knowing the chances of government acting is limited. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766654 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 13:31:44 +0000 hellobeeboston 2766654@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This was such an interesting read - thanks for sharing @Anya: </p> <p>I, personally, do not own any LLR items, it's just not my style, and I truly don't get the hype... I have purchased from other MLM's though, to support friends, and out of curiosity since MLM's generally have excellent marketing/social tactics - it's hard to avoid!</p> <p>I think a HUGE part of what is making these MLMs so big, is that there really is a huge population of stay-at-home moms, and working moms actually, that want to be a part of something.... MANY of my friends are involved with these (none pushy about selling their products to me, so I've been lucky in that regard) and most of them stay at home, and I think they like that 1 - they're a part of an adult community and have other moms/adults to talk to about NON-KID things, 2 - They are working to bring a little extra income into their homes, and in some cases, a lot of extra income, 3 - This gives them a sense of accomplishment that maybe they weren't feeling just being home, and 4 - for those that I know that also work full-time and do this, they like the social aspect and feel like they belong to a group.... I get it.</p> <p>It's so hard as a Mom and an adult to make new friends, feel like they're included and want to do something that is fulfilling.... and I think this checks a lot of those boxes for people! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766640 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 13:14:24 +0000 Alba4 2766640@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so skeptical of these and feel like it's all a scam. There is nothing I hate more than to be contacted by my "friends" or associates from my past on Facebook asking me to "seize the day" and to make some "extra cash". Yea, NO THANK YOU!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766608 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 11:54:31 +0000 snowjewelz 2766608@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have no comment on the selling part; I own a few pieces of LLR mainly to support my friends selling them. I do like that a lot of styles also worked as maternity and great post postpartum clothes and in general are comfy and forgiving. I don't buy prints I don't like and I usually buy when I win a discount and I have quite a few pieces I won for free. I normally don't spend this much on clothes but like I said; I'm only in my friends groups and no one is forcing me to buy! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766604 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 11:47:09 +0000 MrsTal 2766604@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used to be a LLR consultant and am currently in the process of resigning, so take everything I have to say with a grain of salt. I never bought into the whole "sisterhood", drinking the koolaid, believe everything the company spouts. I joined in Nov. 2015 and I joined to make money. I never thought of LLR as a MLM because I didn't need a team to make money. To me it was a business, I put up my investment and I knew how long I had to turn that around into profit. I did have to reinvest in product, like in any business but I was never pressured by my upline or sponsor to buy more but I realize this could vary wildly by teams and sponsors. Some sponsors/teams suck. Most of my customers were not friends and family but people I found through doing events and parties. Again, this was my experience. I matched my monthly salary every month and sometimes made a great deal more. </p> <p>Now having said all that, the company itself is not in a good place. It grew too big too fast and the owners have no idea how to run a company of that magnitude. There were many problems that I personally felt could have been avoided had the family turned the company over to a CEO and let them take over. </p> <p>Now that I am getting out I'm able to package all my remaining inventory and return it to LLR for a full refund, they are also paying for shipping as well, so I have lost no money whatsoever. Overall I made a good deal of money, learned a lot about running a business, and got to spend more time at home with my son. I found it to be a win for me, but again, I understand that some people didn't have that experience and I don't fault them for feeling disenchanted with the company. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766497 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 07:46:58 +0000 Mrs D 2766497@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So - I have experience with MLMs and I dont have issues buying from them if I like the product. I do not buy from them just to support a friend...I'd rather take her to dinner or buy her a birthday gift frankly.</p> <p>I also used to sell jewelry for a DS company (not an MLM - this is what was initially attractive to me)...I used to get so enraged with their tactics. There was a small group of us who spoke freely with each other and just discussed how its sad the consultants dont realize they ARE the best customers. I drew the line when I saw alleged "mentors" repeatedly tell women in rural areas "just buy more statement pieces...they are eye catchers and will encourage people to become interested"...RIGHT lets tell the poor girl in rural Idaho to rock a $148 necklace to the local grocery store to get attention and sales. NO. Thats not how this works. Her buying that necklace is $111 less for her family who might REALLY need it. Especially if she is one of the many trying to do this to support her family. The answer isnt buy more if you arent selling much. Ridiculous.</p> <p>As for LLR - I cannot believe all these consultants are comfortable with a $6K investment...that is so much money to have on the line. And then - dont even get me started on having no say in your prints/pieces. Just ridiculous. I would never sell anything where I had to carry inventory.</p> <p>I am currently a part of a different company that is an MLM but has a primary focus of advocacy in legislation - I respect the moral code and ethics of the company. I also have no intention of "recruiting"...just sharing the products. So its ok for me. I just listened to a training call from a managing director in our company who has reached that level without selling to family and friends - I was super intrigued by the call and it did not disappoint. </p> <p>I wish more people who choose to enter in to direct selling would 1) consider the risk and investment 2) ensure they will not rely solely on family/friends as customers and 3) realize we all dont want our facebook feeds filled with this crap non stop. Oh and stop the cold calling...no one likes it...dont reach out to me like you care about me just to sell me products. If I'm interested, I'll ask. If I dont, assume I'm not interested. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766485 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 06:00:31 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2766485@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A couple months ago I complimented a plus-size woman in a rural area on her outfit (LLR's target customer/consultant). She added me to the FB group that sells the clothes, then I realized what was going on and it's not for me. You buy one time and then are hounded to buy more. MLM is annoying AF. One of my neighbors referred a SaladMaster consultant to me. $12k for some pots &amp; pans. The woman was like you could skip eating out every month and that would cover the installments. I asked her if the pots &amp; pans came with a personal chef because that's why we eat out- I don't want to cook. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766482 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 02:12:26 +0000 808love 2766482@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I rarely buy MLM. Friends usually give me MLM stuff from their overstock or addictions. I don't mind MLM when people are not pushy and am not totally love or hate. I would not be a consultant/coach/retailer for one nor recommend it but it is like shopping at walmart. I don't agree with all their values but I get stuff I like there when it is convenient. ETA: I do love my Beachbody. I do my purchases online, belong to a free app community, so I actually forgot it started out as a direct marketing thing. It is just another way of consuming. I do feel sorry for people who get into financial messes but somehow I think they don't have much business savvy to begin with or they just really enjoy it and get carried away. I bet many people break even and just get out. It is like a gamble. Not for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766481 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 00:05:37 +0000 Anya 2766481@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PawPrints: I did see that, it was great. As I recall It was focused on Herbalife, which I'm sure has more available material because of all the FTC stuff, but I'd love to see a similar piece on a more "hot" mlm. </p> <p>@bees_knees: totally! The people at the top are certainly making a killing. One crazy thing about lularoe that the quartz article didn't touch on is how interconnected it is- the same family owns a few other clothing MLMs. </p> <p><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/lularoes-family-tree-of-multilevel-marketers/" rel="nofollow">http://www.cbsnews.com/news/lularoes-family-tree-of-multilevel-marketers/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766476 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 23:22:54 +0000 bees_knees 2766476@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had NO idea LLR couldn't pick their own inventory. No wonder some of them are trying to sell some God awful prints :shocked: I mostly avoid MLMs, but I have def tried (and enjoyed) a couple of products. On principle, 100% buy them from the least pushy sales person I know. I cannot tell you how many people I've unfriended or unfollowed on Facebook bc I get so sick of their sales pitches. And the best is when you get a random message from someone you havent talked to in years--"hey!! You look so beautiful, love your family! Oh and ps buy my crap".</p> <p>It drives me NUTS when reps are like "when you buy from me, you're not helping a CEO...you're helping a mom make ends meet" or whatever. Um. No. Pretty sure there's still a LARGE chunk of my money making it back to your CEO 🙄 Whoever designed MLMs is genius, I'll give them that. </p> <p>Ok. I think I'm done ranting now. :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766469 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 22:38:30 +0000 youboots 2766469@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I really like Agnes &amp; Dora as a LLR alternate. I like the styles better- lots of solids and the reps can order whatever styles/sizes they want. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766466 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 22:09:39 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2766466@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The thing about LLR is that although I don't think the cuts look all that bad (in my very limited experience- I have two solid colored things, OS leggings and a S Nicole, which I imagine is too long for many women), it's the prints. There may be a few cute ones out of many, many ugly ones. So there's competition to get the select few nice ones, but the consultants can't really make any money off that. They're forced to buy tons of prints they can't get rid of to sell a few nicer ones that go for a certain price range that, correct me if I'm wrong, LLR determines. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766463 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 21:57:28 +0000 Corduroy 2766463@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a friend that sells LLR. She's been doing it for about a year and a half and she recently told me she had a month where she made more than she spent. I don't think she's counting the larger house she bought to fit her business. </p> <p>I was really turned off at her first party. It was really big and all of her friends and family were there. People bought a ton to support her. After the party I found out that all the sales at her first party went to her overlord (or whatever the level above you is called). I knew it was a scheme going in and I still felt duped. </p> <p>She does seem to love it and she isn't pressuring me so I hope she's getting some money for all her efforts. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766458 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 21:47:02 +0000 Jennibenni 2766458@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I read this article a few days ago and found it so fascinating! I really dislike mlms but I have tried a rodan and fields kit and lipsense in support of friends who started selling. I felt both were basically overpriced junk. It annoys me the way the reps talk about making great money and then turn around and try to tell you what a great value it is when it's clearly priced sky high to facilitate profit distribution to the various tiers. They eye cream is $100 because everybody up the chain needs to make their cut of that sale, not because it's a great eye cream. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766451 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 21:02:57 +0000 caterw 2766451@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used to love LLR but I only got solid and conservative printed items. Some of the prints are totally awful (especially the new Disney stuff- blargh!). I have some friends who sell it and they seem to post the same (ugly) items over and over again so obviously a lot of their stuff is not selling. They also have parties multiple times a week. It seems like a lot of work for something that is supposed to be "easy" and good for busy SAHMs. </p> <p>@Anya: I hate that about making mom friends nowadays! My DH's boss just started staying home and she sent me a friend request so I figured she wanted to start doing SAHM stuff together. Nope. She is a consultant for some ridiculous MLM. I do not want to throw parties and push junk off on my friends and family-sorry! If I need $100 eye cream I will let you know </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766381 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 15:50:22 +0000 JerricaBenton 2766381@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Super interesting article. I try to stay away from mlms at all cost, so I had no idea people couldn't choose what they sell for lularoe. That seems like such an incredible red flag right off the bat if you were considering it.</p> <p> @codeitall: I agree on the history being fascinating and the evolution. </p> <p>Like, I can buy anything from most anywhere in the world with a few keystrokes on a handheld device. It's so nutso to think I have to buy some 'exclusive' item from the lady down the street. So now it's become about 'supporting' women and moms and that guilt that you aren't supporting friends or family. And of course the faux exclusivity. The language they use is so interesting. I would buy anything a friend or family member handmade or support their business or restaurant in a hot second, but no mlms anymore. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766374 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 15:19:44 +0000 Ajsmommy 2766374@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have about 25 pieces of llr. Mostly skirts and dresses I wear to work. Honestly I like it for the comfort, I don't think it's flattering at all. I think people like it bc it's not tight and the sizes sometimes run large so bigger gals can wear smaller sizes (appealing to some) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766367 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 15:00:25 +0000 thepicklemonster 2766367@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: It's more the cultishness of the way she talked about the conference, and the company in general, that turned me off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766364 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 14:57:37 +0000 Mamaof2 2766364@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I like LLR but would never sell it - I'm just not a "seller" (I tried to sell Mary Kay when I was young and failed miserably!)</p> <p>I love the Randy t-shirt and paid $10 a piece since someone was going out of business </p> <p>I think people hear about those 1% cases and get pulled in - for instance I have a friend that makes $50K per year selling BB - holy crap!!!! But she is single and has no kids and spends all her time working out and posting on FB - who has time for that?? haha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766362 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 14:53:34 +0000 PawPrints 2766362@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>John Oliver dedicated an entire show to MLMs and it was fantastic: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6MwGeOm8iI" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6MwGeOm8iI</a></p> <p>Unfortunately it got swallowed up since it aired the night before the election.</p> <p>I completely agree about Lularoe, I looked into it expecting to see some amazing clothes since people get so excited about it, but it all looks so dumpy and shapeless. </p> <p>I have one FB friend who does the essential oils thing, and she has ascended to like the top of the top tier of sales, and I find it really fascinating to follow her, like in a reality TV show kind of way. She's so passionate about it and I just keep thinking, surely you realize how few people are as successful as you are, and how ruinous this is for the other 99%? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766357 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 14:47:47 +0000 avivoca 2766357@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@thepicklemonster: The conference part doesn't seem as weird to me. My husband goes to a lot of conferences for his job and his company only pays for a few. The rest, he makes sure he cherry picks what he does and uses free car rentals he racks up to offset the cost of the hotel room/conference fee (usually they are small scientific conferences). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766356 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 14:46:01 +0000 thepicklemonster 2766356@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My sister sells Lularoe and I think she is getting scammed but our relationship is not great and I don't want to rock the boat by saying anything. My DH wants me to send her that article (I read it last night) but I'm scared she has already drank the koolaid and will shoot the messenger. She's been selling it almost a year and is still in debt. She also had to pay her own way to their annual conference last month, which seems insane to me. She had to spend all this money for a flight hotel etc and all she got in return is a free pair of hideous leggings and a surprise Katy Perry concert? The company seems very fishy to me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766355 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 14:45:54 +0000 avivoca 2766355@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anya: Oh, absolutely. I have a cousin that has done a couple of them and I have bought from her to support her. She definitely didn't prey on people though, which I appreciated.</p> <p>The girl I sat next to at my high school graduation is one of those super successful LLR sellers, at least in our small town. She's never pitched me to sell under her, but a few other girls from our high school class signed up under her. It's kind of crazy to see how blown up it is. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766352 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 14:37:45 +0000 codeitall 2766352@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think the history of MLMs was the most interesting to me. They used to fulfill a need of supplying product to areas without nearby stores. Well, now we have the internet, so they either have to be unique highly-desired products (like LuLaRoe to my disgust) or they pretend to be easy ways to support your friends in their financial goals. Except you most likely aren't.</p> <p>I hate MLM consultants that prey on my friends. I'd love a way to report people using their FB account solely for MLM promotion to get that crap out of there.</p> <p>I understand some people (even on this board I'm sure) are the lucky ones that make it work for their families. But by being part of the company, you are enabling/endorsing the actions of every other predatory consultant out there. In my mind, I view it like I'd view any other job. If you took the job, you must tacitly approve of the industry. You wouldn't work for Budweiser if you disapproved of alcohol for example. I personally no longer buy MLM products.</p> <p>You don't think people should be pressured into going into debt to buy inventory to bulk up the sales of the upstream? Good! Don't participate in the industry, buy from Etsy or something. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766351 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 14:31:24 +0000 Anya 2766351@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: oh yeah I meant mlms in general. I don't actually know anyone in real life who sells/buys Lularoe specifically I've just seen a lot of it online. Actually I met one woman who I thought wore it because she wears a lot of multicolored leggings, but later found out she sews her own.</p> <p>ETA: to expand on what changed as a mom, the products were already around but now I get the occasional "join my team" pitch, from people who know me as a SAHM and don't realize I work part time. It also makes me more guarded when making new friends- I always feel like I have to rule out that someone is involved in an MLM and therefore just trying to make new contacts for their business. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766345 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 14:27:28 +0000 avivoca 2766345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I read it this morning and it was very intriguing. I was very into LLR last year as the leggings were super comfy and fit over my giant pregnant belly. However...the luster is gone. I left all of my LLR groups and I don't even really like the things I got anymore. My black leggings leave stains on everything. They ruined my diaper bag. The skirt I have will not stay up, and it's my size. And most of the patterns are not my cup of tea.</p> <p>I don't feel as marketed to as a new mom with LLR though. Most of the MLM that have been preying on me have been the weight loss people (It Works, Plexus, BeachBody). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766343 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 14:23:12 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2766343@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Interesting! Thanks for sharing. I would like to see what others have to say about this, I feel similar to you even after briefly buying some items! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quartz-article-on-lularoe#post-2766331 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 14:12:45 +0000 Anya 2766331@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p><a href="https://qz.com/1039331/mlms-like-avon-and-lularoe-are-sending-people-into-debt-and-psychological-crisis/" rel="nofollow">https://qz.com/1039331/mlms-like-avon-and-lularoe-are-sending-people-into-debt-and-psychological-crisis/</a></p> <p>I've seen this article shared a few times now (warning: it's quite long). Lularoe fascinates me because the style does not appeal to me at all, but there seems to be SO much hype, it feels like the Emporer's New Clothes to me. </p> <p>Most direct selling/MLM things people seem to either love it or hate it. I definitely feel more marketed to now as a mom. </p>