MLM products in a clinic

[Guest guest]

In response to posts on both the TCM and CHA lists regarding goji juice, it

seems important to further investigate the ethics of Multi-Level Marketed

products in a holistic clinical environment.

 

 

I used to sell MLM Rainbow vacuum cleaners for $1200 and they were very

good, but I know they cost only a couple hundred dollars to make. Most of

that profit went not to me, but to " upstream " marketers who got into the

" chain " before I did. They added no value to the final product, but only to

its cost as a result of their privileged position.

 

 

 

There is no doubt that profit needs to be made in order to keep herbal &

nutraceutical products flowing to clients. From farmer > aggregator/shipper

> manufacturer > wholesaler > clinician there is a legitimate business

argument for a fair and reasonable profit at each level. Each step (with

the possible exception of wholesaler) adds some value to the product or its

knowledgeable delivery to the end user.

 

 

 

Many manufacturers thrive on this model, and those with a good product can

place marketing ads and attend conferences to convey their high-quality

scientific data (such as it may be, providing full study details and funding

sources via URL as needed).

 

 

 

What I do not find legitimate is profiteering by those upstream in the MLM

hierarchy who directly contribute to the cost of $40/bottle wonder juice

without adding any value for those seeking good health in our clinics. In

my opinion a holistic healthcare model includes consideration of a client's

often limited finances, and I strongly question the ethic of MLM products

proffered by TCM or other holistic clinicians. Although the practitioner

may not be making a killing at their level, is there not nevertheless

indirect support for a predatory pricing model?

 

 

 

Thanks for a good discussion on this topic -

 

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Jamey Kowalski, Herbal Student