Plexus Worldwide, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a network marketing company specializing in weight loss, health, and beauty products. Established in 2008, the company markets health supplements, skincare items, and weight management solutions.
Factors Influencing the Decline of Plexus
Plexus has witnessed a decline in its customer base, and several reasons contribute to this trend.
Prohibition in Specific Countries
Certain nations, including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, have banned Plexus products. A warning from the Canadian government in 2014 highlighted concerns about the Plexus Slim Accelerator 3-day trial box and Plexus Slim Accelerator pills, which are manufactured in other countries and then imported into Canada.
Amazon Ban
The presence of dimethylamylamine in the product’s ingredients led to numerous one-star reviews on Amazon. Consequently, Amazon permanently banned the sale of Plexus products.
Lack of Third-Party Certification
Criticism has been directed at Plexus for not obtaining independent certification and testing for its products. Allegations of misleading practices, unauthorized charges, and coercion into purchasing additional items have eroded customer trust in the legitimacy and safety of Plexus products.
FDA Warnings
The FDA issued a warning letter accusing Plexus of producing hazardous and ineffective products, falsely positioning them as pharmaceuticals. Immediate corrective actions were demanded by the FDA to address these violations.
Market Saturation
As market saturation increased, Plexus faced challenges in acquiring new customers, resulting in a decline in income.
Misleading Claims
Despite endorsements by medical professionals, Plexus faced criticism for lacking contact information for its promoted breast check kits. The absence of evidence supporting clinical trials and accusations of misleading claims by distributors further damaged the brand’s credibility.
User Feedback
Dissatisfaction among Plexus users who reported unfulfilled promises and lack of benefits contributed to the company’s loss of credibility.
Pyramid Scheme Allegations
Plexus has been criticized for resembling a pyramid scheme more than a multi-level marketing firm, with many ambassadors earning less than $5000 annually in 2015.
Harmful Ingredients in Plexus Products
Some Plexus products were found to contain harmful substances:
Lead
Lead was detected in products like Plexus Block, Fast Relief, and P96, posing health risks such as vomiting and stomach discomfort, with the potential for lead poisoning.
Chlorogenic Acid
Tests linking chlorogenic acid and green coffee bean extract to weight loss were criticized for potential bias. False claims led to FTC penalties for related companies.
In Conclusion
Various controversies surrounding the safety and effectiveness of Plexus products, coupled with customer dissatisfaction, have contributed to the decline in Plexus’s popularity. Consumers are increasingly turning to wellness products with scientifically proven safety.