Update 7/10/20. Plexus Slim is billed as an “affordable weight management product” that boasts “no ill side effects” based on “extensive clinical research.” Impressive, but does PlexusSlim work or is it a scam? And does it really have no side effects? I was tipped off to Plexus Slim by one of the readers of this website. After looking at its ingredients, I wanted to write a review of Plexus Slim because of the words used to describe the product and because Plexus Slim seemed to have ingredients that I have never heard of before. Let's see what we can discover about this weight loss drink. Also read my review of the Plexus Accelerator Plus (Accelerator +) and Plexus Boost, Plexus ProBio5 and Plexus Hunger Control after you read this, for additional information.
Update: The formula for Plexus Slim was changed a bit since this review was written so also read the review of the new plexus slim formula.
Who Makes Plexus Slim?
According to the Better Business Bureau, the company that makes Plexus Slim – Plexus Worldwide Inc. – was started in 2005 in Arizona. The address of the company is 7440 E. Karen Dr. #400, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.
Update. PlexusWorldWide.com, the company website, now lists this corporate address: 15649 N. Greenway Hayden Loop Scottsdale, AZ 85260. Googling this address shows a large building that says “Plexus Slim” on the outside. That's good.
Update. The Better Business Bureau now lists this address for the company: 9145 E Pima Center Pkwy Scottsdale, AZ 85258-4627
The BBB gives Plexus Slim a rating of “A+” See the BBB file for updates and other information.
To buy Plexus Slim it looks like you either have to buy it from the company or through a PlexusSlim distributor. They call Plexus Slim distributors “Ambassadors“. On the Plexus Slim website, they have a calendar of Plexus Slim events.
These events serve not only to sell Plexus Slim but also to recruit new Ambassadors. Plexus Slim has a multi-level marketing (MLM) aspect to it.
I have no problem with MLM. If the product is reputable, MLM allows people to make an income which can be significant.
Plexus Slim Nutrition Information
In an effort to keep this review up to date, here are the ingredients in Plexus Slim as they appeared in 2016. According to the label shown on the product website, each packet of Plexus Slim has the following nutrition information and ingredients:
Ingredient | Amount Per Serving | Percent Daily Value |
---|---|---|
Calories | 10 calories | |
Total Carbohydrdate | 3 grams | 1% DV |
Chromium Polynicotinate | 200 micrograms | 167% DV |
Plexus Slim Blend (composed of the following) | 530 mg | N/A |
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract | ||
Green Coffee Bean Extract | ||
Alpha Lipoic Acid |
In the table above, N/A means no daily value established.
Each of the ingredients will be summarized below. I will leave in the summaries of the ingredients present in the original plexus slim formula too to help others doing their own research.
See the review of the new plexus slim formula too.
Plexus Slim Ingredients
Polydextrose
This is a type of soluble fiber. In theory, this might help weight loss since it has no calories and is a type of fiber. Polydextrose might cause gas and bloating.
Citric Acid
In some products, citric acid is used as a preservative and to enhance flavor. While it naturally occurs in citrus fruits, its use in foods/ supplements may be from natural or synthetic means.
Beet Root
If Plexus Slim uses the entire beetroot, the fiber content of the beetroot might help foster some weight loss because it adds bulk to the stomach contents. That said, I can't locate any evidence that beetroot helps people lose weight. The product label states the beetroot is to give the product color. Beets do have a red color. Beetroot probably contributes to the pink color of the product.
Beets and beetroot juice have gotten attention from the scientific community because of their ability to raise nitric oxide, a compound that can relax blood vessels, allowing blood to more easily travel through the body. See my review of SuperBeets for more on this topic.
Grape Skin Extract
Grape skin contains phytonutrients such as proanthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins which act as antioxidants. While this is very good, does grape skin extract help people lose weight? Other than having some fiber (which might act as a laxative) I can't find any proof that it does.
Update. I'm told Plexus Slim no longer contains grape skin extract
Lo Han Extract
The scientific name for this ingredient is Siraitia grosvenorii. This is also called “lou han guo” and “monk fruit.” By either name, it's often used as a sweetener. This ingredient, like steveia below, is likely added for flavoring.
Stevia
This is a sweetener. Some supplement companies may call it by another name -“rebaudioside A.”
Stevia is added to many low-calorie foods. In theory, using low calorie (or no-calorie) sweeteners might help weight loss but I'm not sure if this is the answer. There are MANY low-calorie foods and beverages on the US market, yet Americans are not slimmer than they were, say, in the 1980s.
Natural Flavors
They don't tell us what these natural flavors are. To be fair, most companies don't. They don't have to under the law. Regardless, I doubt any of them play a role in weight loss.
Green Coffee Bean
This is also called Chlorogenic Acid. One study published in 2010 noted that chlorogenic acid helped weight loss and increased fat burning when in rats that were fed a high-fat diet (37% of calories from fat).
This is interesting even though it's a rat study. Another rat study also noted that mulberries (which also contain chlorogenic acid) helped the weight loss. But was it the chlorogenic acid – or all the other stuff mulberries?
In one small study 16 overweight people were given either a placebo or different amounts of green coffee extract (which contains chlorogenic acid) at either 700 mg or 1050 mg day for 6 weeks (each person was given each treatment for 6 weeks).
People getting the green coffee extract (both dosage amounts) were shown to have significant reductions in body weight, body mass and percent body fat compared to placebo. The type of green coffee extract used in this study was supplied by Applied Food Sciences Inc.
Retracted
It sounds great BUT, the study has been “retracted.” This means it should not be considered as evidence due to errors with how the study was performed. In the words of the authors, the study was retracted because the authors could not “assure the validity of the data.” Click here to read the retraction.
See the Green Bean Coffee Review for more information.
See the weight loss supplement scam review.
Rosmarinic Acid
This is a plant chemical found in many herbs, including rosemary. This is probably where Rosmarinic Acid gets its name from. Rosmarinic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. I was unable to find any studies showing that Rosmarinic Acid helps weight loss in humans or animals.
Hydroxycinnamic Acid
This compound is an antioxidant but whether or not it contributes to weight loss needs further study.
Garcinia Cambogia
This was originally called “Citrin K” when I first reviewed Plexus Slim. Garcinia cambogia is found in MANY weight loss supplements because of some research that it might reduce appetite and help weight loss. Right now, I think all anyone can say is maybe it works or maybe it doesn't work.
In this study, 500 mg of garcinia Cambogia did not help people lose weight. I mention this because if this study is correct, then it might take more than 500 mg of garcinia Cambogia if it's going to work. The entire proprietary blend in Plexus Slim adds up to 530 mg. While Garcinia Cambogia is the first ingredient listed – which presumably means it makes up the most of the blend – how much that equates to, I cannot say.
See the Garcinia Cambogia review
Also, read the review of supplements linked to liver failure.
Alpha-lipoic Acid
This is an antioxidant and it helps it turn carbs into energy. It can also help regenerate other antioxidants, which is pretty snazzy.
There are a few studies of alpha-lipoic acid and weight loss. In one study, alpha-lipoic acid was randomly given to 360 obese people for 20 weeks. Half got a placebo and half got alpha-lipoic acid (either 1200 mg/day or 1800 mg per day). Those getting alpha-lipoic acid lost more weight than those who got the placebo. Basically, people lose about 2% of their body mass.
In another study, 1127 overweight people were given 800 mg of alpha-lipoic acid a day for 4 months. This study noted that alpha-lipoic acid, at the dosage given, helped people lose about 8% of their body weight over 4 months.
So if you were 200 pounds, alpha lipoic acid might help you lose about 200 x .08 = 16 pounds. That is a significant amount in my book.
One possible problem with this study though was that it doesn't appear that there was a placebo group to compare the weight loss too. I was also unable to determine (because I only read the summary of the study) if people combined alpha-lipoic acid with eating fewer calories (I think they might have ).
Alpha-lipoic acid is the last ingredient listed in the proprietary blend. As such, it likely makes up the least of the 530 mg total.
Oxypregnane Steroidal Glycoside
This is a pretty fancy name but you have heard of this stuff before. Oxypregnane steroidal glycoside – is just a fancy way of saying Hoodia! Here is a study that proves that both names mean the same thing.
I think they call it Oxypregnane steroidal glycoside because they are trying to make the product sound different and special. In reality, it's just hoodia Gordonii.
The other fancy name for hoodia is P57AS3 – you have probably seen this listed in other supplements as “P57“.
I've already reviewed hoodia and weight loss. Other supplements that I've reviewed previously that contain hoodia include the
For at least 10 years, hoodia Gordonii has been in more weight loss supplements than you can shake a stick at – but there is no good proof that hoodia supplements help people lose weight.
Study. Researchers gave hoodia or a placebo to 50 overweight people for 2 weeks. The people in the study were allowed to eat as much as they wanted from a menu provided by the researchers. Results: hoodia did not cause any weight loss.
While no serious side effects were reported, researchers did note that people who got hoodia had higher blood pressures and heart rates compared to people who got the placebo. Hoodia also seems to cause elevations in bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. What caused these changes I do not know.
Update. Plexus slim no longer contains hoodia. See my review on the New Plexus Slim Formula for more info on how it has changed.
Chromium Polynicotinate
Plexus slim contains a type of chromium they call “amino nicotinate”. This is fancy talk for “chromium nicotinate”. (it is now called “chromium polynicotinate on the label).
You may have heard Dr. Oz talk about chromium polynicotinate on TV. I reviewed what Dr Oz had to say about this form of chromium and I am guessing that this is why Plexus Slim includes chromium nicotinate over the sometimes more popular, chromium picolinate.
Chromium may help lower blood sugar levels but as for its effects on weight loss, I am highly skeptical. For more on chromium, see my reviews of chromium weight loss research and chromium polynicotinate.
Blood Sugar Lowering Ingredients
As a quick reference, the following ingredients might reduce blood sugar:
- Alpha-lipoic acid
- Chromium nicotinate (now called chromium polynicotinate)
Fiber Ingredients
As a quick reference, the following ingredients all might add fiber to Plexus Slim:
- Polydextrose
- Grape skin (no longer in plexus slim) See my review of the new PS formula.
- Hoodia (maybe. no longer in Plexus Slim)
How Much Does Plexus Slim Cost?
One of the slogans for Plexus Slim is “At last, an affordable weight management product.” I guess that depends on how you define “affordable”. On the Plexus Slim website, they have different prices depending on whether you want to buy it just once or be billed each month automatically.
If you want to buy Plexus Slim one time only, its $84.95. If you want to be billed automatically at the 15th of each month, Plexus Slim is $79.95/ month.
Is Plexus Slim OK When Breast-Feeding?
Some women have wondered if they can take Plexus Slim while they are breastfeeding? That's not something I would recommend because if any of the ingredients in Plexus Slim pass into breast milk, then their baby will be getting those ingredients too.
I don't know for sure if any of the ingredients do get absorbed into breast milk, so I do recommend that women take the ingredients in Plexus Slim to their doctor to see if they can get a better answer.
How Much Caffeine?
The Plexus Slim Nutrition label states that it has less than 2% of naturally occurring caffeine. My guess is that the caffeine comes from the green coffee bean extract because this statement is listed next to the green coffee bean ingredient on the label. I'm not sure how much 2% natural caffeine equals.
Plexus Slim and ADHD
Since writing this review I've heard that this product may be marketed to help Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A search on Google reveals several testimonials from people saying that it helps. I became curious and searched for “Plexus ADHD research.” I searched Google for this phrase and I also searched the National Library of Medicine too.
I saw no clinical studies on this topic. Therefore, whether it Plexus helps ADHD or not is unknown as far as I can tell. Nobody appears to have undertaken the chore of taking this stuff into the lab and actually tried to really see if it helps or not.
The same thing also seems to be true for bipolar disorder and depression. I cannot find any evidence Plexus Slim directly helps either of these conditions either.
Having said that, lack of evidence doesn't necessarily mean something does not work. Rather, it just means that it seems that, other than testimonials (from people most of us don't know), there doesn't seem to be any good proof for it yet.
How To Contact Plexus Slim
PlexusWorldWide lists this contact phone number: 480-998-3490 which people can call 6 AM-6 PM (PST) Monday -Friday and 9 AM-2 PM (PST) on Saturday.
How To Return Plexus Slim
Plexus Slim products come with a 60-day money-back guarantee. For those who purchased from Plexus Ambassadors, contact that person for details on how to return the product, or call the company itself at 480-998-3490.
Does Plexus Slim Have Any Side Effects?
On the Q and A page of the Plexus Slim website (question 7) where it's asked: “Will Plexus Slim interfere or react with any medications or other supplements?” the makers say: ” No. Extensive clinical research has demonstrated no ill side effects with any medications or other supplements.”
Where is all the “extensive clinical research” on Plexus Slim? As far as I can tell, Plexus Slim has NEVER been tested in published studies to see if it interacts with any medication or health condition.
The only study I've seen on Plexus Slim is a summary of a study they show on their website. This is a study from 2008 where they gave the product to 8 people with type II diabetes. Yes, improvements were seen in blood sugar, body weight and other things, but this is not a published, peer reviewed study. As such, there is a lot we are not told about how this study was conducted. It may be the best study in the world, but if we can't see how it was conducted, then it can't be duplicated by other scientists.
That said, in healthy people, I think Plexus Slim (the pink drink product) is safe. Below are some theoretical side effects based on its ingredients.
Grape skin. Some components of grape skin might interfere with medications such as Coumadin (a blood thinner). I'm not aware of any human evidence of this, but because blood thinners can intact with many things, its best to talk to a doctor about this. Update. grape skin is no longer in plexus slim
Chlorogenic acid. This compound might raise homocysteine levels in humans. Homocysteine is a somewhat controversial molecule because some feel it might be linked to heart disease.
See my review of chlorogenic acid for more info.
Citrin K/ Garcinia cambogia. There is some controversial evidence that Garcinia Cambogia may be linked to liver problems. Personally, I'm not yet convinced it does this. For more info on this see my review of garcinia Cambogia.
Alpha-lipoic acid. This ingredient appears to lower blood sugar. Because of this, alpha-lipoic acid might interfere with insulin and other diabetes medications. Alpha-lipoic acid seems to reduce thyroid hormone levels. This can be a problem for people who take Levothyroxin for hypothyroidism (low thyroid).
Hoodia. As I reported in my book on supplements hoodia Gordonii seems to share some chemical similarity to a class of heart drugs called cardiac glycosides. In fact, if you Google “Hoodia and cardiac glycosides.” I don’t know the clinical significance of this. That said, if you have heart or blood pressure issues please see your cardiologist before using any hoodia supplement, just to be safe.
Chromium may lower blood sugar levels. While this can be a good thing, it also means chromium might interact with blood-sugar-lowering medications. This might – in theory – make blood sugar levels to too low.
As a general, blanket statement, I would be cautious if you have any problems with your heart, blood pressure, kidneys, liver, mental disorders, diabetes or digestive problems. I would not recommend Plexus Slim if you had bariatric surgery either. To their credit, the makers of Plexus Slim do say to see your doctor first if you are pregnant. I agree with this.
The Plexus Slim Accelerator
Update: The Accelerator formula has changed significantly and the product is now called Plexus Accelerator Plus (Accelerator +). Do read my review of the Plexus Accelerator Plus for additional information on the new product.
This is another product sold on the Plexus Slim website. The word “accelerator” is a tip-off that this product is a stimulant.
The Plexus Slim Accelerator contains trace minerals, calcium, and magnesium from seaweed (both are useless for weight loss) and vitamin B6 (useless for weight loss). The accelerator also has a “proprietary blend” of:
- Dark Chocolate – won't help weight loss, unless it has caffeine
- Natural Caffeine – natural or not, it's caffeine!
- Green Tea Extract – probably has caffeine or EGCG
- Vanadium Chelate. This is the fancy name for Vanadium. It won't help weight loss.
- B-Phenylethylamine HCl – might act as a neuro-chemical. Avoid if you take antidepressants.
The Plexus Slim Accelerator also has an ingredient called GeranaX. GeranaX is a reference to geranium oil. Geranium oil is controversial in some circles because it is thought by some to be a natural source of a stimulant called Dimethylamylamineor “DMAA. ” It's scientific name is 1,3 Dimethylamylamine and its also called Methylhexaneamine.
The name “GeranaX” is a made-up word. In other words, the name GeranaX holds no scientific meaning.
Geranium has been the subject by scrutiny by the military, whose research finds that geranium does not contain DMAA. Oddly, the supplement 411 website still lists “geranium” as an alternative name for DMAA in its listings. Currently, it is controversial if geranium is a source of DMAA or not.
As of July 2013, the Australian government warned people about the Plexus Slim Accelerator because they say it had DMAA. This link goes to the Australian government website that discusses the Plexus Slim Accelerator and DMAA.
- In April of 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter about DMAA.
- Here is a New York Times article on DMAA for more information.
The ingredient DMAA seems to act like ephedra or bitter orange (synephrine) which are potent stimulants. As such, it may raise blood pressure and heart rate to dangerous levels. Here is a case report of a 21-year-old man who suffered a stroke after taking 2 DMAA pills.
This does not mean plexus slim will do this. It would depend on whether DMAA really is in geranium and also which part of the plant was used (root, stems ect).
Di methy amyl amine “looks” like amphetamines (“speed”). This may be why question 6 of the Plexus Slim Q and A page mentions that this ingredient may cause a positive result on a drug test for amphetamines. Here is a study showing that dimethylamylamine causes false positive drug tests for amphetamines.
Plexus Slim Bio-Cleanse
This is a laxative. Always remember, the word “cleanse” means laxative. The Plexus Slim Bio Cleanse supplement lives up to its laxative name because it contains magnesium, which is indeed a laxative. Remember “Milk of Magnesia.” Either way, laxatives don't cause any weight loss other than mostly water (and of course, poo). The Plexus Slim website lists 2 prices for this product – $29.95 or $39.95 -both of which are too pricey for me.
Plexus Boost
Here is my review of Plexus Boost. I cover a lot of information in this review and I also compare it to the ingredients in Accelerator Plus as well.
Plexus Slim Fast Relief
The Fast Relief product appears to be a pain relief formula that exists in both a cream and capsule form. One of the ingredients in Fast Relief is Lyprinol. This compound comes from the green-lipped mussel, hence the slogan “Full Body Relief, From the Sea-Naturally.” You may know this product by its other name – as Omega XL which is advertised on TV with Larry King.
For more information, see the review of Omega XL.
Will Plexus Slim Work?
Honestly, I'm not if it works because Plexus Slim – itself- has no published proof. If you read the comments below, you'll see some people do say it's helped them lose weight. If it works, is it because of the unique blend of ingredients in Plexus Slim or is it because of just a few key ingredients alone?
Here are Plexus Supplements on Amazon
Pete says
Hey Jim
We haven’t heard from J in a while. I guess his upline ran out of BS to tell him to say in defending PS. I think it would be fair to assume that J is a new recruit in the process of being PS “brainwashed”.
The favorite phrase of the upline is to say, don’t talk, or associate with people like me and you, in that we are “losers”, and here’s the big one, “dream stealers”. That always makes me laugh.
And, here is proof to J that PS does charge a fee for attending conventions. That is if you plan to attend. From the PS Blog: Don’t forget that early bird registration of $79.99 ends on January 31st. Prices will increase to $99.99 on February 1st.
To register, go to PlexusConvention.Vegas. To book a room at the MGM Grand, click this link. Please note that first night’s room and tax will be required.
J doesn’t understand that this is just one of the many money making schemes that MLM companies have to offer. The sad thing is that most people that attend really can’t afford the trip, and load up their credit cards. They do this because their upline tells them it is imperative that they attend if they want to increase their business. In reality, for most the only thing that increases is debt for years to come.
Michael says
Funniest thing I have seen to date – our school holds an online auction fundraiser. The top double diamond from Plexus donates a basket, claiming it is worth over $150. As of today, she is the only one who has bid on this basket of garbage for $75. Mind you, this lady openly talks about making over six figures a month through Plexus. The best she can muster is $75?
Jim M. says
Here you go, directly from an “Ambassador”. I mean former “Ambassador”.
“Hi. Late to the party here, but after a particularly poor experience (again) with Plexus customer service this morning I happened across this post. This product and program is a (ridiculously expensive) joke. I have been an ambassador (ashamed to say I decided to try it out) and after my own terrible experience I refuse to promote or use this product.
It’s pretty amazing how many medical issues it claims to “help”, “heal”, or “cure”. I didn’t really see anything about these wild medical claims until after I’d joined a team. I was alarmed when I started seeing these claims other ambassadors were making without any real research or medical advice. I’ve been trying to end my “ambassadorship” for a month now, and I’m so frustrated with the lack of response and service.
However, they have no trouble responding to you if you need more help selling, or if you say anything other than glowing recommendations of their product. It’s a marketing scam like any other MLM scheme, with an added bonus of terrible customer service and an equally terrible website that is not at all user friendly.
I tried as a way to jump start my diet again when I plateaued after a 70 lb weight loss. It did nothing except cause me to have to use the restroom all. the. time. I don’t usually have reactions like that. Even with my continued healthy eating and exercise (which no ambassador promotes, I’ve noticed) I lost no weight, felt no added energy, and otherwise had no reaction. All that happened was they charged my credit card after I’d already canceled the auto-ship. Now I’m dealing with that madness. Stay away. Just stay away.”
Joe says
Jim, do we know who this former ambassador is? does she have a facebook page etc where people can find her?
Stefany says
To start, I am NOT an ambassador for this product. But I must say, That’s quite the claim saying no ambassadors promotes healthy eating an exercising and your claim is also false. The ambassador I know (a friend) is a personal trainer and she doesn’t even promote this stuff as a weight loss product. She had major migraines, doctors had her on all sorts of medications to help which gave her tons of side effects and she started this and is now off all meds and no more migraines just a few headaches here and There.
I have depression and was fed with medications for years, no doctor explained any alternative methods. I did my research of this all on my own. I suffered so many side effects from medications. I’m now off them and on natural supplements and have recently added PS and it has helped my mood even more. I also gained 30lbs in 3 months from the meds I was on and it’s been 2 years Im off of them and I train 4-5x a week, eat well and managed to lose only 5lbs in 2 years.
I’m actually seeing some weight loss since using the PS which I’ll be honest I was skeptical I would. I only took them for the mental health benefits. So are there studies? perhaps not but there are tons of studies on anti depressants and natural supplements such as omega 3 yet not one doctor recommended the natural Route!
The problem IT seems is with people thinking this is some miracle weight loss cure and it’s not. But there seems to be many other benefits and not many are focusing on them.
Michael says
Stefany writes: “To start, I am NOT an ambassador for this product.”
We all know this routine. Come into a forum and claim you’re not an ambassador when you really are. Your upline told you to say this.
“I only took them for the mental health benefits.”
“Them.” Plural. You’re exposing yourself here. You’re probably on all of the Plexus products and were sold the notion that all of these were the answer to your problems. Now you’re out there pushing this notion that it migraines and mental conditions. Not a single ingredient in their products has been shown to be remotely associated with treatment of those issues.
You claim to have researched. Did your research lead you to the fact that Plexus has had lead contamination in their products? Did you review the details behind their product bans in other countries? Did you do any research on Yerba Mate or Lo Han and the side effects from those? Did you research their BBB rating?
Keep towing the line for this “personal trainer”. She needs more folks like you to sign up so she can get to Maui.
Joe says
Since Stefany mentioned her personal trainer, I would direct her trainer to this post I wrote on trainers recommending supplements
http://www.joe-cannon.com/personal-trainer-recommend-supplements-ephedr/
Granted there is a big difference between PS and what is described in the post linked to. It is something though that I think personal trainers should be aware of.
Brenda says
Thats my thought exactly, I am not sure i am going to even order any at this point! Not enough solid evidence this stuff is not just another short term give us your money gimmick!!
Brenda says
I have been seriously considering ordering some but now im not so sure i want to. Can you have your credit card dispute these charges??
Joe says
Brenda, for what its worth I would always use an actual credit card – not a bank credit card where funds are taken right from your bank account.
Jim M. says
J.
Hi Dad! Waiting on you to provide my credit report and which degree, along with my income. You seem to know it all, time for you to provide some insight.
To get the advertised payment you are showing requires a down payment of over $2500 and does not include taxes, prep or dealer fees. I guess you have never purchased a vehicle before, the out the door cost including taxes, down payments, etc puts the cost to around $600.00. I believe the $500.00 is taxable and considered income so if you pay at the 33% rate, the $500 equates to $330 after taxes. I will make this simple, that is just over half, or 50%, of the money needed to lease the Lexus.
Jim
Jim M. says
Its interesting to see the traffic to Carrie’s site. It looks to me, from the BBB reviews, ratings and complaints along with the increase in traffic to Carrie’s site, the truth may be spreading.
http://live.feedjit.com/live/thepinkdrinkscam.blogspot.com/0/
Jim
Michael says
J writes:
“As for the lease, the SUV Lexus of course is going to cost you the $419-$479 per month depending on which dealer you get it from but again, Plexus gives you $500 a month to cover that.”
Incorrect. The SUV lease is for $499 and is set by Lexus Financial Services. It does not vary from dealer to dealer.
With regards to the disclaimer issue, Plexus was smart enough to insulate itself by pushing this on its ambassadors. First, they make all ambassadors 1099’s to subvert payroll tax, insurance requirements, and liability. The, they go the extra step of forcing a disclaimer on their ambassadors presenting in order to shield themselves in the event of a dispute or inquiry. Just look at their contract:
“The only claims and representations Ambassador may make regarding Products are those found in the literature distributed by the Company. Any third-party material used for Ambassador Business must comply with all federal and local laws and regulations. An Ambassador may not make any express or implied health or medical claims of any kind relating to any Product except for those claims, if any, that are published in Company literature approved for the country in which the claims are presented. Under no circumstances may an Ambassador prescribe any Product as suitable for a particular ailment. No claims may be made as to therapeutic or curative properties of any Product offered by the Company.”
Every day ambassadors violate this provision. Yet, Plexus allows this to go on with no concern. They know they can make money off these false claims that ambassadors make with little or no repercussion. They will simply throw ambassadors under the bus if & when anything major goes down.
Jim M. says
Thanks Joe.
Jim M. says
I love these testimonials…they are everywhere.
“I am so frustrated! I too have a friend that is an ambassador. I have some health issues and started Plexus to try and help those issues; fibromyalgia, peri menopause, depression. I became an ambassador to get the products at a reduced price. I took them for 4 months and gained 30 lbs!! It could be from something else, just not sure. I lost 40 lbs 4 yrs ago and have kept it off and I started taking slim and put 20 lbs on in a month! (I didn’t take the Accelerator) Now what’s even worse, I can’t get them to stop my standing orders! I’ve emailed them, spent 40 minutes on hold for 2 phone calls, finally talked to a rep a month ago, and they are still coming! They don’t respond to my emails and I can’t keep waiting on hold for 40 minutes with no results! I’m frustrated and don’t know what to do!”
Pete says
J
$500 will not cover total expenses for the Lexus. So, the Lexus leases for 419-460, that leaves very little for all the incidental cost of the car which the Amb pay for. You have fallen for the illusion that PS is buying the Lexus for the rep. In reality they are just giving the rep $500.00.
The car is in the Amb name and they take full responsibility for the car. The company is liable for nothing, not even the $500.00. Per their agreement they can take the money away at their discretion, and if the Amb does not qualify.
Wow, with the people this company is recruiting, no wonder they are falling to pieces.
Pete says
J
Mr Calculus, Calculus is not necessary when referring to accounting balance sheets. You are referring to total revenue from sales, not net income. Big difference, but want take the time explain, because, meaning no disrespect, you wouldn’t understand.
But, here is a rundown of my from PS INCOME AND EXPENSES in a month: (17 Amb)
Total income- 362
Expenses- 164 Products
53 selling materials
45 fuel to meetings
100 for Conventions ( based on 1200 spent in year)
227 fees for attending conventions (5)
Total Income: $362
Total Expenses: $589
Total Net Income: -$227
J, you may know some Calculus, but you sure as heck don’t know BUSINESS!!!!!
Jim M. says
Pete…would love to actually speak with you, our stories seem to mirror one another.
As far as J and the personal attacks. He has shown he does not have a valid argument and must now rely on his intellect. It seems like name calling and trying to put others down to lift himself up must make him feel better. He doesn’t know me, my story or have any data to go on but he claims my credit is s*it.
Someone should reach out to the makers of Vicodin and let them know there sales are in jeopardy because according to J, with Plexus Slim his usage has dropped way off and he rarely relies on the Vicodin.
Plexus Slim, sa it’s called, started by touting the miracle of weight loss, but once that story no longer carried weight…see what I did there…they stared touting that it’s all about health.
The simple truth is if you want to be healthy, you don’t need a miracle powder. All you need to do is eat right, perform aerobic and anaerobic exercise…that is the secret to good health. But there is no money in telling people that so these MLM’s will continue to prey on the weak.
Joe. Is there anyway you can share my email address with Pete?
Joe says
Hi Jim, sure thing. I just emailed Pete your address.
Michael says
I’ll bet $39.95 that “J” is somehow connected to “M”, the other resident potty-mouth who used to show up here and throw similar tantrums.
J says
Pete,
Total income- 362
Expenses- 164 Products
53 selling materials
45 fuel to meetings
100 for Conventions ( based on 1200 spent in year)
227 fees for attending conventions (5)
Total Income: $362
Total Expenses: $589
Total Net Income: -$227
This would be your own stupidity if you spent this much going to conventions with other Plexus people. I may not have an MBA but I can tell you this, you’re dumb for spending money on conventions and stuff like that.
You actually bought the selling materials? LOL talk about getting bent over, you would have spent that money on gas either way.
Which convention do you know of that costs you $100 to go to? Seriously? No wonder you were in the red the whole time.
Try again kiddo, it’s 419-469 to lease a Lexus and that is at any dealership in the county. You seem to expect Plexus to take care of insurance, gas and everything else that’s not how this works. Same with Mary Kay when you get the Mary Kay car, Plexus is no different.
Michael,
I’ll gladly take your $40 bet, as I have no clue who this M character is.
Jim,
I’m still waiting son. (You know exactly what I’m referring to)
Jim M. says
Here is a bar graph, tracking the “Interest Trend in Plexus Slim”. I don’t think you need a MBA to determine which way Plexus Slim is trending.
http://www.mlmrankings.com/plexus%20slim/trend.htm
J says
Michael,
So it seems I have to explain this to you as well. I hope your reading comprehension is a just a wee bit better than Pete and Jim’s.
Do you want to know why Plexus AMB’s have to put up those disclaimers? It’s the same exact reason I would have to put up a disclaimer if I said.
“Taking a 7-11 protein bar cured my cancer and will cure yours too”
Everyone knows that protein bars don’t do a thing for you, but if someone made the claim it did and stopped their chemo, guess what? The person making the claim would be sued. It’s why the FDA doesn’t have a mandate on supplements it’s why all supplements and even protein bars have that +these statements have not been verified by the FDA.
As I have stated over and over and over and over again now, and maybe one of these times, Jim and Pete will comprehend, Plexus works for some people, others get no results. I am one of the lucky ones that it worked for, would it work for you? I can’t answer that question. Should you try it? I’d say ask your doctor.
As for the lease, the SUV Lexus of course is going to cost you the $419-$479 per month depending on which dealer you get it from but again, Plexus gives you $500 a month to cover that. I only got up to Calculus 3, so my math is horrible but I still know how to add and subtract and $500 covers both of those with no problems.
J says
Pete,
Before I get started I have always pointed out that I am an AMB, never have I said preferred customer.
Strange you say you had 17 people under you and you were losing money, how may I ask? Because you know, 17 people should be netting you at least and this is on the low end, at least $255 a month off of points alone. This does not include your % of the sales that your Amb’s make. So again, please share with us exactly how you were losing money, when you should have easily been making $400 a month.
Right there, I just blew away your whole argument. So unless you were taking EVERY single product Plexus offers, I cant believe what you say.
17 people at 5 points per level 1, = 85 points, Plexus gives you $3 per point which is $255, then you have your 1700 PV which is how much your AMBs were making, you get 15% of that. Pete, you’ve run into someone who keeps up on how Plexus actually works.
Pete says
Jim
What J doesn’t know is that like you, I was married to a what the Amb call a “Jewel”. She is an Emerald. A lot of reasons we went our separate ways, but her been associated with such a deceptive business, like PS sort of pushed us over the top. Her whole personality changed, and it was like she became a member of a cult. She only associated with the people involved in the business.
So, J doesn’t know anything compared to what we know. We lived it, I actually fell for the “smoke and mirrors.
I wonder if J knows, unless things have changed, you don’t have to be an Amb to be a “Preferred” customer. He really thinks he is saving money. So, he’s saving 10% off of retail, which used to be about $84.00. That’s $8.40 savings on a product that cost about $.69 to make. Wow
J says
Jim,
Don’t be mad that I called you out for your blatant stupidity. It’s not my fault that your reading comprehension sucks I have not denied being an Amb. I like getting stuff cheaper than retail, who doesn’t? Which is why I also have a membership at Costco, does somehow make me a Costco pusher too?
Christ all mighty, I am not going to break this down for you any further, you’re just too damn ignorant to teach. READ every word I type, read it slower, you will notice I have always alluded to it helping me, no one else but me.
Joe says
Lets all calm down the name calling and 4 letter words.
Jim M. says
J calls himself an ambassador because he is, or at least said he was on another page….guess it’s hard to keep it straight.
“I am an ambassador after taking it for two years. I no longer take Vicodin, so you explain to me, why it is my pain is much more manageable. While Fibro cannot ever be cured, why is it that I no longer feel the need to take a Vicodin whenever my pain flares up? I’ll tell you why, because Plexus did help and does help.
The sad thing is you think this is a miracle drug, it’s not. It is a supplement, there are NO supplements out there that are FDA approved, non have gone through any legit clinical studies. All you can do is rely on the testimonials of those that do take it. Also, I became an Ambassador to get this stuff dirt cheap, not to make money. If I were in this to make money, I’d be way up there by now. I’m just an associate though.”
As far as the language, name calling and attacks, J is a class act…here is the reply I received from J. J clearly states the Plexus Slim helps him to take less Vicdin, but comprehension isn;t his strong suit. I was married to a sapphire, I know all about the lies, deceit, what the terms are for the Lexus and more.
Here is J’s message to me.
Calling you out for being an idiot must hurt, huh? WHERE in that sentence did I ever say that it cured my Fibro? Again reading comprehension is not your strongest point. It’s okay I’ll stop picking on you now for being stupid as shit.
Keep it classy J.
Pete & Michael (Joe too), thanks for spreading the truth about Plexus Slim aka ‘snake oil’.
Jim