doTERRA International

No reviews yet
Founded2008
HeadquartersPleasant Grove, Utah
Trust Score55/100
Views51

About doTERRA International

doTERRA International is a leading MLM company specializing in essential oils and wellness products, founded in 2008 in Pleasant Grove, Utah.

They offer over 100 essential oils and blends, all marketed under their CPTG Certified Pure Tested Grade standard. While many advocates praise the product quality, trust scores are mixed, with a BBB rating of A+ but a low Trustpilot score of 2.1/5.

Their compensation plan rewards product sales and team building, but there are some red flags. Health claims often exceed scientific backing, and most advocates earn minimal commissions, with a risk level considered moderate.

Pros and Cons

✓ Pros

  • Quality products
    doTERRA is known for its high-quality essential oils, which many users swear by.
  • Strong brand reputation
    They have a solid reputation in the wellness community, which can help with sales.
  • A+ BBB rating
    Their A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau suggests they handle customer complaints well.
  • Diverse earning opportunities
    The compensation plan offers multiple ways to earn, from retail profit to bonuses.
  • Training and support
    doTERRA provides resources and training for Wellness Advocates, which can help newcomers.

✗ Cons

  • High monthly autoship costs
    To stay commission-qualified, you might need to spend a lot each month on products.
  • Income potential is low for most
    The income disclosure shows that most advocates earn minimal commissions, often less than $1,000 a year.
  • Health claims concerns
    Some distributors make health claims that aren't backed by solid scientific evidence, which can be risky.
  • Mixed reviews on Trustpilot
    With a 2.1/5 rating on Trustpilot, many customers report dissatisfaction with their experience.
  • Pressure to recruit
    There can be a heavy emphasis on recruiting others to earn significant income, which isn’t for everyone.
Verdict: doTERRA has a strong product line and good support, but the income potential is a major concern. If you're considering joining, be ready for high monthly costs and the possibility of low earnings unless you're able to recruit effectively.

Best for: This could be a good fit for those passionate about essential oils and wellness. However, if you're not comfortable with sales or recruiting, you might want to think twice.

Risk Analysis

doTERRA International presents a moderate risk profile. While it has a strong product line and a solid BBB rating, there are significant concerns around health claims and income potential for most advocates.

Key Concerns

  • Health claims by distributors exceed scientific evidence high
    FDA warning letters issued for unapproved therapeutic claims
  • High monthly autoship cost to remain commission-qualified moderate
    Requires ongoing purchases to maintain eligibility for bonuses
  • Majority of advocates earn minimal commissions high
    Income disclosure shows most advocates earn little to no money

Positive Indicators

  • A+ rating with the BBB
    Reflects a strong reputation for customer service and complaint resolution
Consumer Advice: If you’re considering joining doTERRA, research the products thoroughly and be cautious about the income potential. Understand the financial commitments involved and be aware that most advocates earn very little.

Frequently Asked Questions About doTERRA International

Is doTERRA International a legitimate MLM company?

Yes, doTERRA International is a legitimate MLM company. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Pleasant Grove, Utah, they focus on essential oils and wellness products. However, like many MLMs, they do face some scrutiny regarding their business practices.

What products does doTERRA International sell?

doTERRA International sells a variety of essential oils and wellness products. Their offerings include single oils, blends, supplements, and personal care items. Many users rave about the quality, but it's always good to do your own research before diving in.

How much can you make with doTERRA International?

Earnings with doTERRA International can vary widely. Their income disclosure shows that most advocates earn minimal commissions, with many making less than $1,000 a year. If you're considering joining, keep realistic income expectations in mind.

What are the common complaints about doTERRA International?

Common complaints about doTERRA International often relate to high monthly autoship costs and health claims made by some distributors. They’ve received FDA warning letters for some unapproved claims, which raises concerns about their marketing practices.

How does the doTERRA International compensation plan work?

doTERRA International uses a unilevel compensation structure. You earn retail profits of about 25% on customer orders and can receive bonuses for enrolling new members and achieving sales goals. But remember, achieving higher earnings often requires significant effort and team-building.

What does it cost to join doTERRA International?

Joining doTERRA International usually requires purchasing a starter kit, which can range from $150 to $500 or more. Plus, you'll need to maintain a monthly autoship to qualify for commissions, which can add to your overall costs.

What is doTERRA International's BBB rating?

doTERRA International has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This suggests they generally handle customer complaints well, but you should still check recent reviews for the full picture.

What is doTERRA International's Trustpilot score?

doTERRA International has a Trustpilot score of 2.1 out of 5. This low score indicates that many customers have had negative experiences, so it's wise to read through those reviews before jumping in.

What are some alternatives to doTERRA International?

If you're looking for alternatives to doTERRA International, consider companies like Young Living or Plant Therapy. Both offer similar products, but each has its own compensation plans and community dynamics, so it’s worth exploring what fits you best.

Compensation Plan

Plan Type

doTERRA uses a unilevel compensation plan. This means you can earn money based on your own sales and the sales of people you personally enroll. It’s a bit like building a tree where you get paid for the branches you create.

How Earnings Work

  • Retail Profit: You buy products at a wholesale price and sell them at retail. You keep about 25% of the profit from each sale.
  • Fast Start Bonus: If you enroll new customers or advocates, you get a 20% bonus on their orders in their first two months.
  • Power of Three Bonus: You can earn monthly bonuses of $50, $250, or $1,500 by having three active people in your team who meet specific sales requirements.
  • Unilevel Commissions: You earn a percentage on sales made by your team. This starts at 2% for people you enroll directly, and can go up to 7% as your team grows.

Qualification Requirements

  • You need to keep a monthly order of at least 100 PV (Personal Volume) to earn commissions.
  • To rank up, you must meet specific sales and team-building criteria, which can get pretty complex.
  • Starting as a Wellness Advocate requires a minimum enrollment order, usually around $35.

Red Flags

  • Many people earn very little. The income disclosure shows most advocates make minimal commissions.
  • There's a high monthly autoship cost, which can feel like a pay-to-play scheme.
  • Some health claims made by distributors may not be backed by solid scientific evidence, leading to potential legal issues.

Trust Score

55
/ 100
Moderate Risk
Flags & Notes
  • Health claims by distributors sometimes exceed scientific evidence
  • FDA warning letters issued for unapproved therapeutic claims
  • High monthly autoship cost to remain commission-qualified
  • Income disclosure shows majority of advocates earn minimal commissions
  • Health claims by distributors exceed scientific evidence
  • Majority of advocates earn minimal commissions

Track This Company

Get alerts when trust scores change, new reviews are posted, or risk warnings are issued.