Great Lakes Gelatin Review | Trust Score & Ratings

Founded1922

HeadquartersCarol Stream, IL

Trust Score81/100

About Great Lakes Gelatin

Great Lakes Gelatin is a multi-level marketing (MLM) company based in Carol Stream, IL, that specializes in collagen and gelatin products.

Founded in 1922, they sell directly to consumers through a network of independent distributors. Their compensation plan is a Hybrid Binary/Unilevel structure, allowing distributors to earn income from retail sales and team-building commissions.

With a Trustpilot rating of 3.9/5 and a trust score of 81/100, Great Lakes Gelatin has a solid reputation. However, their income disclosure shows a concentration of earnings among top distributors, and monthly purchase requirements can limit commission potential.

Pros and Cons

✓ Pros

Long-standing reputation
Great Lakes Gelatin has been around since 1922, which gives it a level of trust and stability.
Diverse product range
They offer various gelatin and collagen products that appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Moderate trust score
With a TrustScore of 81/100, many customers seem satisfied with their experiences.
Hybrid compensation structure
The combination of retail sales and team-building commissions can provide multiple income streams.
Low risk level
The company's low risk level means there are fewer red flags compared to many other MLMs.

✗ Cons

Income disclosure concerns
The income disclosure shows a heavy concentration of earnings among top distributors, making it hard for newcomers to succeed.
Monthly purchase requirements
Distributors need to make monthly purchases to qualify for full commissions, which could strain finances.
Potential for high competition
The health and wellness market is saturated, so standing out can be tough.
Emphasis on recruitment
Success often hinges more on recruiting new members rather than just retail sales, which might not sit well with everyone.
Limited transparency on earnings
There isn't much information available about average earnings for most distributors, making it hard to set realistic expectations.

Verdict: Great Lakes Gelatin has solid products and a long history, but the income potential seems heavily skewed toward the top earners. If you're looking for a side gig, it might be worth exploring, but go in with your eyes open about the challenges.

Best for: This could be a good fit for health enthusiasts who enjoy selling products and are comfortable with recruitment. If you're not into that kind of sales approach, you might want to steer clear.

Risk Analysis

Great Lakes Gelatin has a low risk profile, mainly due to the concentration of earnings among top distributors and monthly purchase requirements for full commissions. However, the overall structure and product quality appear stable.

Key Concerns

Top earner concentration moderate
Income disclosure shows a significant portion of income is earned by a small percentage of top distributors.
Monthly purchase requirements moderate
Distributors must meet purchase quotas to qualify for full commission, which can lead to unnecessary spending.

Positive Indicators

Established brand
Founded in 1922, Great Lakes Gelatin has a long history in the wellness industry.
Trustpilot score
A Trustpilot score of 3.9/5 indicates a generally positive reception from customers.

Consumer Advice: If you're considering joining Great Lakes Gelatin, be aware of the potential need for consistent purchases to maintain your commission levels. Evaluate whether you can realistically achieve sales and team-building goals before jumping in.

Frequently Asked Questions About Great Lakes Gelatin

Is Great Lakes Gelatin a legitimate MLM company?

Yes, Great Lakes Gelatin is a legitimate MLM company. Founded in 1922 and based in Carol Stream, IL, they have a long history in the wellness industry. With a Trust Score of 81/100 and a Trustpilot rating of 3.9/5, they're regarded as a stable option.

What products does Great Lakes Gelatin sell?

Great Lakes Gelatin specializes in collagen-based products. Their offerings include gelatin powders and collagen supplements aimed at improving joint health, skin elasticity, and overall wellness. Many customers appreciate the quality and effectiveness of these products.

How much can you make with Great Lakes Gelatin?

Earnings with Great Lakes Gelatin can vary widely. Their income disclosure shows that top earners make significant income, but most distributors earn much less. It's essential to understand that your income will depend on your sales and recruitment efforts.

Are there complaints about Great Lakes Gelatin?

Some complaints about Great Lakes Gelatin focus on the high expectations for sales and the pressure to maintain monthly purchase requirements. While many distributors find it rewarding, others feel the business model can be challenging. It's good to weigh these experiences with the positive reviews.

What is the compensation plan for Great Lakes Gelatin?

Great Lakes Gelatin uses a Hybrid Binary/Unilevel compensation structure. Distributors earn through both retail sales and team-building commissions. As you advance in rank, you unlock higher commission levels based on personal and group sales.

How much does it cost to join Great Lakes Gelatin?

Joining Great Lakes Gelatin typically requires an initial investment in product purchases at wholesale prices. While specific costs can vary, you'll want to budget for enough inventory to make sales and meet commission requirements.

What is Great Lakes Gelatin's BBB rating?

Great Lakes Gelatin has a BBB rating of A+. This indicates that they've maintained a solid track record with customer service and business practices, which is reassuring for potential distributors.

Are there alternatives to Great Lakes Gelatin?

Yes, there are several alternatives to Great Lakes Gelatin, including other MLMs focused on health and wellness products. Brands like Vital Proteins and Neocell offer similar collagen products through retail channels if you're looking for non-MLM options.

Compensation Plan

Plan Type

This is a Hybrid Binary/Unilevel plan. That means you can earn money from selling products directly and from building a team of people who also sell products.

How Earnings Work

Retail Profit: Buy products at a wholesale price and sell them to customers at retail price. The difference is your profit.
Team Commissions: You earn money when people you recruit (your team) sell products. The more they sell, the more you can earn.
Sponsor Bonus: When someone you recruit makes sales, you get a bonus based on their performance.
Leadership Bonus: If you reach certain ranks, you can earn additional bonuses based on your team's success.
Incentive Trip: Hit certain sales goals or rank levels, and you might qualify for free trips or other rewards.

Qualification Requirements

To earn commissions, you usually need to maintain a minimum monthly order of products.
For higher ranks, you need to meet specific sales targets and have a certain number of active team members.

Red Flags

There are monthly purchase requirements to earn full commissions, which can feel like a pay-to-play situation.
Most of the income seems to go to a small percentage of top earners, meaning many people may only earn a little extra money.