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September 26, 2004
Purchasing Products at Quixtar
By QBlog in
I just bought a 12-pack of Cherry Blast XS energy drink at Quixtar. The entire processs was pretty simple and I appreciated the improvements Quixtar made to their site. It was easier to find the products I wanted and just made a lot more sense than the old version of the site. I may write a thorough review of those changes later.
For now I'll just say that the hype matches the reality from my perspective, and that's saying something. Quixtar went from having a real bad Web site to having a pretty darn good one. They did their homework and it shows.
About the energy drinks - I'm not big on energy drinks but my wife likes them and was thrilled to see the new Cherry Blast flavor so she'll be getting a dozen in 2-10 business days. I was a bit surprised at the price ($28.36 for 12 cans, including shipping & handling) but if you compare it to a Starbucks Frappuccino ($2.00 or more per bottle) then it's really not so much. I plan to drink a couple of cans and write a review, kind of like Steve Don't Eat It! but not as funny and hopefully not as gross ;o)
Comments
Ditto on the stomach problems. One of the reasons I don't drink 'em. My wife has even had similar problems with a few of the flavors.
I don't know Qblog. The frappuccino's are hands down better tasting to me (course I'm in the Seattle area so I've got a coffee bias) ;)
No offense but I'd at least like to actually TRY one before I decide what I like. I've never had an XS ever so I'm looking forward to the taste test.
I love the new Cherry Flavored XS Energy Drink! I heard some rumors about a mango flavor, maybe guava, and a cola flavor coming out soon!
I am excited about the diversity of the XS line of products and the multiple energy drink flavors to choose from. Why doesn't every energy drink company do this? Who knows, but they are missing out on potential market share, but hey, as an IBO that's great for me!
Thanks for sharing a positive product testimonial QBlog. Your surprising me lately, as your site is actually becoming more neutral and allowing the comment area to thrive with opinion & debate. Whether that's your goal or not, I think it makes for a better blog. Just my humble opinion.
Chris,
I have been reading this blog for almost a year now and it has always been neutral. Qblog doesn't have any agenda to push and comments objectively on everything he posts.
Here is, in the case of energy drinks, a great example of "market saturation". Chris likes XS energy drinks. Jason likes Frappucinos. Waymee will never pay that kind of money for bottled caffiene no matter what label is on it. There, in a nutshell, is the limit of market penetration. I don't see much of an opportunity for retail sales to people outside of Quixtar when there are people like me who will never buy an energy drink and people like Jason who already have their favorite brand (I hope I am not putting too many words in your mouth, Jason).
RE: Energy drinks...
I'm a distance runner. I like the XS energy drinks, and even if DH weren't an IBO, I just might buy them occassionally. Why?
Well, they don't taste all that great (you can taste the vitamin B in them), but they taste OK, and they offer a big shot of several water soluble vitamins that runners tend to sweat out nearly as fast as we can take them in.
I've bought some pretty weird, somewhat costly 'food supplements' in my running career (try an energy gel...they're about $1.50 - $2 each, and have the taste and consistency of children's bubble-gum flavored toothpaste). But when you want the suger, or caffeine, or the vitamin B jolt, and you've already paid $75 for the race, and are spending $75 on running shoes every three months, what's another couple of bucks to get you to the finish line? And believe me, XS doesn't taste any worse than banana-flavored thick, gooey, hammer gel.
I think there is a potential market there for the XS, but they need to offer a bigger case-discount. Gels are nearly two bucks a pop at the running supply store, but they're only about a buck each if you buy a case online. The runners who use them regularly buy them by the case all the time, but if you're only gonna save 10 percent by purchasing a case of XS, you just might stick to gatorade.
A case of RedBull is around $20 at Costco. I'm not sure, I didn't buy it.
How much is this XS stuff?
XS is $20.40 for a case, not including tax, shipping and handling. Quixtar uses value-based shipping so that the more you buy, the better rate you get on shipping, and if the order totals over $750, then the shipping is free.
XS is not supposed to be sold in stores, so it is tough to get a comparison of a store price and an online price.
They do offer an "OTC" program, where XS can be sold over the counter, but it needs to be poured in a cup, and use a different name than XS. Several Bars, Nightclubs, Restaurants and Fitness Clubs offer the drink this way, and the price is usually $2.50 - $3.00 per cup. The same as if you bought a red bull or competing energy drink from one of those places.
http://tech-geeks.org/tiny.php?url=1245
Waymee, your example of market saturation does not make sense at all. Are you suggesting that the potential market share for XS is just IBO's? There is no proof to back up your statement, and plenty of evidence to prove it wrong.
I have several members/clients that love XS, and order it frequently. They are not IBO's. There are also bars, nightclubs, gyms, and restaurants that will be serviced by IBO's that will sell the drink over the counter in a glass or cup under a different name, like "Blast Energy Drinks".
I sample XS all the time, and the majority response is in favor of the drink, not against it. The potential market share for healthy energy drinks is huge and if you did any research at all, you would have to agree with that statement.
According to The Beverage Network, "Energy drinks are rapidly approaching the $1 billion mark as a soft drink category, growing at an annual rate of 30%."
While most energy drink companies focus their marketing strategy towards trying to get a piece of the "Red Bull" market, Quixtar takes the energy drink market to another level by promoting the drinks to average households outside of the "Red Bull" market. With this marketing strategy, they have managed to create a whole new segment of energy drink consumers that competing energy drink companies have had a hard time getting to.
And unless you can prove otherwise, it looks like XS has become the #2 energy drink in north america, second only to Red Bull. My guess is that we will pass up Red Bull for North American sales either this year or next!
So, how much is a case (under normal shipping conditions) after tax and S&H?
I think I understand Waymee's point. If XS is primarily limited to IBOs, then the number of cases of XS are limited to the energy-drink threshold of the IBOs?
How much energy drink can you have before you sponteously combust? How many people are going to order XS and wait for delivery in lieu of buying a case of RedBull at Costco?
Good point Waymee--I understand!
Chris,
Yes, the XS market is restricted almost entirely to IBOs. Let's envision two different scenarios.
Scenario #1: Energy drinks are a fad. In the same vein as chocolate soda and clear colas (I can't believe I ever drank Crystal Pepsi!) they will run their course. Even the venerable Red Bull will decline in North American sales. Sure there are people who actually derive a benefit from energy drinks during physical activity, but I guarantee you that number represents less sales than are being made right now.
Scenario #2: Energy drinks are the New Big Thing. If that is the case, the twin 800-pound gorillas called Pepsi and Coca-Cola will inundate the public with their own versions of an energy drink. In the same way that they copied Gatorade with their own sports drinks and in the same way that they copied Evian with bottled water, they will bring their own energy drinks to the public with all of their marketing power to bear. They will be in convienence stores and vending machines from sea to shining sea.
I don't doubt that you have retail customers that enjoy XS. I still submit that it is the exception rather than the rule. The same day that energy drinks become a mainstream product will be the day that millions of people have the chance to try three other brands before they ever hear of XS.
I can see both views on this particular issue. It reminds me of those I know who drink regular store brand coffee and would never, ever, not in a million years, buy coffee that comes from Seattle's Best, or Tullys, or Starbucks or whatever.
To them the price is not worth the return from the product. They respond that coffee is just coffee.
I can see the logic. It is all a matter of OPINION! :-)
I love XS Cran-Grape and so does my wife. I also really like the recent lemon flavor, but the wife hates it. We both have tried the other energy drinks (truly have sampled 15+ brands/types) and found then truly lacking to our taste buds. This is our OPINION. We figure that we will pay for the product that we really truly enjoy. Just as we will continue to purchase the Starbucks price level coffee, as we really like it. Price does not figure into the equation in our OPINION. We just want what we want, that's the beauty of choice. :-)
I say this to indicate that I understand that some will not trade price for things that they do not feel are worth it to them. In other cases they may very well exchange it when they find something they really want to have.
Before you ever decide that a product is good or not, just remember to trial it for yourself. It is the best way.
It's kind of like going to the grocery store and buying a good cut of meat (such as USDA Choice), then going to a fine restaurant and enjoying a really superb cut (USDA Prime) and then trying to compare price. Really the price for those who love beef, may well be worth the excellence to their mouth, to others it is a waste of funds. All in all, it is a matter of OPINION.
It is not FACT.
We should allow others to try things and encourage them to find new things to enjoy, without attempting to sway someone either way. Especially since taste and perceived quality is so much a matter of OPINION.
Enjoy the XS QBlog, hope you enjoy it. Also, thanks again QBlog for the recommendation to dump IE. Your input finally galvanized me to stop procrastinating and dump it as well.
Happy debating.
Cheers all,
Clifford
DF,
It's cool for you to agree with Waymee, but I wanted to share my thoughts on your views.
First, you said "So, how much is a case (under normal shipping conditions) after tax and S&H?"
According to QBlog right here on this post, he paid $28.36 for his case out the door. The internet is still not the best way to make small purchases for things you need right away. If you order a pack of gum for $1 and pay $5 in shipping would the gum be worth it? No. But if you purchased a case of gum, at say $50 and paid $5 in shipping then it might be worth it. Online shoppers realize this and tend to purchase several things at once if they can to take advantage of better shipping prices.
I am assuming that QBlog bought the drinks for his wife, and instead of waiting to place them with their next scheduled order, they wanted them sooner and so it was worth the extra shipping to them. I have done that before a few times, so I would guess that is why QBlog paid the higher price.
Now, as for Waymee's point. The XS market is NOT just limited to IBO's and so Waymee's example is purely hypothetical and nowhere near realistic.
Second point. You don't spontaneously combust from drinking energy drinks, soda, or other carbonated drinks, but I appreciate the humor.
You asked "How many people are going to order XS and wait for delivery in lieu of buying a case of Red Bull at Costco?"
The last I heard, XS was selling over 1 million cans every 6 days. These are sales in North America to IBO's, Members and Clients. XS is selling so much that they are already number 2 behind Red Bull, so it seems like they are doing great so far!
The Energy Drink market grew from $100,000,000 to more than $250,000,000 in just two years ending in the middle of 2002. And the energy drink market is currently growing at an annual rate of 30%.
The fast growth of the specialized coffee market has also contributed significantly to creating a demand for daily drinks that provide an energy boost. The major specialized coffee marketers have been expanding to cold, canned drinks to make the daily use of their products more convenient and practical. This direction is perfect for Energy Drinks.
The average family drinks several gallons of liquid every day. Many of those liquids are consumed cold, out of cans and as an energy boost. A typical "XS Consuming Family" of four easily consumes more than 4 12-packs per month. This is only 48 cans for the entire family per month. This is barely 1 can every 3 days per family member.
Anyone who has introduced great tasting XS drinks to their families knows that this is a very conservative amount, and the reality of normal consumption in such families is actually greater.
http://tech-geeks.org/tiny.php?url=1249
Yes people are going to shop online for many things including energy drinks now and even more in the future even though it might take a few days to get the product.
Yes some people are going to go buy Red Bull from Costco at a wholesale cost.
Yes many more people are going to buy Red Bull at gas stations and convenience stores at retail price.
Does Costco allow them to put Red Bull on a standing order where a designated amount gets delivered to their front door every month so that they don't have to keep going back to the store to get it every month? Currently, No. In the future? I would hope so.
Ditto Delivery, offered by Quixtar, helps people out so that they have products when they need them, so that they don't have to run to the store to get them when they run out. Services like his are necessary to sell consumable products online because many people are not willing to wait a few days.
Many of us are procrastinators and we wait to buy things until we run out of them. Ditto Delivery solves this issue and breaks down one of the major barriers to shopping online.
I am excited to be part of Quixtar because they understand how to position themselves well in front of the massive trend of online shopping, and they are grabbing a large portion of the market share before other companies figure it out.
Rumor has it that Quixtar did over $1 Billion this last fiscal year, and Alticor, their parent company, did around $6.2 Billion. Things are looking good. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
http://tech-geeks.org/tiny.php?url=1250
UPDATE: I just read Waymee's last comments while previewing this.
Waymee said: "I guarantee you that number represents less sales than are being made right now."
Prove it Waymee. The energy drink market is currently growing and more sales are being made now than ever.
As for the two 800-pound gorillas you mention, they are both already trying to grab a portion of the energy drink market.
Pepsi has a very popular brand of energy drinks called "AMP", and Coca Cola has a brand called "KMX".
Pepsi also makes the popular Starbucks cold "Frappucinos" that come in the little bottle, and the new Starbucks "Double Shot" cold espresso drink that comes in a can. So it looks like the gorillas have been busy lately.
BTW: How many convenience stores don't sell energy drinks? I think that it has become the rule rather than the exeption to sell energy drinks, and they are selling well.
Chris,
Okay, so if energy drinks are growing by leaps and bounds then Scenario #2 applies. Now that you mentioned the names, I have seen AMP in stores and I was also aware of Doubleshot. I'm sure that I will immediately notice KMX too the next time I am strolling the store. So there you go. There are the three brands that millions of Americans are going to try before they ever even hear of XS. It just doesn't have the ability to be marketed to the general public. How can XS be any different than SA-8, Dish Drops, or Critics Choice? Those are brands that sell well to IBOs and almost nobody else. The same rules apply. The competition has a much farther reach to the general public and their prices are almost always lower. You tried to explain that the XS price is competitive when you buy in bulk, but who does that other than IBOs who are getting PV for their purchases? I certainly don't buy $50 worth of gum and the only time I buy more than 12 cans of any drink at one time is when it is on sale or once a year when I am stocking up for my annual barbecue with 20 or 30 of my closest friends. It reminds me of the episode of "Seinfeld" where Kramer shopped at the buyer's club and returned with items such as a 5-gallon jar of black olives because "it was a great price for that quantity!"
So, even though XS is not price competitive (+$8 over the costco price according to Chris's information) and not channel-friendly (I have to wait 2-3 days for delivery right/) the brand is still #2 in sales.
How can that be?
The Quixtar masses are making it so. The will of the people is making it happen. In most cases, this would be great--however, it looks like the Quixtarians(?) are buying this stuff to make their PV goals.
Why else would one choose to pay more and wait longer? Is XS really that much better than RedBull? I think not.
Loved that Seinfeld episode!
Waymee said "There are the three brands that millions of Americans are going to try before they ever even hear of XS. It just doesn't have the ability to be marketed to the general public."
Those brands are available and currenlty not selling that well. Why is that, when XS is selling so well? It is because XS is a much better product, and Quixtar is a better distribution channel for that product, both for the IBO, and the company that manufactures the product.
In a blind taste test between red bull, AMP, KMX, and XS energy drinks, XS would win hands down! Plus there are enough flavors that someone can find their favorite flavor(s) and Red Bull, AMP and KMX do not offer that option.
Waymee said "How can XS be any different than SA-8, Dish Drops, or Critics Choice? Those are brands that sell well to IBOs and almost nobody else."
XS is very different for a lot of reasons. The product is more marketable from a sales aspect because todays market is becoming more about "sexy" products as one would say in marketing.
Laundry detergent and dish soap are hardly a good comparison. Products like these used to be the big movers back in the Amway days because it was all they had. These days, flashier products with sexier packaging sell more in today's marketplace.
So sa8 and dish drops are the products that a client/member/ibo would likely get on ditto delivery every few months, but not the best products to "aquire" new clients/members/ibos with. XS is an easy to sell product because it is easier to sample, is easier to talk about, and is a much more social product. I can have XS with me throughout the day to sample, but I am not going to carry around my dish drops and sample that!
XS is also a product that is consumed monthly, where many of the other private branded products, (besides nutrilite), are ordered once every few months, giving IBO's more of an incentive to market XS.
As for my bulk shopping statement, that is the truth about the internet today. In fact, more and more people are getting comfortable with buying in bulk. Does Costco allow you to buy 50cents worth of gum? Or do they encourage bulk buying as well?
No, I would not buy $50 in gum either. What my point was, is that you would combine your package of gum in with the rest of your order to take advantage of better shipping rates. You would combine XS in with the rest of your order for the same reasons. You might even order at the same time as your friend to combine orders and get free shipping.
DF said "Is XS really that much better than RedBull?"
YES! Hands down. There is no comparison. That is why they are already number 2 behind Red Bull and more and more Red Bull drinkers are switching to XS.
Seriously, Red Bull is not that good, they were just first to market and grabbed the lion's share.
Now that the market is open, consumers have options, and the XS word of mouth is spreading like wild fire and customers are buying XS by the case load.
They are appealing to an audience that Red Bull has had trouble capturing. They have tapped into the home delivery market, which Red Bull has been unable to tap into. I would go as far as to say that XS is actually defining the new energy drink market!
Again, I ask/state:
So, even though XS is not price competitive (+$8 over the costco price according to Chris's information) and not channel-friendly (I have to wait 2-3 days for delivery right/) the brand is still #2 in sales.
How can that be?
The Quixtar masses are making it so. The will of the people is making it happen. In most cases, this would be great--however, it looks like the Quixtarians(?) are buying this stuff to make their PV goals.
I'm skeptical; if this stuff is really that great it would be getting more media than one guy hawking it on a bulletin board.
QBlog,
Please update us on how you like the XS.
All,
I've decided to comment on some of the products that I've tried at Amway/Quixtar over the years. These are just my preferences. Although I've seen a lot of lists of things people liked, I haven't seen a list of things people disliked. This is mine.
Liked:
-Double X or Daily Free --take with food
-Calcium Magnesium
-Blueberry Crunch Meal Repl. bars -- OK
-Strawberry Creme Protein bars -- OK
-Dish Drops -- cuts grease well
-LOC bathroom/kitchen cleaner -- works well
-Persue toilet bowl cleaner -- great product
-SA8 -- cheaper for me than alternatives
-Satinique shampoo/conditioner - works for me
-Body Series antibac. soap -- best I've found
-Body Series bar soap --I like it
-Rubbermaid containers -- durable product; some lids were too tight
-Meadowbrook facial tissue -- OK, like it for a while
-Casio telephone from Store for More -- best telephone that I've bought so far (lasted the longest)
-Levi's pants from Store for More -- lots of compliments on this
-Magna Bloc -- might be psychological but it seems to help a little sometimes
Dislike:
-Dishwashing tablets - doesn't clean well; streaks
-chewing gum (no longer available) - this was foul stuff
-Glister mint breath refresher spray - eek, it tastes awful
-Meadowbrook toilet paper - this is like public restroom toilet paper; I was hoping I didn't have to use it in my house too
-MCI - horrible; sounded like talking through a tin can; customer service is the worst ever
-VISA - MBNA - every couple months they call me to ask me if I want more money; they don't tell you that they charge you a fee on top of the lending rate to get it; rude
-ESpring water filter -- expensive; didn't work; smelled like garlic which was apparently not an isolated problem; after 3 filter changes and 2 housing unit changes, they agreed to take it back; I haven't sent it back yet, so we'll see
Ambivalent
Think IBO's are the only market for XS? Think they are all buying their next pin with XS?
XS has little PV. Some, but not like Nutrilite and Artistry.
Many of us have customers that are not registered on the website. They are neither Members nor Clients just customers.
Het everybody,
I had a chance to talk to management at Quixtar regarding their membership based, let alone their IBO force. I believe he quoted me at 240 000 members. That is pretty remarkable, although, I was wondering if someone could confirm that.
Maud:
You're telling me that XS is becoming the #2 energy drink (still unconfirmed) because hundreds, if not thousands of people are telling their Quixtar buddies to order them a case?
Come on! Get Real!
Ambivalent:
Tell me how much these things cost in Quixtar and then let's then I can compare prices at Costco or SAMs.
These are the things you like, so we can talk about things you are interested in. If it is Quixtar brand, I'll sub it out with the brand name equivalent.
Okay?
Liked:
-Double X or Daily Free --take with food
-Calcium Magnesium
-Blueberry Crunch Meal Repl. bars -- OK
-Strawberry Creme Protein bars -- OK
-Dish Drops -- cuts grease well
-LOC bathroom/kitchen cleaner -- works well
-Persue toilet bowl cleaner -- great product
-SA8 -- cheaper for me than alternatives
-Satinique shampoo/conditioner - works for me
-Body Series antibac. soap -- best I've found
-Body Series bar soap --I like it
-Rubbermaid containers -- durable product; some lids were too tight
-Meadowbrook facial tissue -- OK, like it for a while
-Casio telephone from Store for More -- best telephone that I've bought so far (lasted the longest)
-Levi's pants from Store for More -- lots of compliments on this
-Magna Bloc -- might be psychological but it seems to help a little sometimes
Evan, last I heard from the company, there were just under 800,000 registered members, clients and IBO's. That is not including customers that many IBO's have that buy products from the IBO and not through the website. I am sure that is a pretty signigicant number as well, seeing as how even I have a few.
df wrote:
"Tell me how much these things cost in Quixtar and then let's then I can compare prices at Costco or SAMs."
I'm willing to do this because I'm just a member/client at Quixtar, but I'm not sure what this would accomplish. How would you determine if the quality was comparable since you've never tried them?
How would you determine the quality of a name brand equivalent? Equivalent in what way?
I could buy a t-shirt at Costco for much less than where I buy my t-shirts, but the quality is definitely not the same. And I can only tell this by using the t-shirt for many years and comparing the wear between the two--and I've done this.
I'm not trying to withhold information from you, but I'm hesitant to give you information that you'd use to come up with an invalid comparison.
If you answer how you would compare quality, then I'll go to my catalog and jot down the prices for you.
Interestingly, I've realized that I like the quality of the products from switching out of Quixtar to Brand X (as they call it). When I was an IBO, I had the hardest time liking the products. Now that I've terminated, there are some products that I find that I really can't find elsewhere.
For instance, the antibacterial liquid hand soap. It didn't impress me at first, and it is more expensive than an antibacterial liquid hand soap on sale here. But the Quixtar product doesn't leave my skin cracked like the others, so I find I'm willing to pay a little more for it.
I actually did something similar to what you're doing, only for me I had to match the quality of the product. I was surprised to find that in the cases of the things that I would still considering buying there, the prices are comparable or there's a difference in quality that makes it worthwhile.
And I don't sell this stuff, so I'm not trying to sell you anything.
Ambivalent
I think we can compare based on the price vs. quantity.
Obviously, the taste of a Wrigley's gum may taste better than Glister in my opinion. ALL detergent may clean better than the Quixtar brand.
We could go all day arguing this. Personally, I really don't care. I just want to go on objective measures--Price vs. Qty.
In the case where we can match brands, (i.e. Levis vs. Levis) I think we should do so. The fact that you don't offer a lot of well known, recognized brands raises a flag. But that's just me.
QBLOG--you've done something like this already, right? Care to provide any info?
Sure. I think arguing about prices on similar but not identical items is stupid. See link below (it's a redirect)
http://tech-geeks.org/tiny.php?url=1260
QBlog wrote:
"Sure. I think arguing about prices on similar but not identical items is stupid. See link below (it's a redirect)"
df,
. . . which doesn't mean that you shouldn't undertake the experiment if you feel so inclined.
chris pointed out in another post that one can see retail prices on the site without being a member. I haven't tried this, so you'd have to ask her about it.
You might find some interesting information to you.
However, I just wanted to point out that before you go through all that work, you would not have proven anything because it can be argued that the quality of the items are not similar.
Ambivalent
I have to say I agree with QBlog here. The only reason I was participating in arguing price, is because Quixtar prices were attacked and I felt that they should be defended. Ultimately the argument goes back and forth here, so thanks for providing the link below. Great post.
Ambivalent, just for the record, I'm a "he".
Well, then let's look at Levis and other branded items. And/or we could look at commodity items like vitamins.
The Quixtar prices aren't under attack-- I see them as inexpensive until proven expensive.
Here's the challenge I see with Quixtar prices.
The money that is normally spent on advertising is spent on bonuses. That is great. Secondly, there is brand loyalty, meaning there is no urgent need to spend additional money trying to hook someone on to new products.
If that's the case, why are the products, on average so much more expensive? The big Q has maintained a competitive edge with a few products, but that's about it. This is gobbled up by delivery costs. Besides, to say the products are far superior is just not the case. A few may be better, but for the most part, they compare to almost any other brand out there, including no name brands.
The only real value I see from a consumer's standpoint is ditto delivery, but even that is somewhat expensive (from a shipping standpoint) (I know when they first started ditto, shipping was free for a while...coulcn't they have maintained that?)
People argue about the personal touch of having a representative help you with your choice of products....completely overrated unless you are a cosmetics pro pushing the make up line.
chris wrote:
"Ambivalent, just for the record, I'm a "he"."
Sorry, chris. I'll be more careful in the future.
Evan wrote:
"If that's the case, why are the products, on average so much more expensive? . . . Besides, to say the products are far superior is just not the case. A few may be better, but for the most part, they compare to almost any other brand out there, including no name brands."
When you start with these assumptions, your conclusions are likely to follow.
Ambivalent
df wrote:
"Well, then let's look at Levis and other branded items. And/or we could look at commodity items like vitamins."
Apples and oranges.
In the case of branded products, Quixtar doesn't have much control over the price. IMO, they take products that other companies are dumping as either end of life or out of season and buy them at a discount. They then add a mark-up to get them to competitve price for a current product. That mark-up goes as commission.
In the case of Quixtar manufactured products, Quixtar has much more control over the price since I think that manufacturing costs are relatively low for many of these products. But for these products, quality cannot be compared.
Ambivalent
Ooops, I take that back. Quixtar's prices are taking a beating in other posts around here.
I guess I'll keep with the name-brand, Costco purchases. Pocket the saves via opportunity-cost and invest in the stock market.
Thanks,
Ambivalent:
How can a Levis-Levis comparison get construed as apples-oranges? Costco sells Levis all year round, as does Quixtar (I pressume). What's not to compare?
And a comodity like a vitamin can be easily compared too. A Calcium-Magnesum suppliment can be compared right? I don't think Quixtar manufactures their own vitamins, so the branding/pricepoint arument doesn't apply here.
I'm trying to stay open minded here, but I am seeing a lot of sidestepping and doublespeak. Its starting too feel like a used car lot 'round here....
df,
There is absolutely no comparison when it comes to vitamins. The process in which Nutrilite goes through the get their finished product is second to none. You would be hard pressed to find a company that develops better quality vitamins.
These vitamins may cost more, but they are worth it if you want the best quality for your health and the future of the health for your family. You cannot simply compare labels because the process to get the nutrients is what makes all the difference. If you are interested in learning more, I would suggest visiting the following site: http://www.nutrilite.com
df wrote: "I don't think Quixtar manufactures their own vitamins, so the branding/pricepoint arument doesn't apply here."
Actually, Nutrilite does manufacture their own vitamins, and in North America, Quixtar is the only company that distributes them, so the branding/pricepoint argument is very relevant.
Okay, I'll concede the vitamin discussion for now. How about the Levis discussion?
If I want Levi's, I can get a pair $24.99-$29.99 at Costco. I have no idea what they cost online as a guest or IBO.
Does anyone care to provide that info.?
df wrote:
"If I want Levi's, I can get a pair $24.99-$29.99 at Costco. I have no idea what they cost online as a guest or IBO."
df,
I just went to the site as a member. The price given for the first pair of levi's jeans in the search was $29.99 retail and member price of $27.60. And there were varying prices also for different styles.
But don't take my word for it. I logged out of the site and found as chris noted that you can find retail prices without a membership. That's relatively new.
Ambivalent
"There is absolutely no comparison when it comes to vitamins. The process in which Nutrilite goes through the get their finished product is second to none. You would be hard pressed to find a company that develops better quality vitamins." - Chris
Um, I have to say that this is utter and complete foolishness. Or, a more polite way of saying it is: this is a marketing statement. Generic vitamins are the same things as expensive vitamins. Same ingredients, same purity, same effect. If vitamins/drugs are made IAW FDA standards, then they are all 'second to none' because they are essentially the same.
Pure garbage.
Porkchopjim:
Thanks for stating that. I had a hunch. However, I hadn't investigated it, so I didn't want to speak out of turn.
This Chris guy is a walking sales pitch. I think Ambivalent is representing Quixtar much better.
Ambivalent:
Thanks for the head's up on Levis. How much is the Quixtar membership. I would like to compare that to the cost of membership at Costco.
Thanks,
DF
Porkchopjim,
There actually is a significant difference in the quality of vitamins out there. There is much more to it than ingredients and purity. This is especially the case with micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) as opposed to protein powders.
Nutrilite is one of the leading brands from a quality perspective, as well as a sales perspective. From a cost per day perspective, many other products are much better off.
While not a business "expert", I can say that I have enough schooling, research, and practical experience in the the areas of nutrition, health and pharmaceuticals to deliver the following verdict:
You'll save a lot of money and retain the same health benefits buying another reputable, cheaper brand than XX.
df wrote:
"How much is the Quixtar membership. I would like to compare that to the cost of membership at Costco."
I paid $19.95 for Quixtar membership in June 2004.
IIRC, my last Costco membership was $40 a few years ago.
Evan wrote:
"You'll save a lot of money and retain the same health benefits buying another reputable, cheaper brand than XX."
Do you have any recommendations? I liked Quixtar vitamins because they don't have preservatives. Are there others? Thanks.
Ambivalent
DF wrote: “This Chris guy is a walking sales pitch.”
Porkchopjim wrote: “Generic vitamins are the same things as expensive vitamins. Same ingredients, same purity, same effect. If vitamins/drugs are made IAW FDA standards, then they are all 'second to none' because they are essentially the same.”
Look guys, I am totally open to debating the quality of vitamins and supplements available in the marketplace.
Plenty of research and studies show that you can get minimum recommended levels of nutrients to avoid diseases like scurvy by simply eating the right foods, but that optimal health will decrease chances of other major diseases, especially heart related, and that it is virtually impossible to actually "eat" enough nutrients in food to get the optimal amount.
Therefore, it makes sense to supplement if you are concerned with your health and want to get the optimal levels of nutrients.
So the question is "what supplements do you buy"?
Well, if cost is the #1 most important thing, then I would recommend going to Costco. If quality is the #1 most important thing, then I would recommend Nutrilite, because they have the BEST QUALITY supplements in the marketplace.
BTW, I am willing to take back that statement if someone can "prove" that another supplement company manufactures better vitamins.
So if cost & quality are the most important factors, then you need to research the quality of vitamins and determine what you are able to afford.
So here are some questions for you Nutrilite critics…
Do you know who actually manufactures the vitamin you are taking? Who?
Do they use Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s)?
Do they base their supplements on whole-plant foods?
Do they have Phytonutrients?
Do they grow the food used to create the supplements on certified organic farms so that they avoid using herbicides or pesticides?
Do they use chemicals or chemical-free methods when creating their supplements?
Can they prove that the supplement actually has what the label says it has?
Those are just a few questions I would suggest you consider when you compare companies, and if you would like to see where Nutrilite stands, then visit the following link:
http://tech-geeks.org/tiny.php?url=1268
(Click on the ‘Seed To Serving” link for more info.)
Ambivalent,
I am a partner in a nutrition company, so I would naturally say..."mine", but then I'd be acting "Short-ish", if you catch my drift. Either that, or I'd have to put up with having people trash my company on here (joking).
The Nutrilite Daily is a safe recommendation. The whole organic process, as well as the phytonutrients remaining intact make it a good alternative. You are actually safe with the "known" of Nutrilite as there are many brands with horrible reps as well as other companies (major) that sell a brand for a certain price with the identical product with a different brand name, in the exact same store, marketed for almost double the price. Or, you have to contend with salespeople pushing a certain vitamin, not for its merits, but based on the fact that they will receive more commission on that product, that the better one.
I know I didn't answer your question, but I hope this info helps.
Evan wrote:
"The Nutrilite Daily is a safe recommendation."
Thanks. Works for me.
Ambivalent
Micronutrients and Phytonutrients.
Right.
"There is much more to it than ingredients and purity." - Such as the magic dust? Special blessing? Cool Flinstone characters?
My position stands as previously stated.
Garbage.
Hey people....I am BEGGING for any of yall's help! I am doing a project on Red Bull at CU. Can anyone direct me to some info regarding: How Red Bull can tap into the coffee market. We have to defend the position that Red Bull can be seen as a alternative to coffee.
I do not have any idea how I got to this wensite so if you could e-mail me at Loom6680@aol.com.....that would be great!
Much appreciation
Quixtar Company is the biggest offender of their rules. I have made many, many attempts to contact there Rules and the iboai.com board and others since launching the new Quixtar site they have plainly taken Amway products directly to solicit the online community unbarred.
Quixtar has flooded the search engines with product
link pages. BLOGGING, Blogging, and more blogging all corporate sponsored. Eventually the surfer ending on the register page and allowing anyone arriving the opportunity to sign up unsponsored Shame on Quixtar!
Alticor is clearly attacking the IBO's who have built you who you are today. I have spoken on the phone and heard your worthless insolent talk directly.
They actually laughed when I told the person I was speaking with my new customer sign up directly online.
Access / Alticor / Quixtar /Amway are stealing the market share from us, correction now your IBO's everyday.
as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4.
quixtar.site
any product tab
add to cart (then pops up)
registration page with no IBO Referral and Key
needed as required fields.
When they uncheck the box need servicing IBO
Even better for them!
Just as you clearly have interpreted your angle on this new Quixtar.com to your advantage so have I.
Wake up IBO's your are promoting their products at
your expense. Saving them MILLIONS of advertising dollars. Taking advantage of your need for an income.
The opportunity is GONE! They are corporate rapist.
To any readers of this post:
A visitor called badboy has some remarks in the comment below that are false. Any logical person can read through his obvious hatred towards the business. If you would like to know the truth on this matter for yourself you can read the dialogue of comments in this post below or even just call Quixtar yourself and ask them.
800-253-6500
If somebody wants to shop on the website without a referring IBO, then they will be automatically assigned to a Platinum level IBO or above based on zip code. IBO's at the Platinum level have proven themselves to be able to lead a newly registered member, client or IBO, so that is the best level to refer the business to.
Quixtar is not cutting IBO's out of the picture at all, in fact, if a guest wants to register as a member or IBO without a referring IBO#, the cannot. They will be referred to a Platinum first before they can place an order or register or anything.
It has always been this way, and with the new site upgrades, Quixtar has made it easier to facilitate this process. Quixtar gets a thumbs up on this move from IBO's and even critics like QBlog himself have recognized that the site upgrades made it much better.
Hopefully this information is helpful and read below if you want to see the debate on this issue.
I have registered on the new site family members. The have yet to be contacted by anybody and have no problem ordering any product we have tried. This author Chris is obviously another brainwashed Quixtar plant to try and give us the same story online as they practice to give when you call.
SOUNDS GOOD HUH?
It’s as I told you.
What is funny who can prove what they say is true? As I told legal the week the site was
already rolled out and didn't work for shxt.
So what good does it do for the IBO trying to build his business?
Why does a Platinum need undeserved business just handed to them?
The last post was years ago and much has changed in the industry.
XS energy drinks (costs $2.00, not including tax) are getting more popular (less sugar than a lot of enegry drinks)... They've come out with more flavors, and now you can get free shipping if your orders at Quixtar Web Sites are $75.00 or more.
Be on alert for stomach problems. Seriously!
Posted by: Imran Aziz | September 26, 2004 10:09 PM