Melaleuca vs Shaklee: The Battle of The Brands

Melaleuca has been in operation since 1985, and have built up a global empire. The company specializes in natural health and wellness products for personal grooming, household use, pets, children etc. Melaleuca is one of the fastest growing companies in America and has experienced a high level of success. One of their main competitors is fellow network marketing company Shaklee. Shaklee have been in operation since 1956, and also specialize in environmentally friendly products for both personal and home use. Although their product range is distinctly smaller than Melaleuca’s, Shaklee still poses as a major threat to the company. But which is the best for you? Which company is the safest? The cheapest? The best for business development?

In terms of building a business and earning a residual income, Melaleuca could be your best bet. To earn a steady income from Melaleuca requires less effort than with Shaklee. Shaklee distributors must purchase a certain amount of Shaklee products every month at wholesale price and sell them on at a 15% margin. With no guarantee that the distributor will resell the products, becoming a Shaklee distributor is extremely risky.

The same level of risk does not apply to Melaleuca. To earn commission with Melaleuca, you simply have to refer a customer to the company. As long as you and the referred customer spend a certain amount of money each month on Melaleuca products, then you will earn commission. If you don't make money with Melaleuca, you can still benefit from the personal use of their cheap, discounted products. You don't lose. If you don't sell Shaklee products, you don't make any money. You lose money.

Melaleuca and Shaklee are often in a battle regarding their products, with consumers unsure as to which company is more natural and more environmentally friendly. Like Melaleuca, Shaklee support their natural and naturally derived ingredients with scientifically formulated ingredients if a natural alternative is not possible. Their scientifically formulated ingredients are thoroughly tested to ensure bioavailability, purity and potency.

In terms of which company is the most “natural”, it would appear that they are evenly matched. They both pride themselves on the high quality and standard of their ingredients. The advantage Shaklee has over Melaleuca is that a list of their products’ ingredients seems to be easier to find. Shaklee clearly differentiate between natural, naturally derived and scientifically formulated ingredients, and also show which category every single ingredient used belongs to. Melaleuca seem to be less upfront about their ingredient lists, and don’t make it clear what the difference between natural and naturally derived is which can leave the consumer slightly confused.

This articleprovides quite a thorough price comparison between many Melaleuca and Shaklee products, and it appears that, on average, the two companies are quite evenly matched. However, many of these products are no longer in production, and the document is also not laid out in a clear consistent manner.

The following prices were taken on 13/10/2010 direct from companies’ own websites (based on Regular Price- not membership prices)

Immune Support Supplements
Melaleuca: Activate Immune Complex Immunity Booste. 60 Capsules. $15.50
Shaklee: Nutriferon. 60 caplets. $45.90

Household Cleaners
Melaleuca: Tough & Tender All-Purpose Cleaner. 16 fl.oz. $8.50
Shaklee: Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate. 16fl.oz. $12.50

Sports Drink
Melaleuca: ProFlex20 Shake- Dutch Chocolate. 15 servings. $24.50
Shaklee: Cinch Chocolate Shake Mix, Canister. 15 servings. $48.00

Prostate Support Supplements
Melaleuca: ProstAvan Prostate Support. 30 softgels. $24.50 ($49 for 60)
Shaklee: Saw Palmetto Complex. 60 softgels. $43.80

Lip Treatment
Melaleuca: Lip Treatment. 0.123 oz. $21.00
Shaklee: Lip Treatment SPF 15. 0.15oz. $7.90

As you can see, the companies are still relatively evenly matched in terms of price. Some products are cheaper with Melaleuca, some are cheaper with Shaklee.

Melaleuca has a larger product range, and includes essentials such as dental products, which Shaklee omits. You may find it is more convenient for you to shop with Melaleuca, or you may find it more cost effective to buy the bulk of your products from Shaklee and top them up with grocery store brands as and when.

Which is better for you; Melaleuca or Shaklee? Well, it depends. There is no black and white answer, no “Melaleuca is definitley the better company”, as both offer different things. In terms of the business opportunity, both companies provide you with a chance to create a prosperous business and generate a high level of income, but in different ways. Regardless of which one you choose, make sure you go in prepared, with a structured strategy to ensure success!