Scent-Sations launched in 2002 and relies out of Pennsylvania within the US.
Scent-Sations operates within the private care MLM area of interest. The corporate is headed up by proprietor and CEO Robert Scocozzo.
In response to Scocozzo’s Scent-Sations company bio, he began his MLM profession in 1989.
No firm names are supplied. I ran a search on “Scocozzo” previous to 2002 and turned up nothing.
In any occasion, Scent-Sations was based in 2002. As retold by Scocozzo (proper);
I used to be doing a fundraiser for my son’s basketball group promoting paraffin scented candles manufactured by a neighborhood candle-maker.
The youngsters offered about 1,400 candles, they smelled unbelievable, and everybody was commenting on how nice they have been.
When the candles have been delivered the “candle-makers” Lynn and Carmen Milazzo requested me if I used to be nonetheless concerned in advertising and marketing.
After I answered “sure” Carmen advised me that they’d developed a brand new candle made of other components and he was in search of some recommendation on one of the simplest ways to market the product.
The “Entrepreneur” in me received extraordinarily excited and I referred to as my associate, Charlie and advised him that we have been going into the “candle enterprise!”
Scent-sations was based by Frank Scocozzo, Charlie Umphred and Carmen Milazzo.
Umphred is Scent-Sations’ Vice-President of Advertising and marketing. Milazzo is cited as the corporate’s Grasp Candlemaker.
To their credit score, Scent-Sations seems to have a clear regulatory run since launch.
Learn on for a full evaluate of Scent-Sations’ MLM alternative.
Scent-Sations’ Merchandise
Scent-Sations’ started advertising and marketing Mia Bella scented candles.
Once more, as retold by Frank Scocozzo in his Scent-Sations company bio;
I requested Carmen what was so particular about his new “various” candle and he began telling me about his want to make a candle that had the entire optimistic advantages of scented candles and not one of the negatives of scented candles.
His primary focus was to create a candle utilizing supplies that addressed soot harm in houses.
He advised me a couple of candle constructed from pure wax that was virtually soot free, burned longer than most paraffin candles and may very well be cleaned up with scorching soapy water…
As we speak, along with Mia Bella scented candles, Scent-Sations markets soaps, hand and physique lotions, room sprays, potpourri, wax melts, reed diffuser kits and refresher oils.
Retail pricing for Mia Bella candles varies from $8.95 to $24.95. The candles themselves can be found stand-alone or in a 16 oz jar.
There are far too many Mia Bella scents to undergo right here individually. Scent-Sations do nonetheless present a full retail catalog with pricing on their web site.
Scent-Sations’ Compensation Plan
Scent-Sations’ compensation plan combines retail and recruitment commissions.
Residual commissions are paid out by way of a unilevel group. Rank-based bonuses are additionally obtainable.
Scent-Sations Affiliate Ranks
There are fifteen affiliate ranks inside Scent-Sations’ compensation plan.
Together with their respective qualification standards, they’re as follows:
- Gold – recruit and preserve one MLM fee certified affiliate
- Ruby – recruit and preserve two MLM fee certified associates
- Emerald – recruit and preserve three MLM fee certified associates
- Sapphire – recruit and preserve 4 MLM fee certified associates
- Diamond – recruit and preserve 5 MLM fee certified associates
- 2K Diamond – preserve 5 personally recruited MLM fee certified associates and generate $2000 GV throughout six unilevel group ranges (not more than $2000 GV from anybody leg)
- 5K Diamond – recruit and preserve six MLM fee certified associates and generate $5000 GV throughout six unilevel group ranges (not more than $3000 GV from anybody leg)
- 10K Diamond – recruit and preserve six MLM fee certified associates and generate $10,000 GV throughout six unilevel group ranges (not more than $5000 GV from anybody leg)
- Double Diamond – recruit and preserve eight MLM fee certified associates (one 2K Diamond), and generate $18,000 GV throughout six unilevel group ranges (not more than $9000 GV from anybody leg)
- Triple Diamond – recruit and preserve 9 MLM fee certified associates (two 2K Diamonds), and generate $28,000 GV throughout six unilevel group ranges (not more than $14,000 GV from anybody leg)
- Director – recruit and preserve ten MLM fee certified associates (three 2K Diamonds), and generate $40,000 GV throughout six unilevel group ranges (not more than $20,000 GV from anybody leg)
- Senior Director – preserve ten personally recruited MLM fee certified associates (three 2K Diamonds and one Director), and generate $80,000 GV throughout six unilevel group ranges (not more than $40,000 GV from anybody leg)
- Platinum Director – recruit and preserve fifteen MLM fee certified associates (three Administrators), and generate $200,000 GV throughout six unilevel group ranges (not more than $70,000 GV from anybody leg)
- Senior Platinum Director – preserve fifteen personally recruited MLM fee certified associates (three Administrators), and generate $300,000 GV throughout six unilevel group ranges (not more than $100,000 GV from anybody leg)
- Ambassador Director – recruit and preserve twenty MLM fee certified associates (4 Administrators), and generate $500,000 GV throughout six unilevel group ranges (not more than $150,000 GV from anybody leg)
GV stands for “Group Quantity” and is gross sales quantity generated throughout a Scent-Sations’ affiliate’s first six unilevel group legs.
MLM fee qualification is supplied beneath.
MLM Fee Qualification
To qualify for MLM commissions, every Scent-Sations affiliate should generate $100 PV a month.
A minimal $39.95 PV month-to-month autoship order should even be maintained.
PV stands for “Private Quantity” and is gross sales quantity generated by way of retail gross sales and an affiliate’s personal orders.
Retail Commissions
Scent-Sations’ compensation plan makes no point out of retail gross sales commissions.
Given retail pricing is supplied on Scent-Sations’ web site nonetheless, we assume retail commissions are paid because the wholesale/retail value distinction paid on retail buyer orders (non-affiliates).
Recruitment Commissions
When a Scent-Sations affiliate opts to enroll with a Present Pack ($134.59), Pattern Pack ($199.95) or Quick Begin Pack ($499.95), the affiliate who recruitment is paid a fee.
- recruit a Present Pack affiliate and obtain a $10 fee
- recruit a Pattern Pack affiliate and obtain a $20 fee
- recruit a Quick Begin Pack affiliate and obtain a $125 fee
Residual Commissions
Scent-Sations pays residual commissions by way of a unilevel compensation construction.
A unilevel compensation construction locations an affiliate on the prime of a unilevel group, with each personally recruited affiliate positioned immediately below them (degree 1):
If any degree 1 associates recruit new associates, they’re positioned on degree 2 of the unique affiliate’s unilevel group.
If any degree 2 associates recruit new associates, they’re positioned on degree 3 and so forth and so forth down a theoretical infinite variety of ranges.
Scent-Sations caps payable unilevel group ranges at eight.
Residual commissions are paid out as a proportion throughout these eight ranges primarily based on rank:
- Golds producing lower than $100 PV a month obtain 5% on degree 1 (personally recruited associates), capped at $100 per unilevel group leg
- Golds producing $100 PV or extra a month obtain 9% on degree 1, capped at $200 per unilevel group leg
- Rubys producing lower than $100 PV a month obtain 5% on degree 1 and a couple of.5% on degree 2, capped at $100 per unilevel group leg
- Rubys producing $100 PV or extra a month obtain 9% on degree 1 and 4% on degree 2, capped at $200 per unilevel group leg
- Emeralds producing lower than $100 PV a month obtain 5% on degree 1 and a couple of.5% on ranges 2 and three, capped at $100 per unilevel group leg
- Emeralds producing $100 PV or extra a month obtain 9% on degree 1 and 4% on ranges 2 and three, capped at $200 per unilevel group leg
- Sapphires producing lower than $100 PV a month obtain 5% on degree 1 and a couple of.5% on ranges 2 to 4, capped at $100 per unilevel group leg
- Sapphires producing $100 PV or extra a month obtain 9% on degree 1 and 4% on ranges 2 to 4, capped at $200 per unilevel group leg
- Diamonds producing lower than $100 PV a month obtain 5% on degree 1 and a couple of.5% on ranges 2 to five, capped at $100 per unilevel group leg
- Diamonds producing $100 PV or extra a month obtain 9% on degree 1 and 4% on ranges 2 to five, capped at $300 per unilevel group leg
- 2K Diamonds obtain 9% on degree 1 and 4% on ranges 2 to five, capped at $350 per unilevel group leg
- 5K Diamonds obtain 9% on degree 1 and 4% on ranges 2 to five, capped at $400 per unilevel group leg
- 10K Diamonds obtain 9% on degree 1 and 4% on ranges 2 to six, capped at $500 per unilevel group leg
- Double Diamonds obtain 9% on degree 1, 4% on ranges 2 to five, 9% on degree 6 and a couple of.5% on degree 7, capped at $600 per unilevel group leg
- Triple Diamonds obtain 9% on degree 1, 4% on ranges 2 to five, 9% on degree 6 and a couple of.5% on ranges 7 and eight, capped at $1000 per unilevel group leg
- Senior Administrators obtain 9% on degree 1, 4% on ranges 2 to five, 9% on degree 6 and a couple of.5% on ranges 7 and eight, capped at $5000 per unilevel group leg
- Platinum Administrators obtain 9% on degree 1, 4% on ranges 2 to five, 9% on degree 6 and a couple of.5% on ranges 7 and eight, capped at $8000 per unilevel group leg
- Senior Platinum Administrators obtain 9% on degree 1, 4% on ranges 2 to five, 9% on degree 6 and a couple of.5% on ranges 7 and eight, capped at $12,000 per unilevel group leg
- Ambassador Administrators obtain 9% on degree 1, 4% on ranges 2 to five, 9% on degree 6 and a couple of.5% on ranges 7 and eight (no leg cap)
Rank Achievement Bonuses
Scent-Sations rewards associates for qualifying at 2K Diamond and better with the next one-time bonuses:
- qualify at 2K Diamond and obtain $50
- qualify at 5K Diamond and obtain $100
- qualify at 10K Diamond and obtain $200
- qualify at Double Diamond and obtain $300
- qualify at Triple Diamond and obtain $400
- qualify at Director and obtain $500
- qualify at Senior Director and obtain $700
- qualify at Platinum Director and obtain $800
- qualify at Senior Platinum Director and obtain $900
- qualify at Ambassador Director and obtain $5000
Automotive Bonus
Director and better ranked Scent-Sations associates qualify for a month-to-month Automotive Bonus.
- Administrators obtain $300 a month
- Senior Administrators obtain $400 a month
- Platinum Administrators obtain $500 a month
- Senior Platinum Administrators obtain $750 a month
- Ambassador Administrators obtain $1000 a month
Management Pool
Scent-Sations’ compensation plan references a “Management Pool”.
The pool seems to be factors primarily based, with factors awarded similar to rank.
No additional particulars are supplied.
Becoming a member of Scent-Sations
Scent-Sations affiliate membership choices are barely complicated.
Earlier than we get into the precise membership choices, there are elective packs that may be bought with each choices:
- Present Pack – $134.59
- Pattern Pack – $199.95
- Quick Begin Pack – $499.95
Particulars of those packs aren’t supplied however it’s assumed the first distinction is bundled Scent-Sations merchandise.
Scent-Sations’ has two MLM associated affiliate membership choices; affiliate and distributor.
Associates pay $9.95 after which $14.95 a month (if they need a replicated internet retailer).
Associates can take part in Scent-Sations’ compensation plan up till the Diamond rank.
Distributor membership is required for full participation in Scent-Sations’ MLM alternative.
Distributor membership is cut up into two tiers:
- $100 a month for $110 month-to-month product credit score
- $39.95 a month for $25 month-to-month product credit score
As per Scent-Sations’ web site; Distributors
are put onto an autoship program and should preserve a $39.95 USD (or higher) autoship quantity to stay lively.
“Energetic” means you qualify for MLM commissions.
Conclusion
Upon starting my analysis into Scent-Sations, Robert Scocozzo’s company bio was promising.
I used to be by no means in a position to reconcile the truth that, though most good community advertising and marketing packages have glorious merchandise, their wholesale pricing by no means actually allowed distributors to make sufficient cash by merely promoting merchandise to clients!
In different phrases, if the distributors in my group weren’t sponsoring different distributors into their respective program, they have been unable to place badly wanted cash of their pockets day by day.
Though the above sounds like Scent-Sations’ major focus is retail gross sales, the compensation plan is a giant let down.
After having gone via it, Scent-Sations’ compensation plan feels prefer it was written previous to the FTC’s Herbalife lawsuit. This was when pyramid schemes tried to cross off affiliate “final customers” as retail clients.
Herbalife settling with the FTC put a cease to that. The FTC went on to make clear that MLM corporations that don’t generate important retail gross sales are unlawful.
Scent-Sations hasn’t gotten with the occasions.
The primary give-away is using “final customers” of their phrases and circumstances;
I agree that as a Distributor, I shall place major emphasis upon the promoting of firm services and products to final customers.
Submit Herbalife and Vemma settlements, the above is meaningless with out specification of retail customers.
The second give-away is obligatory autoship.
Forcing associates to buy merchandise to qualify for commissions is the inspiration of an MLM pyramid scheme. There’s completely no place for it within the fashionable MLM panorama.
It’s pay to play and a significant regulatory pink flag.
The third give-away the shortage of retail fee info in Scent-Sations’ compensation plan. As in there’s none.
Though there’s a *winkwink nudgenudge* $39.95 minimal autoship, I’ve a sense numerous Scent-Sations associates can be going with the $100 autoship possibility 4 (as per Scent-Sations’ affiliate autoship kind above).
For no different cause than to qualify on commissions, primarily paid on recruited associates additionally on $100 a month autoship.
Once more, there’s no excuse for justification for obligatory autoship in a contemporary MLM firm. You’re simply asking for an FTC investigation.
As a part of Scent-Sations’ phrases and circumstances, associates should conform to
use or distribute at the least 70% of my wholesale product orders to non distributor customers previous to my reordering product.
Any automated product buy authorization which I’ve chosen or might present Firm, can be canceled by me if I’m unable to adjust to this provision.
Retail gross sales information shall be maintained and topic to evaluate upon Firm request.
The “use” clause makes this provision meaningless. It’s not exhausting to arrange some candles and burn them 24/7 if it means sustaining autoship to qualify for commissions.
And anyway, how intently is that this coverage monitored? At a guess most likely at a pre-FTC Vemma degree (learn: just about non-existent).
One other facet of Scent-Sations’ compensation plan I didn’t like was the fee capping per unilevel leg. This stands out notably between the Gold and Diamond ranks.
Throughout Gold to Diamond your payable unilevel group ranges broaden from one to 5 – however you’re nonetheless capped per unilevel at $100 a leg – until you generate $100 PV a month (which brings us again to $100 a month autoship).
And even in the event you go for $100 a month autoship (or make retail gross sales), you’re nonetheless capped at $200 per leg until you recruit 5 associates.
Capping each unilevel group ranges commissions are earned on in addition to the quantity earned per leg appears extreme.
One leg might generate a ton of quantity in a month and also you’d nonetheless solely earn $100/$200 on it.
The cynic in me would possibly level out {that a} low month-to-month leg cap is to encourage associates to construct wider (recruit extra).
In mild of Scent-Sations’ obtrusive regulatory points, evaluating Scent-Sations’ merchandise appears type of pointless.
That stated, on the floor costs appear affordable for premium US manufactured perfume merchandise. And there’s definitely a wide range to select from.
By all means consider Scent-Sations’ merchandise as a retail buyer. However in the event you’re within the MLM alternative I’d maintain off till on the very least obligatory autoship is addressed.
Ideally Scent-Sations would tie fee qualification to $39.95 or $100 in retail gross sales quantity every month. One step at a time although.
What disappoints me is Scent-Sations’ compensation plan is a far cry from Scocozzo’s company bio imaginative and prescient.
In different phrases, if the distributors in my group weren’t sponsoring different distributors into their respective program, they have been unable to place badly wanted cash of their pockets day by day.
Scent-Sation is introduced as an various to this drawback, but its comp plan doesn’t dwell as much as the imaginative and prescient.
Strategy with warning.