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6 Questions with a Former Xocia Distributor
By Dakim | October 11, 2008
In my last post I gave you the results of my investigation into Xocia, the healthy chocolate. As part of that investigation I came across a squidoo lens put by Stacey Dell, the self proclaimed CocoaLovingYogaMom. I liked her honesty and frankness about the good and bad aspects her dealings with Xocai. Even though she is no longer distributing Xocai, Stacey agreed to answer a few questions about her time with Xocai. I hope that by hearing what someone who has “been there, done that” has to say, it will give you better insight into whether this is a the right opportuinity for you.
What did you like most about working with Xocai? Least?
I liked the people I met, and the enthusiam that everyone in the team shared. The best thing, though, was a product that I truly believe can help people. I heard so many success stories that I really wanted to help people out. What I liked the least… two things: first, I hate selling stuff - it’s really not my gig. Second, the price. It may stand alone in its class, but the average American cannot afford to spend that much on chocolate (even if it IS healthy).
What skills do you believe someone would need to be successful with this product?
From my standpoint, the people I saw who were most successful had a personal story to share in how Xocai helped them. I met people who had a wide range of success stories, from weight loss, to ridding themselves of dibilitating depression or pain management for fibromyalgia. They also were very much extroverts who had no problem striking up a conversation with a complete stranger to share these stories. Because of their experiences, they were passionate about the product, and I think that is very important. Also, those who were successful typically did not work a full-time job. That wasn’t always the case, but often so. I don’t think some people realize how much time can go into a ‘part-time’ venture.
What was your initial investment ($) in getting started?
Initial investment was simply $35 to become a distributor, plus the purchase of two cases of product at $113.50/case (at that time… it’s since increased to $123.50/case). The first case was for my use (can’t sell a product you don’t use yourself), and the second was to start your business by handing out samples. That’s all you have to buy. Now, shortly after that I purchased a number of additional items to see what I could do… business cards, pamphlets to hand out, books on Network Marketing, additional product to create ‘Starter Kits’ and sample packs, etc… I didn’t have to, but I did. I don’t really want to think about how much I spent on it all…
How much time did you spend daily working this business?
Hmmm… For a period of a few months I probably put in at least 15 hours per week on it. It doesn’t sound like much now, but to add that to my full-time job, a house that we are remodeling, and a two year old, that’s a LOT of time.
How long did you work with Xocai?
I officially quit being a distributor about one year after signing up. I quit putting that time into it well before then, though… probably after 4 - 5 months.
Would you recommend Xocai to someone you know?
This is a hard question for me to answer. As a product, I fully believe in it. But as I said, I’m not really a saleperson (hence trying to work it online), so while I did step outside my comfort zone and present the product to family and friends, it’s not something I would do again. Mostly because of the cost. Partly because of my personality. As a business, it completely depends on the individual as to whether I would recommend it or not. Most people still in the business will tell you ‘anyone can do it!’, but I will tell you that’s not true, because I tried. I really, truly tried with all my heart. I created website, came up with promotions, passed out pamphlets, solicited friends and family, and even contacted and met with privately owned businesses in my town and even in other towns. I sold a few products, and signed up only ONE person through all of that effort. It was a learning experience, and I’ve learned never to do it again! :)
Topics: Advice, Interviews, MLM |
November 3rd, 2008 at 9:52 am
Thanks for your honesty. $110 a month can be really costly if you are not getting sales to cover your expenses. I think the Company needs to consider lowering that by 1/2 and also including the website.