why i stopped selling rodan and fields

3 min read 15-04-2025

Rodan + Fields is a popular skincare brand, and many people have found success selling its products. However, it’s not for everyone. This article shares my personal experience and the reasons I ultimately decided to discontinue my Rodan + Fields business. My hope is that this will be helpful to anyone considering joining or currently involved in the business.

The Initial Appeal: High-Quality Skincare and the Promise of Financial Freedom

Initially, Rodan + Fields' reputation for high-quality skincare and the alluring promise of financial independence drew me in. The products themselves are effective, and the business model seemed straightforward: sell skincare, earn commission, and potentially build a substantial team. The marketing materials highlighted impressive income potential and a supportive community. This appealed greatly to my desire for flexible work and supplemental income.

The Reality: Challenges and Disappointments

However, the reality of selling Rodan + Fields proved more challenging than anticipated. While the products are undeniably good, several factors contributed to my decision to leave.

1. The High Cost of Entry and Ongoing Inventory

The initial investment to begin selling Rodan + Fields is significant. Beyond the upfront costs, maintaining inventory to meet customer demand and potential business growth required a continuous financial commitment. This proved to be a substantial burden, especially considering the profit margins. The pressure to maintain a large inventory to avoid running out of stock was consistently stressful.

2. The Emphasis on Recruiting Over Sales

The company’s compensation plan heavily emphasizes recruiting new consultants over direct product sales. While sales contribute to income, building a large downline (team) is crucial for substantial earnings. This creates a multi-level marketing (MLM) structure, which has its own set of challenges and ethical considerations. The pressure to constantly recruit felt overwhelming and unsustainable for me.

3. Unsustainable Sales Cycle and Customer Retention

While initial sales were promising, building and retaining a loyal customer base proved difficult. Many customers made a one-time purchase, and repeat business was inconsistent. The high cost of the products compared to drugstore alternatives also acted as a barrier for some customers. This made generating consistent income difficult, as I was continually chasing new clients.

4. The Time Commitment: More Than a Side Hustle

The marketing materials portrayed Rodan + Fields as a flexible side hustle. However, managing inventory, recruiting, and maintaining social media presence demanded far more time and energy than I anticipated. It quickly consumed my personal time and energy, significantly impacting my work-life balance. This time commitment wasn’t sustainable long-term.

5. Ethical Concerns Regarding MLM Structure

Over time, my ethical concerns about the MLM structure of the company grew. The emphasis on recruiting over sales and the potential for misleading income claims raised concerns. This dissonance between the company’s claims and the reality of operating within the business model contributed to my decision to leave.

My Final Decision: Prioritizing Well-being and Financial Stability

Ultimately, the combination of high costs, time demands, inconsistent income, and ethical considerations led to my decision to leave Rodan + Fields. While the initial promise was enticing, the realities of the business didn't align with my long-term goals and well-being. Choosing to pursue other income streams that provided better balance and financial security was the best decision for me.

Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons Carefully

My experience selling Rodan + Fields serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering joining a similar MLM. It is essential to thoroughly research the opportunity, understand the financial commitments involved, and realistically assess the time and energy demands. Before joining any MLM, carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks and ensure it aligns with your personal goals and ethical values. Remember, financial freedom requires careful consideration and planning – it’s not always a quick fix.