Is the Mia Bella Candle Business a Scam? My Review
In my quest for the “perfect” home business I found myself investigating the Mia Bella Candle Business offered by the Scent-Sations company. There were a few factors that I had to examine before even considering this opportunity. I personally tried several “business opportunities” dishing out quite a bit of money in some cases and in the end many of these so-called opportunities turned into complete nightmares. So, I have paid my dues and learned the qualifications that a true work at home business opportunity must possess to be considered legitimate.
I asked myself these questions: Are the Scent-Sations’ management and financials solid? Would the company pay me? Is the product unique, consumable and affordable? Would I get the support and training needed? Is the opportunity affordable and profitable?
After doing my due diligence, I found the following information about the Mia Bella Candle Business:
Company Stability:
In 2002 a pair of network marketers joined forces with the manufacturers of Mia Bella candles to begin Scent-Sations’ successful venture.
The Scent-Sations management is comprised of Robert Scocozzo, CEO who was a successful franchisee and small business owner for over 15 years prior to his tenure in network marketing. With 20 years as a full time network marketer, Mr. Scocozzo brought knowledge of business to Scent-Sations, Inc. You can see Mr. Scocozzo speaking about the the Scent-Sations company on CNN Money.
Charlie Umphred, VP has 20 years as a full time network marketing professional. He was recognized by an independent source as one of the top 25 trainers in Network Marketing. Mr. Umphred’s primary role is to manage the relationships with the company’s many distributors and typically answers emails and calls from distributors in less than 24 hours.
Carmen Milazzo, the developer of Mia Bella’s Natural Wax Candle has over a decade of experience running a candle manufacturing facility. Carmen and his wife Lynn oversee the manufacturing portion of the company.
Scent-sations and Mia Bella Gourmet Candles began in 2002 when Mr. Scocozzo organized a fundraiser selling scented candles for his son’s youth basketball team. When the Milazzos delivered the candles, Carmen mentioned that he had developed a new version of candles that are made with natural wax alternatives. His candles produced no black soot and were toxin free unlike the paraffin candles that are on the market.
Milazzo knew that Scocozzo had been a direct marketer and asked for advice on how best to sell the new type of candles. Scocozzo was so excited at the potential that he and Umphred, already business partners, signed Milazzo to an exclusive agreement that led to an equal three-way partnership. “I realized nobody was doing anything” with non-paraffin candles, Scocozzo said.
Not only is the management team top notch but the company’s financials are just as solid. Scent-Sations, Inc. has been in business since 2002. The company has experienced a 40% growth per year and finished its sixth year in business with over $17 million in sales. The company is debt-free, financially sound, and has never missed paying out a single commission check.
Scent-Sations, Inc. is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and is approved as meeting the BBB OnLine standards. The company also supports the Make a Wish Foundation, The Children’s Miracle Network and the American Troops.
Products:
Scent-Sations flagship product is their Mia Bella Gourmet Candle. Their unique candle is made with a proprietary blend of earth-friendly natural waxes that are completely non-toxic and if spilled can be cleaned up with warm water. The wicks contain no lead or zinc and are made of 100% cotton. The combination of natural waxes and cotton wicks create a much healthier product that can even be enjoyed by people with allergies. Not only are the Mia Bella candles healthier, but they are triple scented with over 100 true to life fragrances.
Scent-Sations is now a multi-product company — having recently introduced a line of bath and body products. The Bella Bar is a soap alternative made with soy proteins and other natural ingredients. The company also offers the Bella Balm and the Foaming Hand Lotion.
Support and Training:
Support, training and resources are needed in any successful business opportunity. Some of the free resources that the Mia Bella Candle Business offer are one on one coaching, live and recorded training calls and unlimited training guides located in the large online library. A distributor has free access to examples of advertising through direct mail, flyers, word of mouth, newspapers and the internet. The company offers step-by-step training on retail sales, fundraising, crafts and team building. There are also local, regional and national seminars along with a nationwide organization of successful associates to contact with questions. The Mia Bella Candle Business also offers marketing materials that can purchased through the company’s website, but these materials are not required to be successful.
Opportunity:
The Mia Bella Candle Business offered by Scent-Sations has an affordable startup cost of only $39.95 plus shipping which allows a distributor to start selling the products immediately. For this low startup cost a distributor receives (1) 16 oz. Orange and Sweet Chili Pepper Gourmet Candle, (6) Hot Apple Pie Votives, (1) Bella Natural Soap Bar, (1) Foaming Hand Wash and a company website with an online retail store. To qualify as a distributor a person has to be a Candle of the Month member. The new candle of the month is shipped to the distributor along with a Bella Bar. Being a Candle of the Month member allows a distributor to purchase products at wholesale. There is no obligation and the distributor can cancel at any time.
Candles are a $4 billion dollar industry and the industry is still growing. Scented candles are burned in 80% or more of the US households. Candles are highly consumable and are purchased over and over again by the same consumer making for great repeat sales.
The Mia Bella Candle Business’ profit margin is excellent. The company offers 100% markup on its products which is unheard of in most of direct sales companies and in network marketing.
A distributor has the opportunity and the choice to earn an income through three different avenues.
Retail:
Retailing the Mia Bella products can start from day one. The Mia Bella Candle Business prides itself on the simple “Smell and Sell” technique which simply means that by placing a candle under a prospects nose the candle will be sold. Retailing comes in many forms such as door to door, home parties, retail stores, craft fairs, expos, gift baskets, employee gifts, and even retailing in stores. What makes the Mia Bella Candle Business so different is that the company doesn’t require its distributors to conduct home parties and there are no quotas to meet.
Fundraising:
With thousands of organizations looking to raise money for their particular cause, Scent-Sations decided to use this to their advantage. Distributors are taught how to conduct fundraisers and have the opportunity to earn $5-$6 per candle sold while helping others raise money.
Residual:
By simply sharing the Mia Bella Candle Business opportunity with others, a distributor can earn a commission month after month on their sales and the sales of people they help get started in this business. There are many techniques distributors use to inform others about this opportunity, such as the internet and through advertisements. Scent-Sations doesn’t require any of their distributors to recruit others. Teambuilding is merely another avenue to earn an income and another way for the company to advertise. Scent-Sations has recently added a car bonus ($300-$1000 monthly) to those that reach the Director’s level and beyond.
Conclusion:
Is the Mia Bella Candle Business offered by Scent-Sations a scam? It has been my experience that the Mia Bella Candle Business is not a scam. From its solid business foundation, unique products and excellent support system it qualifies as a great opportunity for anyone looking to start an online or offline business. It’s unusual for a company to offer such a low start up cost with so many advantages, while not having any quotas to meet. Whether you are looking to say home with your children, make extra money to help pay the bills or to gain financial independence the Mia Bella Candle Business offers an incredible opportunity. As with any work at home business opportunity, please do your own research.
About the Author
Carla Moore is the owner of Stay-Home-Income a website which is dedicated to helping others find a successful work at home career without being taken by scams.
ACAI BERRY ONLINE SCAM!!! Don’t be fooled by the “free trial offer” – it’s NOT FREE at all!
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Online scams : potholes on the information highway (SuDoc FT 1.32:SCA 5/2) … |
