Arbonne InternationalPitfalls: What They Don't Tell You Before You Join
150 PQV monthly required to qualify for overrides/bonuses, 1200 PQV over 12 months for consultant status, annual renewal required.
Last updated: March 22, 2026
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Why This Page Exists
MLM recruiters focus on income potential, but policies determine whether you can keep what you earn. We analyzed Arbonne International's policies and procedures to identify the hidden gotchas that most people don't discover until it's too late.
🔎 Policy Pitfalls Breakdown
150 PQV monthly to qualify for overrides and bonuses
"At all levels of the SuccessPlan, you need to achieve Qualified Status by accumulating 150 Personal Qualifying Volume (PQV) each month to receive overrides, bonuses and other incentives and to qualify for a promotion."
Source: Arbonne SuccessPlan, January 2018
1200 PQV over 12 months to maintain consultant status
"Maintaining your status as Consultant requires getting 1200 PQV over 12 months." This averages to 100 PQV/month minimum.
Source: Arbonne Policies & Procedures
Many end up buying products to meet requirements
"Many consultants end up buying products themselves to meet these requirements." PQV includes purchases under your own Arbonne ID.
Source: Arbonne PQV FAQ Document
Annual agreement renewal required
"The term of the Agreement is one year. Each Arbonne Independent Consultant must renew his or her Agreement with Arbonne every year prior to the end of his or her anniversary month."
Source: Arbonne Independent Consultant Agreement
500 PQV unlocks 6% override on recruit sales
"After reaching 500 Personal Qualifying Volume (PQV), you earn an additional 6% override on sales volume from consultants you recruit."
Source: Arbonne SuccessPlan, January 2018
PQV includes personal purchases
"PQV includes the Qualifying Volume (QV) from sales to an Arbonne Independent Consultant's registered Clients and Preferred Clients and sales and purchases under an Arbonne Independent Consultant's own Arbonne ID."
Source: Arbonne PQV FAQ Document
Vegan/clean beauty positioning limits market
Arbonne's premium vegan positioning appeals to a specific demographic but can limit potential customer base compared to mainstream beauty brands.
Source: Market Analysis
Preferred Clients earn you 15% (vs 35% for regular Clients)
The Preferred Client program that offers customers a discount means lower commissions for you - 15% vs 35% on regular client orders.
Source: Arbonne Compensation Plan
📝 The Bottom Line
Arbonne requires 150 PQV monthly for Qualified Status to earn overrides/bonuses, plus 1200 PQV over 12 months to maintain consultant status. PQV includes your own purchases, and "many consultants end up buying products themselves to meet requirements." Annual agreement renewal is mandatory.
✅ Before You Join Arbonne International: 5 Questions to Ask
- 1"Can I see the complete Policies and Procedures before signing anything?" — Review the actual document, not just summaries.
- 2"What exactly happens to my organization if I leave or am terminated?" — Get specifics, not vague reassurances.
- 3"What are the non-compete or non-solicitation restrictions after leaving?" — Know how long and what's restricted.
- 4"What is the exact monthly purchase or activity requirement to qualify for commissions?" — Calculate the annual cost before any earnings.
- 5"Can you show me the official income disclosure statement?" — See what typical participants actually earn.
Official policies: https://www.arbonne.com/us/en/join
Want to understand these issues in depth? Read: 7 Structural Flaws in MLM Compensation Plans →
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