Betterware

Corny title I know, but I really couldn't think of anything else!

I would just like to apologise now if this op is too long but I have a lot to say! If you are tired, I'm sure you will sleep after reading this!

What is Betterware?
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Betterware is a home shopping company (sorry to make comparisons) very similar to the lines of companies like Kleeneze and Avon. Once every couple of weeks your local agent drops off a catalogue, leaves it with you for a few days and then comes back to collect it. Very simple. The company has been around since 1928 and their main distribution centre and offices are based in Birmingham.

What’s the difference between Betterware and some other companies?
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The easiest way to explain this is to tell you what they sell.

Avon - They mainly sell cosmetics, jewellery, hair care, children’s toys and gifts. They do sell a lot more towards Christmas.

Kleeneze - Their main brochure is similar to Betterware but they have 3 or 4 extra brochures with things like garden care, furniture, health care and alternative therapies. They also have sale catalogues if they have a bulk order of stock to shift.

Betterware - Quite literally you can but just about any gadget, gizmo or cleaning accessory that you could possibly want or need from here. They sell a lot of items that are designed to make life easier for people with disabilities, are left handed or the elderly. A lot of the items are really good ideas and I can see how they will benefit certain people but some of the things they sell are a bit daft and I’m sure that no one would buy them. One of the daftest I have seen is a vegetable scrubbing set of gloves. You put them on, hold the veg in your hand and rub it with the gloves. How bizarre!

The catalogue is split into different sections to make it easier to find what it is you are looking for. They have a great section for microwave accessories, I didn't realise there were so many things available for microwave cooking! There is also a vast selection of cleaning products. I have tried many of them and I must admit that even though they can be a little more expensive than some of the products you can but in the supermarket, they really are very good. One of my favourites is the carbon remover. It comes in a 250ml tin; you just paint it onto the burnt/greasy surface (pots, pans and tins), leave it for a while and clean off. Perfect results every time. I am yet to find another product that works anywhere near as well as this so I really don’t mind paying the £6.99 for it and it lasts a long while too. I only have to buy a tin a year which isn't bad considering I burn everything!!

One of the main differences between these companies is the distributor side of things. As with all these companies you can be paid to deliver the catalogues and distribute the orders. All these companies apart from Betterware charge you for your books and I'm not sure about Avon as I haven't worked for them but Kleeneze charge a £65 joining fee. With Betterware there is none of this. Your books are supplied free of charge and there is no set up fee. You get 18% commission on your sales and doing a few hours work each week you can easily earn yourself £20+. This doesn't sound all that much but that is literally doing a few hours a week to fit in around your other commitments. Obviously if you had more time there is more earning potential.

I haven't worked with Betterware but I have previously worked for Kleeneze and I can tell you that the work is far from easy. There is a lot of paperwork to do, the books take over your home and during the colder months it’s an absolute nightmare if you don't drive. A friend of mine has been a distributor for Betterware for 2 years and has loved every minute of it, she is now earning 100's each month but she does the job full time and it is her life. It all depends on the person as to whether it would be suitable for you but I know that I couldn't do that kind of work again!

What is the merchandise like?
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I have been using Betterware as a customer for around 5 years and I can honestly say that I have never ordered a product that I have had to send back or have been unhappy with. Like I mentioned earlier a lot of the goods (or similar items) can be purchased elsewhere cheaper but I suppose that it is more of a convenience thing more than anything. There is no delivery to pay; the goods are delivered within 28 days although I have always had mine within 7-10 days. If you do have a problem with an item they will happily give you a refund or and exchange, no questions asked.

We don’t have a distributor in our area. How can I get a copy of the catalogue?
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As well as being an offline mail order service, Betterware has a great website. The URL for this is http://www.betterware.co.uk. There is a comprehensive listing of many of their best selling products and this is very easily navigated through very clear and simple menus. There is a link on the site to order a catalogue or you can call their customer service department on 0845 1211010 and ask them to send you one. On the company site you can order and pay for your goods through their secure ordering service. There is an option to have your goods delivered within 3 days if you spend over £100 which I think is a great idea if you buy in bulk.

Are their goods environmentally friendly?
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Yes, Betterware have a very strict policy on all their products and packaging being kinder to the environment. They promise that

1) Betterware endeavours to use minimum packaging necessary to get the product to our customers in good condition.
2) At least one new tree is planted for every tree used to produce the paper for our catalogues. Furthermore, we try to use each of our catalogues fives times to reduce the number of trees cut down.
3) Betterware traditional wooden brush ware is sourced from commercially grown plantations, not from the world’s endangered rainforests.
4) Betterware aerosol products do not contain any harmful CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) which are believed to damage the ozone layer.

Can't say fairer than that!

Would you recommend it?
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Betterware comes highly recommended. The distributors are always friendly and helpful, even when they are cold and wet. If you ever have any questions or problems they will do their best to help you. The goods are of a very high standard even if they are a little more expensive and they very rarely have problems with things being out of stock from what I have experienced.
Why not ask for your free copy of their catalogue and have a look for yourself?!