Is the Mia Bella Candle Business a Scam? My Review

In my quest for the “perfect” homeSupport, training and resources are needed in any
business I found myself investigating the Mia Bellasuccessful business opportunity. Some of the free
Candle Business offered by the Scent-Sationsresources that the Mia Bella Candle Business offer are
company. There were a few factors that I had toone on one coaching, live and recorded training calls
examine before even considering this opportunity. Iand unlimited training guides located in the large online
personally tried several "business opportunities" dishinglibrary. A distributor has free access to examples of
out quite a bit of money in some cases and in theadvertising through direct mail, flyers, word of mouth,
end many of these so-called opportunities turned intonewspapers and the internet. The company offers
complete nightmares. So, I have paid my dues andstep-by-step training on retail sales, fundraising, crafts
learned the qualifications that a true work at homeand team building. There are also local, regional and
business opportunity must possess to be considerednational seminars along with a nationwide organization
legitimate.of successful associates to contact with questions.
I asked myself these questions: Are theThe Mia Bella Candle Business also offers marketing
Scent-Sations' management and financials solid?materials that can purchased through the
Would the company pay me? Is the product unique,company’s website, but these materials are not
consumable and affordable? Would I get the supportrequired to be successful.
and training needed? Is the opportunity affordableOpportunity:
and profitable?The Mia Bella Candle Business offered by
After doing my due diligence, I found the followingScent-Sations has an affordable startup cost of only
information about the Mia Bella Candle Business:$39.95 plus shipping which allows a distributor to start
Company Stability:selling the products immediately. For this low startup
In 2002 a pair of network marketers joined forcescost a distributor receives (1) 16 oz. Orange and
with the manufacturers of Mia Bella candles to beginSweet Chili Pepper Gourmet Candle, (6) Hot Apple
Scent-Sations’ successful venture.Pie Votives, (1) Bella Natural Soap Bar, (1) Foaming
The Scent-Sations management is comprised ofHand Wash and a company website with an online
Robert Scocozzo, CEO who was a successfulretail store. To qualify as a distributor a person has to
franchisee and small business owner for over 15be a Candle of the Month member. The new candle
years prior to his tenure in network marketing. Withof the month is shipped to the distributor along with
20 years as a full time network marketer, Mr.a Bella Bar. Being a Candle of the Month member
Scocozzo brought knowledge of business toallows a distributor to purchase products at
Scent-Sations, Inc. You can see Mr. Scocozzowholesale. There is no obligation and the distributor
speaking about the the Scent-Sations company oncan cancel at any time.
CNN Money.Candles are a $4 billion dollar industry and the industry
Charlie Umphred, VP has 20 years as a full timeis still growing. Scented candles are burned in 80% or
network marketing professional. He was recognizedmore of the US households. Candles are highly
by an independent source as one of the top 25consumable and are purchased over and over again
trainers in Network Marketing. Mr. Umphred’sby the same consumer making for great repeat
primary role is to manage the relationships with thesales.
company’s many distributors and typicallyThe Mia Bella Candle Business’ profit margin is
answers emails and calls from distributors in less thanexcellent. The company offers 100% markup on its
24 hours.products which is unheard of in most of direct sales
Carmen Milazzo, the developer of Mia Bella’scompanies and in network marketing.
Natural Wax Candle has over a decade of experienceA distributor has the opportunity and the choice to
running a candle manufacturing facility. Carmen and hisearn an income through three different avenues.
wife Lynn oversee the manufacturing portion of theRetail:
company.Retailing the Mia Bella products can start from day
Scent-sations and Mia Bella Gourmet Candles began inone. The Mia Bella Candle Business prides itself on the
2002 when Mr. Scocozzo organized a fundraiser sellingsimple “Smell and Sell” technique which simply
scented candles for his son's youth basketball team.means that by placing a candle under a prospects
When the Milazzos delivered the candles, Carmennose the candle will be sold. Retailing comes in many
mentioned that he had developed a new version offorms such as door to door, home parties, retail
candles that are made with natural wax alternatives.stores, craft fairs, expos, gift baskets, employee
His candles produced no black soot and were toxingifts, and even retailing in stores. What makes the
free unlike the paraffin candles that are on theMia Bella Candle Business so different is that the
market.company doesn’t require its distributors to
Milazzo knew that Scocozzo had been a directconduct home parties and there are no quotas to
marketer and asked for advice on how best to sellmeet.
the new type of candles. Scocozzo was so excitedFundraising:
at the potential that he and Umphred, alreadyWith thousands of organizations looking to raise
business partners, signed Milazzo to an exclusivemoney for their particular cause, Scent-Sations
agreement that led to an equal three-waydecided to use this to their advantage. Distributors
partnership. "I realized nobody was doing anything"are taught how to conduct fundraisers and have the
with non-paraffin candles, Scocozzo said.opportunity to earn $5-$6 per candle sold while
Not only is the management team top notch but thehelping others raise money.
company’s financials are just as solid.Residual:
Scent-Sations, Inc. has been in business since 2002.By simply sharing the Mia Bella Candle Business
The company has experienced a 40% growth peropportunity with others, a distributor can earn a
year and finished its sixth year in business with overcommission month after month on their sales and the
$17 million in sales. The company is debt-free,sales of people they help get started in this business.
financially sound, and has never missed paying out aThere are many techniques distributors use to inform
single commission check.others about this opportunity, such as the internet
Scent-Sations, Inc. is accredited by the Betterand through advertisements. Scent-Sations
Business Bureau and is approved as meeting the BBBdoesn’t require any of their distributors to recruit
OnLine standards. The company also supports theothers. Teambuilding is merely another avenue to
Make a Wish Foundation, The Children’s Miracleearn an income and another way for the company to
Network and the American Troops.advertise. Scent-Sations has recently added a car
Products:bonus ($300-$1000 monthly) to those that reach the
Scent-Sations flagship product is their Mia BellaDirector’s level and beyond.
Gourmet Candle. Their unique candle is made with aConclusion:
proprietary blend of earth-friendly natural waxes thatIs the Mia Bella Candle Business offered by
are completely non-toxic and if spilled can be cleanedScent-Sations a scam? It has been my experience
up with warm water. The wicks contain no lead orthat the Mia Bella Candle Business is not a scam. From
zinc and are made of 100% cotton. The combinationits solid business foundation, unique products and
of natural waxes and cotton wicks create a muchexcellent support system it qualifies as a great
healthier product that can even be enjoyed byopportunity for anyone looking to start an online or
people with allergies. Not only are the Mia Bellaoffline business. It’s unusual for a company to
candles healthier, but they are triple scented withoffer such a low start up cost with so many
over 100 true to life fragrances.advantages, while not having any quotas to meet.
Scent-Sations is now a multi-product company --Whether you are looking to say home with your
having recently introduced a line of bath and bodychildren, make extra money to help pay the bills or to
products. The Bella Bar is a soap alternative madegain financial independence the Mia Bella Candle
with soy proteins and other natural ingredients. TheBusiness offers an incredible opportunity. As with any
company also offers the Bella Balm and the Foamingwork at home business opportunity, please do your
Hand Lotion.own research.
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