Tranont is a multi-level marketing (MLM) company offering a range of products, including nutritional supplements, beauty items, tax and wealth management advice, scented candles, and CBD-based bath products. Founded in 2013 by Lorne Berry, Russ Losee, and Scott Bland, Tranont aims to "impact 1 billion lives" by offering products and the opportunity to become a "successful entrepreneur" through their associate program.
Tranont: An Overview
Tranont is an MLM company headquartered in Utah. The company operates by recruiting associates who sell products and recruit new members. This structure is common in MLM businesses, where success depends not only on product sales but also on building a network of distributors.
The Associate Program
The Tranont Associate Program offers tiered rewards and bonuses based on rank. As associates sell more, they move up levels such as Diamond, Platinum, and Ruby. Those who reach specific targets may even become "Jeep Earners" and receive a Jeep adorned with the Tranont logo.
To become an active member of Tranont, an annual fee of $49 is required. Active members can earn commissions ranging from 10% to 35% on retail product sales. For example, a member with 1-10 active accounts under their name receives a 10% commission. Purchasing volume also influences bonuses and discounts.
Concerns and Criticisms
Several concerns and criticisms have been raised regarding Tranont and its practices:
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MLM Structure
The MLM business model itself is often criticized. While the MLM industry is worth $42 billion, only 25% of MLM salespeople earn money. Typically, those at the top of the pyramid, such as the founders and early members, benefit the most.
Regulatory Issues
Tranont has faced scrutiny from regulatory bodies, including investigations by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These investigations often revolve around earnings and product performance claims made by Tranont's salesforce members.
Earnings Claims
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) has addressed concerns about income claims made by Tranont associates. The DSSRC noted that claims suggesting potential salesforce members will typically earn significant income from participating in the Tranont business opportunity could be misleading. The FTC’s Business Guidance for Multi-Level Marketing states that any earnings claim should reflect what the typical person is likely to achieve.
The DSSRC has also expressed concern that incentives like car bonuses may not be generally expected or achievable by the typical Tranont salesforce member, making related posts inaccurate.
Product Performance Claims
The FTC requires advertisers to have a reasonable basis for all product claims, especially those related to health. Health-related claims must be supported by reliable and competent evidence.
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Proprietary Blends
Tranont's nutrition products often use "proprietary blends," which means the company does not have to disclose the exact amount of each ingredient. This lack of transparency can be a concern, as it makes it difficult to assess the true efficacy and safety of the products.
Specific Product Concerns
- Tranont Transform: Claims that Tranont Transform can address blood sugar and weight loss issues have been criticized as lacking scientific evidence. The product is also expensive at $65 for a 10-day supply.
- Tranont Enrich: Claims that Tranont Enrich provides "digestive stability" are viewed skeptically, especially since most people do not have diagnosed enzyme deficiencies.
- Tranont Nourish: With only 80 calories and 15 grams of protein per serving, Tranont Nourish is considered inadequate as a meal replacement.
- Tranont Zest: Claims that Zest can improve mood are seen as potentially dangerous, and the product primarily relies on caffeine for its effects.
Consumer Reports and Reviews
Consumer Reports provides information on various health-related products and practices, including supplements. While there isn't a specific "Tranont weight loss review" available from Consumer Reports, it offers valuable insights into supplements and their effectiveness.
General Supplement Usage
Many people turn to supplements for various health issues. Consumer Reports' survey data indicates that supplements like antioxidants, probiotics, and fish oil are popular for multiple reasons, while others are used in more specific cases.
Common Supplements and Their Evidence
- Fish Oil: Contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory and may ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Calcium: Key for bone health, but high levels may increase the risk of heart disease. It’s best to get calcium from foods.
- Probiotics: Most useful in treating diarrhea after antibiotics or the bloating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
- Zinc: May help prevent illness in people who are zinc-deficient.
- Antioxidants: An antioxidant-rich diet can help promote a healthy immune response, but antioxidant supplements do not offer significant protection against disease.
- Melatonin: Can help people fall asleep faster and is useful for jet lag or delayed sleep phase syndrome.
- CBD: May be a reasonable treatment for insomnia, but more long-term studies are needed.
- Magnesium: May help reduce stress and relax the body before bed, but research is scarce.
- Nootropics: Can affect neurological state, with caffeine sometimes improving mental performance in low doses.
- Collagen: May improve skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkling, but research is preliminary.
- Protein Powders: May benefit people who do a lot of strength training and don’t get enough protein in their diet.
- Iron: People with anemia may need additional iron, but high doses can harm the liver.
- Fiber: May help overweight or obese people lose more weight, but eating high-fiber whole foods is better than taking supplements.
What Else to Try
Consumer Reports emphasizes that there’s no real shortcut to better health. A nutritious diet, daily exercise, stress management, and maintaining social relationships are crucial.
Individual Reviews
Individual reviews of Tranont products vary. Some users report positive experiences, such as weight loss, increased energy, and reduced pain. However, others report negative experiences, including a lack of noticeable effects, poor customer service, and concerns about the company's business practices.
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- Positive Reviews: Some users have reported positive experiences with Tranont products, such as the Daily Health System (DHS), noting weight loss, improved sleep, and increased energy. Some users also praise specific products like Mojo for reducing brain fog and Glow for reducing muscle and joint pain.
- Negative Reviews: Some consumers describe Tranont as a scam, citing high prices, pushy sales tactics, and a lack of transparency. Others report poor customer service experiences, with issues such as order errors, shipping problems, and difficulty obtaining refunds. Some users also report not experiencing any tangible benefits from the products despite using them for several months.