Redd writes:
Dear Nikki,
I just wanted to respond to the backlash of the natural community regarding the price increases of Afroveda products and get your opinion as well…
The blogosphere is on fire with commentary on the recent price hikes at Afroveda, that have in some cases, doubled the original prices of many of their most popular products.
Do I understand the aggravation, angry comments and promises to never buy this company’s hair products again? Sure I do! It’s disheartening to realize that 2 months ago, your favorite product was an affordable $12 and is now $24. It seems unconscionable. How could a business owner hike up prices that drastically, with no concern for their customers?
However (and you knew this was coming, right? LOL!) I don’t think it’s fair to question this business owner’s motives without examining all the facts. Anyone who has ever ran a business knows that you often have to make decisions that are best for the business but make others unhappy. Of course, in a customer focused business, you would hope that the customer concerns come first. But we have to be realistic. No one spends their time, effort and money to ONLY make customers happy. Unless you are running a non-profit organization, your goal is to make enough money to sustain yourself and your business.
When I first saw all this noise in the blog universe about the change in Afroveda pricing, I did a Google search to see who else out there was raising a ruckus. Plenty of bloggers and forum posters were raising hell. And they all promised the same thing: to never buy the products again. Despite the product effectiveness and quality (and the fact that the quality was great enough to make people tolerate a 3-4 week turnaround on the items actually shipping), not one person was willing to accept the fact that that the Afroveda owner is entitled to do what she wants with her business (if only this amount of anger was applied to the recent teacher layoffs across the country… yeah, I went there…).
After the Google search, I went to the Afroveda website and discovered there was a letter from the owner explaining why she chose to increase prices. She said it was primarily due to the increase in her raw goods. Eh… yeah, I kind of had to call B.S. on that. Granted, I don’t know where she gets her products, if she is buying wholesale, buying in bulk, etc, but I think it is safe to say that most of her ingredients such as shea butter, amla oil and aloe vera have not doubled in price suddenly across the globe. So for the people who believe they are being fed a line on that, I might have to agree.
On the other hand, when I was researching doing my own mix-tress products, what I most realized is that the packaging almost costs as much as what you are putting in the bottles and jars. When I realized that, I decided not to go ahead with my business plan. But based on that research, I can easily see where she might have determined to adjust her pricing to increase her profit margin (don’t forget, this sister is running a FOR PROFIT BUSINESS, not a non-profit organization).
I also discovered during my Google search that a group of students developed a business plan for Afroveda to help address the slow turnaround fulfilling orders. The link is HERE.
After reading this, I realized that when we think of a business, we assume that is is running full-time. Turns out, this lady is working a full time job and filling her Afroveda orders at night, mixing it all up herself in her kitchen, after feeding her family at night. So those high quality products that everyone loved at $10 to $12 a pop? They really did contain that often quoted ingredient of “LOVE”. Because as a wife and mother who is a full time student with a full time job, you best believe, I have nothing but respect for this sister after reading this. Shoot. I would love to hear from anyone who is doing what this lady is doing and still producing quality products while maintaining a full time job and keeping up the family.
Anyway… my final conclusion is, while I think blaming the price hike on the ingredients might not be completely true, I do think this sister wants to grow her business, dedicate herself to it full time, hire some staff and make some money. If she had said that, people would still be mad. But I don’t care what you say, I cannot be mad at that. Especially since it appears she wants to maintain her high quality standards and not start switching the “good” stuff out and replacing it with cheap crap like mineral oil (*cough* Miss Jessie’s *cough*) and still charge the same price.
I’ve never even bought Afroveda products before and yes, even though the prices are HIGH, I may buy some sample sets to support this business owner. I will always try to support small businesses. I’m not saying that everyone should do as I do but I do ask that before we stop supporting small businesses that make quality products, we look at the alternative. If we stop supporting businesses like Afroveda, we will end up at the mercy of big businesses who won’t care about OUR needs or add a drop of love to their products. Remember 10 years ago when there were NO natural hair products? Yeah, don’t think it couldn’t happen again.
Weigh in divas!
Do you use AfroVeda products? How do you feel about the price hikes?
I know this posts is years old but i just had to reply to a comment written by sonoteddesign
". I'm disheartened by the fact that people can generate so much outrage over price hikes but our political system is in peril and our kids are dying in the streets. "
Come on! That's like a man saying to his wife, i'm disheartened by the fact that you are livid with me for cheating on you, when there are starving children in Africa" or imagine a woman saying to another woman "so what you had a miscarriage, there are women who cant even get pregnant"…
You can't go around comparing one issue with another like that, it's just wrong, allow people to talk or complain about what they want to.
So what about the political system, kids dying in the streets, sorry but life goes on and whether there are more or less important things going on the fact is that people will be affected by what's close to them.
People are saying that Afroveda is not practicing good business because of the price increase & customer service etc., & I say she may well be on her way to becoming a huge success. Think about it, that's how these large successful businesses start out, they start with a small clientele, the everyday girl or guy, who can afford their products & prices & as soon as the word gets out about their "wonderful" products & affordable prices here come the inevitable price increases (and sometime crappy made future products). Now that the small business has a steady customer base, they shoot for a "higher" clientele by charging HIGHER prices. Eventually, they get backers & maybe partners who will supply them with enough cash to give out those wonderful "FREEBIES" at hair shows & such. In another 10 years, I would not be surprised to see businesses like Afroveda, Kinky Curly, Carol's Daughter, & Miss Jessies charging $100 plus bucks for a couple of ounces to zero point plus ounces for creams & butters & natural oils & such, watch & see!!!
I've visited the Afroveda site on & off again, never buying anything but I have noticed the prices increasing. Now with this new increase, I just can not afford Afroveda. The original poster, Redd, said she will support small businesses & I will to, to an extent. I just don't see a good reason for the large price increase, especially the explanation Afroveda has given. It sounds to me like Afroveda has gotten in over her head & now has to probably hire some extra workers to help with the extra business that has came her way but why punish the customer for your lack of business judgement? Or I could just be reading too much into this & the price increase is really all about the $$$$ (money). Now as far as not supporting small business will eventually mean that small businesses will be on the decline? Yeah, I don't see that happening. There are too many talented "mixtress" out there willing to try their hand at started a business, lol. I simply am not going to support any small business out there that is not practicing good business period. And as far as being at the mercy of large businesses for my haircare needs, please, thats what online sites like CurlyNikki, forums, blogs, fotki, & Youtube are for. So that naturals can learn how to take care of their tresses without giving all their money to any businesses small or large (IF they don't want to)! THAT is what shea butter, natural & essential oils, apple cider vinegar, henna etc., are for! How do you think our descendants took care of their hair in American all those hundreds of years ago? Yeah, I think I'll be A-okay if I suddenly find myself relying on my own devices for my natural haircare needs. Oh and since Miss Jessies was mentioned, let's not forget that they were a small business once upon a time too & everyone supported them & now look at them (prices, quality of products, etc.). What this all boils down to is IF the customer is WILLING to pay the increase for the products. And seeing how people flock to Miss Jessies & other successful former small businesses & pay for those products, I don't see Afroveda going under anytime soon!!!
Are you serious? I am amazed at all of the women on here that want to run her business for her. If you don't like it, leave it. IMO her products worked for me, even when there was some separation in the SheaAmla…and I actually LIKE the new Curl Define better! If I decide that they don't work, I will excercise my right to not use them. Some of ya'll take this shyt way too seriously.
well personally i havent tried the product because i havent heard of it till now, but if the product works well on our hair i believe that we should support the owners. although the HUGE price jump i believe that if they continue to supply THE VERY BEST NATURAL PRODUCTS FOR OUR HAIR WE SHOULD REMAIN FAITHFUL. by the way, i plan on purchasing some this friday!! shoot it must be good if it has caused all this ruckus!!!!
I absolutely love the product, am ashamed at how I initially reacted to the price-hike; as I jumped on a bandwagon — and the truth is, I can snap and post photos of products that I purchase and pay much more for sitting in our island pantry. I do undersatnd and respect how the community is feeling; however, if this is truly a new business model for the area, the owner will simply "re-target" her audience. My natural stylist has a clientele that pays 200+ for two strand twists on their own hair — I didnt realize the difference until I started doing research — some people pay for convienience; I complain more about the "availability of the product" vs. the cost _ I just need to know it's available when I want it, and I don't have to wait six weeks to get it. They have stepped up and met that turn-around time, and personally contacted me.
I was just fooled by them. When you go to the site it has the original prices on there as if they went back down on the price. However, when you place the items in your carts the more expensive prices show up.
I've never used their products, and I've never had an experience w/ a product that made a significant difference in the way my hair looks. So w/ that said, while I understand that the business owner might have to hike up prices, that doesn't mean that I have to spend my last dollar trying to support them.
I bought that curly pudding awhile back, expecting to see something miraculous. It worked alright, but not great enough for me to want to shell out that much money for something that isn't supposed to last me more than a couple months.
To each his own, but I cannot fathm spending so much money on haircare products.
To the people who are laughing at individuals "taking shots" at Miss Jessies, please read their ingredients, look at the different ingredents used in their Target products compared to their online ones, why do they cost about the same when the ingredients are different.
I dont think you will be laughing then.
The natural hair community is being taken advanctage of by these so called natural hair companies and salons.
They are selling on the idea that you need to buy expensive just to maintain your natural hair.
Research is the key.
This is a bunch of crap! I don't believe for one second the reasons AfroVeda is giving for their price hikes. It's just another case of black people trying to take advantage of other black people.
At the end of the day the simple fact remains that this is her business and she can do whatever she wants with it. If she was concerned about the natural hair communities’ opinion of her prices she would have conducted a poll prior to increasing them. I have tried her products and thought they performed as promised. Do I think it makes good business sense to have such a drastic price increase, no but like I said if she was interested in my opinion she would have asked. As a Kinky Curly lover I will admit that I don’t mind spending what others feel is too much for a hair product that has my desired ingredients and results. And I’m sure she had those kinds of consumers in mind when she decided to make the increase. People need to stop worrying about how others run their business because if you don’t like it don’t patronize it. In the end her real customers will continue to purchase the products no matter the price because that’s what they love. If Nikki decided to charge a monthly fee to view and post on her website she too would receive backlash but don’t think for a second her real fan’s wouldn’t log on to her site card in hand ready to pay that monthly fee to get what they hold near and dear to their hearts.
She probably should have raised the prices gradually, rather than all at once. Theres really no gaurantee that demand will stay the same with the increase, she could end up making less money. I personally won't be buying anything for a while for the simple fact that I can't afford it anymore. I did like the products and maybe one day I'll be able to justify spending 21 bucks on hair butter but til then I'm gonna have to stick to good old coconut oil.
I went today and saw my fav Hemp Seed and Lock butter was double the price. The price point is now at the same place as Carols daughter and Miss Jessies. I honestly don't think I will purchase until maybe around X-mas if they have a sale like they did last year. I'm disappointed but Mala has to make money and if she has a local customer base willing to pay for it than more power to her. However, unless its a good deal you can count me out. The products are good but not that good. Good thing I discovered Shea Moisture.
While I dont know anything about this particular product line, the issue of price hikes made me think more generally about the consumption of hair products. I think it is really important to not fall into the trap of buying any overpriced or difficult to obtain hair products, I think it can lead to a type of reliance that is unhealthy to the pocketbook and the psyche. After years of special ordering lots of these products geared towards curly and natural hair online, I stopped and focused on hair products that could be obtained easily from my local stores for a reasonable price. It has been so much more freeing to be able to walk into whole foods, buy my three products for less than ten dollars and be done with it. All that to say, I try to keep my products reasonably priced, available on foot, simple enough that they can be replaced by similar alternatives. Its made for a lot less hair headaches than chasing on to some of these holy grail online based products.
This is an interesting conversation. Not just because of what the writer had to say but because of the backlash. While no one can tell another how to run their business- the price hike was not a good idea. And it doesn't matter if she was black, white or eijeion- I made that up by the way. 😉 I don't know about you, but I don't owe any company loyalty because of their race. Nor do they care much about you at the end of the day, except in terms of how you might benefit and help them pay the rent. The fact is- every business should care just as much about their customer base as they do their pocketbook. The natural community is not wrong for speaking their minds, not only with their words but their wallets. We are being taken advantage of by so many- even US- as exampled here. Just looking to make a buck and making the big bucks just seems to do that to people. As exampled by Miss Jessie's – who gives out free t-shirts at conventions that advertise THEIR mineral-oil laden products (ummmm… there is a method to the "freeness"). LOL! There are some that don't care. Heck they don't even care what's in them but they will continue to shell out every dime of their hard earned money on products. But then there are those who will use an extra bit of their own elbow grease to make their own at a fraction of the cost or just buy those who really do try to reach a certain market without being overtly greedy. The smart companies know this especially if they read these forums- as they should. In the meantime, companies like Afroveda will be just fine. After all, if you're upset with the price- they're probably not looking at you as the customer of choice anymore. The beauty of it is- you don't have to patronize anymore. And as many have already said- It's just business, right?
I would be more inclined to agree with the poster if Mala had not introduced about 3 more lines within the last few months. A childrens line, the Bare line, and now this Emu line? I think that is the reason for her price increase. Those are the expensive ingredients, not aloe vera and shea butter. I'm ok in that I never depended on her products because frankly, they didn't do it for me. Moisture level only held for like a day before my hair was dry and dull looking. So even with the cheaper prices, I decided not to repurchase. But for people who made this their "holy grail", I understand the outrage. Afroveda's butters are higher than anything I've ever purchased (never purchased Miss Jessies). Even Carol's Daughter, who has gone mainstream is not that high. Or even Qhemet Biologics, who in my opinion is the best in the moisture department, and who also uses Ayurvedic herbs. There's just no justification for it in my opinion. Especially when her original line of products were unstable with batch inconsistancies and separating oils. I really think it is good business to perfect what you already have before introducing new products and hiking up prices. You have to be well in the black before introducing new products. Why do you think it takes so long for most companies to do it? Yet she has done it 3 times. She's going too fast and it may hurt her in the end.———-Tawanna D
When I first BC'ed my first products came from Afroveda and I was and still am pleased with the products that I purchase. One of her products is the only one that I use on a consitent basis. So for people that like her products or any other products in general, we will continue to purchase them directly from her website or from a vendor. Unless you are a customer
I really don't see how someone can get upset. We all know that know matter what the cost of an item, be it a car, shoes, weave, purses… if its something we like and it brings results, we will continue to purchase it.
Every customer already knows how the company works. Before you even decide to purchase an item, the website informs you that the wait is longer. I ordered during a Thanksgiving special last year and it was crazy but I was prepared for the delay and didn't wait till I was completely out to make my order. So if this is the company you support, you will continue to do so. I will continue to buy what I need from Afroveda.
I just wish wish wish there was a natural hair product company, with consistently low prices (say pantene prices) and easy availability (you can easily get it from your local bss).
Surely they would make more money this way than super high prices and super low avaliability (a month to get my order?? no no no)
I think that once a business sets it's price then I can respect that. I can also respect a price increase but you can't do such a big jump in prices. It doesn't make sense and it will hurt any business if customers feel like there is no consideration for them. The most she should have done was a $5.00 increase and then in another yr or two do another price hike. Unfortunately Natural hair wearers are being taken advantage of with price. Relaxed hair products never cost as much and we need to try to keep things simple with our hair. The cost of products are ridiculous. I never used her products and have no plans to start. Let's not go broke for them and look for alternatives to keep money in our pockets. I'm tired of outrageous prices. aren't you?
she does use bases. it seems to me that its more than a coincidence that the ingredients are in the same order (besides some oils she mixed in) AND THE DESCRIPTION are basically identical:
afroveda:The pH of our hair mask compacts the cuticle layer of the hair, which will result in shiny, bouncy hair that is not weighed down. The conditioning ingredients form a protective layer over the cortex where the cuticle cells have broken away, which creates a protective layer or coating over these rough edges. The protective coating created with our Ashlii Amala Hair Mask also seals in moisture and and reduces static electricity.
ingredients:
Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Cetearyl Alcohol, Castor Seed Oil, Moringa Leaf Powder, Red Raspberry Oil, Buriti Seed Oil, Stearalkonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, d-Calcium Panthenol Vitamin B5, WheatPRO Plus, Coconut Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Pomegranate Oil, Meadowfoam Oil an essential oil blend of Lime, Tangerine, Orange and Thyme, and love.
essentials wholesale hair masque:
Truth be told there is no miracle cure to repair damaged hair. Hair is dead and cannot be repaired. But it can be coated and conditioned. The pH of our hair masque compacts the cuticle layer of the hair, which will result in shiny, bouncy hair that is not weighed down. The active ingredients in our hair masque leaves the hair feeling smooth, while leaving a "waxy" coating on the hair. The conditioning ingredients of this hair masque form a protective layer over the cortex where the cuticle cells have broken away, which creates a protective layer or coating over these rough edges. The protective coating created with conditioner also seals in moisture and reduces static electricity.
ingredients:Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ricinus communis (Castor Seed) Oil, Stearalkonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, d-Calcium Pantothenate (Panthenol Vitamin B5), Hydrolized Wheat Protein, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) Oil
This isn't necessarily about whether or not a commenter has used the product or not. The outrage is about the obvious price gauging that's going on. I don't care if the ish grows your hair down to your ass, the fact of the matter is, any good business person does not raise their prices up to 100% with little or no warning!
She just lost one.
If you don't use them, how can you comment? I've used them in the past, they're okay but nothing to write home about. I do believe that all the talk around it is ridiculous.
excellent POV, I agree.
I would agree with the poster, but after viewing Afroveda's website, I believe they are unjustly charging their customers! What I find strange yet interesting at the same time is that their pricing of products are not consistent. From Oyin, Qhemet Biologics, Mixed Chicks, Curls, Shea Moisture, to Kinky Curly….as a customer, I have an estimated idea of how much I will pay. However, with Afroveda one 8oz conditioner/shampoo will be $13 than another 8oz conditioner is $21. I dunno, it's just something I noticed. At the end of the day, there are SO many natural hair products to choose from. I'm not even going to spend my time getting upset. Didn't know who Afroveda was before this post, won't be buying their products after this post (I prefer Qhemet).
I have used Afroveda products in the past and think they're ok. Not worth $24 and a month to ship, though. I think there are other options out there that serve the same purpose such as the Shea Moisture line. I don't think it's worth it, personally. However, if this product is a holy grail product for you, then price shouldn't be a factor when it comes to healthy hair.
I've used AfroVeda products and I love them! I like the writer of this article's point of view and appreciate her sharing it with us. I totally agree that prices of the products are BS BUT her point is that the shipping/packaging is what costs and I TOTALLY understand. I know the founder didn't wake up one day and decide to increase her products. I started my own grant writing business and will have to get a job to sustain myself financially. I understand how hard it is for the owner of AfroVeda as she is a mom, works full-time and creates AfroVeda products. Will I buy AfroVeda in the future, most likely I will. Do I have a problem with the increased prices, of course, I don't want to pay more but I understand why she had to do it.
Ok, I just ordered this Curl Define before the price "hike" and it gave me a nice twist out but not better than my staple products. So, I don't need to patronize Afroveda. I just refuse to pay for over priced natural hair care products. It's her business so she can do whatever she wants to do; however I too have choices and I choose not to purchase. Just that simple.
Anonymous@3:15
My DH and I had eczema and I bought neem oil because I had read about how people from India uses these oils for their medicinal property – everything from eczema to rashes. I ordered neem oil and wow it smelled like butt LOL but let me tell ya, 3 weeks later after applying this oil once a week the eczema was gone. Buy the oil directly from texasnaturalsupply or camdengrey.com and apply it to the area of your body that has eczema. Like I said, it smells like hell! I'm not lying! But it definitely works. If you want to order it from a black owned business then I highly recommend ayurnaturalbeauty.com
Wow…I'm so confused. Does she make them or doesn't she? I've purchased from Afroveda previously and I love the ayurvedic theme because the powders (neem, henna, tulsi) have really helped my hair and soothed my eczema. But if I can't afford it, I can't afford it. Still, I'm not gonna get mad at Mala. She doesn't owe me anything. I didn't even know about these price hikes so I will have to see for myself. I was more upset when she changed the formulation for the lock and twist butter.
Anonymous @2:06pm – I think the difference between Afroveda and Kinky Curly is that Afroveda orders her products from a wholesaler and KC has her own special formulation. I haven't ordered from AV in a year, but now I will order directly from her vendor instead. I don't mind ordering from minority owned businesses, but if I can cut out the middle man and save myself money then I will. What's the point of spending $21 on a 16 oz bottle of conditioner when I can buy that same conditioner for $20 but get 32 ounces? That's just me though, my hair is long and thick. If people want to continue buying from her directly then more power to them.
great articlr redd, i agree whole heartedly.
I bet no one's going to read this, but I agree with your article 100%. Why is no one complaining about Miss Jessies but praising it like holy water plz most of the time when I read natural hair blog miss jessies is mentioned once in a while and I hate her products.
Can ppl just support more black owned small businesses instead of supporting big businesses that think of us as cash cows willing to be there product junkie. And like you said she is not running a non-profit.
Wow. These shots at miss jessie's make me laugh. LOL I've never used afroveda but I do want to try it. I'm not for the price hike of course, but I remember kinky curly having a price hike also, people still buy her products, I still buy her products. People still spend money on miss jessie's and their products aren't cheap neither. Hell alot of natural hair products aren't cheap, but what do you do? I don't know this woman personally, but I'm sure the price hike was for an ethical reason. Shelly Davis had a reason. I'm not trying to bash Mrs.Davis either. I was just making a point.
"The people taking shots at Miss Jessies are haters. I don't use the products, but lots of naturals do and love them. Stop with all the hate. It's stupid."
LOL no one's hating on miss jessies, people just plain don't see the point of paying for a cheap product. Especially if it makes your hair hard like it did mine.
The reason people are saying her Price Increase explanation is B.S. is because she blames it on raw materials. Mala doesn't use raw materials. It has already been discovered that ALL of her shampoos, conditioners, spritz are bases. And at least 1 butter is a pre-made butter from Camden Grey…so the price increase is bs…as is her claim to hand make ALL her products in her kitchen using raw materials.
There is a term you learn in business school called "what the market will bear". IF the market will bear $58.00 for Miss Jessie's a business owner could assume it is reasonable that market will bear $25.00 for AfroVeda. For any product there is a low, middle and high price customer base, that's why we have a variety of the same products at different price points. Based on the 50-100 % price increase I would say this business owner is going for a higher priced customer base. Only time will tell if her assumptions are correct. We will see if the market will bear it. After seeing the ingredient list in most of the popular hair products on the market and comparing the price of raw materials, I have started making my own for pennies. I can make a butter that I can use on my hair , my face and my body.
Anonymous @10/10/2010 12:25: Totally agree with you on everything including the comments about SheaMoisture. Making plans to get a couple MORE jars today (I just got some Deep Treatment Masque and Curl Enhancing Smoothie from my local Target! Finally! I just might clean the shelf off just to be greedy. That stuff is great!)
As for Afroveda, when the line was selling the 32 oz jars at $19 a pop I was ecstatic, singing the praises about the hair butters mainly b/c of the prices at the time, even though I liked how well my hair behaved with them. I suggested to all my natural coworkers to grab some jars before their prices go up. I just knew that they wouldn't stay $19/32oz. for a long time. I'm nowhere near close to running out of my Shea Amla, Curl Define, Totally Twisted butters. The only one I'm down to my last 6 oz. of is the CocoLatte Moisture Mask and I've decided not to repurchase after it goes out. I'm just saying, it's your choice however you want to spend your money. Remember, it's a consumer's market, especially for naturals, now. I remember when there weren't many natural products available for purchase the first and second time I went natural. So, to really have choices as to what one wants to purchase for haircare is wonderful (as long as you don't go broke).
Fine point Angi.
I agree with anoymous 10:03. I think people would have been willing to pay more if she didn't do it overnight like that. And it true you never start low and raise. She should have come out the gate at like $15 or $18 and gave herself room for growth.
You will not automatically get my business because you are black-owned or woman-owned. I spend my very hard earned dollars where I get good service and good quality for a good price, period.
There is NEVER a good reason to double your prices. If your supplier goes up on their prices, then find another supplier, but passing your poor planning or financial issues on to the customer is a really good way to go out of business.
I watched a video yesterday from a YouTube'r addressed the Afroveda price hike and they mentioned, we get into a mentality of seeming to have a "relationship" or get "attached/attachment" or have a "personal connection" with the company, although you don't know the owners or workers, personally.
And what I've seen is just horrifying backlash against the company and the owner on YT and forums….although you have been purchasing and using their products….raving about how great the product is and how you're planning on buying some more. Ever since this price hike, you threw AfroVeda and the owner straight down the dirty toilet!
I have made a YT video about the price hike before I knew about the letter she posted on her site, about basically its her business and she choose to raise her prices for her own business reasons. We don't know really why but it's her business. If the explanation from the letter wasn't B.S, would it be such an uproar? If she said, it's time to make some money, would you be mad at AfroVeda/Mala?
We shouldn't have to go broke for these natural hair products if you are looking to buy. In essence, we can't "DEPEND" on products to do what it claims to do, since there are many other products out there that are affordable and you always have the option of making your own handmade products….it won't be exactly the same, but you can make it work.
I know I had to be careful with what I said in the video I made because I too, one day would like to have my own business and there is definitely times where expenses will go up….so prices will go up. More technology will be available and costly, so prices have to go up….new services need to be provided…so prices have to go up.
What AFROVEDA has done is nothing new….so many companies do the same thing; prices of cars go up every financial year, prices of computers are going up every year, prices of PDAs have been going up, prices of camcorders/cameras are going up, prices of eggs, milk and orange juice are going up, etc, etc, etc.
–We do complain about those prices but we have established a Natural Hair (N.H) community that hears what anyone has to say, so you all are our audience to vent our confusion, happiness, gratefulness, frustration, anger, etc. I believe the same thing has happen with Miss Jessie and her prices verses ingredients.
The main issue is the LARGE price increase…I haven't seen this much uproar from the $9-$12.50 increase. But what do you expect about a price increase from $12.50 to $21.50. You are going to hear it from the N.H. (natural hair) community.
It's a DOUBLE-EDGE-SWORD to be part of a N.H. community. You can rave about companies and products and provide that small company thousands of dollars worth of free promotion and advertisement which in turn brings LOTS & LOTS of business and profits there way BUT there's always chance to have a backlash with that same company if you know something is just not right! Yes….we do build these "relationship" with these companies…we dedicate ourselves, our time, our energy, or efforts, OUR MONEY, etc, to these companies and we just don't expect for them to "harm" us or take "advantage" of us….we've worked hard for them (in essence).
Bottom line — these companies never asked you to dedicate: yourself, your time, your energy or your efforts. We elected ourselves to that platform and now we are kicking ourselves in the A&% because we either can't afford the product anymore after all your efforts or the fact the business is trying to make; point blank.
–Just my 10 cents 🙂
I've never used these products, but I'm reminded of the time a co-worker, who was African American (as am I) complained that a black dermatologist who had moved into a predominantly black neighborhood was charging too much. The co-worker looked puzzled when I said I thought there was no grounds for a complaint. Did the patients pay for the doctor's education? Why do some black people automatically expect black professionals to charge lower rates? How do they think other groups get ahead?
In a different context, I was taking a design class in which the teacher told the students that if they wanted to define themselves as producers of luxury goods, they had to start out with high prices because it was extremely difficult to start with low prices and then raise them.
Now I see why.
Maybe Afroveda Lady should have said, I'm canceling my old line; here's new one: Afroveda Super Duper Deluxe! 🙂
I think a lot of hair products are overpriced (don't get me started on the Hair Rules line), but it's the business's prerogative to charge what it chooses.
I really think the problem is not that she increased the prices because I know of a lot of brands that have similar or higher price ranges that naturals still love and swear by. I think the problem is (or at least for me) is that this is the SECOND time this year alone that the prices have been increased. She is trying to blame it on the price of ingredients which is some bs. And that the price increase is soo damn high without reformulating or bettering any thing in the products b/c I've heard some bad things about their products being rancid and settlings etc. (as well as good things too, not trying to be a hater just saying lol).
I really just think its rude and disrespectful to your loyal customers to slap a new fancier label on your jars double the price, blame it on ingredients and go on about business like usual.
I was really interested in the Afroveda line because of the lower price and pretty good quality and was planning on buying some after my current products ran our but now they're price point (what really interested me) is gone so Im not so sure if I will.
These sorts of price hikes are ridiculous. I understand that years ago there weren't many product options available and the handful of product lines could then justify charging premium prices. However, it's simple economics that as supply increases, prices should go down. With all the options out there, naturalistas need to start voting with their pocket books.
I for one, could never justify spending 25, 30 bucks on a jar of Miss Jessie's or Kinky Curly. When the shea moisture line came out, I was delighted. MY hair styles were great before, but I felt that they were even better when the line came out. But please know that if they dare pull a 100% price increase I will be returning to my old routine. Now excuse me while I rush off to target.com to stock up on shea moisture.
I've used Afro-veda – and well it wasn't anything
"extra special" to me. I'm going to just stick with Oyin Handmade They are so much more affordable & they have great customer service…. $24 dollars is too much for one product!
Being natural shouldn't mean you have to go BROKE!
@anonymous 8:04am- are you naive enough to think that if you find the EXACT ingredients in a product on a wholesale site that it is not plausible enough to think that the owner is not buying it in bulk for cheaper? The issue is not that she buys the bases in bulk, it is that she doesn't disclose that and makes it seems like she makes it from scratch. I am someone who is admittedly too lazy to make my own stuff, so it wouldn't deter me from buying a pre-packaged product. Just be honest and don't try to play people by claiming it is because prices have gone up ( which even if she didn't buy bases, doesn't add up)
@Anonymous 10:03–THANK YOU! You just don't run a business because you THINK you can. It requires plenty of planning, strategy, and follow-up. I brought from her once and never again because the shipping took waaaay too long, the products all seemed to be the same with the exception of smell, and it was inconsistent with what other people had. So she always had bad customer service/bad business skills. She had a previous price hike and insinuated that it would offset costs and help hire staff–which never happened. People are upset because this is yet another price hike, but at a ridiculous percentage. Is it a bit over dramatic with youtube videos and such? Yes. But perhaps this uproar will show Mala and others that running a business requires much more than " I can do whatever I want with my business" attitude.
This is kind of a ridiculous discussion. Seriously…just don't support the business. Move on – dang!
I agreenwith the posters that said that she should focus on the products that are popular and perfect them. Just sell those.
The people taking shots at Miss Jessies are haters. I don't use the products, but lots of naturals do and love them. Stop with all the hate. It's stupid.
Why are so many people responding that have never purchased the product? Hilarious.
For those saying it's her business she can do what she wants, you obviously know nothing about running a business. You had durn well better consider what your customer wants in that equation or you won't be in business. If Carnival Cruiseline doubled their prices over night their "popular" ships would be docked. Seriously, it's not the way it's done. Price increases are done over time in increments.
Now with that, she was seriously undercharging for her products. Big time. I knew that the first time I purchased them, but from $12 to $24, unacceptable. $12 to $15 and customer would have groaned a bit and she would have made money over time.
Simple math here using 100 customers as the base:
You sell to 100 people @ $12 = $1200.00
You raise your price to $15 and lose 5% of your customers because of it. $15 x 95 = $1425.00
You slam your customers with a 100% increase in price. You lose 60% of them, because that's what statistically happens at 100%. So 40 x $24 = $960.
The smaller price increase would have netted her more money. Then the next year she could have gone up another $1.00. $16 x 95 = $1520.
Now she has to build a consumer base again amidst grumbling ex-customers who are definitely going to make that difficult.
This stuff is seriously Business 101. You don't need an MBA to know how to increase your prices. Black business owners need to educate themselves about how to run a business, not just start cooking up stuff in the kitchen.
She's losing her customers. Out of the five naturals using her products that I know, all of us are done with her and we really liked her products, but we're insulted by price hike. Consumers don't stand for it. And dare I even throw in that "black consumers" dont'…I won't even finish it. Please.
As for bad publicity being good publicity, that only applies with celebrity personalities. Not consumer products.
(if only this amount of anger was applied to the recent teacher layoffs across the country… yeah, I went there…).
Since we are going there, let's also consider that we can walk and chew gum at the same time. Let's not assume that someone who voices a strong opinion in a hair care forum isn't equally or even more passionate about the status of education in their community and the nation.
Remember, you are also reading comments, Googleling and writing about the subject.
"You really could have done without the neck shot to Miss Jessie's. They were one of the few black natural hair owners at the Atlanta natural hair show this year that was GIVING AWAY TONS of FREE product and TEE SHIRTS!!!"
Let's be clear, the product samples (regardless of the size) & shirts were promotional items, a deductible business expense for goodwill that they project to result in future sales. When you look at the profit margin that MJ must be clearing it isn't such a magnanimous gesture,
but that doesn't make them the bad guy. It is business. They have a right to offer the product at that price point and consumers have the right to not buy it.
My godmother makes hair and body products an d hasn't raised her prices in years, even as her raw material prices have increased. She has wanted to avoid a backlash herself…but as a result she's hardly making any money!
Also, as a small business, your raw materials cost more than they would for a large business …
You all should think about these things…
I find it interesting that the writer Redd labels the product "high quality" while admitting to never purchasing Afroveda products. In my experience, the product is inconsistent. When paying $22 for 8oz of Shea Amla I expect to receive in the mail the same product that worked in my hair from the previous order. At $12.50 I was will to take the chance on inconsistencies and a 3 week turnover, but at double the price I expect double the service and insurance. I completely support black owned businesses seeking expansion, however, there are processes and limits when increasing your profit margin. Would there be the same opposing agrument to the price increase if the price was $50 or $100? Would you still say support a black sister? I am an Afroveda customer and will continue to buy one product from her line that did not increase to over $20 (purr whipped jelly) but I will not purchase any of the butters from Afroveda any more because I have limits to how much I will spend per product for my hair. I will not attempt to fill her pockets while emptying mine.
How do you know she's using bases? Because a popular poster on the boards said so?
You really could have done without the neck shot to Miss Jessie's. They were one of the few black natural hair owners at the Atlanta natural hair show this year that was GIVING AWAY TONS of FREE product and TEE SHIRTS!!! This market is large enough that it can serve us all. If you don't like their product then DON"T BUY IT!! So please stop knocking BLACK OWNED business. You can have your own opinion but DANG. Was it necessary to call them out? Why didn't you call out Garnier…who disrpects black women to the max…but now one is saying anything about them.
She should apply for a small business loan, they're easier to get than expected. If she has a lot of back orders this would support her loan application as the banks would be encouraged that she would be able to pay back. Hopefully,this was included in the business plan that the students prepared for her.
Since I became natural I found that less (product and price) is more. I am content with Giovanni products and usally buy them on sale, and for moisturizers KBB works just well. I bought her sample pack in the summer and the products will definitely last me until next year, and this is with regular moisturizing. If you have a problem with the price hike, find an alternative. If not keep supporting her…hey it's all capitalism to me.
If you have never purchased an Afroveda product how can you be outraged at the outrage? If she were making consistent high quality product with faster turn around, I don't think there would have been an outrage. Her customer service is notoriously bad, people have gotten products that have gone rank in a matter of weeks, and different batches of the same product have different smells and consistency are a bigger part of the issue. To say you need to raise prices and then come out with an expensive EMU oil line before perfecting the products that made you popular, is not business savvy, it is pure dumb..
Although the poster from this article made some pretty valid points, I still think it's extremely risky to increase your prices 100-150% overnight all for the sake of for-profit… this is the true definition of gluttony and greed!!! I understand it's a business… yada yada yada. However, her business thrived on economical prices for mediocre products that filled a void for customers who couldn't afford the better quality products out there. Now there's too much room for error in her business decision. I'm not an economist, but inflation usually occurs at much lower percentages yearly. Imagine 1/2 gallon of milk increasing from $2.25 (guessing since I don't drink milk) to $12.25!!! There would be complete anarchy, milk farmers would go bust and the dairy industry which relies on milk to produce would go belly up as well!!! It's a domino effect pretty much.
The other point about this whole nonsense that the poster made was how WE (the natural hair community) are destroying Mala's business by posting negative comments or boycotting the brand, etc. Um, I think Mala was quite successful in doing this all by herself. Pardon me/us for having a voice!
As far as the proposed business plan… unless Mala was offered a distribution deal (similar to Carol's Daughter and Miss Jessie's), I can minimally understand the need for the price increase… i.e. more staff needed. However, the quality of the products aren't worth the price she's now selling them for… PERIOD!!! How come Oyin, Qhemet, and other authentic "homemade" companies have not raised their prices?
I'm just glad I found my staples a long time ago. As far as I'm concerned, Mala and Afroveda can kick rocks!!!
I think it is bad business to increase your prices so high all at once. Especially if there are complaints about the quality of product and customer service. AfroVeda alienated a lot of its client base, which is a bad idea now that there is more competition. Maybe she needs to follow Carol's Daughter's lead and get investors. Her products seem to have potential but are not quite Qhemet Biologics, Miss Jessie's, Curls or Jane Carter's quality(when have you heard of any of these products smelling like raw eggs!)
I think Mala needs to focus on her best products and perfect them. Once she gets her act together (which includes not lying), she can be an even bigger success. I do not use AfroVeda since I have staples that work well for me. I have not sworn them off quite yet.
@Alana where can you find moisturizing bases? Can you e-mail me at genius0218 (at) gmail.com?
thanks!
I definitely get the point you are making, and on certain levels, I agree. If it is necessary to raise your prices in order to continue your business, you only have 2 options: raise your prices or close up shop. However, I believe that in this case, AV appears to be price gauging, and most (if not all consumers) take offense to that. We saw it with gas prices (not saying that Afroveda-gate is THAT serious) and I believe we are seeing it here. We are ALL in a recession, not just her.
Furthermore, there have been excellent points made about her products and product line (I've never tried them, but I've found this whole thing very interesting and have been watching the forums/Youtube). I've heard complaints about extreme shipping times, products separating, product inconsistency, MOLDING, and smelling like rotten eggs! I've also seen that she has a MASSIVE list of products that she is selling (I believe 44!).
Why on earth would one woman try to do THAT much, especially when as you said, you work, go to school, and have a family! And to top it off, her butters/gels (the ones that people love but also have had problems *listed above*) are her best sellers- why not perfect those and cut out all of the extras? It's not good business, and her consumers shouldn't have to pay for it. I don't believe people are deliberately out to ruin this woman's business– she is doing it to herself.
I think the fact that everyone seems to be missing is Afroveda isn't handmade. Her products are bases with drops of fragrance added. So the price increase isn't due to expensive raw materials, it's due to Raw Greed. Hairveda uses bases but she 1)doesn't lie and say her products are hand made from scratch and 2) she isn't marking up the price of the base 500% to make a profit. Mala buys Pre-Made Hair Masque for .17 cents per ounce and sells it for 2.75 per ounce.
I guess I'm not that up and arms because I don't depend on her products. I have used some of her products in the past with success though. I think if you don't like the price hike then, don't buy from her anymore, plain and simple. It's her business and she can run it how she likes but I do agree with the others that said, it's obvious, she under priced her products from the start.
Because I didn't buy her products regularly, I may buy some in the future but I make most of my hair care products anyway so I guess that's why I'm so indifferent to it all. Lol.
I am so glad someone brought this up. I can't understand for the life of me why people are making youtube videos, posting in forums, and writing blogs about what this company decides to do with it's pricing. I have read that consulting report and to be honest I think the price hike was for one of four reasons: 1) she wasn't calculating the price of each product and once she did she realized she wasn't making enough money. 2) she wants to quit her full time job but needs to make sure she can make enough with her business before she does it (or she already quit and she's trying to make up for the difference). 3) She wants to hire staff, or 4) she wants to lower demand so she can keep up. I can't fault her for any of this. It's her business. If she was incorrectly calculating the cost of making her products, what's wrong with her trying to make some (or a lot of) money? I know if some people found out they were being underpaid for their services they would request more money too. That's what she's doing. You can pay or choose not to, but all this is a bit much.
I'm so glad this article spoke on the whole Miss Jessie's stuff. Folks were up in arms about Miss Jessie's charging $38 for mineral oil which is only $4.73 for 28 oz on texasnaturalsupply. I understand the outrage, but they are in the business to make money, and with profit margins like that, that is exactly what they are doing. With Afroveda, at least this lady is still using decent ingredients. No shea butter doesn't cost $22 but it's ain't as cheap as mineral oil and she can make a profit. Everyone has the right to not purchase from her anymore, but I feel like folks are out to ruin her business because of this. We all have free speech, but it's not like this lady is committing a crime. Why do people have to try and ruin her business? Just don't buy the stuff and move on.
Good try. Although I've never purchased products from this company, primarily due to the fact that I've read lots of negative complaints about the lack of response to customer inquiries and very slow turnarounds, there is no justification at all for a 50-100% price increase. Everyone is not capable of running a business and sometimes people jump into it without a solid strategic plan and good pricing structures. What appears to have happened is that prices were set too low, business got good, a solid customer base was established, prices of materials went up slightly (I'm sure nowhere near the increases she's charging) and this company is gouging it's customers. And all the comparisons to people getting outraged about politics and other world issues is ridiculous. People get upset about what is important to them. Those issues may not be the focus right now. They, as her customers, have a right to be upset and as customers can express their displeasure by no longer supporting that business. 50-100% increases are unacceptable in any business. Profit yes, price gouging no. There really isn't any justification.
from 12 dollars to 24????… I dont care if its a "business" im a "customer" and without "customers" you have no "business" . I so agree with this comment. Mala Rode's excuse was a load of crap. Her products were not the best but was reasonable priced so i wasn't buying top notch quality here but it was something that either liked the smell of, was cheap or I was willing to take my chances on when it came to shipping within a month.
I don't buy her BS and I don't buy her BS products any longer. She can choose to raise her products and BS her customers around and I choose not to buy it and move the hell on.
While I can appreciate the author's sentiment the fact is that Mala has LIED to her customers. Her products are not handmade, lovingly mixed in her kitchen from raw materials. She buys her bases from Essential Wholesale www.essentialwholesale.com and bulkskincare.com, adds fragrance and Voila. Additionally she has KNOWINGLY OMITTED ingredients from said products…ingredients she knows that a majority of her customer base avoids i.e. DIMETHECONE…instead she lists the Dimethicone as just Silica. Do the research, check other hair care boards(NC.com and LHCF) and the truth will set you free! 🙂
@anonymous — thank you for providing recos on where to get organic and natural supplies. I've been looking for a place to order from besides WHOLEPAYCHECK.
Smooches,
Veronica
from 12 dollars to 24????… I dont care if its a "business" im a "customer" and without "customers" you have no "business" . What people don;t realize is that you will save sooo much money formulating most of your hair products (butters;leave ins;hair refreshers) I dont know what website you visit but I no longer use commercial hair products (except shampoo) and it has saved me tons! of money. I no longer have to run out and pay 25 bucks online just for a 8oz of something i can make myself. If you are a mixtress then look into formulating somethings for yourself. Also when you buy your own organic or natural supplies you can use it on your hair,skin,face…etc.
my favs is TexasNaturalSupply & CamdenGrey
and sunburstbottle (packaging)
There was so much said in this article I don't know where to start:
I understand that she has a business to run, but as others have mentioned raising her prices by 50-100% and claiming it is because of increase in prices for ingredients is bogus.
I'm all for supporting small businesses and empowering women and such, but as a loyal customer I feel taken advantage of. And I will not be purchasing her products again. There are other comparable products on the market at far lower prices.
As for saying that there is more pressing issues of concern right now than a price hike. I completely agree, and I stand up for those causes too. On March 15th I was out there with millions of other students marching because of the increase in tuition at State Colleges. I believe that we have to be active citizens in issues that concern us. If we stand by and do nothing and just pay double the price for the same product, who is to say that 6 months from now the prices won't increase again. As consumers we help determine what the prices will be, based on what we are willing to pay for, and I am NOT willing to pay almost twice as much for the same product and same service.
The poster makes some very valid points. The owner definitely has the right & as a for profit business, the responsibility to remain profitable. Otherwise, there would be no motivation for the business to continue. However, without customers, there is no business. Ultimately, do customers care that she operates from her kitchen, has a family and a full-time job? I'm sure there is a level of gratitude that she believes in what she's doing enough to make the sacrifices to operate that way, but that's the path SHE chose to becoming an entrepreneur. It does her no good to price herself out of the market because her customer base WILL react to a 100% increase in price. Just as she's looking to increase her profits, consumers are looking for ways to save money.
Had she said that she needed to increase the prices slightly to grow the business to deliver better customer service, decrease order times, etc–pointed out how it would benefit the customer, it could have been a win-win situation for her. That student business plan is actually a pretty good one & gradual increases (say between 15% & 20% initially) across the board would allow her to follow this plan.
Honestly, though, I truly hope it works out for her.
I don't believe the drastic price increases were very stragetic long term for the business. I have used Afroveda products, but there are other good if not better products out there.
I've never tried AfroVeda and with this price hike I never will. I understand that the sistah is busy and is looking out for her company's bottom line but as the "CEO" of my home, I have to watch MY bottom line and purchasing AfroVeda at the current prices is NOT in my future. I can say the same for Miss Jessie's – never have, never will.
I agree with the poster in that the owner of the company has the right to do whatever she wants to do with her business. Just like people have the right to not buy her products.
As much as I admire the sista for doing her thing it seems like im at a catch 22. Along with the high(er) price, you dont get that much product. I think that I can just buy a conditioner base in bulk off the internet and pay $24 for 1/2 gallon. I checked with one website and I saw that the bulk products had almost the same ingredients as most of the Afroveda products.
Of course the owner has a right to raise her prices whenever she likes, however, in my opinion there's a more business savvy way of doing this over time (especially when a customer base has been established). I believe her customers could understand and support 15% incremental increases over time instead of a 100% increase overnight. What if the price of every product out there on the planet (not just hair products) went up 100% tonight? I'm sure you would have a little more to say besides let's support this business. You would probably cease purchasing some items and make your concerns and dissatisfaction known to companies, manufacturers, and distributors.
Yes, businesses are in business to make money, but that money does not just fall out of the sky, it comes from customers, and if customers no longer purchase products, those goods or the business will be out of commission. I sincerely understand the need and practice of raising prices, but doing so needs to be seriously analyzed as not to completely shake a company's customer base. And yes, the owner of Afroveda could have conducted an analysis before raising her prices by 100%, but it just does not seem like it to me. I do wish her much success, but it will be interesting to see how this business decision will impact her business in the short term (taking a hit from lack of purchases from existing customers) and long run (hopefully banking on keeping existing customers and acquiring new ones who were not aware of the price hike).
Great article and your post reflects my sentiments as well. ESPECIALLY, the outrage over hair product prices compared to what's going on in the world. I'm disheartened by the fact that people can generate so much outrage over price hikes but our political system is in peril and our kids are dying in the streets.
Getting off my soap box — I've never used AfroVeda products BUT bad publicity is GOOD PUBLICITY because everyone agrees the products are FANTASTIC and because of that I'd be willing to pay $22.00 and will do so just as soon as my current products run out — I'm so NOT a PJ.
Thanks again for the post. Really appreciate the POV.
wow… Im with most when I say I don't believe the price hike is associated with the cost of materials. I can still go to the store and buy my raw materials for the same price. *shrug*
Double the price? Awesome. How does this benefit the consumer? Quicker production and shipping times? time will tell.
I recently ordered a couple of products from Afroveda, so I am new to the company and wasn't aware there had been any price hikes. Their prices appear comparable to other natural hair product lines. I think, that however justified, it's very risky to increase prices 50-100% all at once. And, unfortunately, many small business owners tend to start with too low pricing and are later (ironically when successful) pushed to increase the price in order to meet demand.
Personally, I am not surprised by the change in prices for I enjoy making homemade organic products and it is not cheap, but my hair loves it and I trust the ingredients that are in the products. I am hoping that more people will buy wonderful products with healthy ingredients, so the price will go down and we can all afford to have exceptional products. Until then, I am not surprised by the increase in prices for quality products and I am thankful for all the companies / small businesses that make wonderful products for my natural hair. (Even if they go out of business, trying to stay in business.)
Live, Love, Peace. ~OrganicallyGrownCurls
I've personally never used AfroVeda products, but as a soap maker, I use many of the same raw ingredients in my soap and bath and body products that she uses in her hair products. I too work a full time job and tend to family obligations while making and marketing my products. For the life of me, I cannot justify or understand a 50-100% price increase in almost, if not, every single product they offer. I read the owner's explanation, and I just don't buy it. I'm curious to know where they're buying her ingredients from. It could be that the company grew more than they expected, and they're just way over their heads trying to fill orders, purchase inventory, keep the books, etc…I'd be really curious to see how the owners respond to the backlash.