Purchasing Diverted Product Is Putting Your Health at Risk
by Sandra Semaan, Beauty Editor

What is product diversion?
Product diversion occurs in all industries—health and beauty, electronics, pharmaceuticals, etc. It refers to legitimate merchandise that is distributed into markets other than originally intended. In the health and beauty industry, professional products such as skincare or hair care that should be sold in manufacturer authorized salons and spas, treatment centers, doctor’s offices, and beauty stores—to name a few—often show up in unauthorized venues like drug stores, grocery stores, websites, mass retailers, and discount outlets. Because the products usually cannot be obtained outside of the authorized distribution channels through any legitimate means, diverted products are often acquired by deception and fraud. This is referred to as the "gray market."

So what you ask?
First and foremost, and from a health standpoint, many diverted products have been proven through independent lab testing to be expired, stolen, counterfeit, and/or contaminated. There have been instances where examined diverted products have had bacteria counts too numerous to count; or products that should have been hair conditioner turn out to be just lotion. There are expired products on shelves in bottles that should have been sold out or discontinued years before.

By purchasing diverted products, consumers may not always be getting what they think they are getting. Expired, counterfeit, or contaminated products are unhealthy and ineffective. They cannot be guaranteed by the manufacturer. Also many professional products should be recommended by a trained professional to insure proper use. Salon products have higher concentrations of some chemicals that should be used only as directed. Manufacturers intentionally place notices on packaging, such as: "Product guaranteed when professionally recommended” or “Sold in professional salons only."

From an economic standpoint, the diverters' conduct harms manufacturers, distributors, and ultimately, consumers. Supply chain partners and distributors’ exclusive territorial rights are diluted and opportunity costs increase; brand value and cache are eroded and profitability of all channel partners is endangered. It is estimated that the hair care industry alone loses in excess of $300 million per year to diversion.

What can/should you do?
Manufacturers are doing their part to try and stop diversion. They are placing tracking codes on packaging, flagging unusually large orders, taking legal action against diverters, educating consumers and encouraging them to report any "gray market" activity.

If it is price that is driving product purchases at retail outlets—contrary to what consumers might think—diverted product is rarely cheaper in the retail outlet. In many instances it is not price that drives the consumer to purchase product at the retail outlet, it is often convenience.

There are those in the health and beauty industry that are truly dedicated to the professional treatment of their clients. Purchasing professional products from authorized venues brings with it peace of mind that the product is not contaminated, not expired, and if properly recommended by a professional can be guaranteed to work effectively and in the manner for which it was developed.

The bottom line is, get educated! The consumer should know what they are purchasing, and certainly from whom. Diversion is unethical and knowingly purchasing diverted product is not only placing one’s health at risk, but is also equal to condoning diversion. And, be a part of the solution—if consumers see diverted product, report it. The manufacturers want to hear about it.

Sources:
Click the sources below to learn more ...

• AllHairCare.com
• BeautyWeb.com
• CombatDiversion.com - Chain Stores, Salons ...
• CombatDiversion.com - Diversion Defined
• Dermalogica.com

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Holiday Fitness Tips
Thanks to Jill Stump, personal trainer and owner of FitOne of Alexandria, VA, for these three excellent fitness tips that you can follow while you are away for the Holidays.

1. A brisk outdoor walk to get the heart rate up can be done almost anywhere in any weather condition. 15-20 mintues of fast walking at a "labored breathing" pace is enough to maintain cardiovascular fitness and get some quick cardio in while traveling. Encourage relatives and friends you may be visiting to join along.
2. Parking in the back of the lots at shopping centers allows more walking to and from the shops and less stress driving around trying to find a place to park. If it's raining or really cold outside, power walk "laps" around the interior perimeter of the store or shopping center to get your heart rate up. Studies show that several short bouts of high intensity cardio workouts throughout the day can be just as effective as longer workouts in burning calories and maintaining cardio fitness levels.
3. Short, circuit-style strength training workouts can be done with a piece of tubing or TRX system (purchase at any fitness store or online fitness retailer) attached to a door or anchored to a pole or beam. Both weigh very little and are easy to pack and tote along and offer great resistance workouts. Rotate major muscle groups in super sets with 30-second rests in between to keep the heart rate up and still hit the full body. Or, if you don't have any equipment, your body weight will work just fine. Find a bench or some stairs outside and do exercises like pushups, squats, lunges, step ups, and dips in a circuit format to keep the workout short but effective.

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Featured Business
If you ever want a relaxing facial with a medical twist, try Radiance Medspa in Fairfax, VA, where trained medical professionals administer your treatment with the latest equipment and products. They will talk to you about your goals and analyze your skin before they touch you with any equipment or products. Not all treatments are meant for everyone. They customize the treatment based on your skin type and your goals. Although their prices are a little higher, they will not accept tips, so the cost works out to about the same as normal day spas. Although they have a medical twist, the atmosphere is still that of a traditional relaxing day spa. Click here to learn more and see their holiday promotions. 12585 Fair Lakes Circle, East Market at Fair Lakes, Fairfax, VA 22033, 703-222-0173.

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Refer Friends - Win an iPod
Enter your name in a drawing for a hot pink iPod shuffle. All you have to do to enter is refer 5 friends. For every 5 unique friends you enter, you will have another entry into the drawing. Entries are unlimited. The drawing takes place weekly. Enter today!

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In This Issue

Product Diversion

Holiday Fitness Tips

Featured Business

Win an iPod