Hokey and mystical as it may sound, the aura of our surrounding environment can have a massive impact on our well-being.
Science has long accepted that environmental agents affect human health and the environment. Some of the most impactful of these agents are negative ions. Studies show that increasing the concentration of negative ions around us can freshen our air, reduce allergens, and even improve our oxygen intake.
On the opposite end of the spectrum are positive ions. Positive ions can exacerbate health concerns, pollute the air, and even interfere with our electronics. Our goal, then, should be to neutralize these positive ions or limit them as much as possible by increasing our negative ion levels.
This is where brands like Nefful come into play.
Nefful is a Japanese multi-level marketing (MLM) company that specializes in negative-ion-producing clothing. Since 1973, they have promised to improve their customers' health with negative ion technology. They have also expanded to include vitamins and cleaning products.
Negative ions are the real deal, but the jury is still out about Nefful. Are there really products that can increase negative ion concentrations? Is Nefful just a scam?
How Do Nefful's Products Work?
The purported success of Nefful's clothing line relies on the fabric that clothing is made from. Nefful refers to this product by a variety of names, including Teviron, Neoron, and Nefflon. All three names refer to the same garment.
Nefflon contains refined fibers that provide breathability without significant gaps between fabric seams. The real selling point of Nefflon, though, is that it is ionized. This means that it has been altered at a molecular level to have one less electron than it should have naturally.
That isn't the only way that Nefflon employs negative ion technology. Because the fabric has been altered to contain those negative ions, it naturally attracts other negative ions, too.
Nefful boasts that this construction benefits all consumers, regardless of age, race, or gender. However, they claim that the following groups will find their products especially beneficial:
- Pregnant women—Because negative ions contribute to healthy cell growth, Nefful advertises that their products are perfect for embryos and fetuses. They may also help regulate pregnant women's hormones.
- Elderly people—Some research suggests that negative ions reduce the appearance of aging and prevent the body from experiencing deterioration.
- People with mental health concerns—Negative ions are particularly helpful for combatting seasonal depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
- People with skin conditions—Research also suggests that negative ions can combat skin conditions like cystic acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Nefful also recommends Nefflon fabric for first responders. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recognizes Nefflon as a flame retardant product. This makes it ideal for those who have to interact with fire on a regular basis.
It is also nonabsorbent and offers superior moisture-wicking technology.
Best of all, it provides both of these benefits while maintaining a heat insulation level at least 100% warmer than wool and 200% warmer than cotton.
Finally, none of the research into Nefful or Nefflon shows any negative effects that result directly from wearing the fabric.
The Real Issue: Multi-Level Marketing
The worst thing that can be said about Nefful's products is that they do not provide any kind of direct benefit. Even then, though, they aren't associated with any negative side effects or health concerns. So, the fabric and technology themselves aren't problematic.
The real issue with Nefful is its business practices, not its products.
First, Nefful charges an insanely high rate for its products. A negative ion blanket can run as high as $98. A pair of negative ion pants may run in the hundreds.
Second, consumers cannot buy make direct purchases of these crazy expensive products. Instead, they must go through Nefful's consultants.
Third, these consultants do not make any money off of their sales. Unlike most salespeople, who earn a commission or percentage based on how much of their company's products they sell, Nefful's employees earn money from building sales teams. The more people they convince to sell Nefful with them, the greater their income will be.
If this sounds suspicious to you, you're paying attention. Although this kind of business practice isn't illegal, it's highly unsavory. Whether you call it multi-level marketing (MLM) or a pyramid scheme, the fact is that it prevents its employees from earning a significant income from sales alone.
Verdict: Nefful Is Harmless
Negative ions have a proven track record of improving human health. They may also benefit the environment at large.
Whether or not Nefflon contains or attracts those negative ions is a little less clear. If it does, it may be well worth the money. If not, you can at least be assured that it won't cause you any harm.
At the end of the day, though, it doesn't matter how effective Nefful's products are. For many consumers, they may be too expensive to justify the benefits.
Learn Effective Business and Marketing Skills With Legendary Marketer
No product is perfect. Nefful isn't unique in its detriments and flaws. The important thing is to ensure that those detriments and flaws don't reflect a poor organizational reputation.
Crafting a good reputation for yourself as a business is the true key to success, much more than having an effective product. Legendary Marketer understands this need. We seek to improve other businesses' reputations through marketing strategies and leadership training.
In order for you to develop your skills, you should consider taking a free or paid marketing course. There are a variety of digital marketing courses you can take from businesses that can help you enhance your skills. As of writing this, over 80,000 new marketers have taken the Online Business Builder Challenge (only $7), and that might be a good starting place for you as well.
