Aflac is a SCAM you pay them to work!

brittaney jones in Ragland, Alabama said: To the guy that keeps makeing the raceist comments..you need to grow up..that is rediculous. not everything,everybody,or every company is about racsisum. thats whats wrong with over half the people in this world thats all they think about.this blog or whatever you want to call it,isnt about being raceist..its about a job!

BRITT, I DON'T WANT TO WASTE A LOT OF TIME TODAY SO THAT IS WHY I AM ONLY REPLYING TO THE MOST NARROW-MINDED, IGNORANT STATEMENT ON THIS SITE. LET ME GUESS, YOUR YOUNG A WHITE WOMAN IN ALABAMA. I SUGGEST YOU TALK TO SOME OF YOUR BLACK OR HISPANIC FRIENDS WHO HAVE BEEN AROUND AWHILE SO YOU CAN GET A CLUE.

NOW, THAT'S FUNNY. MIKE

OH REALLY? ALSO DON'T FORGET THAT IRAQ IS FULL OF WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION.
MIKE

Good luck with going to Regional or State for help. I did that and it didn't get me anywhere. You may want to look for other opportunities where you can use your insurance license. Could also try the Aflac forum on the My Aflac Associates site.

$600? Are you nuts? I've been with aflac for 2 years, my in-laws for over 8. The fees that you pay are for your license $100-$150 (depending on your state fees) and sales school $85-$100(for your hotel room and lunches). If you take classes outside of Aflac, then you might pay more. They don't pay for any of that for you. Obviously, you did not understand the commitment. Try working for allstate with a start up fee of $30,000.00 not including your licenses and classes.

JE, Sounds like you're happy with Aflac...good news!

dgpauley in Yukon, Oklahoma said: Go to your regional director ASAP. IF that doesn't help go to the State! AFLAC wants you to succeed.

Good luck!

Have already done that. other suggestions? believe in the product but cant get support for efforts.

Hey there, thank you for your honest comment about aflac. I currently have my own business and know what it takes to be a self motivator. i know alot of contractors i think i can do well. I do have a family to feed and a small second income. Can you give me a better idea of how much a above average new recruit could make. It could make or brake my decision. Thank you.

dapond in Portland, Oregon said: Hey there, thank you for your honest comment about aflac. I currently have my own business and know what it takes to be a self motivator. i know alot of contractors i think i can do well. I do have a family to feed and a small second income. Can you give me a better idea of how much a above average new recruit could make. It could make or brake my decision. Thank you.

Hi,
I have been with AFLAC for a little over a year here in Portland. Before I joined I had been looking at the opportunity on and off for about 2 years. I finally decided that I would become an AFLAC agent and interviewed with 2 different Regions here. I was going to go with one and then preferred the atmosphere at another so I decided to go there. It does make a difference who you are working with and how the team fits into your idea of how you like to work, support vs totally on your own, team vs totally independent etc.
There is training that is very valuable, however it comes down to what you can and want to do, you can sell to individuals or to businesses. and yes, the more contacts you have the easier it is to be successful, but people have come into the business not knowing anyone where they are and been very successful.

You can get your leads which ever way you would like and again there is training and support from your team.

The best parts are that you can make a lot of money or your can choose to just make as much as you need. here is an example..yesterday I talked to one person who had expressed an interest in Life insurance and wrote her a small policy for 45,000. I made about 104 in commissions that will be deposited in my checking account tomorrow. I am a single mother and the flexibility of time off when needed and also the luxury of knowing that I can make money every day if I choose to.
I have many stories and would love to answer any further questions you might have just write me at savedbytheducktoo@yahoo.com.

I am getting ready to take my license exam in about 1 month. I too as well have been offered a position with AFLAC Regional, I have no other job and I am a single mother, Would some one please weigh out the good and bad for me please. I really need some true insight about this company. I would hate to be putting all my eggs in one basket, so to speak. Thank you so much

I am a recent college graduate in the Milwaukee area, I recently had a bad experience w/ office supply sales, i understand how sales works and have always been willing to work hard. I guess I am looking for some advice because AFLAC sounded good, but so did my previous experience. Also does anyone know if the market is saturated in Southeastern WI? I d really appreciate any input. Is it an advantage to be young with some but not much sales experience? Thanks to whomever responds

Dear JC,

Run, do not walk from this "opportunity" Go find a good job with a salary and create a good network. After 5 years, if you still want to do Aflac, you'll have the relationships built which you'll need to make a good start in 100% commission. It takes a lot of time to sell Aflac, and since every market has been saturated with Aflac reps, most likely your area is too.

Or, get another job to work at night and on the weekends, if you really want to start with Aflac now. One person I know has another job, and has been working Aflac for over a year. He's had some great accounts, but still not able to live on just Aflac. Good luck.

Hey JC -

The opportunity is what you amke of it plain and simple. Vad team -good team saturated or not it comes down to what you do with your day. Jsut figure this - Every receptionist desk in the country has been visited by an Aflac rep but yet Aflac will continue to open payroll groups. Aflac stock grew over 35% last year and poised to grow again. Your life is perfectly designed for the results you are currently achieving. If you want different results you must change some things. You'll here negative and positive but it's what you do each day that makes you successful. I have been with Aflac for exactly 365 days - I made over $40,000 in my first year and now running my own district team. I am married with two cars(and payments) a mortgage on a nice home and three kids in school. My wife works part time. I can't know if this is for you but if it's not it's not that Aflac is bad - it's that it's not right for you at least right now. Good Luck.

Yes I have been with AFLAC now for over 3 months. I have not set the woods on fire, but I am one of the top "producing" agents for my region thus far. I have read a few arguments that DSC's and so forth have shown poor leadership for new associates. I have been confronted by my RSC to begin CIT training but I have declined for the simple reason to "get my feet wet" I will eventually be a very good DSC in due time. I want to gain respect of my fellow associates as well as prove my self to the company and my clients. As I've had 10 years of prior sales experience in another forum I can tell you that you have to get out there and make it happen. Aflac is looking for achievers and dreamers, not incompetence.

I worked at the New York Office and despite the fact that the products are good... they pay policyholders on time, Management is not good at all. The majority of them don't know what they are doing and try to use psychology on new people so they can do the work for them with very little benefit in return.

I started with Aflac three years ago and I have been promoted twice. The success you have with this company (or lack of success) is determined almost entirely by your willingness to learn the company's methods and put them to work. Work being the key.
If you will work as though this is a full time position, you can create an amazing lifestyle for yourself and family.

MoneyCoach in Marietta, Ohio said: I started with Aflac three years ago and I have been promoted twice. The success you have with this company (or lack of success) is determined almost entirely by your willingness to learn the company's methods and put them to work. Work being the key.
If you will work as though this is a full time position, you can create an amazing lifestyle for yourself and family.

I believe that success can be had in aflac...I work with a new rep (virtual assistant) who has put heart and soul into this but 1. this person went in and honestly told them there was absolutely no sales experience - district and regional has been non supportive and training is minimal at best. ie dM did not even show for first group sign up etc 2. we are finding that business' do not want anything to do with aflac when called

what steps would you suggest to get this off the ground? as a team we are willing to work hard.

How saturated is the Aflac market in Northern Virgnina?

I am pretty good at math and in order for your son to possibly earn $200k in commissions on a single account their would have to be thousands of employees working at that business and 100% of them would have enrolled in the benefits. AFLAC plans can range between $2 to $15 a week in costs so even if commissions were 25% of premium, 25% of $2 is umm $.50 commission per policy times 52 weeks divided into $200,000. = etc. I do think your son might have exaggerated his earning potential on this one.

I am also pretty good at math -
the average first year commission for a new agent under the advanced commission structure is 40%. Therefore you would need to write about 500,000 in annual premium in the account.

You would need to open an account with about 2100 employees.
If 60% of them participated which is fairly average and spent an average of $400 a year in Aflac policies(also pretty average)you would have enrolled 1260 employees @400 each = 504,000 in AP multiplied by .40 is 201600 in the first year,
and about $126,000 in advanced commissions immediately.

I am working through the process in two large accounts right now - one is 1800 employees and the other is 2650 employees.

I will add this - earning $200,000 in your first year is rare at best but most certainy not impossible. And earning $200,000 or more in your tenth consecutive full time year could be expected.

I don't think a person without a college degree or any sales experience would have the opportunity to sit across a desk from the employer and be offered a "job" that would take you from approx 30,000 the first year to a six figure income in the next few years.so get out there and make it happen for YOURSELF.

I have been working Aflac for 2 years. There are a few people who don't keep their policies but it is only 1/8% of 100%. You as a business owner must investigate who you are selling to, if they can afford this. I look out for my clients. I'm in it because I care for the people. This is my only job. I quit a job after 12 long years to have this freedom. And I make 2 1/2 times my old salary. It is like any job, either you have it or you don't.

I have through several blogs about working Aflac. It was very beneficial, esp since I will be starting in a few months as an Exec Accounts. I am very nervous because I am about to graduate from college and begin my career immediately (it's great but a lil scary). Correct me if I am wriong but my understanding from what people have said that either worked, work, or know someone who has or had worked, that I should have a part-time job as well? Also, on average how much does a rep make in a year? I have financial obligations just as the next person and am trying to start my life the proper way by having foresight and planning most effectively. What would be some great advice? Thanx!!!!!!!

Dear ACM_Drama,
Run, don't walk, RUN in the other direction. Aflac can be a good company for the right personality type, but if you are right out of college, with bills to pay, you should use your degree and work for a corporation that will give you good training, pay and benefits.
Save your money with the intention of revisiting Aflac in a couple years, and if you still want to try it you'll have some life experience behind you.
How much can you make the first year? Under $5,000 for me and other reps I know. The manager will tell you $20,000 or more, but good luck seeing that much.
Sales do not come easy, even though the products are good.
Good luck

ACM_drama in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said: I have through several blogs about working Aflac. It was very beneficial, esp since I will be starting in a few months as an Exec Accounts. I am very nervous because I am about to graduate from college and begin my career immediately (it's great but a lil scary). Correct me if I am wriong but my understanding from what people have said that either worked, work, or know someone who has or had worked, that I should have a part-time job as well? Also, on average how much does a rep make in a year? I have financial obligations just as the next person and am trying to start my life the proper way by having foresight and planning most effectively. What would be some great advice? Thanx!!!!!!!

My first year I made $5,000 in the first 2-3 months. I was doing a lot of training. You don't want to go and not know what you are talking about. The customers can sense that. I would say to have a part time job for the first 4-6 months. After that you should be properly trained and feel confident enough to make a good $35,000 to $50,000 your first year. I know guys that are 20-25 and are making 3 figures. It is how hard you work, if you can work alone without an office structure (ie not washing laundry, going out to lunch, talking to friends on the phone) You have to be discliplined. You know yourself better than anyone else. You should ask yourself if you would be good at sales of any kind. But, the money is out there, I know I'm a single mom and only worked 2 days the first 6 months then quit my job of 12 years. I tripled my old yearly salary. I'm buying my daughter a new car for college from one sale. It's up to you. Good Luck...

Thank you hound in Phoenix and Rep in Buford. I really do like what I already know about the company and am very excited that I was offered this position. Again, I just want to make the best decision for myself. Both of your responses were very helpful!!!

Rep in Buford,
Do you have any advice about selling or closing deals (any key points)? Also, was training paid training, and since it is a BOB career are there no specified days to report to the office? I know that at the office I was hired for I was told that field work or cold calling is up to me, etc... my question is is most of the work home based (i.e. calling or emailing form your own home)? I am very much in contact with the person who hired me and am asking questions for them to answer as well, but I want to make sure that I get ppl's opinion who won't sugar coat anything.

Hound in Phoenix,
Would you consider yourself a good sales person, or is that a field that you prefer to no longer venture in? I do have my options open because you can never be too careful, but as I told Rep in Buford, I really do believe that this is a great opportunity; and as you have stated, you have to have the right personality.

THANK YOU BOTH FOR YOUR RESPONSES!!!

Sincerely,

ACM_drama

Hi ACM_drama,

Be persistant, don't let the NO'S get you down. I have a recruit that started 2 weeks ago and she has set 15 appointments. In the beginning you have to work, work work but in the long run it pays off sweetly. I have been working on a 1000 man group for 6 months, we just closed and I made $50,000 up front and $4,688 per month for the next 11 months. But I keep a lot of small (under 25) accounts going to keep the money flowing. I think that is the other peoples hang up. They are counting on that one BIG deal. You have to know how to survive. Be honest, if you aren't you won't have the people wanting to renew with you every year. The after your 13th month with the company you get stock and 7% more on all of your renewals. We are going to Venice, Italy, Paris, France, our National convention is in San Diego, Ca, and our state meeting is in Watercolor, FL (near Destin) these are all paid vacations. You get money for different contests. There are so many out now it is hard to keep them all straight. The headquarters is very helpful with any questions or problems. I hope I have helped in some way.

You definitely have helped me tremendously!!!!!!!! Thank you so much!

Truly,

ACM_drama

Dear ACM_drama,

Yes, I am a good salesperson, however, I do not have a good team to work with. As you can see in the forum posts, some people have great support, great training, etc and others do not. Here is a hint if you still want to go with Aflac: visit 30 companies in 30 days and you'll most likely find an account. For me, though, what happened was that my DSC would not do appointments with me, so I had to learn by doing on my own. Try to get a DSC to commit to going out with you for at least one 8 hour day per week in the beginning (should really be 2 or 3 but most DSCs don't have that kind of time). Partner with someone to keep the attitude positive. If you know exactly where you will be driving to, make a route with Google, Yahoo Maps or Microsoft map software-that will really save alot of time and you'll make more calls. Remember that once you get an appointment, it takes time from prospecting. Employee presentations and enrollments also take time away from prospecting - it's a fine balancing act some weeks to get all your calls in. And finally, if you really don't like telemarketing/cold calling, think long and hard about being an Aflac rep. The people I know who do very well are also excellent at telemarketing. Oh, and join a Chamber ASAP - many have a lower few if you work from home. Go to everything you can find time for. People need to get to know you to trust you.

Cheers.

Woody, that is sad that is how your State is run. I have been with AFLAC 3 years, a very successful DSC over 2 yrs, and I have NEVER taken an account from an assoc. I have however helped associates open over 100 accounts in the past 2 yrs. I hope there are more out there like me than like your DSC. We do have guidelines, they are not being followed in your case. Sorry to know that goes on. Good luck

you are one of a kind. there are not any like you in this area.

it takes 6 months to make any money and they give you no leads whatsoever. Usually the DSC gets them.. OR the Regional passes them on to whomever they want.. proceed with caution...

corp America bs in Riverview, Florida said: AFLAC IS A CROOKED COMPANY! I WORKED THERE, I KNOW!

no help,that is for sure... you sure have to dig a bit

hound in Phoenix, Arizona said: Dear ACM_Drama,
Run, don't walk, RUN in the other direction. Aflac can be a good company for the right personality type, but if you are right out of college, with bills to pay, you should use your degree and work for a corporation that will give you good training, pay and benefits.
Save your money with the intention of revisiting Aflac in a couple years, and if you still want to try it you'll have some life experience behind you.
How much can you make the first year? Under $5,000 for me and other reps I know. The manager will tell you $20,000 or more, but good luck seeing that much.
Sales do not come easy, even though the products are good.
Good luck

so right.. you can go thru lots of money by the time you make a few dollars, it is great for secondary income, or if you are a broker and just broker aflac

teddyk,

Do you have to be so negative. People make it in the world when there is positive influence around. Not everyone is good with everything. Aflac is a very successful company. I know the state sales coordinator personally. He has paid for 6 children, bought them all their own cars, put them through college and has several beautiful homes. So, it can and has been done. Maybe you or whoever you are comparing ACM_Drama to might have just been lazy or didn't learn easily. Not everyone is going to be good at every job but, we should show support......If you are always negative you will always be at the bottom. I like being at the top myself.

thank you everyone for the advise!!! You really don't know how much this is helping me. I have plenty of questions to ask my recruiter, as well as I have been brainstorming and plotting to help me as I start off this career.

I have came across a few blogs that mention going through money. What exactly does that mean? Are specifically talking about personal financial obligations, or having to put out money for the Aflac position?

So your saying it worked out for you? I'm seriously considering going the aflac way. I feel as though I really don't have a direction in life but I know that I do not want to work for someone else for the rest of my life, I want to be successful and that is what is driving me to attain my own business. I currently own a little travel gig through YTB and I'm doing ok, but nothing on top level standards

I will be starting with AFLAC shortly. they've never asked me for a penny. In fact, to date, I have paid only fees for those things that would be required of ANY insurance agent within the state. Licensing requires education, testing, fingerprinting. I was assured that the fees for such would be returned to me by AFLAC after a probationary period of employment.

Interestingly enough, when I received my CDL license it was under the same criteria. I was trained by a transportation company, used their facilities to practice driving a passenger bus, and they gave me te bus to take the test. After working for them for 6 months I received a "sign on bonus" which was really just a return of the fees for the licensing.

People who complain about basic necessities of a profession are those who whish to play Doctor with out the bother of getting the degree, practice law without passing the bar, drive with no license...

Yes, AFAC appears to be using cookie-cutter recruiting, as they constantly scan the big resume sites (Career Builder and Monster) for prospects. The cream rises to the top. Cold calling, commission only sales is not for the weak of heart. In fact, just the thought of having to account for your own income is very frightening to people of the "Micky Ds" work ethic... "I will make your hamburgers as lomg as you pay me what I need to get by...thereby creating a place for me to work whre I feel as if I could not leave."

So, I will venture into the dark abyss of the unknown called AFLAC, and I will keep everyone posted of my progress. Every journey starts with one small step... and only those who refuse to try something new will fail at the attempt.

Amen.... you are preaching the truth. I am really enjoying getting paid 2-3 times per week. I have already made my whole salary from the old jobs in just 3 months with Aflac and won cash prizes and trips. Enjoy the better life

Rep in Buford in Buford, Georgia said: Amen.... you are preaching the truth. I am really enjoying getting paid 2-3 times per week. I have already made my whole salary from the old jobs in just 3 months with Aflac and won cash prizes and trips. Enjoy the better life

Hey Rep In Buford. So can you give me some advice on what to do when I start out. I need a positive direction to take in life. I know I I can be succesful, I just need the opportunity or an open door...ANYTHING! :)

Everyone ask me where do I find my leads and I start pointing to trucks or signs that I pass driving. I keep a note pad in my car and write down the names of any companies that I see. I go to reference USA and put in the name to get the address and the HR persons name. It isn't always there but it is most of the time. I call first and tell the HR person that I am going to be in their area on (whatever day you choose)and ask if would be alright to stop by and introduce myself and drop off some information about my company, then say I work for Aflac "Have you heard of us?" Then you'll get a response like we have Aflac already or sure that would be fine. Then ask if morning or afternoon is better and set up a time. Once you are in there you can tell them about what Aflac can do for their employees. That usually works for me. If you have any more questions just ask and I will get you the answers. Good Luck

THANK SO MUCH!!! I feel more confidant in what to do now. I was going to go with State Farm but had been hearing they cost as much as All state to start up. Aflac isn't really present in the area I live in so maybe I will make a change. Thanks so very much!!!

Look! Don't slam AFLAC. They ARE an insurance agency. The $$ is for you to become a licensed agent, NOT to work for them. Department of Insurance makes those rules, not the companies. There is alot of studying involved and these tests are hard but once you are licensed, you are in a whole different category then most people. You won't find a reputable insurance company that will hire you without a license. If you want that, there are companies out there that are discount insurance (don't do it) that will let you work for them and lie to poor unsuspecting people.

JC milw in Milwaukee, Wisconsin said: I am a recent college graduate in the Milwaukee area, I recently had a bad experience w/ office supply sales, i understand how sales works and have always been willing to work hard. I guess I am looking for some advice because AFLAC sounded good, but so did my previous experience. Also does anyone know if the market is saturated in Southeastern WI? I d really appreciate any input. Is it an advantage to be young with some but not much sales experience? Thanks to whomever responds

The other poster is right, RUN, don't walk from this "opportunity". I've been with Aflac for three years and I've seen behavior that would stand your hair on end.

Unless you have a big center of influence in which to get a good start, you're going to end up cold-calling for everything you get. And yes, the market is saturated beyond measure. Business owners are fed up with Aflac agents calling them and walking into their places of business. What is Aflac's response to this? Why, it's simple - contract more agents. Every month sales school churns out dozens more agents. It's one big free-for-all. Get ready to waste thousands on gasoline.

And don't fall for this self-employed non-sense either. You're an unpaid employee and often treated as such.

Do you guys know why they want the names of the businesses you approach? So they can cancel your contract if you become appointed with another insurance agency and try to sell them something different. Become a CIT and you'll find out the same things I did.

Ask yourself this question, why would you only sell Aflac? Is it the best fit for a business that won't allow a payroll account? Is it the best fit for individuals you meet on the street? No. The direct rates are much higher. So why not also become appointed with other carriers? If you don't do so, don't kid yourself, you're not doing what's in the best interest of your clients.

Working for AFLAC is a big CON. It is a waste of time and money. I don't think you even have to be breathing to get a job in Georgia.

I have never seen so many damn "boo-hoo-ers" in all my life. Really, do adults post on this forum?
How many small business owners do you think go into the black within their first year? Do they moan and complain about how their business is a scam? How about the real estate they have to pay to lease? The inventory they have to purchase and stock? The employees they have to hire? Advertising? And that's just to open their doors. That typically requires a substantial loan from a bank just to get started.
What do we have to invest to start our Aflac business? Real estate? Well, I have an office in my home. Advertising? I've got the best ad campaign known to man - and I don't pay a dime for it. In addition, all of my marketing materials are provided to me by Aflac for free. Employees? Nope. Inventory? Guess what? My inventory cost me $0. I'm selling a promise on a piece. A promise that Aflac is pretty damn good at keeping.
Your investment with Aflac is $300 dollars for an insurance license. Give me a break.
On average, a new business takes 1-3 years to become profitable. With Aflac the average is 6 months. I'm not a math major, but those numbers seem to favor an Aflac career. I've been doing this for 7 years and I make well into six-figures before I wake up in the morning. Sounds like a pretty good business if you ask me.
Grow up, take responsibility, and go find something you like to do. Chances are you will quit again and blame it on everyone else. Boo frickin hoo.

you tell em

Mario in Tracy, California said: EVER THOUGHT EVER WONDERED

* Where will I be five years from now if I remain in my current position?
* Will I attain the financial security I need (or that my family needs)?
* Do I really enjoy my current occupation and lifestyle?
* Have I ever considered being my own boss?
* Would I like the opportunity to earn a substantial income?

AFLAC HAS THE ANSWERS!

* National TV and print advertising
* An outstanding compensation package where YOU control how much you earn
* Potential annual increases (renewals) of $5,000 $10,000+
* Exciting incentives and a stock bonus plan
* Over 370,000 established payroll accounts nationwide

this is what they put on the job search ad, notice anything?
all it does is ask you if your happy with ur life,
and it doesn't say a thing about the job description itself.. caz they don't want you to know what the job is about!
all their doing is try to fish unhappy losers, brainwash them to be happy and proud by using words like "be your own business" or "your a professional entrepreneur", or "make residual income" "be rich and retire early" "financial security".. etc full of craps.

They cost you the 300$ just so they can get some money out of you.. not to license you, wake up, 90% of ppl who works for these pyramid skeep jobs quits, and company still keeps all the money they pay to join, so who makes the good money? most likely not you..

and people who posts all these great things about the company is 99.9% written by workers. they just want to give out good reputation, not only trying to be proud but also so that people possibly joins you.. and you make the money.

Next time you decide to post an opinion you may want to consult a dictionary...or at least a third grader. If your attitude is on par with your spelling no wonder sales is not for you.

mike in Kansas City, Missouri said: if your white

most of the people in my region are either black or hispanic

you must be uneducated....

Amen.......These people who complain don't have a clue. I'm living the good life too