someguy in Norwalk, Connecticuts Comment

This company is a scam, u work 100 percent commission and u pay them a huge chunk of what they give you, telling you it will be returned but it wont be. they will tell you no sales, then ur job will be riding a freezer truck and forcing ur way into homes to sell ridiculously overpriced items. also, they do some fudgey math on their costs, so even if u sold something at cost, there making a rediculous profit. total scam beware.

Ever notice that when someone doesn't want to
rise up to the challenge, they say the job opportunity is flawed, when in essence, they didn't have what it took to do the job in the first place and were looking for any excuse to leave. Having worked for the company for almost 12 years now, I can tell you that the success you attain depends on the effort you put into it. The training is second the none ,the product is high end restaurant quality, and is affordable to most families. We don't force our way into homes and scam the customer, instead we are taught to be professional in our dealings with customers and service is our number one priority her at Horizon Foods. From the interview through my training and mentoring, I was treated with respect and given every opportunity to excell. The results are simple, for the past 12 years I have made a six figure income 10 of the 12 years, enjoyed company functions which included my family, and have a business today that I am proud to say offers an excellent opportunity to lead a lifestyle that most people would be envious of for the "right" candidate.

My guess is that Jeff is a manager. In most of these scams, the managers are the ones who profit. They hpoe you will at least sell to friends and family before you quit. With commission only there is no investment in you and no incentive for you to do well. Beware is right.

Bob S.,
I'm sorry you didn't find Horizon Foods a rewarding experience but I feel it necessary to dispell some of your assumptions. First of all, I am not a manager and never have been and secondly, we never encourage a new distributor to "sell" to all his or her family members, but instead we teach them how to build a business that will sustain them and their immediate family for years to come, by canvassing area homes and businesses and offering the finest food at a resonable price. Perhaps you missed that day in your training. Furthermore as a successful Horizon representative, I never had to "sell" my product to anyone, instead by showing them the product I gave them the opportunity to "buy" my product and experience a culinary delight that many people enjoy. By the way, my family wanted to "help" me by purchasing from me but I refused their help for a full 3 years, opting to build my business the Horizon way.

I am curious about the opportunity, if it truly is one. I have been in my current position for 7 years, averaging $70K. I work for a family owned business, and know that I will never be more than a salesperson there...no opportunity to advance into management, etc. I'm looking for change, a sales rep type position, with opportunity to advance both income and career. Any input would be appreciated.

Dear wondering in South Carolina,
Thanks for you interest in the opportunity at Horizon Foods. I am currently out of town until Sept.16th but would welcome chatting with you when I return. I can be reached either in this forum or you can contact me directly by calling the office Monday morning the 17th before 9 AM or between 9:30-10:00 AM. The office number is 610-266-6446

Jeff H.

Wondering in Sanford, NC

I think Jeff has given you some good info, but if you want something a little closer; there is a local office in Morrisville, NC. I met with the GM earlier today and discussed the job and its opportunities. From first glance, they seem to be very carrying and easy going. I would recommend calling the local office and setting up a one on one interview. Their office number is 919-463-7900.

I almost got a job at the Horizon Foods in Bedford NH. Would this job have scamed me? I had a job that scamed me last June and I never got paid.

Jeff H. in Tucson, Arizona said: Dear wondering in South Carolina,
Thanks for you interest in the opportunity at Horizon Foods. I am currently out of town until Sept.16th but would welcome chatting with you when I return. I can be reached either in this forum or you can contact me directly by calling the office Monday morning the 17th before 9 AM or between 9:30-10:00 AM. The office number is 610-266-6446

Jeff H.

I would like to discuss this opportunity further. Please let me know the best times to reach you, as I am still currently employeed, and need a time when I can arrange to be out of the office, which varies from day to day. Thanks!

I am back home from a vacation in AZ and would gladly speak with you any day during the week. You can reach me in the office between 7:30 AM to 8:15 AM and then after 9:00 AM until 9:30 AM. After that I am out of the office except on Thursdays when I usually am around until 10:30. If you aren't available until you lunch break, leave a cell number where I can reach you with our Administrative Asst.,Gery, and she will call me on the road and I will get back to you at a time that is convenient for you.

Daniel,
You say you almost got a job at Horizon Foods in Manchester, N.H. What stopped you from pursuing the opportunity further? I know Chris,who manages that office and he is first rate and a great judge of character. The opportunity is real and for the right candidate, can lead to a very rewarding career. If circumstances are different for you now, call him back again as I am sure he would be glad to interview you again if he has an opening.

John in Pinehurst, North Carolina said: Wondering in Sanford, NC

I think Jeff has given you some good info, but if you want something a little closer; there is a local office in Morrisville, NC. I met with the GM earlier today and discussed the job and its opportunities. From first glance, they seem to be very carrying and easy going. I would recommend calling the local office and setting up a one on one interview. Their office number is 919-463-7900.

John...
It sounds like you had a good meeting with the GM. How has it worked out? Any advice should I pursue the opportunity? Input is much appreciated!

I worked for Horizon foods for a while. First of all, most of the food is really good, but it is without a doubt overpriced. The price the employees pay per box of food is overpriced and then marked up $20-30 a box. The real winners are the managers and owners because they make a commision even if you sell the food at cost. While Horizon tells you not to sell your family and friends, they put so much pressure on you to reach your sales quota, that many people do especially when starting out. At first there are alot of incentives for the new employees (they're still trying to sell you on the job) if you sell a certain number of boxes (15 or 20) you get a $100 bonus, or x amount = $200 ECT. But after the first few weeks, they raise your quota, and you need to sell 60 boxes of food to get your "bonus". As you can imagine it is a revolving door of employees. They will hire anyone with a valid drivers liscense, even if they know the person won't last. It's still considered a win for the bosses, because a new hire will come in sell 20 or 30 boxes a week including all their family and friends and then quit. Horizon made their money, and now has all the customers that the salesperson sold on their list. When I left I asked to have my mother removed from the customer list (since I sold her at cost only if I needed a couple extra boxes for bonus) but she has been called at least a dozen times. Another big negative is its a 6 day a week job. Legally you can't be forced to work Saturdays, but believe me, you are strongly expected to. There is definately money to be made, if you put in the time, if you don't mind going door to door "cold calling" selling overpriced food. There are people that are great at it, and don't mind doing it and make 6 figures, but the average employee sells 35-45 boxes of food per week = $700-900 minus $120 gas minus $75 truck rental charge. So is it worth it to work 6days a week to take home $500-700, with all the pressure to sell put on you? No

Jeff H. in Kutztown, Pennsylvania said: I am back home from a vacation in AZ and would gladly speak with you any day during the week. You can reach me in the office between 7:30 AM to 8:15 AM and then after 9:00 AM until 9:30 AM. After that I am out of the office except on Thursdays when I usually am around until 10:30. If you aren't available until you lunch break, leave a cell number where I can reach you with our Administrative Asst.,Gery, and she will call me on the road and I will get back to you at a time that is convenient for you.

Give me a break Jeff, you're in good territory, so naturally you've done godd with it. But try and sell this food below the Mason-Dixon like I did for 5 years. The cost of living is so drastically low, the sticker shock is always there. The first 3 years were ok I did pretty good, but then Mike D. and Mike R. got ahold of our office and started jacking up our costs through the stratosphere to New York levels and we ended up losing customers left and right. Why do you think there were major mutinies at the DC and Atlanta offices with distributors leaving. The DC office used to be number 1, then went straight down the tubes, courtesy of Mike and Mike. Let's not forget the closings of the Cleveland and Pittsbugh offices as well. I'm sure if I was in Philly, NY or Chicago, I could empty the freezers easy, which I did several times in Chicago on market test trips. But Horizon is will always be a limited opportunity. The demographics are just too confined.

Mark,
Give me a break! I have been in Allentown for the past 12 years and have been servicing customers with an combined household income between 40-60k with 2 kids and a minivan in the driveway, the heart of middle class America. They love the convenience, quality, and service I offer to them and amazingly have no problem justifying the cost. Try selling to retirees in the Poconos living on fixed incomes! I have and they love it and have remained loyal to ME and the company for many years. If you think you can you're right,but in your case, if you think you can't you're right. Quit you're belly aching and admit you couldn't make the grade and were looking for an excuse to bail. We used to have a saying in the service and that is "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."

Jeff H. in Kutztown, Pennsylvania said: Mark,
Give me a break! I have been in Allentown for the past 12 years and have been servicing customers with an combined household income between 40-60k with 2 kids and a minivan in the driveway, the heart of middle class America. They love the convenience, quality, and service I offer to them and amazingly have no problem justifying the cost. Try selling to retirees in the Poconos living on fixed incomes! I have and they love it and have remained loyal to ME and the company for many years. If you think you can you're right,but in your case, if you think you can't you're right. Quit you're belly aching and admit you couldn't make the grade and were looking for an excuse to bail. We used to have a saying in the service and that is "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."

Forget it Jeff, spare me the Tony Robbins lecture. The dream team didn't last more than 3 mos. when they tried to revive the Cleveland office after constantly being chased out by the cops like I had to deal with for 3 years. So, your lovable Horizon didn't practice that saying and gave up. Gee, I wonder why?

Bailing out was the best thing I did. I went into the mortgage business when the refi business was red hot and made a mint with more than enough money to put me through school. Now I'm an IT manager who said goodbye to sales and making a nice fat salary.

Look, I'm not going to knock Horizon completely, they won't go away and yes, there are opportunities, just not everywhere. I just got fed up of having to fight these guys all the time for them screwing around with our costs. You might remember the number 1 distributor in the company left as well because of all this crap.

Anyway, glad your a survivor and good luck.

If I want food, I'll conveniently go to my grocery store. A dude selling meat out of a cooler in the bed of his pick-up is not my idea of shopping. It may work for one in a million, I guess that is why everything is frozen rock hard.

I have to say that my experience was quite different. I have had a great experience with Horizon Foods. I went there on an interview after being down sized from a "Stable" salary job of 9 years in the corporate world. I wanted to make more money based on my effort. The interview was great, and believe me, they are very discerning when it comes to who they offer an opportunity to. The person I interviewed with clearly explained how it works and that I must be willing to work hard and have a good attitude to succeed. It is NOT a get rich quick scheme, but you do make money right away and very consistantly because it is food. The food is truly amazing, and so is the service. As a result, it does cost more. Just because something costs more, doesn't make it a rip off. You get what you pay for. That is like saying that Mercedes Benz is company that rips people off. In my time at Horizon, I made great money and had a super experience. Since then, I have had children and have left to stay home with Them. I miss Horizon Foods every day, but have since become a customer and gladly pay for the quality and wholesomeness they offer. I hope some day to return to work there when I go back to the work force. As with most things in life, not everything works for everybody. Additionally, most people only comment on things when they've had a BAD experience. Don't forget about all the people who don't bother to comment, that have had a wonderful experience. I worked with people at Horizon that were sales people there for over 15 years, and who had countless customers who have been buying since they started. As for me, whether you are a customer or a sales person, you are in good hands.

Jayme,
Thanks for your honest reply. You hit the nail on the head, this opportunity isn't for everybody and as with everything worth
getting in life you have to be willing to work hard and you have to be coachable. I look forward to seeing you again among the ranks of Horizon's best.

RMathews in Saint Louis, Missouri said: If I want food, I'll conveniently go to my grocery store. A dude selling meat out of a cooler in the bed of his pick-up is not my idea of shopping. It may work for one in a million, I guess that is why everything is frozen rock hard.

Do you think that they send unfrozen cows to the grocery store?
sorry but anyone that had a crap job working at a&p knows this one.

How many hours per day do you have to spend working for Horizon Foods? How many days per week? Are you allowed to drive the pickup truck during hours of the day that you are not working for the company?

John,
I work 6-8 hours in the field 5 days per week and a half a day on Saturdays and yes I drive my truck everywhere because I never know when someone is going to say,"What's For Dinner?" My truck is my advertisement for my business. What does this all get me? $1500-$2000 per week is my average week's income minus my expense for gas. Don't get me wrong, I have built my business over the years and take it from someone who never had any experience in outside sales, my first week in the business I made 750.00 in 3 days, so the opportunity is real.

Bob S. in Chesterfield, Missouri said: My guess is that Jeff is a manager. In most of these scams, the managers are the ones who profit. They hpoe you will at least sell to friends and family before you quit. With commission only there is no investment in you and no incentive for you to do well. Beware is right.

I seriously do not know where you guys are coming from..I have been a customer with Horizon for awhile. I find the food is wonderful and the prices are great.You could never get a T Bone Steak of the quality that they have in a Rest. or Grocery Store.. I send my children a box of the Steaks or Shrimp every year for Christmas.. They are hooked.. Maybe you guys are not use to eating good food.. By the way..... I have never been pressured into buying their products..

I have been working for Horizon for close to 3 years...I left for a few months but have got back in the buisness..When it comes to the food...theres nothing better! Whats great about working for the company is..there isnt anyone in control of my income except myself...If I show the product to enough people I can make well over 200 dollars a day...Nothing in life is given...there is no going around it...you have to work hard..but if you build your business the right way...the customers will come back because the product is phenominal! The service and the job is not for everyone..but for the ones who possess the passion to make it happen are very successful!

SCAM? You're nuts. Horizon is 100% legit. Customers love the food. It really is the finest food available.

Every bite I've taken has blown me away. The first time I tried the Filet Mignon, I remember thinking back to the few times in my life I've eaten a steak of that quality. The seafood is also stellar.

Granted - becoming a distributor for Horizon Foods is not the most conventional way to make money, but it certainly isn't a scam.

It's an incredible opportunity for anyone who is mentally strong enough to do it. You are likely missing at least one of the following:

1. Work Ethic
2. Maturity
3. Stamina
4. Confidence in yourself

Sorry, I just fealt so compelled to reply to your posting. How could you call it a scam?

Hi, Daniel! This is Beth from the Bedford office. I remember you! We are still looking for the right person to help service the White Mountain area. People are sometimes scared to try something new with no base. I will tell you and anyone else that building a business with Horizon Foods allows you to finally get paid for your efforts. Don't be afraid of the cost of gas. I live an hour from the office and make a great profit each day by providing excellent value and service to everyone I meet. "Nothing that is worth doing is ever easy". I'll personally show you how I make $80,000+/year after only 2 years in the business. Hope you give us a second look.

I'm sure if I was in Philly, NY or Chicago, I could empty the freezers easy, which I did several times in Chicago on market test trips. But Horizon is will always be a limited opportunity. The demographics are just too confined.

No matter where you work, it all comes down to numbers. Everyone deserves to eat the best quality food available. Not everyone cares or is willing to pay more for quality (usually because they can't cook to begin with). Personally I prefer working in more rural areas. They like to stock up- especially when there's 3 feet of snow on the ground- like today!!!

In addition to spending money you may not have on fuel and truck rental, the product pricing is based upon cost plus whatever you assess the customer can or is willing to pay. There is no set price in the the literature nor on the website, because this is determined at the door by profiling the customer and their neighborhood.

While it is true that some do well in this business, I agree that, for the most part, it is the managers who gross the real profit. I'd rather sit in the comfort of my own home and set appointments for the manager/salesperson, which is what I will be doing very soon. No more schlepping from door to door, profiling people by the vehicle sitting in their driveway.

For those of you who have done well in this business, I applaud you. But for those of you who have any question of possible hardship or inability to front money for costs of fuel etc, I would say don't do it.

Hello Jeff,
I hope all is well. Even though I no longer work with Horizon it is still a great company to work for. It offeres what most others do not: The ability to determine your own salary based on your work ethic. If you don't work you don't get paid. I had more fun while working with Horizon than I did for any other. The staff are great and the customers become family. The food is great. Expensive they say? Well, what are they comparing it too, Burger King, TGIF? The pot roast is still my favorite. Jeff say Hi to Arty for me! Mikey and I still talk every other week.
To ALL: Horizon Foods rocks like not other comparative.

Pawl,
It was great to hear from you. I often wonder where you hang your hat these days. Call me sometime if you still have my cell in your phone, if not you can reach me at the office in A-Town. Since my move to Kutztown I am much closer to you. Thanks for your comment on your experience with Horizon. Let's chat sometime and I'llbring you up to date on all your "old" pals in the company. It's hard to believe that 13 years ago I answered an ad in the newspaper for the opportunity at Horizon Foods and have not looked back since.

Jeff.

How does the truck rental work? I'm interested in this opportunity, but I'm a little leary if I to spend more money then I'm making. Just curious.

JPrezzy,
As long as you attain your weekly goals,
which are reasonable to hit, even if you have never been in direct sales before, the company ofsets most if not all of that charge. At Horizon we want to see you succeed without setting up roadblocks for your success, so if you think you have what it takes to be part of a winning team atmosphere and have a positive attitude, then go for it.

Ok. I'll look into it more. You make it seem like a great place to be and I hope this is true. I've done some surfing around and the company is getting a very bad review. Since you state you're not in management, are you still in the sales rep position? Thank you for your response.

Jeff - So pricing for one person is based differently than for another? I'm curious to know because if you had a group of people in one room that you are trying to sell to, how would that work?? Do all reps have to pay a rental fee, too, along with gas? I would've thought the company would split the cost somehow. I'm just trying to do the math here. Thanks.

mickey elliott in Craigsville, West Virginia said: Katie... Where did you read that the pricing was different for different people. why would you have a room full of people. you are not selling tupperware. Most of the reps go from door to door.

There ia a difference between selling retail and wholesale. Horizon Foods is a wholesale distribution company selling the best food (normally only available to restaurants or through gourmet food catalogs) to people at home at a great value. Does $3-7 dollars per meal sound reasonable to you all out there? We think so and we think everyone in America deserves the best. As a wholesale customer, we offer a volume discount for buying more at a time. Been to Bath and Body Works? We offer similar specials but instead of getting a free lotion when you buy 3, we love to give away free steaks!!!

mickey elliott in Craigsville, West Virginia said: Katie... Where did you read that the pricing was different for different people. why would you have a room full of people. you are not selling tupperware. Most of the reps go from door to door.

Look up at Genie4U's comments about pricing & literature, and profiling. I heard that it is suggested to go into areas where the houses worth is in a particular range.

Katie I do not know about all that.. I just know that when I lived in Va.. they came to my office as well as my home. They sold their products to a lot of people. Now it makes sense that the folks living in a higher priced home would be more apt to buy a 130.00 box of T bone's.. I send them to my children every year for Christmas. The shrimp is a great buy as well.I just like the food no matter how I get it. I do not have a rep here in VA.. I have to e-mail the one in VA. to send me my products.I Live in a very modest home.

Beth Hall in Laconia, New Hampshire said: There ia a difference between selling retail and wholesale. Horizon Foods is a wholesale distribution company selling the best food (normally only available to restaurants or through gourmet food catalogs) to people at home at a great value. Does $3-7 dollars per meal sound reasonable to you all out there? We think so and we think everyone in America deserves the best. As a wholesale customer, we offer a volume discount for buying more at a time. Been to Bath and Body Works? We offer similar specials but instead of getting a free lotion when you buy 3, we love to give away free steaks!!!

Ah, doing the old portion control two step I see. It's $3-7 an ENTRE NOT MEAL! That means each chicken cutlet, fish filet or steak averages that when added all together. It's a bit smoke and mirrors with this type of presentation. Would you pay $3-7 for ONE chicken cutlet? The chicken (especially the plain cutlets) were the biggest rip-off. The steaks on the other hand are the best deal and they are good. You make your best money off of steak purchases and some of the sea food as well. I would always cringe when someone would pick out all chicken entres. They'd buy once or twice and then fade off unless they're really sold on the convenience and that was rare.

As for the truck charges, it was $11 a day when I did it but that may vary from office to office. Depending on your manager, he may waive the truck charges if you hit a certain performance level.

The food doesn't always sell itself, you have to sell yourself as well. Build a repore with these people. Tell them a little about yourself, talk about other things while you're showing the food. Tell jokes, do something to relieve the tension. Don't look like you're trying too hard, just be casual like it's no big deal and that everybody likes this food. You have to focus on your personal delivery as well as the food delivery.

You just wonder how many doors have to be knocked on everyday and are there 'that' many doors? I hear people making a good living from doing it. I'm guessing it's the repeat customers who carry you. About how many of them would be needed? Also, if someone knocked on my door with this, how would I know how good the meats actually taste?? I'm told that you have to buy a full box of one meat which doesn't make sense to me either. If that's true, I don't need a full box of chicken for, say, $150 when I could spread that $150 around on a variety of meat. I wouldn't be a customer. Am I missing something?

Katie they do have combination boxes, you would have to talk a rep or you can go online and order if you dont have a rep in your area.. I can just tell you the T-Bones are about 2 inches thick and about 6X8 I am not sure.. I am out right now but when I get mine I will let you know.THey are out of this world. You get 10 steaks.. now that averages 13.00 a steak.. Tell me where you could get a steak of that quality for 13.00.
I don't mind paying for something that I know is good.. but I can get really ticked when I buy something that is so tough you cannot eat it.. I just want my money's worth no matter what...

Hey.. I am a mere customer that is really satisfied with the products.. As for the chicken cutlets.. I can go across the street and pay 8 bucks for one split chicken breast. I am paying by the pound.. I pay for the bone and the skin that I cannot eat.I bet you would rather have the whole turkey because the turkey breast is to high.... Take the turkey off the bone the next time and weigh the meat.. I bet you will find that you are paying way to much a pound for the turkey no matter how cheap it is.. Give me a break..I am 70 years old .. I have bought tons of groceries in my day and I know what is good. And being scamed I ain't..LOL

Yes, I'm still in the position of distributor,although I have done my share of training new people to the business over the years and the difference between those that stay and those that leave is a combination of attitude, perserverance and a belief in themselves and their product. I hope you do follow up with the opportunity.

Katie,
Pricing for items vary as they do in the marketplace but when giving a potential customer a price, the only variable is volume. The more you are interested in purchasing the more reasonable your purchase becomes. I hope this clears up any misconception that we treat customers differently based on their ability to pay, that simply is not the truth.

Have seen the Horizon Foods ads in the classifieds(jobs)every couple weeks. Recently retired, looking for a continued career in sales. Was somewhat intrigued by Horizon's ads, but some little voice kept saying, "why are they always hiring?" They can't be "expanding" (according to their ads) all THAT much. Their ads also say, "company car" and "$975 per week" (one of their websites I had seen says "start at $1300 per week". That discrepancy in itself gave the "hmmm, what's up with that" factor. Glad I stumbled upon this site. These guys were in my 'hood once, hawking their stuff outta the back of a truck. Why buy frozen meat of questionable lineage from even more questionable characters when I'm at my FRIENDLY grocery store buthcer's a couple times a week... And as for the reply from one of you, YES, meat REALLY does come into the A&P and all others UNFROZEN. And at about half the price, and easily and cheerfully guaranteed. Hey, I can sell, even hard sell, but I don't like hustling and hassling people. I can not only sell refrigerators to Eskimos , but sell them the icemakers to go with them, but hustling meat outta the back of a truck, that the company wants to charge me for...NO THANKS.Thanks for opening my eyes, guys. I'll look elsewhere for employment.

I don't where your local A&P gets their meat but if they are like all the other chains out there, the meat gets shipped in, pre-packaged and pre-cut from a warehouse that keep the meat frozen to prevent spoileage and delivers it by common carrier with a refer that must keep it frozen. On the other hand yours probably delivers in an unrefridgerated truck on 90 degree days just for your convenience. Use some common sense and you will realize that you just were looking for any reason to "look elsewhere" for a job. At Horizon we don't offer jobs, but instead offer an opportunity to build your own business and reap the rewards, for the right candidate, and yes we are expanding and have done so, every year, for the 13 years I have been associated with the company.

Successful distributors at Horizon Foods are those who love good food and good people. We have a lot of fun and provide exceptional food and service to our customers. If you are looking for information about either career opportunities or our products, stop reading about and contact your local office. You have to see the food to understand what we are all about.

Way to go girl. It is great to see other distributors get on the bandwagon. Say hi to Chris for me. See you in Cancun in '09

Anyone know about the San Diego Location? I have an Interview there this week. Please let me know their reputation! Thanks Don Juan dba Jose Cuervo

Hi Everyone,

Well I took that job out of Manchester, NH knowing almost nothing about the company. This one of the only bona fide opportunities around to build your own franchise type business without a large cash investment. You will reap what you sew, plain and simple. Most of the people I've worked with in 30 years of sales and marketing management think the opportunity is too much work. That's why I'm proud to be the first dedicated full time rep in Vermont. It's tough to get good food here and our repeat business is 90%.

Awesome testimonial Michael. People want quality products and service no matter where you live and Horizon gives the right candidate,who sees this as an opportunity, to establish a very lucrative business that continues to grow year after year. The sky is truly the limit if you apply a winning attitude and a consistent work ethic to building your business.