The Difference Between a Preferred Member and a Distributor — Which One Fits You?
Written by Emma Radulescu, Independent Herbalife Distributor. My goal is to help you choose the path that actually fits your life — without pressure.
If you’re interested in Herbalife, you’ve probably heard two terms: Preferred Member and Distributor. Most people ask the same question — “Which one am I supposed to be?” In this article, I’ll explain the difference clearly, without hype, so you can choose the path that actually matches your goals.
Preferred Member vs Distributor: The Short Answer
A Preferred Member is focused on personal wellness and getting products at a discount. A Distributor is focused on personal wellness and also on helping others, with the ability to earn income. You can start as a Preferred Member and upgrade later if you decide you want the business opportunity. There is no pressure to do both from day one.
What Is a Preferred Member?
A Preferred Member is someone who uses Herbalife products for their own personal goals and wants access to product discounts. There is no requirement to sell, no requirement to recruit, and no pressure to build a business.
As a Preferred Member, you typically get:
- Access to Herbalife products for personal use.
- Product discounts (often starting around 25% off retail).
- Basic guidance and accountability so you know what to take and how to take it.
- Support focused on your goals: energy, confidence, wellness, routine.
This option is ideal if your main intention right now is: “I want to feel better, I want structure with my nutrition, and I just want someone to help me stay consistent.”
What Is a Distributor?
A Distributor is someone who not only uses the products, but also chooses to share them with others and build a business around that. In simple terms: you can earn income by helping other people get results.
As a Distributor, you typically get:
- The ability to earn retail profit from product sales.
- Training, tools, and mentorship so you’re not doing this alone.
- Access to a community and systems that show you how to talk to people in a professional, respectful way.
- A long-term path to build something of your own, on your own schedule.
Preferred Member
- Use the products for your personal wellness.
- Get product discounts.
- No requirement to sell or recruit.
- Focus on your health and routine.
Distributor
- Use the products and help others achieve results.
- Earn income by sharing what works for you.
- Receive mentorship, support, and proven systems.
- Build something meaningful and scalable over time.
My Honest Recommendation
When I talk to someone for the first time, I ask one question: “What do you need most right now — more energy and confidence in your body, or a path to earn extra income doing something meaningful?”
If you want to work on you, we build your plan and start with Preferred Member. If you’re also excited about helping others and growing something of your own, we start you as a Distributor and I mentor you through it step by step.
Start Your Plan With Me
Whether you want better energy, better habits, or a new income path built around helping others — your first move is simple: reach out. I’ll listen, I’ll ask the right questions, and I’ll build a path with you.
Earnings and results are based on individual effort, time, and consistency. There are no guarantees of income or results. Herbalife products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I am an Independent Herbalife Distributor, not an employee of Herbalife.