If you happen to be researching Viridian Energy, hats off to you! The deregulated energy industry is currently one of the hottest topics of conversation for both consumers and entrepreneurs. Companies like Viridian Energy are poised to take advantage of this trend, much like companies such as MCI, Sprint and Excel did back when the telecommunications industry first deregulated.
Viridan Energy is just one of the many energy suppliers that consumers can select to lower their rate on electricity, given they live in an area that has been deregulated. Viridian’s claim to fame is not just lower rates, but also to give consumers the satisfaction of knowing that their energy is derived from ‘green’ energy sources (hence the name of the company – named after the color Viridian). This is just one point you may appreciate, given the ridiculous dependence America has on oil and other harmful non-renewable energy sources.
In addition to signing up as a customer, people have the option to join Viridian Energy as a referring associate and get paid on their ability to acquire customers and sponsor other associates. This referral model is known as network marketing, in case you had not already figured that out. Other companies such as Stream Energy’s Ignite and Ambit Energy utilize a similar model to further expansion and it has proved successful judging from their annual revenue.
General Info
At the time this article is being written Viridian currently is offered in the states of Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. If you wanted to sign up for the service you can do so by visiting an associate’s website or through an ’800′ number. If you want to join Viridian’s referral program you would do so through an existing associate. Viridian also offers a fundraising program for non profit organizations that want to leverage the referral program.
The Rates
Viridian Energy does offer competitive rates for electricity, but here’s the honest truth. There are so many alternative energy suppliers offering competitive rates it is almost absurd. If a consumer is strictly focused on saving money on their bill Viridian might not be the right choice. If you compared two suppliers’ rates for a full year you would notice they were pretty similar. The additional incentive that Viridian offers it’s customers, to stand out from competitors, is green energy and the ability to earn money through the referral program.
Green Energy
Again, when most people hear of Viridian they think of renewable energy such a Wind power. The truth is not every customer who signs up will be getting 100% renewable energy. It is vital to understand that if you wanted to have 100% renewable energy, that is an option you can select. If a customer signs up for the basic service, however, there is only 20% green energy included. If you want the 100% option you will be paying a higher rate.
Viridian Energy Business Opportunity
The owners over at Viridian Energy understand that they can either pay a bunch of money to advertise and promote to acquire customers or they can have thousands of people, all like mini distribution points, spreading one unified message to acquire more customers. This is network marketing and whether you love it or hate, it is one of the most proven means of distributing a product and/ or service the world has ever seen.
But here’s the problem. Most network marketing companies in the energy space require you to pay upfront and monthly fees just to be eligible for compensation.
Viridian Energy is no exception. To join as an associate and promote in just one state you would have to pay $199 to get started. To promote in all states you would have to pay $399. To top it off, you must pay $20 a month for your website. If you never sponsored a single associate or customer your grand total spent by the end of the year would be between $439-$639. Now ask yourself a question – would you, in a sane world, spend that much money only to acquire customers who will pay less on an existing service? Most logical folks would not and this is the major flaw I see with Viridian.
Now I know plenty of people who have made their money back in Viridian and then some, but I know even more people who joined and never even recouped their initial $399. Read on as I explain why fees hurt growth.
Why Pay-To-Play Won’t Last
Another issue with a fee based energy program such as Viridian is longevity. Anyone who joins is obviously interested in creating a long term passive income. This will never happen for most people. Even if you make your money back and can recruit like crazy, most people in your organization simply CANNOT. This causes your checks to eventually decrease. You’ll then find yourself so focused on recruiting people into the business because it’s the only way to keep your current income.
Final Thoughts
Viridian has their priorities straight and will absolutely continue to save thousands of people money on their utility bills while adding to the green footprint in this county. The gray area I see is the referral program. How many people will have to lose money before the company decides to change their strategy to still accommodate annual revenue, but preserve the integrity of the program?
If you are taking a hard look at Viridian energy just do your homework. There are plenty of energy business opportunities available, with just as good income potential or better, without the fees. Determine the best solution for your unique situation and I wish you nothing but success in the future. Thanks for stopping by!
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