Question

SAN FRAN - just found out my coach is ending his IP relationship. Is there a place to buy online for min shipping? I tried a place right near my apt but I need ti sign up with the coach - and I've already invested quite a bit of $ - another $250+ for sign up AND $30 per visit AND the cost of the food is too much . I'm in maintenance but every so often fall of the wagon and use the IP products to re-align myself for better more controlled eating.  

Answer 1

$30. 00 per visit? For them to weigh and take measurements?  

Comments

@nikethamide, right?! What’s that about?  

Answer 2

I don't pay and I am on maintenance. I live in Canada.  

Answer 3

I'd say try phase 2 Eating healthy instead of depending on IP.  

Answer 4

Check the IP website to see if there are other clinics nearby. You may find one willing to take you in with no start-up fee.  

Answer 5

I agree with @pretty78226. Not all clinics charge a fee for maintenance purchases (if you did not originally sign up with them). I understand the weigh and measure fee since you paid that initial fee at another clinic. Call around. Good luck! And my suggestion is NOT to buy off of eBay if you have any respect for the IP company. The food they sell pays for the doctors on staff, researchers, trainers for the clinics, the conferences that they provide FOR FREE to the clinic owners and staff (not the hotels and travel expenses). It also pays for the IT team that handles the app, computer systems, videos, etc.  

Answer 6

With yours discontinuing IP most clinic will take you in for a transfer fee ($50 at mine) also most do a ReBoot twice a year for a small fee you should be able to jump in on those.  

Answer 7

I used to by it on Amazon years ago

Answer 8

I don't pay anything at my clinic for maintenance. And I have bought from other IP places when travelling. They had me fill out some medical info, but no charges beyond the packets. I would check around

Answer 9

There shouldn't be any cost for sign-ups and visits unless you get a break on food costs. The costs for IP program is built into the food costs. I am able to buy food at other offices when I travel.  

Answer 10

Thanks everyone! I’ve got some solid options! Paying for the product - from an IP coach/clinic - is ok with me - it was the extra costs  — appreciate the quick responses!  

Answer 11

EBay is the reason clinic close .  

Comments

$35 per box might have something to do with it too

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@flock I can only imagine how much rent cost in San Francisco. That clinic had to sell A LOT of boxes to just cover expenses . What closes clinics is dieters pay a one time fee of $200 the rest was product , then buy from EBay and expect free coaching for the rest of there life’s . Unfortunately it cost a lot of money to run a Bussiness . That leave dieters without a clinic and coach that see the value and understand the food is part of clinic fee and coaching fee, body compositions. If you want to buy on eBay go for it but don’t expect free coaching . More clinic moving on to a weekly fee of $120 that includes food and vitamins - which is a better model to make sure you have committed dieters that don’t try to cheat the program by using alternative products and want free coaching. You pay a visit fee for your doctor, your coach needs to get paid to .  

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I too believe coaching and services need to compensated and certainly wouldn’t advocate buying on EBay to circumvent that. Everyone has a maximum value point and the original post speaks to that. As with any business, the magic is in finding the sweet spot. Commitment of coaches and clinic owners varies as much as the clientele and there is nothing “magic” in the IP food itself so it comes down to perceived user value. IP is a lifesaver to so many that I hope clinics adapt what they can to stay viable.  

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@flock you are right but I do believe IP food is much higher quality then any other , they make their own and what they say is in it , is in it . Have you ever seen the video of their food in making - I mean it’s made in a Looking for 9000 lab ! Ip took a lot of videos down , I will see if I can find it .  

Answer 12

I do IP alternatives and since in maintenance do fine on it. I know how to eat and the products are cheaper and comparable (some even taste better). Maintained 80lb loss for 2 years

Answer 13

I bought on eBay

Comments

@aesthetically do you still go to a clinic?  

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@kislev38 no . Stopped years ago . Had a tummy tuck after weight loss , Use it as a maintenance and started weight training and love it . A coach is for accountability once your mindset gets right it’s no longer needed .  

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@aesthetically you right ! Good job for maintaining. Some people need the accountability and coaching for a long long time . But if you can change your mind , do it on your own , that’s a WIN !  

Answer 14

Maybe IP needs to create “Ghost Clinics” where you can call in to your coach, or video chat, and do your weight in that way, take measurements and they track for you too, and you can order product online to be shipped at a reasonable amount (or $0 with minimum 3 boxes a week, after all their overhead would be so so little).  

Comments

@broadcloth Some clinics do long distance but they only allowed if you don’t have a clinic in your area .  

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I really think my idea would make total sense

Answer 15

Deb Gates

Answer 16

Dont call corporate. It doesn't help.