Which Young Living Membership is Right for You?
A simple guide to understanding Young Living membership options
I’ve used Young Living essential oils since 2009. As a busy working mom with two small children, I was well-versed in the types of products and foods my family should avoid using. But finding healthier replacements back then was a struggle.
The process of making your own herbal remedies is rewarding but time-consuming. I only had a small garden at the time with a few herbs. Growing, drying, and distilling herbs is still hard for me now – and my kids are big! Diffusing or topically applying Young Living’s pure essential oils offered amazing results without me having to get out a double boiler.
Because the products were so useful and versatile, I joined as a Young Living Brand Partner in 2010. I’ve never actually “sold” the oils or the membership, but over the years, I’ve gotten a lot of questions. This article is my way of helping you understand your options without pressure. If you decide a Young Living membership right for you, I’m more than happy to help you in the process.
If You’re Considering a Young Living Membership
One of the first things people ask is: “How much will it cost?” The good news: there are no hidden fees, no mandatory orders (beyond keeping your account active in the way that works for you), and no sales expectations unless you want that. What changes is what you get – discount, rewards, and earning potential.
Regardless of the membership you choose, the best way to purchase your oils is to sign up. That’s how you get amazing member-only discounts and free items.
Two Main Ways to Be a Member
The essential oils membership comparison below compares the current membership paths with Young Living:
| Type | Purpose | Perks | What You Can’t Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Customer | You just want to buy products | Free to join, no selling requirement | You won’t get wholesale pricing or earn compensation |
| Brand Partner (Wholesale Member) | You want discounted pricing + business option | Automatic 24% discount, access to rewards, ability to earn compensation (if you choose) | You’re not required to sell or recruit; you only pay when you order |
Here’s a more detailed look at each option:
Retail Customer (Full Price, No Pressure)
This is perfect if you just want access to Young Living products without any commitment.
- Free to sign up
- You buy at retail pricing (which is higher than wholesale)
- You are not eligible for compensation now or later (unless you change your membership type)
- You never have to buy anything – you can order whenever you like
In many cases, if you ever place a 100 PV (personal volume) order, you’ll unlock wholesale pricing for 12 months (depending on your country). That gives you a chance to see if the wholesale path makes sense.
Brand Partner / Wholesale Member (Discount + Earnings Option)
This is the route people choose when they want to make the most of their Young Living experience. It also doesn’t mean they have to sell, but because they want the benefits.
What you get:
- A 24% discount (wholesale pricing) on nearly all products
- Ability to join Essential Rewards (monthly orders) and earn loyalty points redeemable for free product
- Option to earn income when others place orders through you or in your team structure
What’s required (to stay active and earn):
- A one-time starter kit purchase which gets you enrolled as a Brand Partner
- To maintain your wholesale discount, you typically need 50 PV in orders per year (or keep a subscription)
- To earn commissions in a given month, you need 100 PV (or “customer volume” depending on rank) in that month
If you ever fall below those volume requirements, you won’t lose your account or your team. You’ll just temporarily lose earning eligibility or discounts until you re-qualify.
How Earning Works
If you choose to explore the business side, here’s a simplified view:
- PV (Personal Volume): This is the volume of your own purchases in a month.
- CV (Customer Volume): This is volume from your customers (people you have sponsored).
- In the U.S. and many markets, for ranks up through Executive, you can combine your PV + CV to meet the 100 CV requirement to earn commissions.
- Once you reach Silver rank or higher, your own 100 PV becomes the requirement every month to keep earning.
Find a detailed PDF of how to join in the Young Living enrollment guide.
Starter Kits & Getting Going
One of the perks of becoming a Brand Partner is gaining access to starter kits that give you a curated collection of popular oils, a diffuser, and materials to help you get started.
- The Premium Starter Kit is a favorite – it offers great value and a well-rounded set of oils and tools to begin your journey.
- You don’t have to use essential rewards monthly, but it’s a helpful tool to set up regular orders and accumulate points.
- Once you’re a member, you’ll also get access to tons of resources for how to use the essential oils and products, training, support groups, and guidance.
Should You Choose Retail or Wholesale?
Ask yourself:
- Will you likely buy 2 or more oils (or product bundles) in a year? If yes, the wholesale discount will often pay for itself.
- Do you want the option (but not the pressure) to share and earn income?
- Do you prefer flexibility and low risk?
If your goal is simply to get great products for your home, the Brand Partner (wholesale) path offers the best value. But if you’re unsure, starting as a Retail Customer is a great option. You can always switch later.
Meeting the requirement is easy. My order this month included:
It came out to 117.5 PV. This month, an order of that size comes with a free bottle of Eucalyptus oil. Plus I earn 30 points toward free products. Over the years, I’ve earned so many Essential Rewards points, I use them for gift giving during the holidays.
Here at Green Child, we have several DIYs for families that use herbs, essential oils, and other natural ingredients. In the warm months, I always make sure to have what I need for our DIY insect repellent. And our natural first aid kit contains a few essential oils, too.
Currently, one of the most popular wellness bundles is the 14 Day Reset program. It’s available to both customers and brand partners. It’s a guided wellness program designed to support your body’s natural balance, encourage healthy daily habits, and jump-start a healthier routine using intentional nutrition and supplements.
Common Questions About Young Living Memberships
Can I switch from Customer to Brand Partner later?
Yes! You can start as a Customer to explore the products and switch to a Brand Partner whenever you’re ready. The process is simple. You’ll just purchase a one-time Business Essentials Kit to activate your Brand Partner status. Nothing resets or restarts. You simply add new options and benefits to your existing account.
What happens if I stop ordering?
Nothing dramatic – your account just becomes inactive after a year without a qualifying order. You won’t lose access to your information or account history, and you can always reactivate later when you’re ready to order again.
Do I have to sell or build a team?
Not at all. Many people choose a Brand Partner account simply for the 24% discount and rewards points. Sharing is completely optional. You’re in full control of whether it stays a personal wellness account or becomes a way to earn commissions.
Are there monthly minimums or hidden fees?
No monthly minimums and no surprise charges. You only order when you choose to. If you’d like to stay active as a Brand Partner, a small annual purchase (50 PV) keeps your discount active. That’s usually just a few household favorites each year.
Can I share with family or friends if they want to order?
Absolutely! If you’re a Brand Partner, you’ll have your own referral link to share. When people order through it, Young Living tracks it automatically, and you can earn commissions if you’re qualified that month. It’s a simple, organic way to share what you love.
Next Steps
Whether you’re simply exploring Young Living membership options or curious about the difference between a Young Living Brand Partner and Customer, I hope this guide helps.
You can browse current Young Living membership benefits or start your own account here. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or email me directly.