Case #195-2025: Administrative Closure - J.Hilburn

BBB NATIONAL PROGRAMS

Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council
Case #195-2025: Administrative Closure - J.Hilburn
 

Company Description

J.Hilburn (“Company) is a direct selling company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Lewisville, Texas. The Company specializes in custom clothing, including suits, shirts, and casual wear. The company provides a personalized shopping experience through its network of personal stylists who help clients achieve a tailored fit and style.

Basis of Inquiry

The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (“DSSRC”) is a national advertising self-regulation program administered by BBB National Programs. This matter was commenced by DSSRC pursuant to DSSRC’s ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.

This inquiry concerned 11 earnings claims disseminated on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. DSSRC was concerned that these claims conveyed an unsupported message regarding the income a typical salesforce member could earn from the J.Hilburn business opportunity, including claims communicating that the typical salesforce member could obtain “financial freedom” and earn a six-figure and/or unlimited income.

The representative claims identified by DSSRC in this inquiry were as follows:

  1. “Being a J Hilburn Stylist is fun and flexible. Whether you are seeking a side hustle or a 6-figure income, you can develop your business AND be proud of the product.”
  2. “Flexibility Meets Entrepreneurship: Whether you're seeking part-time opportunities or envision a full-time career shift, J.Hilburn empowers you with the flexibility to design your work schedule according to your needs and ambitions – and whatever surprises life throws at you.”
  3. “10 years ago I started a little part time gig with J.Hilburn. What a journey it has been. Within a few years I was able to quit my full-time job and now I have a fabulous business/career/team that allows me to set my own hours and be my own boss.” (February 2022)
  4. “I have found my path to success, financial freedom, inspiration, a community, and life-long friends.” (August 2023)
  5. “Start Your Career in Fashion with us! Whether you're looking for a side hustle with serious potential, a full-time career in fashion, or something in between, a J.Hilburn luxury menswear business may be just the change you're looking for.” (February 2021)
  6. “I have never been more appreciative for both of these jobs that give me complete freedom to work from home and to make an unlimited income… I have people within my immediate teams making from $200 a month up to $22K a month (yes, you read that correctly) and everything in between. Simply said, in both positions you grow your business to fit your needs with unlimited potential.” (March 2020)
  7. “If you or anyone you know is interested in earning extra income or pursuing a part- or full-time career in styling, please do not hesitate to reach out to me for more information.” (January 2023)
  8. “J.Hilburn is a great career for moms (or dads) who want to work and earn part or full time income” (January 2020)
  9. “financial freedom” (July 2022)
  10. “Become part of a great opportunity that can help you build your own business, replace your current income and be your own Boss.” (March 2019)
  11. “But how lucky am I to have all this flexibility, financial security and freedom to be my own boss.” (September 2020)

 

Administrative Closing Report

The Company promptly responded to DSSRC’s Notice of Inquiry and informed DSSRC that nine of the 11 claims at issue were removed and one claim was modified. The remaining claim was disseminated by an inactive salesforce member. Notwithstanding, the Company confirmed in writing to DSSRC that it used its best efforts to contact the individual who disseminated the post as well as the social media platform (i.e., Facebook) to request that the post be removed.1

While DSSRC recognizes that removing social media posts that were communicated by inactive salesforce members can be a challenging endeavor for direct selling companies, in previous self-regulatory inquiries DSSRC has also recommended that the Company take additional steps to remove such claims from the marketplace, including utilizing any mechanism that social media platforms may have for removal of trademark or copyright violations and/or contacting the website or platform in writing to request removal of the subject claim or post.2 Here, in addition to reconciling 10 of the 11 claims brought to its attention, the Company demonstrated that it used its best efforts to address the remaining post by providing DSSRC with copies of the request made to the inactive salesforce member responsible for disseminating the post as well as its correspondence to Facebook informing the social media platform that the post included an unauthorized claim and asking that the post be taken down.

DSSRC appreciated the immediate steps taken by J.Hilburn to address its concerns in this inquiry and recognized the Company’s ongoing efforts to resolve the remaining Facebook post.

Based upon the good faith efforts exhibited by J.Hilburn, DSSRC administratively closed its inquiry.

Company Statement

“J.Hilburn values and upholds the principles set forth by the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC). We understand the importance of maintaining accurate and transparent information within the direct selling industry. In response to the DSSRC’s investigation, we have taken immediate action by reaching out to all individuals associated with the flagged social media posts, urging them to remove any misleading claims. We remain committed to diligently pursuing the removal of any false claims made by current or former stylists representing J.Hilburn. Our ongoing efforts include continuous monitoring of social media platforms to identify and address any potential violations promptly.

J.Hilburn is dedicated to fostering an environment of compliance and ethical business practices among our stylist community. We emphasize the importance of accurate income claims and pledge to work collaboratively with the DSSRC to rectify any concerns raised. Our commitment to industry self-regulation remains unwavering, and we will continue to take proactive measures to ensure the accuracy and integrity of information shared by our stylists.”

(Case #195, closed on 01/23/25)
© 2025 BBB National Programs
 

[1] The Company provided DSSRC with copies of the correspondence that it sent to the individual responsible for the post requesting that it be removed, as well as a copy of the request sent to Facebook advising the platform of the unauthorized claim.  

[2] See DSSRC Case #177-2024: Monitoring Inquiry – Global Strong, LLC d/b/a Lovvare.