Funny this discussion came up as I approached IP to sell online this week (online sales are part of my business). The assistant dealing with me was such a do-do bird she thought I was looking to do MLM (multi-level marketing).
Yes, if you like the support of a coach, that is most definitely the reason to go to a clinic and buy your packets. But, I love shopping online and it's not for discounts at all, it's for ease and efficiency and for me not having to add more to my busy schedule by driving to and fro, than I already have going on.
If Ideal Protein insisted distributors kept the same MSRP - there wouldn't be any issue. I find their decision short-sighted and they might reach an even greater market share if online sales were permitted.
That person saying it was "illegal" - lol...if marijuana is now becoming legal in some states, do you really think buying diet stuff online is illegal?