Your Better Business Bureau is warning Western Washington consumers to be cautious concerning StoresOnline, Inc. who is planning a conference in the area and has confused consumers in the past.
Your BBB has been informed that StoresOnline, Inc. is planning conferences Feb. 24, Feb. 26 and Feb. 28 at the Hilton near Sea-Tac Airport.
StoresOnline, Inc. had 633 complaints with their local BBB in the past 36 months. In 2008 alone, government actions were taken against this business in five different states.
StoresOnline, Inc., also known as Galaxy Mall Inc., Internet Marketing Conference, Imergent Inc. and Express Village, often advertises their conferences as free. The company markets “e-services” to those intending to do business on the Internet. Consumers normally receive a VIP invitation for the conference in the mail offering a free meal and gift. Following the 90-minute conference, attendees are often urged to sign up for a one-day workshop which requires a fee. According to the BBB Reliability Report, this company has received complaints concerning information provided at workshops, the refund policy, customer service, and optional coaching services provided by a separate company.
Advice from your BBB for consumers attending any conference:
Consumers who plan to attend any free seminars or workshops should be aware that in most cases the presenters will promote products and services that are for sale. Products sold at these seminars could include self improvement, investment education materials, home based businesses and marketing plans. Individuals interested in home-based or internet businesses need to consider all aspects and costs of starting and operating a business. Promoters use high-pressure sales pitches that require consumers to buy now or risk missing the opportunity. Consumers must then pay up to thousands of dollars for information that is often available elsewhere for little or no money.
Here are some red flags that may signal a questionable seminar promoter:
- The offer is advertised as being time sensitive.
- The promoters hype the program but provide little detail.
- The representatives are reluctant to answer questions and they give evasive answers.
- Local business people or experts are not endorsing the program.
- Little time is given to read a lengthy contract.
- Promoters will not provide the number of people participating in the program who have achieved the program's claims.
- Promoters are unwilling to provide earning claims in writing.
- Promoters claim that laws regulating the sales of business opportunities do not apply to them.
Taking the time to research a company prior to making a purchase cannot only help avoid frustration, but can also help to avoid being the victim of a scam. Most legitimate seminar businesses are willing to provide descriptions of their programs before a purchase is made. Ask to see data on the percent of program participants who actually achieve the promoter's claims. Read all contracts carefully before signing anything and get all promises or claims in writing. Make sure you understand any cancellation policies or guarantees before making a purchase.
About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
Your Better Business Bureau is a not-for-profit organization funded by Better Business Bureau accredited businesses. The BBB’s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information about the services and products provided by your BBB, call 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon or 907-562-0704 in Alaska, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.