I was contacted by Al Conkelton, a sales rep for Startup Essentials offering a no money upfront opportunity to start a home based internet business with promises of all kinds of help, support, etc. This call was as a result of an internet inquiry I filled out regarding home-based businesses.
After speaking with "Mr." Conkelton about Startup Essentials opportunity, he wanted to fax me the contract for signing, etc. I had no access to fax machine, so he connected me with his "boss", who miraculously was able to complete the contract using online signatures... This should have raised a red flag immediately, but I was new to this and dumb... At no time was I told I was entering into a 48 mo. Non-cancellable lease, only that I should sign here, initial there, etc. Etc.
This seemed to be the opportunity I was looking for - no upfront money, a great business opportunity, education, etc.
Once I received my laptop, it was then I realized, after calling the number required, that I had in fact been duped into signing a non-cancellable 48 mo lease with A-1 Leasing (formerly Bond Corp.) Since then, and some $600 later, I have been looking for a way to get out of the lease. After doing additional research, I found on A-1 Leasing's website that Startup Essentials was listed as a PARTNER, as well as on USA Card Services, Starup's credit card processing program.
I am now in the processing of getting out of this lease. Have already closed my bank account and in the process of notifying all appropriate agencies (i.E. BBB, State Atty. General, Credit Reporting Agencies)
At first I was going to return the laptop, but have been thinking that I have actually already PAID for the thing and may keep it. After all I did pay for it! Almost $700 prior to closing my bank account.
I do believe that EVERYONE who is contacted by Startup Essentials as a "potential partner" can get into their program should they desire... Their "credit-check", screening, etc. Is actually a smoke screen so you feel you are truly being interviewed by a legitimate, honest company. They have tapped into people's innate desire to be "accepted".
I will fight this company tooth & nail, and I WILL win!
P.S. Today I tried to go to Startup Essentials website, and believe or not their "server" is down, or the site no longer exists! Imagine that!!!
I was amazed to discover the overwhelming number of individuals who were duped the same as me, which is what actually propelled me to take action.
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