I answered an ad placed on craigslist for an automotive sales trainer in the Norfolk, VA area. To start off, they responded back to call their 800#. They sent me the wrong number, which I had to email them back and then got the correct one. (Red Flag #1) Resume was emailed.
After several weeks, I heard back from Kenneth Carver as he introduced himself to me as the General Manager. He liked what he saw from my resume, and then told me the office manager would be emailing me company references; for me to call, ask questions, etc. Then to call him back. The references were 3 dealers and 3 current trainers on staff. After speaking with them, all results were positive and excellent rating; but again, remember where these references came from! (Red Flag#2)
Subsequent contact with Mr. Carver led me to believe that they are only hiring 1 individual in this region. He'd have to talk to the owner to decide, then get back to me. Note, everytime I received a call to my cell number, the incoming phone number was ALWAYS "UNAVAILABLE". (Red Flag #3) Also, all documentation forwarded to me from the home office was not on any kind of company letterhead, no address was ever shown. (Red Flag #4).
I researched through their website and read all their promoting of themselves, their programs, how they offer the sales student they train lifelong employment somewhere (Red Flag #5) Again, no listing of a corporate address anywhere to be found on the website. (Red Flag #6).
I receive a call back from Ken, welcoming me on board. He sets me up for one week's training in Charlotte. Also tells me there is an initial investment fee of $4,980 by each trainer, for lifelong materials they send to your classes. This is to be paid on the first day of training by cashier's or bank check only. (Red Flags #7/8)
The fee is like $625 per student that "graduates" of which YOU collect from students who are unaware they have to pay a fee! Home office gets $200 per student plus a "booking fee", I think of about $300 per week, you supposedly pocket the remainder of $425 per head to the tune of anywhere from $3000-$9000 per week, depending on how many students attend the class: but more like how many of the students you can get to ante up the bucks! As they're not told upfront until the class is about to end that they owe this money! (Red Flags #9/10/11/12/13/14/15/...!!)
Here is my interpretation of their "modis operandi". After researching the web, I discovered several earlier usacomplaints.com from not so fortunate people who actually went through with this operation. Remember though, after all of the above red flags I stopped the process for me, so I didn't attend the training, get sent on assignments, etc. But the writing on the wall was pretty clear!
Yes, they supposedly train you their way of doing things, then send you on assignment to locations either in your area or outside. (It's up to you how much you want to work, I was told!) They advertise for sales candidates to come to whatever dealership they've sent you to, to interview and select and train.
It seems you are shown how to weed out the players from the non players. This takes approx 1-2 days. The training lasts 3 days. You basically work Mon-Fri plus whatever travel time. Again, YOU collect the money from the students (if you can!) cash, check, even was told you can get a credit card machine (again as a DBA, or in your own name). So, theortically, you "can "walk out of there with "alot of cash"! You then have to send WWCSI their money, keep the rest and go on your merry way on to the next assignment, again which I was told there's PLENTY of work!
I could go on in more detail, but honestly folks, do you think it's really necessary here! Let's be real! Needless to say, you'll "recoup" your initial investment in your first week! I encourage you to read the earlier horror stories painted by some unfortunate "trainers". Oh, and by the way; their website has some "testimonials". I called several independent on my own. How coincidential that the people quoted from the various dealerships are no longer there or no one's even heard of!
Let's face it, if it sounds to good to be true, it PROBABLY is! If it smells and looks like du-du it probably is du-du! Maybe there are sucessful trainers at this company "living the dream", making $300K for 40 weeks work, about 30-40 hours a week. Personally I don't think so! Besides, wouldn't you agree in a REAL company, as a REAL trainer, you're paid a salary, have your expenses paid per diem, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, class and seminar fees are handled separately and done by the company UPFRONT??? And what company deals with no address or incoming phone number, unless they have something to hide! Common sense folks, street smarts, something we car people are supposed to be good at! You're welcome to do your own thing here, I felt really good on my choice, you decide on your own, it's your money! Good luck! Let me know how it works for you! I'd be real interested on whether or not I made the right choice! Again, BEWARE!
Ken
virginia beach, Virginia
U.S.A.
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