The company goes by so many names, that it is hard to keep track of them!
Simplicity Gourmet does sell really good (but expensive) cookware. It is up to the individual person on what price they are willing to pay for good cookware. The pots and pans range anywhere from $200 per piece up to $6000 per set. It gets to be a pretty hefty price for a set of cookware that "will last forever." Although the sales representative will tell you that because the company sells you the product directly (to eliminate overhead costs and save you a bundle), the rep will also neglect to tell you that up to 30% of what you'll spend on the cookware is what they will pocket.
I'm sad to say that I actually signed up to be a "communication intern" for Simplicity, Pro-Health - (not sure what the forefront name of the company is).in my defense, I was a college student in need of money and on break for the summer. Simplicity sent me a letter. I was swindled into thinking that it would be a real "communications internship" not actually a "sales job."
After three interviews, I got the job. As soon as I agreed, they had me deposit $150 for my "demonstration kit" (money that I did not have, and had to put it on my charge card). If I were not to complete the 16-week "internship, " I would lose my $150. I should have seen red flags at this time, but I really wanted to believe this company would be a good company.
I hope no one else answers the call to be a "communications intern" with Simplicity. Simplicity did a lot play on words to manipulate people to become interns. It's sad. I feel like I wasted my summer. I did learn the lesson that I have to be careful in selecting my future jobs.
Sadly, during the internship, I sold a huge set to my brother (valued almost $4000). He loved the product. The only thing is, since he financed through them (Equitable Acceptance), they told me to tell him his interest rate will be 18%. However, when his statement came, it was actually 21%. (I felt like a liar! He doesn't blame me though, however, I feel responsible.) He has been calling the company (both Equitable Acceptance and Simplicity), but no one has replied or returned his calls. I stepped in. Talked to my manager, who told me he'd take care of it. Naive me, I believed him. Depressing still, it has been three months now and my younger brother still hasn't gotten his interest changed.
I have since left the company. The summer internship was over, and I was offered a real "communications internship, " not the sales rep thing that didn't fit the description.
The company talked a lot about integrity. They even talk about it during the product demonstrations. Most times, I had a hard time believing what they were saying because I felt like I was lying to a lot of people when I did the presentations. It felt unnatural, and I'm glad I didn't do a good job of selling the cookware. Otherwise, more people would be in bad situations where the company doesn't return calls or help satisfy customers, like what they're doing to my brother.
I'll let you know how his experience goes.
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