I was approached by a woman to help her sell Trek's "amazing" water filtration products at the Seattle Home Show Oct. 3-6. At the time I was doing an internship working over 40 hours a week and making $20/day at a PR Firm. I saw this Home Show as a way to stabilize my financial situation. Since I was so busy working this woman signed me up for the company and took care of the $40 sign up fee.
I knew nothing about this company only that they sold environmentally safe products and reliable water filtration systems. I was intrigued by the products and thought they stood for a good cause. The woman and I had both just graduated from college. I was pursuing a career in PR even though she kept insisting that she was going to be rich in 5 years working for Trek.initially she told me that I would have no obligation in the show and that she would handle all the expenses. Afterall, she told me that we would make thousands of dollars.
About a week before the show she called me at work and insisted on getting my credit card number so she could order just a "couple" more shower filters. She sounded extremely urgent because they had to be ordered that day or else they wouldn't arrive on time. (Waiting till the last minute, great way to scam) After work I asked her how much she put on my card and she told me $4000. I was shocked but she reassured me that we would sell the 20 shower filters she put on my card and some.
At the show she didn't know anything about the water filtration products we were selling. She kept insisting that her boss, Rob Quello, would come to the show and help us sell them. After all, no one could say no to him. He came on the last day of the show and walked around for 2 hours. He didn't give one pitch! After only selling 2 shower filters at the Show I got disgusted and wanted to send the products back right away and get my refund.
After the failure of the Home Show I went back to work only to find out that my boss was letting me go reversing his decision that he had made before the Home Show of giving me a salaried position. I was frantic and in tears. Knowing my situation the woman told me to seriously consider working for Trek so I could make my money back. I was still a little skeptical but I went down to her office only to realize firsthand how this company thrives on unsuspecting people filling their heads with visions of riches, success and power. All they have to do is follow the Trek program. If you fail, it's not Treks fault, it's yours.
I saw right through this scam and insisted on sending the products back. At the office I was ushered into a room with the woman's boss, Rob Quello, and he gave me every reason why I should not send my products back. He even told me he would help me sell them. Naturally I was very impressed that he would take time to help me but that offer was followed by, 'if you only came into the office more... Sat in on some of our briefings... You know started recruiting some people... Got more serious about Trek.
Still having hope about selling the products and getting out of debt, I decided to give Trek a try. Using my marketing background, I came up with some good ideas on how to sell these products through leads that we had gotten at the Home Show. I realized soon that Trek is not interested in selling their products. Their interest is only in recruiting. I should have known when this woman had no idea about Trek's water filtration systems or the method that is used.
I finally gave up and realized that Trek will always answer questions with questions. It has redefined the term 'gray area' and made its money on the 'pass the questions on' game. This company taught this woman how to play on my weakness. I saw Trek as a great company concerned about the environment and wanted to help in their crusade in increasing consumer awareness of the water quality in Seattle.
Shortly after returning the products I discovered that Trek is now being investigated by the FTC. I followed their return policy as Trek had asked and now I would like the refund I deserve. I am fully prepared to enter in a class-action lawsuit against this company in order to receive my refund. Can anyone tell me who might be in charge of that?
Sarah
Seattle, Washington
U.S.A.
0 comments