The previous comments by former iWorks clients have all been valid. There is absolutely no one to call, write, or to negotiate with regarding a refund. That's not to say someone in "management" won't get on the phone to blow smoke and offer credits toward advertising, materials, coaching sessions, or a small amount of cash. Count on that type of stroking.
As a client, you get extremely short 20-25 minute coaching sessions, some useless CD ROMS, and a couple of booklets. The most valuable of course is their "tried and true, foolproof, we've cracked the code, interworkings of the internet" knowledge. I had four different coaches and spent half my time getting one up to speed on what I was doing only to find I had a new one the next week.
The coaches, if you can get one to call you, are not consistant in their marketing plan which leads to more confusion. Really short lessons, coaches assuming you've done this before because they have, makes for a lot of note taking and very little getting accomplished.
Of course you're invited to call the coaching office "anytime" with questions. When I called, I was told my coach (I never had a permanent one anyway) was out of the office. I was made to feel like an imposition, and no one seemed to want to help or answer my questions. My favorite response was, "That's a question for Bright Builders", which was never the case. I just wanted the information and training for which I had paid. Unfortunately, I never got anything useful from the sessions that just stopped one day without another word. I still had several more scheduled. I tried to contact the training office to continue but was unsuccessful.
I have noticed the amount of money people have paid varies by thousands in some cases. I don't believe it has anything to do with different types of packages. The tag team that initially contacts you for the hard sell tries to get a picture of your financial situation, debt, home ownership, type of home, accounts, etc. Slick salespeople will get you to talk about yourself. You let your guard down while they begin to calculate a figure to charge you as you're spilling your personal information over the phone.
I did try to make this work, but the materials, skills, and support that you are promised are not delivered as promised. Even though iWorks does not claim clients will "get rich" or even make a dime. I was promised to be supported as long as it takes to make back my initial investment, which I was not. This is a breach of contract. Of course they make no warranty on their words of promise. That being the case, I must assume their words of marketing advice have no meaning as well.
It is obvious there are more than a few people that feel wronged or ripped off by this company. IWorks does manage to cover their bases (almost all). They may not be completely ethical, and in my opinion very unprofessional once you're involved with them. A rebuttal by an owner or high level management would be welcomed since apparently no phone calls or letters were able to get past the front desk.
If you truly have a case, I advise you to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Http://www.ftc. Gov / who will turn your same complaint over to Consumer Sentinel. I doubt it's worth it, but you can try to report them to the St. George, Utah Better Business Bureau. They do have a file on them. Lastly, for over $5000, civil litigation may be warranted.
Bonnie
Athens, Georgia
U.S.A.
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