I was a manager within this company and I have much inside info for all to be aware of.
If you don't want to read everything I have to say, I at the very least implore you to avoid this company completely. Even if you think you can follow their "rules" and can protect yourself from getting scammed, the chances are very high that they will get you one way or another!
OK, so your taken in by the very convincing commercials (radio, TV, magazines, etc.) and wish to place an order for a "free sample"...
1. Be aware that this is not a limited time offer, this is how they initially get you to bite. This is a popular marketing/advertising scheme.
2. You have to pay for shipping/handling/processing by CREDIT CARD ONLY. This is so that they can charge your card again later (most likely without your knowledge).
3. You are automatically enrolled in Managed Care. This is the big one! If you order by phone they may not even let you know of this or will make it sound like you will be in control of the program. If you order via their web sites you will have to hunt to find the policy. It's tehrem but it's not made obvious upon ordering. The way it works is that they will automatically send you a 60 day supply at "discounted rates" (you get 2 months for what they would charge for a 1-month supply, normally arounf $69.95). Of course this is charged to your credit crad without any notice to you.
4. They will do this every 2 months unless you cancel. If you don't receive the shipment (mailing address error, quite commonly... Isn't that convenient) and you don't carefully read you credit card statement, this could go on forever at your expense!
5. They used to send out this 60 day supply "conveniently for you" so that you would get the supply before your origianl free-sample supply ran out. So this meant processing your "order" 20 days after your original free-sample order, and of course charge you card. This repeated every 45-50 days (2 month supply remember).
6. Now the info I've gathered is that they apply Managed Care 10 days after your original order and every 45 days there after.
7. The compnay name changes often to avoid a long history and bad track record, however they are not that bright and it is easy to follow the paper trail. Warner Health Care, Lifekey Inc, Wagner Nutraceuticals, now Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals. Oh, they can explain the changes, from each compnay focussing on a particular brand name to convergence of the off-shoot companys into one Mother-of-all ripoff companys.
8. With the name changes come physical location moves, again making it more difficult for the avergare customer to track. Of course there is absolutrly no notification to the customer of these changes takeing place.
9. They also change phone numbers with the name changes and moves, disconnect th eold ones with no forwarding info or notice to the customer. They're so mixed up that at times when you ask for product literature, they will send pamphlets with old company names, old phone numbers, old pricing, old guarantee info (more on this in a minute), etc.
10. The gurantee - it's never meant to be honored! Originally the out was the statement of Satisfaction Guaranteed with the small print saying no refund on shipped product (remeber they ship stuff to you without your knowledge). Now it's the 12-month challenge or 12-month guarantee where the plan is to change the offer over the 12 months making it so confusing and difficult to follow their "rules" that you'll either give up on trying or you wont be able to satify the small-print requirements. Warning - don't accept or sign any follow-up offer - it negates th guarantee! Anyhow - the only chance you have of getting any refund is through a BBB, FTC, or State Attorney General complaint which they may respond to with a refund if they feel like, They have an attitude that they are one level above all of these organizations.
11. The owner, Steve Warshak, is a very good business man who runs everything on the bordrline of being legal, however enrything is unethical. This is how he makes his money and continus to be in business. But this will catch up to him eventually.
12. The best phone numbers to try is the sales number in the ads for which ever product you got screwed on. Any other contact phone nu, ber will result in LONG hold times. But the problem is the sales department can not handle any questions or concerns post sale (again isn't this convenient) and will direct you to call another number, even though the department is in the next office in the same building on the same phone system.
13. Pamela Butler is the newest Customer Service Manager. Jim Teegarden is an Operatiosn VP. Greg and Sue Cossman are VP's as well (Sue is Steve Warshak's sister). Chip Clarke is the marketing VP.
14. The products themselves are herbal natural formulas, not regulated by anyone. The best true scientific studies show that these products are successful to the same extent as placebos and have worked well for few, but this group is a tiny minority. The overwelming majority see no benefit from using the product.
Research more via the BBB and Ohio State Attorney Generals office.
I joined this company with the anticipation of making changes in policies and making things more legitamate and honest for customers. After only a VERY short time I realized this was never going to happen. (as an aside... All employees are being used by the compnay. Yes they offer a paycheck, but working condiitons are terrible).
Well, I probably will add more later when I realize I forgot to say something. I hope this info helps.
John
Cincinnati, Ohio
U.S.A.
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