Lance Seymour, the owner of a web design company in San Ramon, CA doesn't know the first thing about web design. But he DOES know contracts and he WILL take you to court.
After hearing from a former employee of Meridian Associates that she was being taken to small claims court, a little research was done and it was discovered that he has taken *23* different small businesses to small claims court since 2000 and WON all or most of them.
Why such a high number? Take a look at their website and portfolio and it's easy to see. After first hand experience with this company and after speaking with three former employees (one of which was being sued as well) I found out his formula.
The Pitch:
Lance doesn't know websites, but he knows that other people know even less. Seemingly simple and old-fashioned, he is trusted very easily. He'll come to you.
The Contract:
This is where he gets you. You sign the paperwork and you're in deep. He has you on a 36 month contract to host at $50-150/month, which costs as little as $5/month usually without a contract. You are charged per page, and things like thumbnails, flash and jаvascript (all standard for web design) he charges you more. This is all in the contract you sign, so even if you don't request it, you'll be charged. Oh yeah, he OWNS your website even after he's done.
The Website:
Lance likes to hire beginner designers, or farm out his work. If he finishes your website you'll be greeted with a substandard product at best. His designs are a far cry from the rest of the design world but he KNOWS that you don't know that. If you don't like it, tough, you signed the contract.
The Lawsuit:
According to a former employee, he was once overheard bragging that he knows a judge that is sympathetic to him. He will routinely bring people that refuse to pay to court and sue them but will wait for that particular judge. Upon request I can furnish all of the lawsuits brought on by this company.
Conclusion:
Stay away and tell your friends.
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