SMC really took me for a lot. I went into the business believing it was on the up and up as it was sponsored by a highly recognized Actor. Without hestiation I purchased their web-Site Gift Card Redemtion Center. Which includes $10, $25 and $50.00 gift cards to customers to get them started on the Web-Site. They drag out the process of getting you started; at least until that wonder number 30 days is up. While it took approximately a month to realize that this job was way to difficult to do, took more time than the hour a day which the representative and I talked about.
The advertisement say you will be able to start your business right away; everything they tell you is basically a lie. It wasn't exactly a win win situation as I was told and quite frankly what I've seen is they are the only ones who win. Some may say you have to give it time, It wasn't as though I didn't want to give it more time, but really after awhile all you need to do is the math. I even told the rep, I'm not a good sales person; not a problem, that's why we're here to help when you need help.
My first customer purchased an item for $153.49 including tax handling and shipping. Paypal gets a fair amount; $10.00 off for the Gift Card and $25.00 given to the customer for a purchase of $100.00 or over; Upon ordering the shipment, SMC takes their cut of $63.50; leaving me with $44.00. That is definitely not 300% profit. When my customer received her item it was broken. Rather than go through the trouble of sending it back, she glued it back together.in the end how this happened I have no idea but I ended up spending $11,000.00. Actually I do know; They assured me that by purchasing the Gift Card Redemption Center along with certain packages; it would get you off to a great start and that would be the best thing for the business.investing and working hard is the best way to make it work.
The reason I got into the business was because in about 7 years I wanted to retire. Life has taken it's tow on me, due to my disablity which is post polio syndrome causing chronic fatigue, bone deteriation and nerological problems; I had polio when I was one and lost my leg through a series of experimental surgeries; Due to the scholiosis and hip problems I have been unable to wear a leg so I walk with crutches; I also have ostoperosis and have to take shots everyday which I was told will help maintain and help with bone deterioration which is exciting to me. But I did not want to have to rely on the small amount of money social security will provide. However; when my new business escalated into a business that took more energy than my day job and more money than I could afford; I found that it was far too much than I could handle and I am not a quiter by no means. I explained all this to the SMC people and all they could say was I made an agreement and was over my 30 day period and couldn't back out. I could quit but I could not get any of my money back. Which is a scam and just legal robbery because I didn't have anything that was worth $11,000.00. One of the representatives messed with me and said she would send shipping labels for the 22 unopened cartons I have in my living room but she needed the tracking numbers on each box; I told her that would entail me lifting up the heavy boxes and that it would take me a while. She said she would wait. I wrote each tracking number down and when I got back to the phone she said no not the tracking numbers, I just need the invoice number. That was a crock because she had the invoice number right there in front of her; in her computer.
The next day I telphone and asked a different rep the status of my labels and she said; there were no labels shipped to you. It states here that you talked about it but no we don't pay for anything to be shipped back. I have just been sick about this whole thing. I cannot believe that people can be so ugly. After leaving a voice message for my personal coach who is suspose to be there for you when you need help, she did not respond.
After a week, I finally made an appointment with the receptionist for her to call me. She was suppose to call by 5:30 P.M. The next day and by 5:45 when she didn't call I telephoned the receptionist. She put me on hold for about 5 minutes and upon her return I was told my coach was finishing up with her last customer (which I thought; that's what am) and she said my coach will call me back in 5 minutes. I did not hear from her for another 45 minutes. The agreement that they made with me was not kept; yet they somehow got hung up on the agreement I made. I spent $11,000 on this business and all I have to show for it is 2000 catalogues and thousands of useless gift cards and merchandise that breaks if you look at it too hard. It is difficult to speak to these people because they are fast talkers and being that they are big buisness they know all the legal mumble jumble that goes with it and will make you feel lower than an ant. But at that I could say that through it all, we clients, are like ants who do all the work and give the goods to the queen. I sent emails to them; when it started taking every minute of my time and asked for there help and did not hear anything. I telephone SMC and spoke with A representative who spoke with his supervisor and thus told me that they would get every cent back for me. They also said, that it would take awhile. Again they were messing with me because noone ever got back with me.
I reported them to the BBB and of course they declined to pay back any of the money they legally stole from me and in sending my rebuttal to BBB letting them know that somehow or other while in my Web site I stumbled onto another Web-site within mine which was Bill's Girl and they told the BBB in there answer that I was confused.in speaking with another person at SMC who was very sweet and seemed helpful; said she would have my phone conversations pulled to see if there was a way to help me. I told her that I did not think that I out right said in those conversations that I wanted to cancel but the frustation was there in my voice.
Unfortunately they said the conversations did not have any evidence of me wanting to cancel before the 30 days. Of course although I started on March 17, I did not actually have the WEB-SITE up and running until March 31. Meaning I had to get a name established and nothing could really be accomplished in that time span. I also really wanted to make a go of it but they were not helpful; when you call you get past around from one person to another and each one of them tries to sell you something. I did try to cancel my membership on March 16; however that was too late because I did it by email and not by regular mail from what I'm told. The response of some were helpful but only to pacify you while the clock ticked. Some were outrageous because they've been through this before and know they can get away with it and it gives them a little power trip to be able to manipulate people and take their hard earned money. I had $3000.00 left in my gift card redemption web-site which I couldn't take as cash so I purchased that much stuff and after I get it will close down the web-site and try to get things back to normal. I received the merchandise and sent numberous emails for them to shut down my web-site but it's still there. I don't know what they're going to pull next; but I am writing this report so others will not get involved in anything like this especially SMC they have no heart. Personally I think most of them are just greedy and will take everything from you. Thanks you for letting me tell my story. Have a great day.
Liz
Fort Worth, Texas
U.S.A.
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