This is a ripoff outfit as they took my money and to date (8/23/04, from 6/22/04) I never got the software or anything at all from regular mail as they promised. They even charged me $14.95 shipping. I did download the software from the Internet but because they never gave me an unlock code I could never try it out. The download was like 2 seconds, how sophisticated can the program be? Most of it was probably the table of address ranges.
Second complaint is that there are approximately 20 others who have gotten the software and are testifying that no one has made dime number one with it. No one has gotten responses from this pop-up add software and we were promised the potential of thousands of responses.
Thirdly, this technology is outlawed: see webpage http://www.ftc. Gov/opa/08/dsquared.htm entitled: "Pop-up Ad Spammers Settle FTC Charges.
Some details:
I was called by VBO on 6/22 and thought this offer was in response to an IM (instant message) I received when in AOL that asked if we were interested in learning to become computer consultants in some business and what our background was. I was interested because I had a background in Information Technology and responded. This IM had no mention of broadcasting adds over the Internet but I assumed that that's how they got my info.
I first talked to their front-line telemarketers Debbie McManus who later referred me to a Larry J Floyd who stated such promises as follows:
. There were 285 business owners and there were only 2 more openings left to become a business owner (that's a lie as there are 20 of us individuals who have been sold this software and are disputing its validiy that I know about).
. There were no other costs other than the initial $3500 and upgrades and prewritten adds would come via email.
. One could make on the average $500 to $600 a week.
. The IM's cannot be blocked by ISP's, s because their software was programmed to go around the blocks.
. This was not SPAM because that deals with email, therefore this was legal. (this technology is outlawed: see webpage http://www.ftc. Gov/opa/08/dsquared.htm entitled "Pop-up Ad Spammers Settle FTC Charges")
. They were in a preproduction phase of a nation wide infomercial for a client.
. There were written testimonials (which I never saw).
. Etc.
After they explained what this was about they launched their main attack dog who used high pressure sales to wet my whistle even further by stating similar claims as above. His name was Peter Rushford.
Peter also added:
. There would be a very high response rate.
. That when asked for a reference he said something to effect: "well I'm talking to you so the adds must work".
. That this marketing technique was not a concept, or a theory but a CERTAINTY that if you put forth the proper effort I am going to get responses. (as I type this I can hear his voice and expression like someone selling elixirs off the back of a wagon during the old west).
. Support staff available to get it going (he claimed that there were 7 or 8 technical support staff but after other calls to VBO to ask questions, one gentleman said there was only 1 or 2 and that everyone helped in tech. Support. I never forget that the gentleman's name was Norman who said he was a customer support rep. He seemed to know the business well and answered my questions. Later I found out the top executive who is the CEO or some similar title is named Norman Sanchez. That's right, I believe it was he who told me he was a customer rep. LOL...
O.K. Here's his deal:
. Cost: $3500 for the software and support. After stating to Peter Rushford that I could not afford it he dropped it down to $1750 and then after more haggling on my part he dropped down to what he said the software cost him which was $795. Plus $14.95 shipping it cost me $809.95. But, I never got a thing in the mail!!! So, what shipping???
The second condition that he said was not contractible and he would leave it up to my conscience was that if I were to make $6000 in 90 days that I would send him the difference between $3500 and $795.
I have also talked to a Mike Phillips who seems to be pretty high up. He says he is in sales and claims to know nothing about the technical aspects of this software but was pleased to process my order and take my money too.
Bottom line: do not buy this software or have any dealings with vbo because you will not make any money. Reports have already been filed with the ftc and bbb at orlando. BBB.org
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