First off, I would like to admit I was stupid for the 5 weeks I worked at A1 Imports. (This is coming from someone who had a 4.0 GPA) I put my health and financial future in jeopardy for those few weeks. When I first started I was in somewhat good shape, had a car that was in great condition, and some money in savings. At the end of my time with them, I was diagnosed with severe dehydration. My car also had 4,000 extra miles on it.in addition, not to mention I was severely in debt. I couldn't afford to put gas in my car, my car insurance could not be paid, same goes for my car payment and cell phone... Anyway, I admit I was stupid.
I got a call from Jackie at A1 about 2 hours after I posted my resume on Careerbuilder.com. I thought it was kind of strange, but I agreed to go in for an interview.
The interview probably lasted about 10 minutes. I was scheduled for a second interview. I thought it was crazy to have an interview all day. Again, I admit I was stupid!
At the 'Day of O' I walked into the office. There were about 10 other people crammed into this tiny office, I started to wonder what time of "Customer Service" they did. I was set up with a leader, and we headed out in his disgusting car. (I'm talking trash everywhere) Anyway, we went to the territory and he started to do his thing.
What really got to me was the lie that you can make a six-figure income in as little as 8 weeks. If its too good to be true, it probably isn't.
Anyway, I got back to the office at the end of the day and had to wait about 15 minutes. Finally, Justin calls me into his office, and says, "I guess you did well today, I'd like to offer you the job." He shook my hand and hustled me out of the office.
Even though I had plans for the next day, I showed up promptly at 7:30. They lead me into "atmosphere" where you could hardly think due to the obnoxious rap music being played.
I had to go purchase clothes, because even though we walked through the ghetto of Phila, Baltimore and DC we were required to dress professionally. There were days I walked through garbage on the streets.
Anyway, I was okay in the field. I had a conscience and didn't like lying to people to sell junk! But I realized if you don't sell you don't make money. (There were days I went home with under $20) I made under $1200 in the time I was with A1, that averages to be $240 a week!
Most of the money I did make went to gas. This was over the summer when gas prices hit over $3.00/gal. Most of the days I drove my car since 50% of the employees didnt drive. There was one week that everyday I drove. (Baltimore 4 days and Lancaster 1) I could hardly afford enough gas to get me home in the evenings.
Anyway, the only reason I believe I stay was some of the friendships built. There was one person in particular whom I could confide in. We were both in the same situation, financially.
I think of it as a learning experience. Definitely something I would never do again, but hey maybe I just got "negged" out.
On a positive ending: I love my new "desk" "9-5" job with benefits and I now make more money in an hour than I did all day at A1
*A Note*
On one of the previous post Jackie (the receptionist) made a rebuttal. She claims to work closely with Justin, the owner. That much is true considering they're sleeping/living together.
Justin, the owner, is a pervert for anything walking. He would hit on just about any girl in the building and made some very rude comments about employees. Not to mention he "Only likes to hire good looking girls"
The products, are crap. Everything from cameras that "hold 300 pictures" (They do not, they only hold about 10) to 512 mb MP3 players that are supposed to hold thousands of songs. (Which hold about 20) I have a 30 gig iPod, that holds thousands of songs. They claim they work with Liz Claiborne this is untrue. Most of the items they claim are from Big name groups are actually produced by Innovage, Inc. (Stay far away from anything with the Innovage name)
Stay away from A1 Imports and any other company that has a job listing as follows:
Public Relations Leader Seeks ENTRY LEVEL Candidates
About us:
We assist large companies in the Consumer Products and Sports industries with high end marketing promotions. We are looking to fill key job openings throughout both industries at various levels with training starting at entry-level.
With NO EXPERIENCE NECCESARY we are looking to fill positions in the following areas ASAP:
Public Relations
Warehouse / Inventory Control
Promotional Sales
Product Marketing
Client Management
Candidates will work directly with the managers while training in various marketing aspects used by top marketing firms across the NATION. This is a once in a lifetime chance to break into the hottest area of Marketing while developing skills necessary to manage a branch office.
If you are interested in Management, Marketing, Public Relations, and working in the highly competitive Marketing Industry, this is the job for you!
Requirements
all positions are entry-level so candidates must be willing to be cross-trained in all departments
Candidates Must work well under pressure in a extremely fast paced environment
Possess Excellent Customer Service Skills
Self Motivation A Must
Candidates Must Possess Excellent Communication, Organizational and Interpersonal Skills
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