Warning potential "Honorees." Once Biltmore has your money (and I can't believe I actually bought into this), don't expect anything more than some paperwork and a lot of lip service.
After accepting their "invitation" and paying nearly $900 for a lifetime membership, it wasn't until 10 months later that I even remembered that I'd joined this society. That's because I never received anything from them except a piece of paper that was run through a laser printer, stating my name that I was "recognized as a member of business executives." That and a sketchy and incorrect listing on their website. I have now attempted to upload a photo on that site three times, with no luck.
When I contacted their Customer Service by email, I received a reply from someone named Sandra C. At first she seemed concerned and even a bit sympathetic, but continued to question why I didn't contact them sooner.in the email, I explained that my job has me out of the country for the better part of the year, and that frankly, I'd forgotten that I'd joined, because there was no solid evidence or materials sent from Biltmore, that I was a "member."
She suggested I phone her, which I did. Boy what a mistake. She took an immediate confrontational approach with me, stating that "it's not Biltmore's fault" that I work out the country, that I should have called them sooner. My question is - with a "lifetime membership" is there an expiration date on Customer Service? I tried several times to explain that I'd never received certain "premium membership" items, but Ms. C wouldn't listen. She continually cut me off, was extremely rude, and basically was calling me a liar without actually using that word.
I told her that I wanted a refund, as to date, I had gotten nothing to justify the $800 dollar I'd spent. She became even more rude, and I decided that this was going nowhere fast. I asked to be put through to her Supervisor. Well, Sandra C. Didn't like this at all, and became even more rude.
When I asked her if this is the way their "Customer Service" department treated customers who paid a great deal of money for a whole lot of nothing, Ms. C became even more rude - if that was possible. It actually took me repeating "I want to speak to your Supervisor" about 10 times, until she finally tranferred my call, which, BIG SURPRISE, went to someone's voice mail.
Ms. C couldn't let it go, though, before she transferred me, she threatened that she would be the one doing the research on my claim, and basically let it be known that I'd upset the wrong person. Truly, I believe Ms. C will taint whatever facts she may or may not research, because she was quite angry that I dare to question her or the firm she works for.
STEER CLEAR OF THIS COMPANY - I am hoping to hear from someone in the coming week, but I would not be surprised if they ignore me. I will not relent, but want to warn other consumers out there to NOT fall for the flowery picture they paint when pitching the premium networking benefits, which I never received. And when I asked for them, I became a big problem to them.
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