I was contacted by a recruiter from TMG regarding a Merchant Solutions Consultant position. It was explained to me that I would call upon pre-set appointments - businesses that were interested in credit card equipment/services and other merchant services.
After a brief conversation on the phone, I was sent paperwork to fill out and return. I did, and the next day I was offered the position. I was told that training would be held online all day this past Monday, and it was.in one day, they covered equipment, services, and costs. They also reiterated that all appointment would be pre-set, and that the merchant would be wanting to meet with us. The actual presentation was gone over once, with a one time role-play; hardly enough to prepare a person to be ready for the field. However, being a past Sales Manager, Sales Trainer, and Sales Representative with several years of experience, I believed that I could work my way through a few appointments until I was comfortable. Soon after the online training completed, the Sales Manager/Team Leader called, and asked that I not pitch the actual sale on the first few appointments, and to let him until I was better prepared. That actually made sense to me.
Well today I ran my first appointment. You are required to call in every morning between 9:00am and 9:30am to receive your first appointment. Failure to call in between that time every day disqualifies you for leads that day, and most likely the following business day as well. I called in at 9:00am sharp, and was placed on hold for at least five minutes before I the call was disconnected. I called back, and the same thing happened. The third time I was successful; however, my assigned Sales Manager/Team Leader wasn't there, and someone else gave me my appointment. I confirmed the information that was given to me, and asked if the merchant was expecting me. I was told yes, and at 10:00am.
When I arrived, lo and behold, the merchant had NO idea who Summit Merchant Solutions was, nor did they have any idea of an appointment.
Also required is to call from the merchant's office, and speak from a script informing the Sales Manager/Team Leader of what the merchant has and has not, so when they speak to the merchant they know what to offer. When I called from the merchant's location, again I was placed on hold for several minutes, disconnected, and had to call back two additional times before I finally gave up. The merchant was very patient, but had an appointment and had to leave. I then tried to call from my car, and again was placed on hold several times, never speaking to my Sales Manager/Team Leader. The person I spoke to offered to help, but at this point I had had enough, and wanted my Sales Manager/Team Leader to call me back.
Bottom line: this is a poorly run organization. I cannot believe I allowed myself to believe that this could be a legitimate operation, but being unemployed I guess I simply suspended my disbelief. I've never heard of being hired without an interview - that should have been my first red flag/warning.
The "training" is incomplete to say the least. They will tell you that you will no more than any merchant once you complete the training, but to be truly prepared to discuss a merchant's needs, a so-called "Merchant Solutions Consultant" should be given more training so they can truly provide a value-add service.
And most important of all - do NOT believe that your appointments will be pre-set. Yes, I only went on one appointment, but that is all it took to let me know that it was all a lie. The so-called call center is in or near Dallas, TX (I think Richardson), so everything they say is based on CST or CDT (Central Time).
Please do not allow yourself to be duped by this organization. I know times are tough especially if you are unemployed and looking for a job. They will promise you incredible commission opportunities, and perhaps if you get in front of someone that actually wants to talk about Merchant Solutions you may be able to sell something.in conclusion, unless you are very patient and have acceptable low expectations about what your employer guarantees and/or offers, then stay away from Summit Merchant Solutions, Certified Payment Processing, and/or TMG.
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