Being a Disabled Veteran, I have circumstances that leave me to being self employed as the means to support my family. I responded to an ad in Small Business Opportunities magazine in reference to reconditioning batteries. The ad was put in by Protec/Battery Doctor, Inc. I was required to fill out prequalifying application reference financial status.
I was qualified and had to cash in my long term disability (Symetra) in order to purchase program, and get to work. Upon sending Protec/Battery Doctors $13,690 I received via shipping company some manuals (outdated) and some container of solution, and they stated I was ready to get started at making money.
I read the information, did some research via the web, along with contacting local places for used batteries (nothing was as stated in manual) Batteries were not free (cost $3,50-$7.50) and easy to find (not at all). I called the salesman Arnold Perez explaining to him this was nothing like I was explained about over the phone, and I was going to return all products and wanted full refund. He said that I didn't give it a chance and that I should first go to a training facility in PA (RM Battery Doctors of NEPA) phone #570-441-9184 Owner Jeff Machamer.
Since my investment was $13,690 and Arnold stated there was a no refund policy, I spent an additional $1,000 paid to RM Battery Doctors for training of myself and wife, and travel expenses from WI to PA, on top of the training fees. This trip reaffirmed my previous findings as RM Battery Doctors first puts all batteries on charges prior to using any solutions to recondition, and he had to purchase all his batteries for a fee not free.
Did immediately contact Salesman Perez upon returning to Wisconsin demanding the ability to return all products for full refund, he gave me the corporate office number where I spoke with the Protec International secretary, and was later transferred to Marc Keith, the President, I explained my findings/concerns and demanded the ability for returning the products and getting full refund, which he denied.
I being self employed prior and with all moneys invested did attempt to make this so called business opportunity work.initial application in January trained in May attempted to work business starting in July with no success of refund of initial $13,690. Had to invest additional funds for EPA commercial paint booth, transporting trailer for batteries, advertising, paints, cleaners, and resale/merchandising equipment totally over additional $20,000. Attempted to operated so called business until March with continuous complaints and concerns go to the corporate level, where in March I had to just dissolve the company as was conitunously verifying that the product was not legitamate.
I have placed numerous calls to corporate, filed complaints with the BBB of California, Consumer affairs.com, Dept. Of Ag, Trade & Consumer Protection-WI, Dept of Consumer Affairs-CA, and now this one. I have spoke to many other individuals that were ripped off by this same company with the same complaints/concerns as mine.
Mike
sparta, Wisconsin
U.S.A.
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