Okay, so I am not here to report a way in which Primerica has ripped me off, fortunately I did not make it to that stage. I am just here to voice my encounter with them.
So it all started one day while I was at work. A gentleman strolled in and after doing his business with me started talking about the company that he works for and offered to introduce me to some people and get me an interview. It's not the first time I have been offered another job at work and I am sure it will not be the last. So I took him up on the offer, because I believe that it is always good to see what else is out there. I was told to dress causual for the interview, which to me is a little different from most interviews that I have attended, but everyone has there own way of doing things I guess.
So when I arrived at this "interview" there were a bunch of people gathered around as they had just gotten done with their morning meeting/classes. About 15 minutes later I sat down with the "owner", as well as the gentleman that had recruited me. The "owner" didn't really ask any questions about me, just knew the company that I currently work for and that I am married. He didn't even ask to see my resume, so he had no idea about my previous work experience or the fact that I have two bachelor's degrees.
In fact when that came up later he seemed really surprised - and it only came up as we were filling out the "application" form. This should have put up a red flag right away, but I figured he would ask more about me later so I just dismissed it. So he sat and told me all about how wonderful the company is and all the things he has overcome (standard nonsense used to get people to join any company). Then offered me a position in the group. He didn't offer me a job, he offered to let me join the group.
I decided to accept, and let him fill the form out for me, which I am not sure is entirely legal in itself. He told me the $199 I was paying would cover the cost of my licensing, which I should be able to complete in about 6 weeks. I decided that was okay, and gave my credit card number. This is another thing that should have put a red flag up, why should I pay money up front??? Shouldn't I pay this when I am going to test for my license or when I receive it?
On the drive home I thought about everything and eventually it hit me. He wanted me to give him names of people that he could sit down and talk with... I'm new to the area so I don't know many people, so how was I supposed to start my business if I let him talk to all of the people that I know? So really he's only using me to get more "clients" for himself. I also decided that I just don't have the time to do something like this. I already work 50 hours a week, so there is little time to do other things, and I definatly need my free time to spend with my family.
When I got home I did a search for Primerica, to see what I could find out about the company, asside from what he told me. I came across this site, and the things that I read made sense, especially after browsing my recruiting handbook. The people that I met that day, no offense, are not people that I would trust to do anything with my money! Let alone the fact that the "owner" pretty much told me that we just have people fill out paperwork and then send it to another office where they do all of the financial work... So how can you call yourselves anything more than glorified paper pushers.
You aren't the ones helping people get out of debt, you're the ones helping them fill out forms so another company can fix their financial situation. The next morning I called the "owner" to let him know that I wanted out. He continued to try to talk me into staying, which is what any good business professional does. He told me that he knows I could do this and that I have enough time to do it.
HELLO I work 50 hours a week! He already knows that I would miss at least half of the "meetings" due to my unchanging work schedule. He just didn't seem to care about my situation, just his keeping another "group member" aboard so he could make more money. After not backing down I convinced him I was out, and he said that he would get rid of my "application". Now I am just waiting to see if my credit card still gets charged and how many phone calls I am going to receive about staying part of the group.
My only advice to those out there is to take a really good look at a company before you get involved with them. Ask lots of questions and be skepticle when things seem odd or out of place. I'm just glad I realized all of this before they took my $199! This company isn't for me, or most educated people, but for some of you out there I suppose this may be just what you're looking for.
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