I joined SMC 3 years ago. On the first year I did not have any problems; I was able to do my business. During the second year I called to make my annual renewal and SMC offered me a LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP. I was so excited that I was only going to pay the full life-membership and then I didn't have to worry about paying another cent. That was in 2007 that I paid the LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP in full. They send me invoices and did not charge for 2008 MEMBERSHIP (to my understanding from so call Customer Service) the total amount of 2006 and 2007 was $314.95. I paid $175.00 for LIFETIME membership and got some packs of pamphlets. Then 2008 pass and did not get charge for annual membership. Now that it is 2009 SMC is charging me $49.95 for annual membership. I called SMC and had a conversation with an employee by the name of Emerson (agent ID 474) and he explained me why I am being charge if I have LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP because I did not understand. (I worked in customer service for 3 years in a good respectable company) Then Emerson chuckled at me like you don't know what is going on. (On customer service you NEVER EVER laugh at a customer.) He tried to explain that I still need to pay for annual membership if you still want to be in SMC. Then I said does that defeat the purpose of having LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP if you are still paying for membership dues. Emerson referred me to the standard membership rules. I said ok then, is there rules for people who have LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP and if so can I get them in e-mail. He still referred me to the SMC standard rules on their site. I requested a supervisor and still refuse to transfer to a supervisor. I just want my money back or use up the money that I suppose it was LIFETIME MEBERSHIP for my annual membership. Either way they still owe me money. On the standard rules of SMC said that in verbatim: 3: Renewal Fees. You must timely pay an annual renewal fee (which is currently $49.95) to keep your membership active and to be eligible to receive updated catalogs, price lists and other information available to SMC members. SMC may change prices or institute new fees at any time. The renewal fee will be automatically charged on the 19th day of your anniversary month, or the next business day thereafter, to the credit card or bank account you have provided us, unless you inactivate or cancel your membership WITHIN 30 DAYS in accordance with Section 4 below. So if anyone who are being charge month fee are being overcharge. That means that you can still be in SMC if you only pay $49.95 yearly. I want to know if there is anyone out there who was con about LIFETIME MEBERSHIP and tell your story here. Business definition of LIFETIME MEBERSHIP is that you paid your membership of LIFE of the Business.
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