To: Phonenix, AZ
Houston, TX
Dallas, TX
Bellevue/Seattle, WA
Vancouver B.C., Canada
San Francisco, CA
Santa Clara, CA
Minneapolis, MN
Watch out! There is a business in town called Events and Adventures. Youve heard them on the radio as the Best Single Way to have Fun! Im in Bellevue, WA, and heard that little jingle, too.
Im single, and have met people in lots of different ways. Ive met people through mutual friends, a networking group called the Network of Indian Professionals, and a little of the online dating. I decided I needed to put myself out of my comfort zone a little, so called this company after I heard their ad on the radio. It seemed harmless. The different kinds of events that they had listed on their website, and the idea of meeting people through a common activity appealed to me. The idea sounded good.
However, there is a lot of fine print. And, it is expensive. Here are the most important pieces of that fine print:
Membership options.
1 year $1800 $30 a month
2 year I think it was an extra $1000 or so
Lifetime in the neighborhood of $3500 or so
You cant go to an event without signing up for a membership. And those were the only membership options presented to me.
Contract
Membership is a contract. Actually, a BINDING CONTRACT. Once you sign, you are held to what is in the contract: If you attend an event, you CANT CANCEL. For me, this meant I was out the $1079 I paid at the membership meeting.
AS LONG AS YOU DONT GO TO AN EVENT, you can cancel via the following:
First 24 hours, full refund
3 days (Im guessing 72 hours). Cancellation request has to be via CERTIFIED MAIL, and you get all but $400, which is the fee for the salespersons time
After 3 days nada, zilch. A LOT OF FRUSTRATION if you even ask to cancel. I think their Minneapolis office is the only office that gives you more time, because of state rules. But, I had signed up in the Bellevue, WA office. So I got the big dose of frustration.
Of course, none of these details were explained before I signed. Actually, in the membership meeting apparently I hadnt signed the contract after I filled out the form, so the saleslady brought the form back in, and told me I forgot to initial in one spot. I initialed, and asked what that was for. She said it was just agreeing to pay $400 if I cancel within 3 days. NO MENTION OF NOT BEING ABLE TO CANCEL AT ALL IF YOU GO TO AN EVENT!
Some more fine print, a lot of the events have additional fees. Both of the events I went to had extra fees. Line dancing was an extra $15, and the theatre sports improv was an extra $7. After the first event, I had my doubts. But, there were only about 7 people there, so I thought if I called to cancel, Events and Adventures would probably suggest I try another event. So, before I requested a cancellation, I went to a comedy improv event which had about 20 people. It was a mixed crew of people: men, women, older, younger. And, the Events coordinator from Events and Adventures was there to host the event. All in all, very creepy. I couldnt help thinking I was in a room full of people that, just like me, had been sold a picture in their mind of what the club was like. The following day, I called to ask about cancellation.
I am actually amazed by the complete and utter lack of customer service I received. Especially since their membership is so expensive. As soon as I mentioned cancellation, I have received nothing but pushback. I have been told that I signed a BINDING CONTRACT. I said I didnt know all the details of the contract, but I did wish to cancel. NO HELP WHATSOEVER.in fact, I think they were just trying to frustrate me enough by forwarding me around and not returning my calls, so I would go away.
I have spoken to about 15 different people from the company: the person answering the phone, the saleslady that sold me the membership, the director of sales, the promoter, the events director, the customer service manager, and the company controller, to name a few. I have asked to speak to the owner of Events and Adventures, a Mr. Mark Owen, but he doesnt work out of their office. On one occasion, I was told by the director of sales that Mr. Mark Owen, their owner, would be giving me a call, but he did not.
But, the way I saw it, I paid them $1079 (half of a one year membership plus monthly fees) for a membership that I went to 2 events on. Their option was to go to another event, or go away. I said I didnt wish to go to any more events. My membership is frozen, and they felt entitled to keep my $1079 because they got me to sign their BINDING CONTRACT, the details of which they failed to explain to me.
I have reviewed my experience with them on yelp.com. I have also submitted complaints to the Better Business Bureau, and the Washington State Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division.
They are coming after me for what they are calling a remaining balance of $824 plus damages via their lawyer, a Mr. James M. Owen Jr. Of Lawrence & Versnel PLLC. Now, Im not a businessman, but considering I was willing to meet them halfway, wouldnt that make more sense? Instead, Mr. Mark Owen, Owner of Events and Adventures is having his lawyer, a Mr. James M. Owen, Jr. Of Lawrence & Versnel PLLC, write me letters.
Well, Ive been had, scammed, ripped off anyway you want to put it. Please let me know if youd like any more information about my experience. It didnt end here, but Im just trying to convey the basics!
The only thing that has kept me positive over the last few months has been my job, exercise, my family, and my awesome lawyer, Mr. Ketu Shah of Ketu Shah Law.
Be careful! $1800 for one year membership! Binding contract to join events and adventures!
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