Someone called about a home business (have been looking for a while to make money from home). She told me a little about the business and when I hesitated she told me to take a risk. Well, instead of hanging up on her (should have), I paid the startup costs of $200. Some of the things she said were misleading about the business. The only way I can get my money back is have 30 prospects for them to work with after 60 days. I am to advertise the business and if people join, I get paid. My question is-If I advertise w/ business cards, do online advertising, etc. am I misleading the people in any way knowing that when they visit my website or talk to the company there will be some info. left out and if they sign up they may lose money and then find out some things like I did. I wouldn't claim in my ads that you could make thousands or hundreds weekly or anything like that. The business is the professional closers.
2007-03-15 19:14:13 · 7 answers · asked by sherry c 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
Wow, that is very unfortunate that this seemingly great opportunity turned out to be a scam. What you described sounds like a pyramid scheme, which don't work and are illegal. I urge you not to try to get others to join the program. It's the ethical thing to do. I would try to get your money back, and consider contacting the BBB or a lawyer if they don't return your money. Good luck.
2007-03-19 11:38:33 · answer #1 · answered by The ADvisor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sherry,
Does this company you signed up with have any products? (I mean actual products, not the promise of products or some sham jug of something.) There are some legitimate service-based home-based businesses out there, but that's such a fine line.
If it doesn't have a product or service, you may have unwittingly fallen into a pyramid scheme. Or, if the service is just to recruit people into the service...
I too looked into home-based businesses and was fortunate to find one with a 31-year-old track record that was a multi-billion dollar company that has a perfect 5A1 Dun and Bradstreet rating, operations in 39 countries, and that has a powerful company, concept, and products, and that is also in the largest growth market in North America. I wasn't looking for a soaps, lotions, or potions company, I personally wanted something beyond that sort of thing and something that I could be proud to be partnered with and associated with.
With this company, I went through an education process just to learn if the company was right for me. I quickly learned the company was legitimate, it just came down if it was right for me. It was very professional and nobody was breathing down my back. Only after going through an education process did I partner with this company.
So, there are legitimate home businesses out there. I say to do your due diligence and look for people/companies who want to educate you first to make an informed decision rather than pressure you.
As for advertising your business, the fact that you are uncomfortable advertising may be an indication that the business you're in is wrong for you. You'll need to have a strong belief in yourself and your company to succeed, and it sounds like you have reservations. You may actually be with a legitimate company, I'm not sure, but your prospects will sniff out your doubt about the company like a bloodhound. Plus, your reputation is one of the most important things you have.
2007-03-20 12:01:48 · answer #2 · answered by crhockey79 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Online advertising and classifieds result in at least double the comedy vs. more traditional methods, and using traditional methods myself I can testify that I hang up / don't close on 9 out of 10 potentials.
Of further frustration are the smart or cute marketers who call me from the information provided via my paid advertising, but I hang up on them immediately, perhaps the $200 loss helps seal your decision in this matter.
On that note, I don't believe in business cards except they're handy to have for established customers.
Maybe try a small newspaper ad.
2007-03-16 03:25:10 · answer #3 · answered by netthiefx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Answer me a question..... if the person who sold you onto this idea were to call again...would you give them the time of day?
I suspect your answer would be "no". By trying to recoup your initial investment (even while being selective about content) you are compromising your integrity and ethics. You are already hesitant to pull a fast one on others...it doesn't sit well with you ... don't do it... you can scratch this one up to experience.....but if you place the ad you will have compromised on your ethics, values and integrity...that is not easily replaced.
2007-03-23 14:47:09 · answer #4 · answered by eyeneva 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
working at home is a risk. their are more scam companies out their then their are good ones, you need to be careful.
Many of us have felt the wrath of the bad ones, If it truly a good company they will give you the info and give you time to make your decision. If you would like the name a a good company that is backed by the BBB EMAIL ME for the info .
2007-03-19 20:28:54 · answer #5 · answered by Larry M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sure sounds like a scam to me you prolly lost your money and prolly would be giving them 30 more names so they can be the vultures they are, with those names,sorry to say.
Here are the best E-Mails everyone should look at Before entering anything that might seem fishy.
www.snopes.com
www.truthorfiction.com
http://hoaxbusters.cia.org
Hope this might help everyone,,,Mike
2007-03-23 12:29:11 · answer #6 · answered by Mike H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check this site
http://www.ld.net/?armine
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2007-03-21 15:52:42 · answer #7 · answered by armn2ka 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋