Your Better Business Bureau is warning Alaska consumers to be cautious concerning StoresOnline, Inc. who is planning conferences in the area and has troubled consumers in the past.
Orem, Utah based StoresOnline, Inc. has BBB's lowest rating, an F, for the number of complaints filed against the business and government actions against the business. Consumers filed 707 complaints with your BBB in the past 36 months.
In 2008 alone, government actions were taken against this business in five different states. The most recent government action BBB is aware of occurred on March 16, 2009, when the California Attorney General's Office announced an agreement with StoresOnline in response to allegations that the company falsely promised consumers that they could get rich by selling merchandise over the internet.
Currently, Alaska consumers are receiving "free" tickets in the mail for the following StoresOnline, Inc. conferences:
- Thursday, June 25 at Kenai Merit Inn in Kenai.
- Friday, June 26 at Hilton Anchorage in Anchorage.
- Saturday, June 27 at William A. Egan Center in Anchorage.
StoresOnline, Inc. often advertises their conferences as free. The company markets "e-services" to those intending to do business on the Internet. Consumers normally receive an invitation for the conference in the mail offering a free meal and gift. Following the conference, attendees are often urged to sign up for a one-day workshop which requires a fee. According to BBB's Reliability Report, this company has received complaints concerning information provided at workshops, the refund policy, customer service, and optional coaching services provided by a separate company.
Advice for Consumers:
Consumers who plan to attend any free seminars or workshops should be aware that promoters often use high-pressure sales pitches that require consumers to buy now or risk missing the opportunity. Consumers sometimes have to pay high costs for information that is often available elsewhere for little or no money. Individuals interested in home-based or internet businesses need to consider all aspects and costs of starting and operating a business.
Red flags that may signal a questionable seminar promoter:
- The offer is advertised as being time sensitive.
- The promoters hype the program but provide little detail.
- The representatives are reluctant to answer questions and give evasive answers.
- Local business people or experts are not endorsing the program.
- Little time is given to read a lengthy contract.
- Promoters will not provide the number of people participating in the program who have achieved the program's claims and are unwilling to provide earning claims in writing.
- Promoters claim laws regulating the sales of business opportunities don't apply to them.
Under the Federal Trade Commission Cooling-Off Rule, consumers who spend more than $25 and regret making a purchase can get a full refund, if they made the purchase from a location the seller was renting on a temporary or short-term basis (such as a hotel), and they make the request in writing within 3 days of the sale. For details visit www.ftc.gov.
Taking the time to research a company prior to making a purchase can help consumers avoid becoming a victim of a scam. Get a company's BBB Reliability Report at www.bbb.org. Most legitimate seminar businesses are willing to provide descriptions of their programs before a purchase is made. Read all contracts carefully before signing anything and get all promises or claims in writing. Make sure you understand any cancellation policies or guarantees before making a purchase.
About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
Your Better Business Bureau is a not-for-profit organization funded by Better Business Bureau Accredited Businesses. The BBB’s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information about the services and products provided by your BBB, call 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon, 907-562-0704 in Alaska, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.