This post is not about reaching for the stars, or climbing every mountain or fording any streams. The title refers to a phrase frequently used in old Westerns – during a bank robbery.
Reach!
Recently I signed up for a well known marketer’s course. This course had a 30 day money back guarantee. When I received access, I was able to review the contents and within the 30 day trial period to request a refund. I got my refund. Yeah!
A few days later, after canceling my order, my bank alerted me through text message that my checking account had gone below a set balance. My phone is calling to tell me that I’m close to broke! I called my bank and they pointed out that I had been also been charged for the same amount 30 days prior.
To make a long story short, it seems that during the ordering process, I opted in to another free 30 day trial. What I didn’t know was that the cancellation of one did not cancel the other. So, I immediately wrote to the merchant and was advised to re-read the sales copy. The link at the bottom of the page leaves the impression that if you don’t click you are passing up of a free offer.
I am not naming names in this post because I am still negotiating a settlement with this merchant and it is not my intention to bash un-said merchant.
So what is my purpose?
As a customer, the situation I just described left me with a bad feeling – like I had been taken. I doubt I would go back to this merchant again regardless of the outcome. I know that many of my fellow MWA students are looking at or have already created continuity or membership sites.
It is my hope that those undertaking this line of business will strive to be as transparent as possible in dealing with their customers.
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Hi Julie. You hit the nail right on the head. In the training Alex talked about this very same thing. If you want repeat customers, you have to be straight up all the way.
Cheers
Lance
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jules Reply:
September 17th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Hey Lance,
Thank you for you comments. A lot of times, when I’m opening my e-mails, I feel like I’m watching “Marketers Gone Wild” with all the upsells, downsells, false scarcity, button pushing and subterfuge. I consider it all as lessons learned on what not to do on my journey to becoming a successful internet marketer. Peace.
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Hi Julie,
gosh it all gets a bit tricky when you start clicking buttons. To preserve his reputation this merchant should return your refund – no questions asked.We have done coaching and our coach stressed that point.
best regards
Allan and Dawn
Allan and Dawn´s last [type] ..100 YouTube Videos
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jules Reply:
October 3rd, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Hi Allan! Hi Dawn!
Thank you for stopping by to comment on my blog.
100 YouTube Videos in a week! Wow! Congratulations on your win – a testament to your efforts.
Here’s an update and the conclusion to the “refund situation”:
After a request was made to refund the other charges, I never heard from the merchant again.
I did, however, receive a refund through my bank’s claims department. Thank God!
You live. You learn.
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Hi Julie,
Sounds like you really had a bad experience. There are all kinds of marketers out there and they’re not all an honest bunch,for sure. I once purchased an item and it turned out to be junk so asked for a refund and never heard back from the marketer and was never give the refund. It was a small priced item but I quickly cut off all e-mails from that person.
I want to try and be as transparent and upfront with those I deal with as possible as I know you do to. Thanks for the post!
To your Success,
Alice
[Reply]
jules Reply:
October 19th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Hi Alice,
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. I appreciate your comments. Yes, it is too bad there are a marketers using similar tactics to make money. Like you, I removed this individual from my safe list.
I’m encouraged to hear that you are striving to be upfront with your customers. Thanks again for your comments.
Here’s to you, Alice.
Jules
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As a merchant, he must give your money back especially that you are in good faith. If he’s not really after of the money and wants to protect his good reputation, he must do the necessary steps in order to settle everything with you. Goodluck! I hope that there will be a good result.
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jules Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Thank you for stopping by my blog. A brief re-cap on the merchant refund post : I never heard back from the merchant. As I used a credit card, the bank refunded the money to me and counted it as a fraudulent charge. Instead of the merchant, I applaud my bank for excellent customer service.
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