Don’t Get Hit By The Seminar Pitch

Press Release from Brenda Smith/PR/Communications Manager

BBB Warns Consumers About Free Conference

The BBB is advising consumers in Alaska about a FREE Conference sponsored by a company with over 420 complaints with their local BBB in the past 36 months and government actions pending against them in five states. StoresOnline, Inc., will be holding conferences in Anchorage on Wednesday, October 31, Thursday, November 1, and Friday November 2 at the Marriott and Saturday, November 3, at the Coast International Inn. Consumers receive a VIP invitation for the conference in the mail offering a free meal and a gift claiming to be valued at $120. Following the 90-minute conference, attendees are urged to sign up for a one-day workshop which requires a fee. This company also does business under the following names: Galaxy Mall Inc., Internet Marketing Conference, and Imergent Inc

Consumers who plan to attend any free seminars or workshops should be aware that in most cases the presenters will promote products and services that are for sale. Products sold at these seminars could include self improvement, investment education materials, home based businesses and marketing plans. Individuals interested in home based or internet businesses need to consider all aspects and costs of starting and operating a business. Promoters use high-pressure sales pitches that require consumers to buy now or risk missing the opportunity. Consumers must then pay up to thousands of dollars for information that is available elsewhere for little or no money.

Here are some 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 they 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.
• Promoters are unwilling to provide earning claims in writing.
• Promoters claim that laws regulating the sales of business opportunities do not apply to them.

Taking the time to research a company prior to making a purchase cannot only help avoid frustration, but can also help to avoid being the victim of a scam. Most legitimate seminar businesses are willing to provide descriptions of their programs before a purchase is made. Ask to see data on the percent of program participants who actually achieve the promoter’s claims. Read all contracts carefully before signing anything and get all promises or claims in writing.