Complaint Review: Bernard Haldane Associates

I found Bernard Haldane Associates in the professional job section in the Houston Chronicle. I called to inquire about services that the company provided and was asked to come in for a meeting with Patti A. Hunter, "Vice President of Client Services" to determine if I would be a marketable client. My meeting went well.

I was told that I was extremely marketable, but didn't have a clue about negotiation or interviewing skills. I was assured that my skills would become so proficient that I would never leave an interview without a job offer. I was also told that they had thousands of inside information and contacts within companies and that once I became a client I would have my choice.

I was asked to have my significant other attend my second meeting and that the small fee would be discussed then. I discussed my situation openely and was assured that I could work something out to pay the fee. I was given some paperwork to fill out and some assignments to do. Everything seemed very professional and helpful.

We attended my second meeting and discussed many of the same things from my first meeting, but with a different tone. I was asked how serious I was and my significant other was asked how much support he was willing to give.

Many compliments were given on marketablitly, looks, and professionalism; however, I was told that I had very poor skills for finding and negioating jobs.

At the end of the meeting I was given a contract that said I would owe a retainer of $4,900 with a balance of $2,000 due after I accept a new position. I was suprised at how large the fee was and said that I needed to think about it. I was pressured to decide so I asked again if I could pay part of the fee later; this time I was told that both the fee and the time of payment was not negiotable. Patti Hunter (VP) said that she would ask her boss though. I thanked her and said I would call in the morning.

I called and asked if I could have a more specific, detailed contract sent to me on exactly what services would be provided before I would decide. I was told that no one had ever requested this before and that the contract was given out after the retainer fee was paid, but once again Patti would ask her boss Robert Lewis "Senior Vice President of Client Services". They called me that afternoon and asked me a couple of times what exactly I wanted and again I stated that I wanted a specific contract of services that would be provided. They agreed to meet with me and show me a contract.

Meanwhile, my significant other looked up BHA on the web and discovered your site and the many rip-off reports. I never payed them nor attended my "contract meeting" thanks to your website. I called and said that I had found them on the badbusinessbureau site and was extremely disappointed in them. I came away feeling like I had been ripped off from the outright lies so I decided to send out my story. Thanks again for your website.

Rebecca
Houston, Texas