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Candy King Of America and Lester Small ripoff! No service! Poor advise! Nationwide
I was looking to add additional income for my family. I searched and found these guys, I spoke with Lester Small the sales guy. He guarenteed I would make my "franchise fee" back in less than 7 months. He explained that I didn't even need to report all the money I made, as it is all cash. To set up a dummy account, not connected to the business, that way I don't have to pay taxes on the income, that's what he does. So, I send a cashiers check to him, not the franchise company, made out to him. He said he would do all the needed paper work, jusr sign where the X'x are on the contract. 10 grand, gone.
These machines have cost me ton, guess who is responsable when some punk kicks one over and breaks a window, right, me. this is not working like Lester said. I want my money back. Lester pick up the phone and return my calls, I won't stop until you do. Really.
Martain
Lampton, Connecticut
U.S.A.
16 Updates & Rebuttals
JB
rumson,New Jersey,
United States of America
They may be annonymous, but it is clearly unanimous
#17General Comment
Fri, August 24, 2012
I have no horse in this race...I was thinking of buying an Altoids machine and was wondering where, how, and how much bulk candy was to fill the machine and stumbled upon this mess...I do have franchise experience and unfortunate, I too, learned too late..I appreciate your trying to stick up for your company, but I doubt all these fine people all conspired to come here to make you look bad..I am dumbfounded reading the numbers of the amount of money people sent this guy on naive blind faith..I think you had a bit of a Freudian slip there my friend...I think yoiu meant to say 'annonymous' tips from the internet..But you are right, the feeling seems to be unaminous...hahahaaa..I smell opportunity..I should contact Wrigley to see If I can distribute their bulk candy...That's how you create wealth people...Find or create a need and fill it...
Steve
Phila,Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.
candy king
#17Consumer Comment
Sat, December 17, 2005
If you like what you see in a design of a machine then yes thats what people will buy. I actually like the design of what they put on. I am also in the process of getting something designed but not as big to what they have. When I decided to buy machines from another company I didn't think of different questions but how the reputation would be. One thing about this business sometimes its not easy getting placed unless you know how to.
The vending companies should look at their sites and check out what they put in and to make sure that the public understands. These machines can only fit in certain places.
Jeff
Hortonville,Wisconsin,
U.S.A.
Stan Gladstone is a liar
#17Consumer Comment
Thu, December 15, 2005
I just read the response fro Stan Gladstone president of Candy King and I have to laugh. He talks about honesty and integrity he is the last guy in the world that should talk. I just was contacted today from a gentleman that was looking to get into Altoids vending and he came across my name. The salesman he is dealing with only wanted to give him a few numbers but he asked the sales rep for about 40 numbers and the sales rep asked why this business is great and said to him that he can't give that many numbers and names out but trust him this business is great. This guy I talked to today said he looked in the cd he got from Candy King and in the master distributorship all the names and numbers of clients came up. He told me that he was offered 6 machines for free if he bought 10 at $16,000, I almost fell over Candy King gives different deals to different people what is up with that.The guy also told me that all he was told about the machine is that is made of brushed aluminum and was never told about the cheap plastics it is mainly made of which I told him he was very suprised seeing that he was told it was made of all aluminum. I steered this guy away from doing any business with candy king.Also he was suprised to see candy king selling there machines on ebay when he was told from his sales rep and so was I that this is exclusive terrritories and Kraft doesn't want just anybody, I had to go through some bs interview to get okayed by kraft and candy king yeah right then why are you on ebay auctioning off to anyone with the most money.Stan your days are numbered in this business I will not rest until you are out of business.
Steve
Phila,Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.
vending it brings attention to the customers and the businesses
#17Consumer Suggestion
Fri, May 06, 2005
I was reading many different opinions from a lot of the people. I don't own those machines but different ones. You have to admit one thing it brings attention to the customers and the businesses. If you think about it vending can advertise on the machine itself. I am going to try something at all my sites.
I have seen one candy king at a tire store and looked at something carefully. What could bring me the revenue to my machines.
Thats all I have to say.
Some people have it and some don't
Mike
New York City,New York,
U.S.A.
Jamie Customer Sales Rep for Candy King of America Stanley Gladestone
#17UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, May 02, 2005
My name is Jamie & I use to work for Candy King. I had no idea what I was getting into when I took this job. Stanley was in jail previously but he said he was trying to turn his life around. The office does not accept any blocked calls for all incoming calls are screened. Candy King tells you they are the mfg but they simply add $8500 to machines that cost them $1500. Stan would not take calls from unhappy customers & Stan put me up as a human shield. Stan was s**t out of luck when people actually came to see the factory he claimed he owned.
The only thing Stanley Gladstone manufactures is lies. I am a sinlge mother & needed a job very badly. I am sorry to all those who Stanley Gladstone tooj advantage of & took their money. I got out of this company who was built on lies & deception as soon as I could.
I am truly sorry to all of those who spent their lifes savings on the candy king machines. They are very poorly made & we had so many calls on the defective machines during my time there.
If I could prevent one person from buying these machines.....
They will start out at $18,000 for the 20 machines but then if they do not have you hooked they will tell you a couple had a deposit on machines but they are getting a divorce & they will give you the deposit towards your machines.....CK does not take deposits.
Stanley has s criminal records & is living a criminal life. Crime is not in Stans past.
It is his way of life.
Please watch out & do your research.
Candy king is getting such a bad rep they are changing their name.
Know who you are doing business with.
Candy King Of America
PLANTATION,Florida,
U.S.A.
PRESIDENT
#17REBUTTAL Owner of company
Wed, April 13, 2005
Contrary to the allegations in the post above, Candy King of America does not have any connection to Global Resources or any of the individuals listed. In fact, Candy King takes pride in its business record and always attempt to exercise honesty and integrity in all of its affairs. Candy King has not had a single litigation with hundreds of customers to date.
Indeed, the very few issues that have been brought to the BBB have been resolved in Candy King's favor. Candy King stands on its proven track record.
Candy King is discouraged by the unanimous postings on Rip-off Report.com. Especially those filled with false factual statements that rise to the level of defamation. Candy King provides a list of all of its prior customers to each potential customer prior to the signing of the contract. These customers are free to investigate Candy King prior to entering into any agreement. Candy King encourages you to review our webpage at www.candykingofamerica.com to see what we are all about.
Stanley Gladstone, President
Candy King of America, Inc.
Sanjay
Pleasantville,Texas,
U.S.A.
Vending can be good and bad
#17Consumer Suggestion
Wed, March 23, 2005
I have had both good and bad experiences with vending. I would appreciate it if any has any good experiences with Candy king, as I have only heard bad so far, thank you
Westin
Omaha,Nebraska,
U.S.A.
Candy King of America, What a scam.
#17Consumer Comment
Thu, January 13, 2005
How about this, all cash sales, no retail sales, no boss,,, oh and wait, the big one, no income. Ok I know, no free rides, but really!. I wanted a small low budget business, I could service on the weekends. Eric, my sales guy even said to me Hey all the income is cash, report it if you feel the need to, most of us don't report but about half the income, who's knows the difference. Well that should have made me think these guys are crooks. Well, I send then 10 to get going, included 25 machines and started candy kits. Nice income, for them., at least. Ever have to buy a commercial pane of glass, out of your pocket, after some looser punk kicks over a machine and breaks a window? Not cheap, I can tell you that. After getting stores to let me place a machine in their store, promising them 30% of the take, then this kind of crap happens. Eric, promised the company would help pace my machines, which never happened. Then after I actually get one placed, some of the machines don't work right. Can't get them repaired or replaced, Eric's cohorts say , hey, those belong t you, not us. Real professional. What a scam.
Westin
Omaha,Nebraska,
U.S.A.
Candy King of America, What a scam.
#17Consumer Comment
Thu, January 13, 2005
How about this, all cash sales, no retail sales, no boss,,, oh and wait, the big one, no income. Ok I know, no free rides, but really!. I wanted a small low budget business, I could service on the weekends. Eric, my sales guy even said to me Hey all the income is cash, report it if you feel the need to, most of us don't report but about half the income, who's knows the difference. Well that should have made me think these guys are crooks. Well, I send then 10 to get going, included 25 machines and started candy kits. Nice income, for them., at least. Ever have to buy a commercial pane of glass, out of your pocket, after some looser punk kicks over a machine and breaks a window? Not cheap, I can tell you that. After getting stores to let me place a machine in their store, promising them 30% of the take, then this kind of crap happens. Eric, promised the company would help pace my machines, which never happened. Then after I actually get one placed, some of the machines don't work right. Can't get them repaired or replaced, Eric's cohorts say , hey, those belong t you, not us. Real professional. What a scam.
Westin
Omaha,Nebraska,
U.S.A.
Candy King of America, What a scam.
#17Consumer Comment
Thu, January 13, 2005
How about this, all cash sales, no retail sales, no boss,,, oh and wait, the big one, no income. Ok I know, no free rides, but really!. I wanted a small low budget business, I could service on the weekends. Eric, my sales guy even said to me Hey all the income is cash, report it if you feel the need to, most of us don't report but about half the income, who's knows the difference. Well that should have made me think these guys are crooks. Well, I send then 10 to get going, included 25 machines and started candy kits. Nice income, for them., at least. Ever have to buy a commercial pane of glass, out of your pocket, after some looser punk kicks over a machine and breaks a window? Not cheap, I can tell you that. After getting stores to let me place a machine in their store, promising them 30% of the take, then this kind of crap happens. Eric, promised the company would help pace my machines, which never happened. Then after I actually get one placed, some of the machines don't work right. Can't get them repaired or replaced, Eric's cohorts say , hey, those belong t you, not us. Real professional. What a scam.
Tracy
Steubenville,Ohio,
U.S.A.
Back Ground information on the owner Stanley Gladstone
#17Consumer Suggestion
Sun, January 09, 2005
I have a friend that had the same problem as you did. When researching the company I found that the owner of Candy King of America is a felone & has spent time in jail for breaking & entering. Crime is not new to the company. Stanley "claims to be the mfg" Candy Kinfg of America is only a small office with phones for people who tell you whatever you want to hear so that you will sign the contract. I spoke with Robert who is the owner of the company who makes the machines for Candy King among other people.
Candy king is not the mfg just a broker of the machines. Contact the BBB by phone & they will tell you how many complaints they do have against Candy king of America. When Stanley was in jail he learned tricks to get around the law & who to pay off to hide what he is doing. Enough people need to make the complaints & follow up & follow through to prevent this from happening to others.
Stacie
Weirton,West Virginia,
U.S.A.
Another person Ripped of by Candy King of America
#17Consumer Comment
Sat, January 08, 2005
I would like to say the Stanley Gladstone and all his employees are just bonafide LIARS. I dealt with a Jonathan Reech he told me to go ahead and charge the machines 20 for $10,000.00 and that I could send them back if I wasn't satisfied with them - which was a total lie. I did charge it and my credit card said that Stanley has forwarded them the contract that I signed, which was faxed to me I signed the front and faxed it back not seeing the back where it says under number 4 no returns.
They had me sign the front and not see the back I didn't even know that one existed and then that was the trump card that Stanley pulled with my credit card company well she signed the contract and right there it says no returns - liars, liars, liars!!!!!! What goes around comes around. Unfortunately I have filed every complaint with every Bureau there is and I have received no response at all - I keep calling them and my complaint doesn't show up.
So when I did a search on Candy King there was nothing to be found against them but now there is. I quote you will not make a ton of money, the candy they send is only to fill up your machines a thrid not full, which is also a lie they lead you to believe. They told me that the placement company would come to my home and pick me and the machines up and take us around to more places than I had machines and that was not true at all. This man who looked at an unmade bad strolled into town and put my machines in places that did a whooping $2.50 a month - 2 dollars and 50 cents - a far cry from the $248.00 they say you will make per machine!!!! They better go to confession and repent for their sins they keep commiting.
I did an internet search on Stanley Gladstone the onwer of Candy King and came up with a Breaking and Entering Felony charge on him in the 80's sometime. I returned my machines of which Jonathan told I could do and Stanley refused the shipment and I am stuck with these. I want to drive to Florida and kick his a*s but I know he will get his and the sooner that everyone tells their unsatisfactory experiences with Candy King and all their employees and the President, Stanley Gladstone then no one will buy these machines and his scam will be over and that is much better than kicking his a*s.
By the way anone who needs parts for their machines or have broken machines you can get the parts to repair them - there is a compnay by the name of CDI who is the manufacturer of the Candy King Machines. There is a very nice fellow there who owns the place that I have dealt with by the name of Robert Leon who can help you with the parts that you need - I needed 10 tops where the candy goes in and he was very helpful and nice. I am due to receive those on Monday. His phone number is 18008902873. That was another one of their lies that they were the manufacturer of their own machines and if anyone received the CD they sent out Stanley says comes on down and see our manufacturing facility and office - well they wouldn't give me any references expect the ones that they PAID to answer the phones from potential clients and say that this business is GREAT - NOT!!!!! But I actually flew into Miami to go meet everyone and go on this tour of both of his facilities - and when I arrived no one from Candy King especially Jonathan Reech would even call me back - I left without seeing or meeting anyone; but it was too late I had given Jonathan my credit card to hold the purchase price because he said if I didn't buy that day they were going to go up $3000.00 so I said just hold their price with my credit card until we get there but he didn't he charged my credit card I went to Miami and got totally blown off and not one response from anyone and Stanley again told my credit card company well look she signed an authorization for us to charge her but I took Jonathan's word that he would just hold the price but he didn't. Oh and come to find out CDI manufactures Candy King Machines not Candy King of which they don't they say they do but that is just another LIE - CDI is the company and the one I told you all to contact if you need any parts - no wonder they wouldn't return my calls when I went to Florida they didn't manufacture the machines - how can you show something to someone that you are lying about!!!!
IN CLOSE DON'T DO BUSINESS WITH THESE PEOPLE UNLESS YOU WANT THE WORST EXPERIENCE AND HEART ACHE TO FOLLOW - PERIOD. GO TO EBAY AND BUY THE MACHINES ON THERE AND PLACE THEM YOURSELF. MY BEST MACHINES ARE THE ONES I PLACED. YOU SEE WHEN WE PURCHASED FROM CANDY KING THERE WERE NO COMPLAINTS AGAINST THEM TO BE FOUND AND NOW IT IS MY PURSUIT IN LIFE TO MAKE SURE NO ONE ELSE GETS RIPPED OF FROM THESE SLICK TONGUED LIARS.
Melinda
Tampa,Florida,
U.S.A.
Candy Machine Franchise Lied to me
#17Consumer Comment
Wed, December 08, 2004
Jack, did you get any aditional information. I spoke with Lester too, no wonder Candy Machines would not return my calls. Now, I know there is no trainig in this busines, no support needed, but Lester told me he woud show me how to "fix" my books. He said all the other members do the same thing, "fix " the books. I also nee to know how to fix the machines. Seems like I finally get approved to place a machine, and either they break, and take money, then the business gets bothersome visits from all the kids and parents over loosing a quarter, or some snotnosed punk kicks one over. This is supposed to be extra money, very little attention needed. Anyone else have ideas?
Melinda
Tampa,Florida,
U.S.A.
Candy Machine Franchise Lied to me
#17Consumer Comment
Wed, December 08, 2004
Jack, did you get any aditional information. I spoke with Lester too, no wonder Candy Machines would not return my calls. Now, I know there is no trainig in this busines, no support needed, but Lester told me he woud show me how to "fix" my books. He said all the other members do the same thing, "fix " the books. I also nee to know how to fix the machines. Seems like I finally get approved to place a machine, and either they break, and take money, then the business gets bothersome visits from all the kids and parents over loosing a quarter, or some snotnosed punk kicks one over. This is supposed to be extra money, very little attention needed. Anyone else have ideas?
Melinda
Tampa,Florida,
U.S.A.
Candy Machine Franchise Lied to me
#17Consumer Comment
Wed, December 08, 2004
Jack, did you get any aditional information. I spoke with Lester too, no wonder Candy Machines would not return my calls. Now, I know there is no trainig in this busines, no support needed, but Lester told me he woud show me how to "fix" my books. He said all the other members do the same thing, "fix " the books. I also nee to know how to fix the machines. Seems like I finally get approved to place a machine, and either they break, and take money, then the business gets bothersome visits from all the kids and parents over loosing a quarter, or some snotnosed punk kicks one over. This is supposed to be extra money, very little attention needed. Anyone else have ideas?
Jack
Allas,Texas,
U.S.A.
Candy Machine Rip-Off Business
#17Consumer Comment
Mon, December 06, 2004
Martain, I have the same problem. I sent in my membership money, I even spoke with 3 existing people that are doing the business. (well I now what BS business they are spreading now). This Lester guy, seems to have changed his cell number. I sent him $100,00 and another 300 for cheap candy. Now 4 months later, I have 3 broken machines in my garage, and no way to repair them or get them replaced. This scam artist Lester better keep changing his phone number because my lawyer really wants it. Lester promised me I would be able to quite my crappy regular job and expand to full income in 6 months. I even had him write it in the contract. I did call Susan Giles at Candy King, and they are also looking for Lester, apparently all the money you, Me and several others sent to him is missing, Susan didn't even have me listed as an associate.