Complaint Review: GNS Inc. / Slim Seduction

I, too, fell for the trap of GNS and their "Slim Seduction" formula. I responded to their internet ad on June 10, 2008. Fortunately, I did not accept any additional "offers" from the company and thought that all I was signing up for was a "free" 21-day trial supply of the product.

However, when I received the confirmation e-mail from the company, it clearly stated that I would receive 30-day supply of the product (having only paid $3.97 "shipping"), BUT that at the end of the 21-day period (in my case July 1, 2008), my account would be charged for the full 30-day supply at the rate of $49.95. Supposedly, this is what the company considers a "free" 21-day trial period! In addition, the e-mail clearly stated that I would also be shipped another 30-day supply on July 10 as part of the "auto-ship" program in which I had enrolled when I signed up for the product -- something I did NOT know I was doing!

I immediately called the company and inquired about the auto-ship program and was told that it was an automatic thing for anyone who accepts the product, regardless of whether they order only the "free trial" supply or more.

I told the representative that I did not want the auto-ship program and that I had not specifically authorized the company to charge my account for anything other than the initial $3.97 shipping and handling. The representative said that it was not possible to cancel the auto-ship program until at least 48 hours had elapsed from the time of the order. On July 12, 2008 (two days later), I again called the company and again requested a cancellation of the auto-ship program. Since the company had already stated (in the e-mail) that returns would not be accepted without a return authorization number, I also requested that and was given one.

I didn't receive the product until June 20, 2008 -- a full TEN DAYS after I placed the order. So, I was already ten days into my "free" 21-day trial period and hadn't even been able yet to take a single dose! I did not even bother to open the package but, instead, on Monday, June 23, 2008, I printed out all communication from the company, wrote a letter containing the required return authorization number and other information requested bythe company, and packed it all up and shipped the entire package back to the company (at my expense), certified mail, return receipt requested. It cost me another $6.92 in postage expenses.

I am currently waiting for the green return receipt from the post office and to see if they attempt to charge me on July 1, 2008, or ship me any more product on July 10, 2008. If they do, I will file a complaint with the BBB and the state of Colorado as well as with my bank.

Bjm
Bear, Delaware
U.S.A.