Print the value of index0
Power Brands Consulting LLC http://www.beverageformulation.com/ Failed to deliver on contract. Terrible Service. Van Nuys, California
We contracted Power Brands Consulting LLC to work on an organic energy drink that we wanted to introduce to the Australian market. When I met with the CEO Darin Ezra in California (July 2011) he told me how enthused he was about working with my company and personally assured me that they would "nail" the project.
I went back to Australia and wired them the money - a $10800 deposit on the total fee of $17000. I also engaged them in a separate transaction to oversee the production negotiations and manufacturing logistics. For this I paid $7500.
From the moment I handed over the money I had the feeling that the enthusiasm level dropped substantially. I started to notice that, if I sent them an email, I would often not receive a response. If I did it would rarely acknowledge or address what I had said in the email. If I had to described it simply, I would say that the tone in which they treated me was 'annoyed'.
When we got the first round of samples - well over the deadline - they were terrible. They tasted bitter and acrid, were too bubbly and the caffeine gave us all a headache. One of the things I had been insisting on was for us to use natural caffeine but this didn't seem to be the case when the samples arrived. For some reason they seemed completely incapable of working from the brief or meeting our needs. The project manager seemed to know "the best way" and anything that didn't fall into that category seemed to annoy her a lot!
I would have been cool with this if there had been an attempt to acknowledge that the samples were not great or even an attitude of "we will work hard to fix them". Mistakes are fine, an inevitable and essential part of business. But the response I got I could only describe as denial, resentment and derision. Like it was my fault.
I was told that they couldn't get some of the ingredients needed to improve the samples in the way I wanted so I set about trying to do it myself. After a few hours I had managed to track down those ingredients in the US (even though I was in Australia). Ironically one of the ingredient suppliers told me he had heard of a lot of people with similar experiences of Power Brands and he thought I should go elsewhere.
So, after tracking down the ingredients, I began to email the project manager to organize delivery. None of my emails were answered.
Howver, when I finally got one back after several attempts, it was from her email auto-responder saying she had gone on long service leave for an indefinite time. They obviously didn't think this was important enough to warrant telling the client (me). I had to find out from an auto-responder.
After emailing the CFO trying to find out was happening I was told I had a completely new project manager. By this stage I was pretty over it and decided to contact the CEO Darin Ezra and CFO Marty Molina to voice my concerns. After receiving a pretty cold response with no level of accountability or willingness to address the problems I decided to terminate the contract and go somewhere else. I'd already taken a big hit on the project timeline and couldn't afford any more delays.
I thought that - even though they totally neglected to deliver the services which they outlined in the contract - I would cut my losses and let them keep the $10800 deposit for formulation. However, the amount I paid for Manufacturing Supervision - $7500 - I felt should be refunded to me given that we never got anywhere near that part of the project and that they had completed absolutely no work whatsoever on those services.
Unfortunately this did not suit them. They insisted that I owed them the remainder for the formulation, despite not making it past the first stage, and they would subtract it from the $7500. Then they advised I could have the remainder in "Sell sheets, Distributor buyer contact lists, Retailer buyer contact lists, Beverage Sales training, Retailer/Distributor, Buyer Presentations, etc"
To me that is like saying we will refund your rotten apple with two more rotten apples. I'll pass thanks.
So here is my advice to anyone thinking of using these guys for a beverage project. Don't. Under any circumstances. Since leaving we have found another formulator who has been absolutely brilliant. Really innovative and responsive and the samples we received from them blew us away.
As I am learning, there are quite a few sub-standard operators in the beverage industry and I think these guys are at the top of the heap.
38 Updates & Rebuttals
Carmen
Buenos Aires,Buenos Aires F.D.,
Argentina
Name of the company
#39REBUTTAL Owner of company
Mon, October 01, 2018
Hi James, We are thinking about starting a beverage business. We`d like to know the contact name of the company you are working with now, after your bad experience with Powerbrands. Please contact me at info@bioserrana.com Thank you very much, Carmen
Consumer
Denver,Colorado,
USA
Information on Other Company
#39Consumer Comment
Thu, October 26, 2017
Hello! Can anyone provide information on the other company mentioned for beverage development? Would love to get in touch with them. If anyone could provide contact info and possibly even share feedback on their experience, that would be amazing.
nemaxfield@gmail.com
Thank you!
PrettyRustic
Alabama,USA
Other Company?
#39Consumer Comment
Wed, April 19, 2017
Hi James, (Or anyone else with this information)
Can you email the name of the other company you went with?
Much Appreciated!
prettyrustic@gmail.com
Infoseeker
Alabama,USA
Beverage company info...
#39General Comment
Mon, February 13, 2017
Hello, it's my first time using this form since I'm looking for assistance on this matter. I really wanted to know the name of the alternative company you went with. I reached out to this company but didn't quite feel the vibe to move forward with them. I'm glad I read your post.
Anne
Windsor,Alabama,
United Kingdom
Would appreciate some help
#39Consumer Comment
Wed, February 01, 2017
Hello James - and everyone on here. We are a bev startup and have literally contracted PB for over $50k so far. Would greatly appreciate more info on the bev specialists you finally worked with....Thanks so much.... littleowl771@gmail.com
Darin Ezra
Redondo Beach,California,
United States of America
Over 40,000 customer inquiries
#39REBUTTAL Owner of company
Mon, March 28, 2016
Dear Public,
I feel compeled to add to this report as it is clearly going to be part of googles search results for our company for the forseable future.
Firstly, right under this eroneous report, on the google search, is our Better Business Bureau report (the most credible of all business reviews) and we have an A+ (the highest possible rating) and have had this for many years. The Better Business Bureau's process is properly managed and administered with any complaints being filed by consumers given the fair and balanced opportunity for the business to prove that it has acted appropriately. Ripoff Report (what a terrible and inappropriate name) simply publishes everything without any investigation into the facts whatsoever, and holds business hostage for payment, never removes negative comments, even if they are published by riddiculous peoiple who have no business being in business in the first place.
Secondly, Power Brands fields over 4000 inquireis per year for new business and creates appoximatly 100 new brands annually, over 800 brands to date, based on these numbers the amount of complaints we have fall well below 1% and I can honestly say that even these are not legitimate complaints i.e. we were never given reason or opportunity to sort them out, just because a mean spirited, unproffesional person says they want something doesnt mean they are entitled to it. We have some of the most proffesional and courteous staff in the industry and enjoy great relationshipos with almost every vendor and client that we work with. If we do have any issues, which a very few and far between, with customer service or quality, we are quick to correct the error right away and offer concessions to the client that is effected.
I am sad to see that such a gross miscarriage of the truth can be so prevelant on the internet, it is tantamount to hate speech and very damaging to business and individuals, it is the negatiove side of the online world but I guess its all part of free speech and why I am proud to be an American and live in a free country.
French Canadian
montreal,California,
this is not accurate
#39Consumer Comment
Fri, February 12, 2016
I don't understand this. We had an amazing experience with Power Brands consulting LLC. We gave them a call, after we had a very bad experience with a lab in Canada. We thought no one could help us with our idea. My brother found power brands, and gave them a call. My brother spoke with Saul at power brands. Saul called us back, and told us that it would be possible for their team to develop the product for us (our product is very very complicated, we called almost every lab). We then discussed our idea with Brittany and Alina, and a few weeks later they sent us our first round. The first round was pretty awsome. They gave us so much time to discuss the first round, and truly understand how they could improve it even more. We also had the chance to work with Taylor, Jania, Christie, Mark, Scott, Darin and other people at Power Brands. It never took them more than a couple of hours to get back to us no matter how busy they were. They always have time for the client, and the actually care. Darin, the CEO, is an extremely smart person. He also gave us a lot of his time, and gave us many great ideas to improve our product. We truly believe power brands is the right company to work with when it comes to the beverage industry. Every employee at power brands knows EVERYTHING about beverages. Also, if they promise you that they will send you something regarding your product they will get it on time. Christie who works at the art department sent me designs on a Friday night, because she told me I'd get them before the weekend. It was very obvious that she worked extra hours to get them done on time. I truly respect them for all the things they've done for us. They are very professional, and they know exactly what they are talking about.
We will continue working with power brands for a long time, and if you want a succesful beverage company power brands is the right option.
The french canadians
tgr74
Dallas,Texas,
USA
referral request
#39Consumer Comment
Wed, December 23, 2015
Hi! If you could send me the name of the company you were more pleased with I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks in advance!
terri@glanger.com
drink it up
California,USA
New Company Name
#39Consumer Comment
Mon, November 23, 2015
James, or anyone else who questioned him about the new company name he used can you please email me the name of it, as well?
Many Thanks!
mikeenglish72@yahoo.com
Jay
Hollywood,Florida,
USA
Other Company Info?
#39Consumer Comment
Tue, October 27, 2015
Hello James, Can you please share the company you went with and any advice you may have? Thank you, (((REDACTED)))
obrienpa
SAN DIEGO,California,
USA
2-Month Initial Response Time; Enough Said
#39Consumer Comment
Tue, June 09, 2015
Spoke with Steve regarding my beverage line and promptly returned signed non-disclosure form to get the process rolling. Two months later, I get a very plain response in the form of advertising. Too much at stake to trust this company with your startup capital. Go elsewhere.
tmineau
Denver,Colorado,
Interesting... Other company name?
#39Consumer Comment
Mon, December 22, 2014
Hello, may I also have the name of the company you are now working with?
taylor_mineau@hotmail.com
Allen
oakland,California,
consumer
#39Consumer Comment
Thu, November 20, 2014
Hi James,,
Can you please provide the company that you are working with? Thanks!!
A_alkabs@hotmail.com This is my email.
pastasio
dallas,Alabama,
other company name??
#39REBUTTAL Individual responds
Fri, September 26, 2014
james, or anyone else who questioned him about new company name he used can you please email me the name of it?
thanks a lot
pastasio85@yahoo.com
9oranges
Toronto,Ontario,
Company name
#39Consumer Comment
Wed, September 24, 2014
Hi James, Thanks for sharing. Would love to hear the name of the company as well. Much appreciated. 9oranges@gmail.com
...2014
Georgia,please send
#39General Comment
Sat, June 21, 2014
James,
can you please share the name of the company that you had a good experience with?
Thank you --- mjspine@yahoo.com
LinS
Lakewood ranch,Florida,
Company details
#39Consumer Comment
Sat, October 19, 2013
Hi, please could you send me new company details too, lindi.strang@gmail.com - thank you.
Greenseed
Company Name
#39Consumer Comment
Fri, August 23, 2013
Hello James,
I'd also love to know the name of the second company you went to. My email is: getbevvy [at] gmail [dot] com
Thanks so much!
spawn4525
Victorville,California,
Was considering them... now am not
#39Consumer Comment
Fri, August 02, 2013
James if you are available i would really appreciate it if you shared the company you ended up going through. If anyone else out there already has that information if would be very much appreciated.
J.a.
Los Angeles,California,
me too
#39Consumer Comment
Thu, April 25, 2013
James,
I'm going to join the list here and thank you for speaking out. Please send me the info for the other company. Much appreciated.
Best,
(((email redacted)))
CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.
Scoopy
Double Bay,Similar problem
#39Consumer Comment
Sun, April 21, 2013
Dear James
I have also handed over money to this South African bloke. Shocked to say the least at what a crook he is. The weirdos he has working for him are something else too.
So I am with all the others who have commented in saying
"Thank you so much for this report!! Can you please share the company you went with and any advice you may have?" Joey@joeyreidy.com
All the best
Scoopy
jmartin
United States of AmericaName of the company James went on to use...
#39Consumer Comment
Thu, January 24, 2013
James or someone that has commmunicated with James,
Can you please share the company you went with and any advice you may have?
I can be reached at: jmartin8080@yahoo.com
Thx JM
Melissa
Port Richey,Florida,
United States of America
Referral
#39Consumer Comment
Fri, January 18, 2013
James,
Can you contact me regarding the company you went with after your dismal experience with Power Brands? Their typo-ridden comments about your father calling them as well as their unkind speculations about you are very telling about the level of professionalism at that company. My email is melissarossi199@hotmail.com. Thank you.
Sally
Texas,United States of America
Please Share
#39General Comment
Fri, August 10, 2012
James,
Thank you so much for this report!! Can you please share the company you went with and any advice you may have?
Thanks!
duong.sally@gmail.com
New business
Long beach,New York,
United States of America
James new co. Info
#39Consumer Comment
Tue, June 19, 2012
James, I am going through the same process now. Can you email me the name of the new company you're having success with? (((ROR redacted)))
Thank you
CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.
Drinkchick
United States of AmericaNew company
#39Consumer Comment
Fri, June 08, 2012
I would also like the name of the company you used. Thank you for your comments. Trying to figure out who to go with for my own drink.
Kirderm@gmail.com
emailssx
California,United States of America
Other consultants?
#39General Comment
Sun, June 03, 2012
Dear James,
MUCH thanks for sharing the experience that you had with Power Brands.
May I please get the name of the company who ultimately helped you?
My email is emailssx@gmail.com
Thanks
AWOO
La Crescenta,California,
United States of America
Information
#39REBUTTAL Owner of company
Mon, May 21, 2012
Hi James,
Could you send me the name of the other company as well? Thanks! andichi@gmail.com
vaninc
United States of AmericaReferal Request
#39Consumer Comment
Tue, April 10, 2012
Thank you James for your honesty and report. I am going through a similar process and would greatly appreciate a referral to your current company and any advice. you can reach me at vandlelay @ yahoo.com
Thanks again!
Biji Pro
Franklin Lakes,New Jersey,
United States of America
referral please
#39REBUTTAL Owner of company
Mon, April 02, 2012
Dear James,
Many thanks for sharing the experience that you had with Power Brands. May I please get the name of the company who ultimately helped you?
My email is bijipro@gmail.com
infinity
Bangkok,Thailand
Thank you.
#39Consumer Comment
Sat, March 24, 2012
Hello James,
Thanks a lot for your help. Here is my email.
info@artjouel.com
James_B
Byron Bay,Australia
OK
#39Author of original report
Sat, March 24, 2012
Do you have an email address? Happy to help
infinity
Bangkok,Thailand
About other Info
#39Consumer Comment
Fri, March 23, 2012
Hello James,
I'm interested in beverage industry. Could you please advise me for other company that you mentioned.
Thank you.
James_B
Byron Bay,Australia
Glass Houses
#39Author of original report
Wed, January 11, 2012
That's great Darin but I am not your first complaint on this website (or BBB) and I suspect I won't be your last. Instead of becoming abusive and defensive maybe you should just try tolisten and take a bit of responsibility. As I've already stated - the experience we had with your replacement was easy and the outcome absolutely amazing (I'll send you guys a bottle) so it can't be all my fault as you suggest.
The reason my dad called was because I just wanted to 'call it a day' with you guys but he thought, given his experience, he may be able to get through to you. After your initial emails I actually told him not to bother. Yes my family invested in my business - hardly a world first - but I've still worked extremely hard to get where I am. What I do find telling is that you can burst into a tirade of personal insults and slander in one breath, and then turn around and give a sermon on business ethics, principles and professionalism in the next. I think you should take some of your own advice.
James_B
Byron Bay,Australia
Glass Houses
#39Author of original report
Wed, January 11, 2012
The reason my dad called was because I just wanted to 'call it a day' with you guys but he thought it was too much money to let go of. Yes my family invested in my business - hardly a world first - but I've still worked extremely hard to get where I am. What I do find telling is that you can burst into personal insults and slander in one breath, and then turn around and give a sermon on business ethics, principles and professionalism in the next.
Anyway, I am not your first complaint on here (or BBB) and I suspect I won't be your last.
Power Brands
Van Nuys,California,
United States of America
Poor Conduct On Every Level
#39REBUTTAL Owner of company
Tue, January 10, 2012
For the sake of the public let it be know that as far as we can tell James is a spoiled brat who is spending his fathers money. (Yes daddy called us) probably par for the course when working with James I,m pretty sure his father has been wiping his nose all of his life. As with most spoiled children James has no idea how to conduct himself in a business situation and gives up if anything doesn't go just the way he would prefer. We first thought he was just an unusual boy but as time progressed it was very apparent that he has no business being in business. I thought the public should know this so they can put his comments in the proper context. The team he was working with are an award winning beverage development team that has created over 2000 beverages many of which have gone on to become multi million dollar brands. The very nature of research and development will offer many challenges, its not for quitters, less than 1% of our clients are dissatisfied with our service and most of those are not satisfied with anything, for them its personalities not ethics and principals that guide their behavior. My only issue here is that someone with no grounds whatsoever can fabricate the truth in a public forum. What a shame. James learn some manners and try and grow up you act like a child.
James_B
Byron Bay,Australia
Bad service
#39Author of original report
Fri, January 06, 2012
At the end of the day I only have two experiences to go by - the one I had with your company and the one I had with the people who replaced you. They are worlds apart.
For example, the only reason I wrote that "sorry to be a demanding client" comment was because every interaction I had with your team I left feeling like I was demanding. And that is because every suggestion or question I asked I felt was greeted with derision or at least mild annoyance... But as I learned soon after leaving you guys - the whole thing should be easy and enjoyable. The new formulators were enthusiastic and creative - often making suggestions or thinking outside the box to make my product a better product. I never felt at anytime with them that I was being demanding or asking too many questions because they always treated me with great professionalism.
But obviously you are never going to come around and see our point of view so I should save my breath..
I will add though - I jdon't know how you could possibly argue that we owe you money on the second contract. I asked Marty to do a simple task (track down some copackers) and he did absolutely nothing. Never heard from again despite checking in twice via email. Would you guys like to speak to that or are you just going to deny it too?
Anyway, I think you know this to be true because of the deal you offered me essentially admitted that you didn't do anything (i.e subtract the remainder of the formulation fee from the consulting fee and give me the remainder in services). Only problem is I don't place a great value on the services you provide or the way in which you provide them.
Anyway, I'm sorry it didn't work out. Good luck in the future.
Power Brands
Van Nuys,California,
United States of America
Power Brands Rebuttal
#39REBUTTAL Owner of company
Fri, January 06, 2012
James while we wish you success with your future endeavors, your summary of our experience is simply inaccurate and misleading. While you represent that there was poor communication between yourself and Power Brands after your receipt of the first sample round, allegedly until the receipt of an out-of-office message from a food scientist, the truth is there were several email exchanges between yourself and our lab team discussing the quality of the first sample round along with specific feedback. In contrast to your posting here, on Aug 24 you stated via email the grapefruit was actually not bad and [any flavor issue] is probably half on me for putting a limit on calories. Our food scientist replied to you on Aug 25 and stated potential cost and supply issues with your request to use organic fruit juice concentrates. You claimed to have a source of organic grapefruit juice concentrate and would arrange to have samples sent to our lab for the next round of formulation work. After two weeks no juice concentrate samples had arrived and our lab team received no response from you on a possible ETA, which held up any formulation work. On Sept 14, two and a half weeks after your initial offer to provide organic juice concentrate, which never arrived, you began asking for refunds.
We have developed award winning brands and have worked on over 400 beverage projects.
Not every project is going to go perfectly, but we have an exemplary record with very few complaints.
Unfortunately this project did not work out to your satisfaction and given our experience with you (by your own admission, Sorry to be such a demanding client!) we prefer to be paid in full for the contract work agreed to by both parties.