Complaint Review: Start Up Essentials - A-1 Leasing Company

I got a phone call from Start Up Essentials one evening about 5:30pm. The young man told me this was not a sales presentation; this was a business opportunity and I would be selling myself as a potential client to the Senior Business Analyst. He also hinted I might get a Laptop Computer in the deal.

I had my reservations but decided to continue to the interview with Mr."Smith". The gentleman was nice but very business manored. It felt like I was talking to an Army Drill Seargent who was my friend.

Everything he said made perfect sense. After three hours on the phone I wanted to wrap it up but he insisted on finishing up the contract. He pressured me with "Well Matt your going to have to make up your mind on what's more important". I caved in and signed the contract.

The contract says it is Non-Cancelable but I found a loop hole so please continue reading. I recieved my package and decided I would put my whole heart into doing the program. I had the day off and decided to work that program to the max.

I was so determined to do well I opened the laptop and started right away. This was my saving grace. For on the front was an Urgent confirmation number 1 866 552 8845 ext 7810. I completely missed seeing it.

I began the program at 8:00am and worked until 11:30am. As I worked I started to get upset. The Laptop was an older Acer Travelmate 2440 model. I kept working and then I realized this laptop wouldn't benefit my business at all.

I decided to price the Laptop on the internet and found a brand new one for $669.00. My blood started to really boil. As I continued the program I noticed all of their information is easily found on the internet.


Later that evening about 6pm the phone rang. It was Start Up Essentials. They wanted to confirm I received my package and Laptop. I affirmed and she quickly stated she was going to connect me to A-1 Leasing.

I was so mad I hung up the phone. Just then my phone started ringing off the hook. I got real suspicious at this point. I unplugged all my phones and let myself cool off for a couple of hours.

I sat down and read my contract carefully and I read this clause about the A-1 Leasing Company LLC.

"I hereby acknowledge receipt of all the Equipment described in the Lease and accept the Equipment for all purposes of the Lease. I acknowledge that by accepting the Equipment, I have commenced my non-cancelable rental obligation under the Lease".

When you confirm your acceptance of the "Equipment" they then stick you to the A-1 Leasing Company LLC.

Over four years the lease alone on this $600.00 Laptop would cost me $6720.00. Not to mention the $23.00 per month for the merchant account. Total loss to me would have been $7824.00. Furthermore an additional fee of $3.95 a month for any repairs to the laptop was inconspicuously added in fine print.

Adding insult to injury; I was expected to return the Laptop at the end of four years.

In the Start Up Essentials program they tell you how to start a website but they do not pay for it or create it. Basically your on your own paying $140.00 a month for lease on a cheap Laptop. They do pay for a $200.00 Start up Advertising Campaign but compared to the overall cost it is a drop in the bucket.

You can Start your own Website for far less than that without their help. Just do your research.

At 9:00pm I called them and told them I was not accepting the Equipment or the Program. I did not find it acceptable and I thought it was ridiculous. I told them I had called my Bank to report them and that I was closing my checking account.

The next day I closed my account and reopened a new one. I had to go to the bank on my lunch break to do it. I even got a free backpack for opening a new checking account! I dropped the return package off at the post office at 10 seconds till 5:00pm making sure to pay for delivery confirmation.

I hope this helps all who read it. I am still going to create and promote my website but I am going to use the resources readily available to anyone freely on the internet.

Thanks for reading,
Matt
8/30/06

Matt
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
U.S.A.