Startup Essentials - A1 Leasing had me sign an agreement document, then copied and pasted my signature onto a totally different document that had addtional terms and conditions. ripoff Internet Michigan
Howard Patton, with Startup Essentials, called me on the telephone and said that I might be qualified to participate in a program to help people start their own online businesses. I would have to go through an "interview" process to see if I qualified. If at the end of the interview Mr. Patton didn't think I was suitable, then he would "disqualify" me from the program. Mr. Patton began to go through the spiel and online presentation. When he found out that I have a business partner, his manager, Nick Duva, postponed the interview until my partner could be included in the interview.
The next evening, Peter and I sat through the interview with Mr. Patton and Mr. Duva. Mr. Patton walked me through a brief, one page, agreement. Only one mousepad signature was required. Several mousepad initials were required, but only one initial was in a specialized box.
When I pressed the submit button, my signature and initials were copied and pasted onto a completely different document. This new document had six pages of additional terms and conditions that were not included in the document that I signed. There wasn't any opportunity to read, review, discuss, accept, or decline the additional terms and conditions.
When Peter and I questioned the terms and asked for explanations, Mr. Duva became abusive. He demeaned our business acumen, our ability to make a business successful, and our honesty. I became angry and raised my voice because every time I tried to ask a question, Mr. Duva talked over me and refused to listen. He misrepresented my questions and told me that it would be unethical for him to explain the terms of the agreement because he worked for the other side.
Mr. Duva finally told us that we were disqualified from the program and that he didn't want anything more to do with us. When I asked for his decision in writing, Mr. Duva said that I was making demands and that he wasn't going to give into any demands.
We are writing a letter to Startup Essentials and A-1 Leasing confirming Mr. Duva's disqualification of us and our understanding that the lease agreement, both of them, are now null and void.
Rita
San Bernardino, California
U.S.A.