StoresOnline, GalaxyMall The WORST business experience of my life! Orem Utah
The worst business mistake of my life was buying a website and method of processing credit cards from StoresOnline.
I have done a lot of seminar work in my lifetime and was completely impressed with StoresOnlines presentation and method of "putting you in their net." However, like the character in "Catch Me If You Can," they appear to me to be extremely slick con artists and liars.
Nothing was as represented. We had to do all of the work after having been told that StoresOnline's main service was to host and "build" our websites. E-mails and phone calls were usually not returned. When you finally do get ahold of someone, you are inevitably given another runaround.
This has been happening to us since March of 2002. We finished, or thought we had finished, setting up our website in August of 2002. We then set out to get listed on the search engines. After finding that the vast majority of sites StoresOnline promised to list us on were complete garbage, we then hired a company keep us listed on the primary search engines for the next year. Unfortunately, this company informed us that none of the web pages were properly formatted, and so we wouldnt be able to be listed.
Needless to say, we have not received any orders. Last week and the week before we did talk with StoresOnline customer support people who had been recently hired. One of them was a little helpful as she informed us what "meta tags" are -- and that they had never been completed by Han Butler, who was the StoresOnline employee who took our text and "slugged" it into their templates.
I feel that he purposely did not complete the meta tags properly as revenge for all of the corrections to our site that we demanded when we found out how many mistakes he had made. He really seemed like he had no idea what he was doing.
My company consists of my business partner, my sister, my secretary amd myself and all of us have experienced every negative thing that appears on this website with the exception of being elderly retirees that have had their retirement funds ripped off.
The "coaches" (who called to announce that we had been specially selected to be turned into super heroes so that we could stand up "next year" in the seminar and tell everybody how successful we had been with Stores Online) did not win us over. In fact, when I announced that I was not going to make a decision that day, because I was being pressured to do so, the "coach" laughed at me and made a smart-alec remark of good luck.
The final straw was last week, when my secretary and I called StoresOnline and demanded that they fix the website--at their cost--so it could be properly listed on the search engines. The customer service rep we talked to tried very hard to give us the runaround, saying we needed to look at "such and such page of our tutorial," and that we obviously had no idea what we were doing, and that she had to do the same things when she built her own website with StoresOnline.
She also placed us on hold multiple times (for at least 10 minutes a whack), and ultimately told us that we were confused, that StoresOnline was not in the business of building websites, that they only hosted!!
Of course, we were outraged and demanded to speak to a supervisor. She said none was available. We said we'd wait. Then she said we'd have to file a request to speak to someone higher up, and that it would take 10-15 business days to get a reply.
So, if you still can, save your money, save your time, save your sanity, and DO NOT deal with this company. We are very interested in either finding a class-action lawsuit we can join or putting one together. Please contact us if you're interested or have any information.
Carla
Portland, Oregon
U.S.A.
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Storesonline
14 Updates & Rebuttals
Melodie
San Diego,California,
U.S.A.
Thanks Robin
#15Consumer Comment
Tue, June 17, 2003
We have already called Chuck last Friday and we sent a letter with our complaint to him via email on Sunday. Whatever else he needs I will be happy to send. My husband is going to follow-up on this next Wednesday, if we don't hear back from him before then.
Thanks for you help and your words of encouragement. We have also sent a letter to the BBB and the Customer Protection agency in Utah.
Melodie
San Diego,California,
U.S.A.
Thanks Robin
#15Consumer Comment
Tue, June 17, 2003
We have already called Chuck last Friday and we sent a letter with our complaint to him via email on Sunday. Whatever else he needs I will be happy to send. My husband is going to follow-up on this next Wednesday, if we don't hear back from him before then.
Thanks for you help and your words of encouragement. We have also sent a letter to the BBB and the Customer Protection agency in Utah.
Lisa
Covina,California,
U.S.A.
We can help them NOT get into NASDAQ!
#15Consumer Suggestion
Mon, June 16, 2003
Everyone,
When I heard that iMergent.inc, had applied to NASDAQ small caps Stock, I was furious, because that meant more people would be rip-off.
So I looked NASDAQ's offical webiste, and went into contact us, and wrote them a letter to let them know what iMERGENT.INC AND STORESONLINE was really about,there is a section in the rules for applying to NASDAQ, it states that in the application, Materially from those described in the forwarding statesments including, without limitation, the ability of the company to generate and sustain customer interest in it's core products.
I feel with the integrity that this company has shown it's customers, it can not sustain Customers interest in it's core products, but infact we the customers are only interested in making sure they are no longer able to deceive, and rip off the customers, to make there millions.
We need everyone to send an e-mail to Nasdaq feedback so it will be sent to the acquisitions team in their listing qualifications department for their review and consideration.
either go into NASDAQ'S OFFICIAL SITE, or just send an e-mail to InsideNasdaq@nasdaq.com, you need to tell them why you feel this company should not be allowed into NASDAQ.
I wrote and told them which sites to view, such as this site, and complaints.com, and Storesoffline.com, I told them about the 9 states investigating them and Washington having a cease and disist order.
Any info you can provide NASDAQ, will help in stopping them from ripping 0ff even more people.
Robin
Brentwood,California,
U.S.A.
Californians Look for the post about the DA
#15Consumer Suggestion
Sun, June 15, 2003
Hey Melodie,
I think it was from last week.
Call Chuch Finney, San Mateo County DA.
The info is in the post!
Good Luck
I called him and he's a great guy!
He will want the following info:
~ your story, waht happened how do you feel scammed, etc,
~ any contracts you signed, letters either to or from SOL.
~ And reciepts for any payments you made
~ Any withdrawls SOL has made from your account, or credit card.
He is on vacation until this Friday, June 20th.
But if you get all of that together, you can fax it or if you want mail it.
Copies of course.
I believe he will help us.
Chin Up!!
Robin
Brentwood,California,
U.S.A.
I agree, Don't Give Up!!!!
#15Consumer Suggestion
Sun, June 15, 2003
I think at last enough noise has been made about this company and the liar that runs it.
I could not understand why when I seached or posted about Galaxy Mall, that no one replied. I did not know until last week that they changed their name to SOL. OMG, all over the net there is a trail of victims.
Anyway we avoided paying them for 2 years, but now we're buying a house, a true to the word of Monterey Collections, who tried to make our lives miserable, we have to pay.
$6500!
So I'll just have to go after SOL when the California DA works out his repayment demand.
This has been a nightmare, and a real lesson.
I will never forget this as long as I live.
It's just wrong to treat people the way these guys have been doing, how can they sleep at night.
If anyone hears any class action info, I'm there just let me know!
Melodie
San Diego,California,
U.S.A.
Who did you deal with to get this refund?
#15Consumer Comment
Sat, June 14, 2003
Was it all through StoresOnline or did you hire a lawyer?
Please post how you were able to work this deal so we all know what to do.
Thanks for the information.
Melodie
San Diego,California,
U.S.A.
Who did you deal with to get this refund?
#15Consumer Comment
Sat, June 14, 2003
Was it all through StoresOnline or did you hire a lawyer?
Please post how you were able to work this deal so we all know what to do.
Thanks for the information.
Melodie
San Diego,California,
U.S.A.
Who did you deal with to get this refund?
#15Consumer Comment
Sat, June 14, 2003
Was it all through StoresOnline or did you hire a lawyer?
Please post how you were able to work this deal so we all know what to do.
Thanks for the information.
Melodie
San Diego,California,
U.S.A.
Who did you deal with to get this refund?
#15Consumer Comment
Sat, June 14, 2003
Was it all through StoresOnline or did you hire a lawyer?
Please post how you were able to work this deal so we all know what to do.
Thanks for the information.
Cinda
Butte,Montana,
U.S.A.
Be Determined, Be Strong, Think Win-Win, and Stand up for your Beliefs!
#15Consumer Comment
Thu, June 12, 2003
Thank you so much for your comments and support. I send you my very best as you work to resolve this conflict that is both emotionally and financially destructive. When I began my own research and decided to take the action I did, I remembered an old quote I'd read several years ago: "Be a doer. What you do speaks so loud I can't hear what you say."
The time and preparation I put into my complaints, the backup paperwork, stating and commanding what I expected in return, and the followup I took was more hours than I was able to invest in my business. However, it was worth it for us.
I was able to get approximately a 72% total refund back from SOL/PMI. I had 3 specific complaints that we compromised on: (1) I received 100% back on an unauthorized withdrawal of funds from my checking account; (2) I received an agreed upon refund from PMI of 94% for services not received (we paid PMI to do a job, they did not do it--we demanded a refund for the portion of the job they did not complete!); and (3) I received a 65% refund from SOL (we kept 1 website running and the merchant account or we'd lose it also with no refund; we were refunded 3 websites; and we lost the other 2). We considered this higher portion of our loss as a "donation" to SOL to buy a conscious for J. Poelman and his "merry band of bandits"--their philosphy...steal from the poor and give to the rich (themselves)!
I strongly feel that with all the individuals and companies that have had these difficult problems with SOL and PMI, that this would be the best we could recover without getting into an expensive lawsuit. I am very grateful that we didn't lose more! Many people have given up or walked away. Remain strong and persistent in your efforts.
Also, please keep updated on the StoresOffline website. Type into your address bar: www.storesoffline.com. Alec and the crew have done a wonderful job putting together a comprehensive list of information and complaints to prevent further ripoffs and buyer beware assistance. They are also working towards a class action lawsuit that you may want to consider participating in.
So many people have been and are being bullied and intimidated by the SOL "Management Team". Remember, these people are no better than anyone else--they're just "SOL" right now with the government and public! They don't own you--they work for you...You paid them to do a job and that's the expectation! If they don't do the job they've been paid, then they should be "fired" and a refund for the "unfinished" portion of the job should be refunded. J. Poelman was wrong about "buyer remorse". He's casting his irresponsibility onto the consumer because he has products and services that would not sell if he ran an honest business.
As difficult as it was, we do feel that we recovered financially better than most from a lose-lose situation to a win-win situation. Yes, I would have preferred to get back 90% to 100%! But that wasn't reality. No, we have no programmer at SOL that can provide us with professional, knowledgeable help to make our website a success. The help is too "generic".
My best to you all! :)
Melodie
San Diego,California,
U.S.A.
Thank you for this information.
#15Consumer Comment
Wed, June 11, 2003
My husband and I have been discussing for the last couple months what we can do about this "rip-off". Although I'm sad to see so many people involved in this mess, I'm glad to have some ways to take action. For that I thank you. If there are other things we can do, please feel free to contact me.
Dennis
Ridge,New York,
U.S.A.
MAYBE JUST MAYBE.......
#15Consumer Comment
Wed, March 19, 2003
I just want to thank you Carla and Cinda for the info you gave concerning the rip off report on the sleeze ball STORES ONLINE! I wanted to e-mail you Carla but I didnt see an e-mail address.
I would very much be interested in any kind of lawsuit against SOL IM disabled and cannot afford to lose the $3500.00 I was ripped off for.
the info you listed CINDA is a start.I will do everything that you suggested.
I never thought about the business to business
paragraph you wrote, but it makes sence to me.
I asked for my money back the next day and was told I couldnt because it was a business transaction.. I just hope it isnt to late.
I was hoping something would have happened when I posted my report a few months back..
Hopefully we can get the LAST LAUGH
Thanks,
Steve
Glenview,Illinois,
U.S.A.
Make them pay for your phone call
#15Consumer Suggestion
Mon, March 17, 2003
When you call StoresOnline, use this toll-free number. That way they will pay for the call.
877-492-6490
Cinda
Butte,Montana,
U.S.A.
CARLA--OUR MISSION: STORES ONLINE VS. STORES OFFLINE!
#15Consumer Comment
Wed, March 12, 2003
Carla, Here's some info to help you get started. My best to you!
This site lists information on US Securities and Exchanges of companies. On 2/18/03, Peter Fredericks, Director of Imergent, Inc., sold 2,000 shares for only $1.85. This stock only has to drop under $1.50 for 3 weeks before it becomes penny stock. So Sad, SOL! I strongly believe in Karma, what SOL has done financially to destroy the freedom of citizens in this country, including people in Canada and New Zealand, may just be the very thing that does them in! They have neither pride nor boundaries when screwing people for their employee-owned greed.
Also, for your information, Imergent, Inc. was listed in the long lists of "dba" names with the Better Business Bureau of Utah less than a few months ago. If you go to the BBB of Utah today to read the reports on SOL, www.saltlakecity.bbb.org , Imergent is no longer listed as doing business there. However, if you go to www.imergentinc.com, you will find Imergent doing business with Hoover Online in Austin, TX. Navigate to the Contact Us and you find that they still list their corporate office in Orem, UT. On this site, Imergent is selling Stores Online services!
Go to this great Website that just started in late November 2002--another great forum to get things rocking-and-rolling to protect people from Stores Online, Galaxy Malls, Imergent, Inc.!
www.stores-on-line.co.nz
Let's all do our part and help each by spreading the word. After all, what's the best marketing technique? Word of mouth! United we stand...StoresOffLine
Here's some financial reading material for anyone who's interested: http://biz.yahoo.com/p/i/imgg.ob.html
What SOL has done to me is no less than what theyve done to you. However, I REFUSE to be an SOL VICTIM! I urge each and every one of you to refuse to be disheartened by this heartless company that rapes free citizens of hopes, dreams, and financial freedom. Do one of the following or all of them, let your voice be heard and stand up for your freedom and rights!
1. Write your complaint to the Better Business Bureau of UT. Dont just complain, EXPLAINprovide factual information and documentation. State exactly what you want! If you feel SOL owes you money for unhonored contractual obligations, then say itI want a refund of $.... due to SOLs refusal to uphold their contractual agreement. If several months go by, send them a followup status report. Send to: Better Business Bureau of UT, 5673 South Redwood Road, #22, Salt Lake City, UT 84123-5322. Phone: (801) 892-6009.
2. Did you purchase your business package before you became a business? In other words, were purchasing as a consumer or business-to-business? If you were a consumer purchasing this business before you became a legal business entity, then you have rights under the Consumer Protection Agency. Tell them you were a consumer at the time. Request a legal mediation or arbitration! Send your complaint and factual documentation to: Division of Consumer Protection, Heber M. Wells Building, Second Floor, 160 East 300 South, SM 146704, Salt Lake City, UT 84114; (801) 350-6601.
3. Are you ready to start a class action lawsuit? Go to World Justice at www.worldjustice.com. Theyre a legal resource center that provides free services and a forum to submit your complaint. Send your complaint and EXPLAINprovide factual information. A lawyer will review the complaints. If we can get several hundred to several thousands of people to submit a complaint, we have a good chance at a class action lawsuit!
4. Send a copy of your complaint and all attachments to your State agencies. They need to know whats going on in your community! Send info to: County Attorney, State Attorney General, Consumer Protection, State Senator and Congressman.
5. Send a copy of your complaint to the FBIs Cybercrime Unit. Once again, EXPLAIN and send factual information (i.e., if the disc SOL gave you in the tool builder kit is worthless, send it as evidence). Back up your complaint with info on these forums, the BBB of UTs bad business report, documentation of SOL refusing to honor their contractual agreements with you. Send what you can to: Cybercrime Task Force (FBI), 5272 South College Drive, 2nd Floor, Murray, UT 84123.
6. Need to contact Stores Onlines Customer Services that handles complaints? Talk to Tammy Chandler, Customer Services, at (801) 227-0004. SOL is required to have a department to handle the large volume of complaints ( and I mean hundreds if not thousands!) that have been submitted to the BBB of UT. (I bet the BBB of UT is exhausted!)
7. Protect yourself while protecting others! SOL has a listing of cities and states they are hosting these scam conferences. Go to: www.iregnow.com. There you will find if SOL is hosting a conference in your city. Remember, you have a right to assemble (as long as its peaceful and within the confines of the law!). Picket, pass out info from these forums to these unsuspecting guests, hand out BBB of UT company reports, etc. Contact the media in your area and inform them of whats going on a week or two in advancethe newspaper, commentaries, TV news stations, etc. You can even take it a step further and contact NBC Dateline and offer them an exclusive followup on their previous show (a chance to be a hero vs. a victim?) Someone out there may have contacts to 60 minutes, Barbara Walters. Make the public aware of whats going on!
I only started looking into this a few months ago and at first felt shocked, overwhelmed, disheartened. Now, Im determined to stand up as a free citizen and protect my rights that so many have died trying to defend. Ive sincerely tried working with SOL, and they just simply dont want to cooperate or uphold their contractual duties. I decided this past week that I am not willing to be another one of their victims in a long-standing list that has been accumulating over the past several years. I dont know if Ill get the refund Im requesting, but I do know thisI have a new goal with my partnership with SOL. I REFUSE TO BE THEIR "SUCKER VICTIM" any longer. Im taking action, how about you?!