The following is a copy of a Posting on the Rip-off Web-Site Report that I found on September 18, 2010, a day after I quit ApStar Financial.
Each paragraph below spells out exactly what I experienced with AppStar Financial - The only difference from My experience is that it took only a Week to realize the real extent of "Congame" these people were playing on their "Cousultants" and Prospects.
Posted: Thursday, February 26, 2009
Appstar Financial advertises an
income and freedom level that puts stars in prospective employee's eyes. The truth is, many of these claims can only be made because of the top 1% of Appstar employees. After only one month of working for them, I realized that they are in it for their well-being and clearly have no concern for the consultants.Jonathan Raleigh, North Carolina
Karen L - VP Marketing
San Diego,#2REBUTTAL Owner of company
Mon, September 10, 2012
Thank you so much for providing feedback on your experience. This is a 1099 outside sales job for experienced closers. There are certainly no guarantees with a commission only opportunity.
Appstar Financial is proud of the A+ rating we maintain with the BBB which we have earned year after year using sound business practices that provide lucrative opportunities for our merchant base and consultants in the field. We cut commission checks every business day and pay our consultants the day after their deal installs. Plenty of our consultants are currently earning $10K+ a month. I know this because I sign their checks.
As far as our appointments, we have two in house call centers that confirm quality appointments with business owners. We record all of our appointment calls and do our utmost to make sure the merchant is there and available at the time of their appointment. Unfortunately, things come up and as much as Appstar confirms that the merchant will be ready and waiting, they might not be there 100% of the time.
We really appreciate you reaching out to us so that we may improve our business. Please feel free to contact us directly via our website and I will personally call to discuss any questions or grievances you may still have.
Bman
Philadelphia,#3Consumer Comment
Sun, November 07, 2010
Please consider writing a report and sending it to this watchdog government agency:
http://www.ftc.gov/reports/index.shtm
Dismayed
Poughkeepsie,#4UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sun, November 07, 2010
I have been on several appointments in the past three days. My first "scheduled appointments' had issues for example: they told the appointment scheduler they didn't want a consultation, two were not there when I arrived, and my Last appointment yesterday stated that he told the scheduler that afternoons are best, yet I was told to be there at 10am.
I apologized to the potential client for the appointment mix up, and asked when would be a good time to return. The client said after 3:30pm so I could meet with the owner and the book keeper. I left the store to report this to my sales manager, John S. My sales manager was not happy that I left and insisted that I go back in and get the owner to sit with me and fill out the "Discovery Form." I did not feel comfortable going back in, because I did not want to antagonize the client. I went back in as instructed by my sales manager. It was clear to me the owner was not happy to see me 10 minutes later. I made up an excuse about a schedule conflict; it was at that point we agreed on the 3:30 pm appointment.
I returned at the appointment time. I was finally able to engage the owner by discussing his hunting collection. I was successful in establishing a good rapport with the owner and the book keeper. I focused our conversation on good customer service and good reputation. I completed the discovery form, while carrying on this conversation. The book keeper was not comfortable faxing a copy of their processing statement to an unknown party. We completed the form with as much detail as they were comfortable sharing at this time, and faxed it to my manager.
I called John to see if he received the form, which he said he had it in his hand. The customer had already indicated that they were very happy with their present provider. John asked to speak with the book keeper, as they spoke I could see and hear that she was not happy with the way the conversation was going. She told him she was happy with her present service. The conversation turned ugly when John apparently commented about wasting our time with the appointment. The conversation went downhill fast from there. The book keeper said John called the owner a pain in the a** & hung up on her. I sat there humiliated and mortified by this unprofessional exchange. I became visibly upset, and apologized profusely to the owner and book keeper.
I spoke with John once I left the store. He said that didn't going well, which was not my fault. I told him that I was humiliated by the phone exchange, that he hung up on her. John said he didn't hang up on her, he stated that he did use high pressure tactics and became frustrated. I told him that he blew the rapport I established, which left a bad taste in their mouth and mine. John stated that he will not apologize for using high pressure sales tactics when he deems it necessary, this applies to the customer and the consultants he works with, if we don't like it then too bad.
Johns poor and unprofessional attitude left a poor impression with the customer and me. I cannot risk my reputation and values representing a company that does not have the character and integrity that customers need and expect.
This was my last appointment representing this company. I am separating myself and my good reputation from any association with AppStar Financial.
Dismayed
Poughkeepsie,#5UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sun, November 07, 2010
From: | |
Sent: | Thu 11/04/10 11:04 AM |
To: | [email protected]; [email protected] |
Cc: | [email protected]; [email protected] |
I have been on several appointments in the past three days. My first "scheduled appointments' had issues for example: they told the appointment scheduler they didn't want a consultation, two were not there when I arrived, and my Last appointment yesterday stated that he told the scheduler that afternoons are best, yet I was told to be there at 10am.
I apologized to the potential client for the appointment mix up, and asked when would be a good time to return. The client said after 3:30pm so I could meet with the owner and the book keeper. I left the store to report this to my sales manager, John S. My sales manager was not happy that I left and insisted that I go back in and get the owner to sit with me and fill out the "Discovery Form." I did not feel comfortable going back in, because I did not want to antagonize the client. I went back in as instructed by my sales manager. It was clear to me the owner was not happy to see me 10 minutes later. I made up an excuse about a schedule conflict; it was at that point we agreed on the 3:30 pm appointment.
I returned at the appointment time. I was finally able to engage the owner by discussing his hunting collection. I was successful in establishing a good rapport with the owner and the book keeper. I focused our conversation on good customer service and good reputation. I completed the discovery form, while carrying on this conversation. The book keeper was not comfortable faxing a copy of their processing statement to an unknown party. We completed the form with as much detail as they were comfortable sharing at this time, and faxed it to my manager.
I called John to see if he received the form, which he said he had it in his hand. The customer had already indicated that they were very happy with their present provider. John asked to speak with the book keeper, as they spoke I could see and hear that she was not happy with the way the conversation was going. She told him she was happy with her present service. The conversation turned ugly when John apparently commented about wasting our time with the appointment. The conversation went downhill fast from there. The book keeper said John called the owner a pain in the a** & hung up on her. I sat there humiliated and mortified by this unprofessional exchange. I became visibly upset, and apologized profusely to the owner and book keeper.
I spoke with John once I left the store. He said that didn't going well, which was not my fault. I told him that I was humiliated by the phone exchange, that he hung up on her. John said he didn't hang up on her, he stated that he did use high pressure tactics and became frustrated. I told him that he blew the rapport I established, which left a bad taste in their mouth and mine. John stated that he will not apologize for using high pressure sales tactics when he deems it necessary, this applies to the customer and the consultants he works with, if we don't like it then too bad.
Johns poor and unprofessional attitude left a poor impression with the customer and me. I cannot risk my reputation and values representing a company that does not have the character and integrity that customers need and expect.
This was my last appointment representing this company. I am separating myself and my good reputation from any association with AppStar Financial