gallo
chicago,#2Consumer Comment
Sat, September 25, 2010
This is a comment only, please consider it neutral. Big City Advancement - I believe- is doing something illegal IF the "branch manager" positions do not exist.
Which they probably do not. It is not shown in your report, though. So, I will show up on my training with them to find out one way or the other. It is not illegal in this country to use a "strong sales pitch" on people.
On that "2nd inteview" details of that "branch manager" position were described in a relatively detailed fashion. Salary, hours, requirements, how this is a "new mode" of employment for this company.Now, it is clear to me that what in fact is happening is that they are recruiting a sales force.
So, they try to lure people to desire the "other kind of employment" more than the "low paying" branch manager job. This so far does not necessarily mean that the positions do not exist. Just because something is pitched in a way that it is easily misundarstandable does not constitute a 'scam'.
In that case every car salesman or tv commercial writer could be described as a 'scam artist'. I did not dislike Josie, I think she is a good story teller, but of course if she'd want me to push cologne on the street I would not do that.
Becky
United States of America#3General Comment
Wed, March 17, 2010
I was scanning the jobs on the Chicago Craigslist, and came across an ad for an "expanding company looking to fill 24 positions in management, administrative, and customer support." The ad also said that the starting salary was 35K, just like this original report said. It said to call a number to schedule an interview, which I did. The person who answered did not give me any information about the company, but I just thought I'd ask about it at the time of the interview. A few hours before I was to leave for this interview, I decided to google the number I called and found this rip-off report. When I called to cancel my interview (because I wasn't about to get sucked into that!), I said that I had another obligation and had to cancel. The man that answered had the balls to ask what my obligation was and if "it could wait just 15 minutes" because they were hiring for MANAGEMENT positions, and this is my career we're talking about! I said no, I really could not come, and he tried to pencil me in for the next day. I held my ground and said no.
All in all, beware of this Craigslist ad! I'm just glad I saw this report before I went!
Montee
Chicago IL,#4UPDATE EX-employee responds
Fri, October 17, 2008
Yes I also was a victim/survivor of Skyline Management Corporation, AKA Big City Advancement or whatever they call themselves now (All Run By Josie V). Nothing against her or Scentura Creations or Larry Hahn and anyone else who is involved with this So-Called Scam of the Scentury!!!! I just know this, if I have learned anything from this horrific and demeaning experience, it was that I WILL NEVER AGAIN TRUST ANYTHING THAT SOUNDS LIKE TOO MUCH SUGAR FOR A NICKEL!!!! True enough I was down on my luck and needed a quick fix to my long-term issues. Scentura Creations was right there to kick me down by offering me a long-term way to fix my problems. The problem is that I had to sell my soul and lose my housing in the process to get it. Not a good deal, become a manager/owner and rip-off unsuspecting consumers who have no idea they're buying knockoff fragrances. I did all of this to make a buck and lost my dignity in the process. Then again it was by my own free will which Im glad I only spent 60 days in this training program. So to all who comes across Scentura Creations, Larry Hahn, Or Josie V. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!! Whenever something sounds like too sugar for a nickel.......By GOD it usually is!!!!
John
Memphis,#5Consumer Suggestion
Fri, August 01, 2008
#1 The 'background check' money goes into the local managers pocket, pure and simple. No check is ever done. Why would they want to? They're looking for rubes who will fall for the scam, why not milk 'em for what they've got? This is pure gravy money for the boss. Some locations charge $20, some charge $40. It serves as a nice 'hook' to keep you from walking away too quickly. #2 Lies and deception generate sales which in turn generates profit. Employees are lied to and in turn they lie to customers. Anything to make that sale. Scentura managers hate questions for one reason. They make people think. Can't have that and expect to make a profit. #3 Making you buy a sample kit. Here's another nice hook. Once you've bought it you're stuck with it. They get their money regardless. If you quit they still get their money and you get stuck with bottles of weasel piss. If they do this to enough salespeople they don't need any outside sales since you're already covering their profit needs. If a manager can keep new salespeople coming in and buying sample kits he's got it made. #4 Selling to your friends and family. A classic scam tactic. Generates easy sales but when your friends and family realize it's weasel piss you look like a scammer. Your manager could care less, just turn in the sales money to him. Do you have any self esteem? #5 Being a contractor. You now have absolutely no rights in the organization. They can treat you any way they please, period. You have no recourse other than to quit if they lie to you and abuse you. Nothing is ever in writing (how convenient). A Scentura manager has one mission....... sell bottles. It doesn't matter if they're sold to employees (er, ah, contractors) or people on the street (or parking lots). Use ANY method to do it. Period.