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  • Report:  #867484

Complaint Review: eGumball Inc. - Irvine California

9 Updates & Rebuttals   Read More About : eGumball Inc.

Reported By:
Affordable Investigations - Jacksboro, Tennessee, United States of America
Submitted:
Updated:

eGumball Inc.
8687 Research Drive Suite 200 Irvine, 92618 California, United States of America
Phone:
1-800-890-8940
Web:
www.egumball.com
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REVIEW UPDATE: May 7, 2018: egumball inc. remains committed to increased customer satisfaction and has improved their business practices over the years to better serve their customers. egumball inc. is truly dedicated to making sure their customers are satisfied and that any complaints which do arise are addressed promptly and fairly.

To date, egumball inc. has made good faith efforts to resolve all complaints reported on Ripoff Report. Based on our experience, the member business has proven to be among the top members of the Ripoff Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction Program as a Verified Safe Business™.

Over time and since becoming a member, egumball inc. has remained actively engaged and improving the way they address customer service complaints. As an active and current member of the Ripoff Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction Program we are happy to report that now more than ever egumball inc. remains committed to improving customer satisfaction.

Remember, no company or individual can ever satisfy 100% of the people 100% of the time. There are no products or services that will always be perfect for everyone and even the best companies will receive complaints from time to time. However, by participating in the Corporate Advocacy Program, the member business has made a commitment to working with its customers to resolve complaints quickly and fairly whenever possible.

Please keep in mind that as a consumer you have some responsibilities as well. Success has many definitions that based on your past experiences, current situation and your perceived expectations. Success with any product or service is always based on the proper application and understanding. The fastest car will not run if you never turn the engine on. Look at how you used the product or service that was provided in relation with the instructions that you received. The Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction Program will help you get your voice heard but please be prepared with documentation and fair representation of your concern, also have an idea of how the company can fix your concern. Can they offer additional services, extend warranties, offer a fair refund or just get you talking with someone that can help. ..let them know and let us know!

*Any consumer not receiving satisfaction from a member of the Corporate Advocacy Program should email us at [email protected].

Ripoff Report Verified™ REVIEW

EDitor's UPDATE: Positive rating and recognition has been given to eGumball, Inc. for its full commitment to quality customer service.

Ripoff Report's discussions with eGumball, Inc. have uncovered an ongoing dedication by the company to total client satisfaction. This means that clients can expect that the company will work towards finding a mutually satisfactory resolution to any concerns. eGumball, Inc. listens carefully to client concerns and sees them as an opportunity to learn from past mistakes and become more efficient as a company in the services offered and the support for those services.

eGumball, Inc.'s owner and founder has informed us that his personal philosophy is that his clients success is at the heart of the business. He feels it critical to listen to his clients and respond properly in every situation. By always putting customers’ first, he hopes to maintain eGumball, Inc. as a successful enterprise both now and for many years to come.

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Ripoff Report Verified™ .. part of Ripoff Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program.A program that benefits the consumer, assures them of complete satisfaction and confidence when doing business with a member business..

The information provided in this report below is based on comments made by the CEO, John Bauer during an onsite inspection held by a third party verification company with no biases toward eGumball, Inc.

eGumball is a Local Search Marketing provider based out of Southern California. John Bauer, CEO, stated the following in regards to his company, "we are an outsource destination for small businesses who provide local online advertising for their business." With the growing market of online promotion eGumball exceeds the competition by offering multiple services to their clients including: Google and search engine optimization, website development, and promotional products.

Leads for eGumball are primarily acquired through cold calling methods. Once initial interest has been placed Mr. Bauer explained the sales process, "once a contract is provided, signed, and returned there is a three day right of recession period provided at the time of the contact which has to expire before moving forward. The active contract is emailed to them along with their own online portal which they have to agree to our terms and conditions when they get in to the portal." Communication is a valued process for eGumball while developing relationships with their clients, "we strive to get the business the right way. Therefore, we strive to ensure our customers are clear as to what to expect going forward."



CUSTOMER CARE & COMPLAINT RESOLUTION FROM eGUMBALL, Inc.

During the onsite interview, Mr. Bauer was asked to describe some of the common complaints that they receive. Mr. Bauer explained that their most common complaint is the turnaround results are not fast enough. In order to combat this, "we educate the client as to what we do as a company. We lay out how long it typically takes Google to show those results, we provide updates, walk them through the steps and try to put the puzzle pieces back together so that they can get a full picture of what's going on."

When asked to comment on complaints posted on Ripoff Report's website Mr. Bauer explained that most complaints were in reference to miscommunications about their service. Mr. Bauer went on to state, "if a salesperson misrepresented our services to a potential customer, we have recordings of the phone call to go back and verify all escalated customer complaints. We will listen to it, and if the complaint is valid we will rectify it immediately through the appropriate channels. If we find that the customer is not understanding, then we will go through the process of educating the client so that a full understanding and resolution is achieved." In addition, their accreditations include being partners with Google Adwords, and being accredited through the BBB.

eGumball is proud to be a part of Ripoff Reports Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction Program. Mr. Bauer further stated, "I think that 3rd party advocacy is great for business."

eGUMBALL, INC.- TESTIMONIALS

Traci helped me with my password to access my control panel. We went through the entire panel thoroughly and I even saw the way my advertising was performing through my statistics tab! I understand everything more and I really appreciate all the help! - Bailey - Washington, DC Review Date: 8/14/2015

My experience was excellent today with Rosanna! She was extremely patient with me as I created a Google listing years ago and I completely forgot how to access my own listing. She was able to take charge and get into the listing to make all the necessary changes. Way to go Rosanna! - Lisa - Old Saybrook, CT Review Date: 8/14/2015

So far so good! Customer service team is courteous and helpful! Temeca went over the phone calls and emails I would be receiving which included the log in to my control panel. eGumball's team has gone over strong points to set up my account. I really like the way its all going so far! - Brad - Jackson, MI Review Date: 8/14/2015

Quick Fast and Easy service today with eGumball! Ashley got to the point and was able to update all my search terms! Thanks - Michael - Kansas City, MO Review Date: 8/5/2015

Lynne opened my eyes to things I didn't even know I had online through eGumball! She was so helpful and knew exactly what she was talking about! She turned my frown upside down and made me happy! Five stars for her great customer service today - Tim - Overland Park, KS Review Date: 8/3/2015

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eGUMBALL, INC. – STATEMENTS FROM THE OWNER

""We are one of the top local search marketing providers in the nation. With us, you'll always receive a complex and customized approach to optimizing your online presence and improving your overall marketing plan."

eGumball, Inc.'s team have expressed that they feel very confident doing their job, and enjoy working one-on-one with customers every day. eGumball, Inc. takes employee satisfaction seriously as well.

Employee feedback and surveys reveal comments such as this,

"This is the best company I have ever worked for. Thank you eGumball for all you continue to do for me and my family. Thank you again."

Ripoff Report was pleased to learn that eGumball, Inc.'s past and current approach to business is focused on its pledge to total commitment towards client and employee satisfaction.

STATED IMPROVEMENTS FROM eGUMBALL, INC>

eGumball, Inc. recognizes that complaints posted on Ripoff Report (whether true or not) are issues that need to be addressed, not ignored. If handled correctly, complaints can be valuable learning opportunities. With the feedback generated by Ripoff Report's review, eGumball, Inc. has made organizational changes allowing its clients and employees a more streamlined approach to problem resolution and a commitment to a great client experience.

In summary, after our review, which included discussions with the employees and management of eGumball, Inc., Ripoff Report is convinced that eGumball, Inc. is committed to quality delivery of services resulting in total client satisfaction.

Be sure to contact us with your questions and comments about any business that is part of the Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction Program. Your questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome and will be considered even if we don't agree with them. Please realize Ripoff Report is chartering in new territory, working to make a change for both consumers and businesses alike.

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How does a business get Ripoff Report Verified™

The member business allows Ripoff report to email everyone from the past. Those who respond to Ripoff report with a valid complaint must be take care of.. they have made a commitment that if anyone contacts Ripoff Report in the future, they will make things right within 14 days. The member business must err on the side of their customers. Otherwise the member business is off the program.

Ripoff Report has determined that eGumball, Inc. meets Ripoff Report Verified’s standards which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. Members of the Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction program do pay a fee for our on-site review, 24 hour monitoring and for support with customers to resolve any disagreements.

Ripoff Report sends a 3rd party service to do an onside inspection of the new member business. The on-site inspection / review does not mean that the products or services offered by the business have been evaluated or endorsed by Ripoff Report, and has not made a determination as to the business' product quality or competency in performing services. We can verify, that Ripoff Report went to the business, verified their business or “work from home business”, there for, if a customer in the future does not get treated correctly, Ripoff Report can get the problem resolved. If not, and the customers is right, the member business will be taken off the Corporate Advocacy Program. Remember, Ripoff Report emailed every customer from the past that filed a complaint to make sure the member business made things right with customers from the past. Again, to err on the side of their customer, those from the past and those in the future.

Read more about why consumers should feel confident when doing business with a member of Ripoff Report's Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program. Yes, it’s a long name for a program that does a lot for both consumers and businesses alike.

Read about Ripoff Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program, a program that benefits the consumer, assures them of complete satisfaction and confidence when doing business with a member business. This program works.

As a matter of policy, when a business becomes a member of the Corporate Advocacy Program they agree to allow Ripoff Report to contact every client who filed a complaint so they can make things right with them. In order to confirm that the complaints were resolved, Ripoff Report is copied on all responses so we can insure that the member business did right by their customer.

NOW TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT THAT WAS FILED

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eGumball Inc. Destroyed my advertising and ripped me off $318 After promising I had 30 days to cancel. Irvine California

An eGumball sales lady called me and we talked about optimizing my current ads on the Internet. My concern was getting into the placement portion of the first page under "Knoxville Private Investigator" & "Tennessee Private Investigator". I agreed to pay the $318 up front fee that included set up and the first months payment. I was conatacted the next day by an eGumball technition that informed me that they were not able to do the deal because my address is a UPS box address and they could not use that address. The other address I had used and had current ads running on Google Adwords and Adwords Express was a 10 year old address that was used for a call forwarding number. This address does not exist. It was made up by AT&T just because they needed a street address in Knoxville for the phone number. When I first started advertising with adwords they verified the address by phone not by sending a postcard to the address. I explained that any changes to that address would result in my advertising dropping off of Google for that address. They said they would be unable to do it so we had to cancel the deal. I tried to stop payment on the virtual check I gave them over the phone but they had already taken it out of my account. They then had a guy by the name of Jeff Bode call me who stated that he could get the ad up if I gave him my password to my google ads and I got a second phone number to use at the UPS box. Again I explained that the call forwarding address was not to be touched and I aquired an additional phone line. He went into my accounts and added the new number to the call forwarding address promting a post card confirmation. That is impossible since there is really no such address and my ads were removed. As of this date none of my ads with egumball are showing and they still refuse to give me back my money.



9 Updates & Rebuttals

Nathan Haynes

South Jordan,
Utah,
Don't forget to file your FTC report at Federal Trade Commission. about egumball

#2Consumer Comment

Thu, May 23, 2013

Don't forget to file your FTC report at  Federal Trade Commission. about egumball


Affordable Investigations

Jacksboro,
Tennessee,
United States of America
Give your complaint department a call?

#3Author of original report

Tue, November 27, 2012

Are you serious? It has been a year. You know what the complaint is. You have done nothing to get my ad up and running except take my money. Give my money back. Why cant you just admit you cant get the ad to run? I am running the ad with Adwords Express and I am on the first page at all times using Google without your help and for a lot less. Google seems to have no problem with it but you use it as an excuse to take my money and do nothing. Your a joke.


eGumball Inc.

Irvine,
California,
United States of America
You are entitled to opinion/interpretation

#4REBUTTAL Owner of company

Tue, November 27, 2012

When our clients signs our agreement they agree to our terms of service and within our terms of service eGumball reserves the right to remedy under search engine guidelines.  In your case, you maintained inconsistent information on the net prior to doing business with us.  If a client does not have the patience or understanding of how all of this works, we understand.  But this does not make us a bad company when a client, as yourself, expects "static" ad-placements like the good old days of yellow page advertisement or coupon mailers.  This is the internet and search engine guidelines change - often.  Especially when a listing looks like 'spam'.

Lastly, we do not have hundreds of complaints.  Our complaint volume is far less dating back to 2007 whereas other service competitors with the same complaint volume date back 6 to 12 months in business.   We do not participate in the writing of fake reviews to bury reviews like yours.  We analyze each review and harness the value of the review to further explain the industry and how search engine guidelines can become problematic.  The handful of complaints represents less than 1% of our entire client base.

Like I said earlier, rather than to accuse a company of being a cheat or a liar why don't you take the time to validate our position and try to understand the service.  Our customer service department is here to help so please give us a call.


Affordable Investigations

Jacksboro,
Tennessee,
United States of America
Bottom Line

#5Author of original report

Tue, November 27, 2012

If you can not get an ad up as you promised them you should refund the companies money. You are not a reputable company. You have hundreds of complaints. Your sales person knew of my mailing situation up front. I have the emails that prove that and your people called and emailed a dozen times trying to convince me they would get it right and you never did, so you should have refunded the money. It's that simple. Your a liar and a cheat.


eGumball Inc.

Irvine,
California,
United States of America
This Question Should Have Been Asked First....

#6REBUTTAL Owner of company

Mon, November 26, 2012

This question should have been asked first before you go out publicly calling a reputable company a liar and a cheat.  Don't you agree?

Google cluster's business data from several third party providers of business data - called ciations.  These third party providers aggregate information from multiple sources - including Google.  If your business information is publicly displayed at location "D" when your business is really located at location "A", as submitted to Google, then your trust score will drop.  When Google creates a cluster for your business on compiled information, all information must match to location "A" as submitted to Google for a high score.

When we receive your application we ask all of our clients to review the accuracy of your business information.  eGumball reviews your submitted information against several citations, including Google, for quality assurance.  If there is inconsistencies with the information found on Google we resubmit awaiting update which may take up to 90 days depending upon which directory is displaying the incorrect information.   Once the information is update and public it may take an additional 60 days for Google to index the correction.




Affordable Investigations

Jacksboro,
Tennessee,
United States of America
EGumball. Liars & cheats.

#7Author of original report

Tue, November 20, 2012

Then why has my ad not run if I gave you another address?


eGumball, Inc.

Irvine,
California,
United States of America
Affordable Investigations Now Contradicts Their Original Story.

#8REBUTTAL Owner of company

Tue, July 03, 2012

Mr. Affordable Investigations.  Please do us all a favor and get your facts straight before you start to post inaccurate information about your experience with our company.  We are an honest company who is looking to assist you within the lines of Google Quality Guidelines.

You are now contradicting yourself...

In your most recent and last post you write:

"You knew that when you sold me your service and you said so when you called back a week later AFTER my check cleared and said you could not do it. "  Please make note of this.  You are now telling the forum that the call we made to you was a week later - after your check had cleared.

In your original post you wrote:

"I agreed to pay the $318 up front fee that included set up and the first months payment. I was conatacted the next day by an eGumball technition that informed me that they were not able to do the deal because my address is a UPS box address and they could not use that address."
Which posting of yours is accurate?

  • Did eGumball call you the day after you agreed to service?

  • Or did eGumball call you a week later after you agreed to service and your checked cleared?

Our records indicate that our quality assurance department made contact with you the day after you agreed to contract to inform you that the address provided was not compliant per Google Quality Guidelines.  You decided to use a different address and you decided to continue with service.

This shall conclude our position in this matter.

Thank you.

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Affordable Investigations

Jacksboro,
Tennessee,
United States of America
eGumball Lies

#9Author of original report

Fri, June 29, 2012

There was no spam involved. You called me! I have a buisness that I want to advertise in Knoxville where most of my work is. You knew when you took my money that I have a PO Box and UPS post box and that you could not do the advertising but you took my money anyway. You knew that when you sold me your service and you said so when you called back a week later AFTER my check cleared and said you could not do it. You should have refunded my money at that time. You guess are crooks and liars. I am now up to seven people just in the Knoxville area that you have ripped off and we are not going away. I will get more. If anyone wants to email me at [email protected] , I have some information for an attorney in CA that is getting together a Class Action suit against eGumball.

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eGumball, Inc.

Irvine,
California,
United States of America
eGumball Adheres To Google Quality Guidelines And Does Not Support Spam

#10REBUTTAL Owner of company

Wed, April 18, 2012

Google Quality Guidelines mandates the use of a physical address not a "remote" forwarding address as the author of this address states.  Google looks at these types of listings as SPAM.  We thoroughly manage listings per search engine guidelines and do not support call tracking numbers or phantom address locations.

Google Places, in part, ranks its listings upon the quality of business data found by Google across the network of local search directories.  Google Places clusters this information and aggregates an overall score based upon its findings.  NAP (Name, Address and Phone) is an important component in Google Places Optimization.  If your business data is not consistent and verifiable then your listing will experience poor results, especially under the circumstances of SPAMMING.

Although there is more to this story, this factual bit of information justifies our decisions.

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