- Report: #876458
Complaint Review: egumball - Irvine, CA 92653 Internet
5 Updates & Rebuttals Read More About : egumball
Reported By:
William -
Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
Submitted:
Updated:
-
Author Confirmed
Why?
egumball
8687 Research Drive, Suite 200 Irvine, CA 92653, 92653 Internet, United States of America
Phone:
1-800-890-8940
Web:
www.egumball.com
Categories:
Business Rating:
(0)
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egumball sales people will lie, and they charge you for a free service(google places), Internet
*REBUTTAL Owner of company: Contact eGumball Immediately If You Change Your Business Name, Address or Phone.
*Author of original report: You DId NOT ADRESS ANY of my concerns. You stated something that I already admitted. Did you even read the complaint?
*REBUTTAL Owner of company: eGumball Relies On Client Information
*Author of original report: Your mistakes are not my fault, you claim to "help" has been unresponsive
*REBUTTAL Owner of company: Call eGumball. We Want To Help.
Report Attachments
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.
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
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.
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 sales people will lie, and they charge you for a free service(google places), Internet
Egumball lied from me out the gate. I was a bit slow to sign up, but they let me do a 6 month contract, so i went ahead and signed up. I saw zero results, so I called after 6 months to cancel, then they politely said "you must not have read your contract" and further said they they never offer 6 months contract. And by the way, the guys name is TJ who promised me the 6 months contract. Further, all they do is open up a new google places account for you, which is free. yes its free. You can do google places without a egumball. Of course they won't tell you this, but if you think I'm lying, then just ask.
Anyway, so I got stuck for a year, and they said there was nothing I could do. Im going to sue them when its over with. Finally I called again after about 9 months in and kind of said"ok, well since I'm paying you each month, and you lied and said I'm not actually in a 6 month contract because i didn't read the 10 page contract after being verbally promised a 6 month contract, and they said "oh, we didn't know that you changed the name of your company last year (which was a lie because I told them I had already changed the name, just hadn't updated my web stuff-which is crucial information in this field)
so they promised to help again, and promised to call me back again, but of course I gave them an extra day passed the day that they would help me and then called them to ask why they hadn't called me yet, they didn't even apologize but said they had 10,000 customers so its hard sometimes.... seems to me like somebody needs to hire more people. ANd now they said I have to wait for a postcard from google places before they can do anything els efor me. And might I add that was about a month ago.
Anyway beware, their salespeople will lie, they don't ask any discovery questions to see if they really can help you or not, they are very nice when you get them on the phone but they never do what they say they will do. And most of all they charge you for a free service (google places) and won't even tell you that everything that they do is free, for u to do yourself. Oh and might I mention, if you already have a google places account, they will attempt to open a new one (unless you tell them upfront that you have on, but trust me, they will NOT ask) and this hurts your web presence tremendously. Doing business with these people is equivalent to taking 15 minutes and setting up your google places account.
5 Updates & Rebuttals
eGumball, Inc.
Irvine,California,
United States of America
Call eGumball. We Want To Help.
#2REBUTTAL Owner of company
Mon, May 07, 2012
We have answered all your questions, endured your attacks and have welcomed you to call our service department.
Our agreement with you is all we have to rely on and we refer to our agreement for the following reasons:
1) The term of agreement is clearly displayed right above your signature.
2) Your company name, address and phone number is clearly displayed at the top of your agreement.
Why wasn't any of the above challenged before sign up?
It is hard to say we are scamming you when we are simply relying on your agreement with you. The conversation you had with your salesperson, although in question, is reaffirmed in your agreement and we cannot ignore this.
We send all of our clients lifeline emails detailing the progress of their campaign. This function is automated and there is no reason not to send them. It sounds to me that our service department moved to verify your email address since you had previously claimed no receipt. It might be worth the time to check your spam folder.
The real question is what we are doing to remedy your issue. It sounds to us that the follow up call you received with regards to the post card is consistent with the normal turnaround time of receiving your Google post card.
All in all this is an issue that needs to be handled. Please contact our customer service department.
William
Richmond,Virginia,
United States of America
Your mistakes are not my fault, you claim to "help" has been unresponsive
#3Author of original report
Sun, May 06, 2012
You say that you send 9 initial correspondences.. this is either a LIE, or I did not receive 9. closer to 2. You say your terms are clearly disclosed up front in writing. This may be the case HOWEVER don't you think that what your salespeople say, and what you disclose in writing just might should be the same?? fraudulent sales tactics. regardless of what is in writing, your salespeople should not LIE about whats coming in writing. fraudulent. You say my name change was not provided in my application and you did not know about it until six months later.. This is another lie. Mt name was ALREADY changed at the time of initial contact. Business name was changed March 18th 2011. It was at the 6 month mark (when I was told my contract was up--LIE) when you all mysteriously "remembered" or mooted the account etc. I was very clear to your people that the name was already changed but it wasn't updated by certain entities, and therefore THATS why YOU called me asking for the wrong company name, at time of sign up. And you say you are willing to assist, but every time I call they keep saying that they can not do anything until I receive my google places postcard. Once again, you should be able to do more that simply adjust a google places account if this is your perfusion. I can do that on my own. But Ive checked the mail everyday.. Still no postcard. So no postcard = wasted money going to you. You have not been able to help at all. Your rebuttals are highly inaccurate, and there is a huge disconnect between the verbal and written correspondences//communications. Im not sure who YOU are, but if you listen to my INITIAL conversation when signing up via recorded call,even YOU will understand why what you have been telling me is completely inaccurate. And I have all the emails, and do not have NINE correspondences coming from you.LISTEN TO THE TAPE. You might accidentally give your company more integrity afterwards. YOu would be surprised what your people told me, in comparison to what you claimed happened. Ask TJ. I was there, YOU weren't. Check the tape. IT answers all your questions. If you have no tape, then I understand why, because you are acknowledging that your people may lie, and you do not want to keep a record. Anyway. As hard as you try to stand up for your company, your rebuttals are full of inaccuracies and still avoid the fact that I was told ONE thing, and given a written contract saying COMPLETELY different. But you got me, you tricked me. Even when we get to court, because you had a written form, I may lose, but hey, Ill let the judge make that decision.
eGumball, Inc.
Irvine,California,
United States of America
eGumball Relies On Client Information
#4REBUTTAL Owner of company
Thu, May 03, 2012
We apologize that you are not satisfied with the service you have received thus far. Just to confirm you are displeased with your initial communication, term of agreement and the handling of your postcard requirement through Google.
Unlike most service providers in our industry we are one of the few which rely on agreements to better service our clients. Service agreements provide a clear understanding to services provided, term of agreement and service. All of which are clearly disclosed upfront and in writing. We also reconfirm our service through nine initial email correspondences and through our client control panel interface where all clients accept the terms of our service.
Please understand that as a company we stand behind our service and understand how important communication and follow through is to a small business owner. We have implemented several platforms to communicate with our clients. We first rely on our initial agreement which includes your mandatory approval of your business information. We further rely on our clients control panel interface and client feedback through our customer service department.
As with any business we want to offer value to our clients as we work the many changes in search engine guidelines. In your case, Google wants to verify your business data and the address re-submitted to Google. Google is sending you a post card. The business name change was not provided in your application, your control panel interface or to our customer service department until six months later. No faxes or emails are found in your file.
It would be illegitimate for a service not to provide the above filters protecting client best interests. We are willing to help you.
We handle all issue and are willing to assist you through the re-verification process. Please contact customer support at 1-800-890-8940 for further assistance.
William
Richmond,Virginia,
United States of America
You DId NOT ADRESS ANY of my concerns. You stated something that I already admitted. Did you even read the complaint?
#5Author of original report
Thu, May 03, 2012
First of All, EGUMBALL WAS NOTIFIED BEFORE THE CAMPAIGN EVEN STARTED, about the name change, but acted as if it wasn't a ranking issue, until 6 months in the contract. So please don't say that they needed to be notified. Second, WHAT ABOUT THE 6 MONTH CONTRACT??? Seems that you completely ignored this, which was my BIGGEST PROBLEM with egumball, by the way the guys name was TJ who promised me that. Don't you record your calls?? I do. And I wrote down and quoted what he said to me, and TOLD him that I was doing so at the time. I found the original paper, FOR THIs REASON. THIRD, explain your customer service. You only talk to people when they complain. I was promised numerous phone calls and an email WHICH I NEVER received, and actually had to complain on the regular website to get a reaction. Senseless. ADRESS THE GUY TELLING ME THAT HE HAS 10,000 accounts and that I cant expect to be called back when promised, address lack of apology, address only responding to people when they try to cancel, shout out "scam,"' or complain. Like I said, I do not file complaints on people, this is my first although I have found many businesses to be "shaky" from time to time, and have been burnt occasionally, but the way you did it was completely classless, misleading, fraudulent, unresponsible, unprofessional, mannerless, and you kept a smile the entire time. Ill give you credit for tact, but check this out, the postcard that was "supposed" to be sent to me by google, STILL hasn't showed up, and coincidentally (yeah right) one of your people followed up with me with a phone call(first follow up since 3 weeks ago, and only the 2nd follow up call out of about 10 promised) almost exactly when I saw you posted a rebuttal. But this is a shining example of how you work. Im glad I posted my real name, because I was actually expecting a phone call. Tell Rick Im still waiting for the email he was supposed to send a month ago. ANd further ask him why he asked me to verify my email if he wasn't going to send me the questionnaire. ANyway. Have fun robbing small businesses. Matter fact some words of advice. Ask at least SOME discovery questions when you sign up new customers, and tell your salespeople good complains don't have to lie about contract length to get business.LOL so Im glad you know how to use google places. Charging people who don't isn't actually a bad idea, but d**n, even I found out the places where my info was wrong, and YOU STILL haven't, and thats WHAT YOU CLAIM TO DO. Get better in your industry. YOu might be able to be legit one day
eGumball, Inc.
Irvine,California,
United States of America
Contact eGumball Immediately If You Change Your Business Name, Address or Phone.
#6REBUTTAL Owner of company
Tue, May 01, 2012
When you hired eGumball you hired eGumball to manage your online directory listings which are all independently owned. The business information claimed within your *free* Google Places needs to match *all* other directory listings outside Google. Including the business information on your website - which you control.
Google clusters business information published by third party websites for trust scoring. If your business information changes so will your trust score.
When a client changes their business information it is important to contact eGumball via clients control panel, email, fax, mail or phone.
If your Google Places listing is new to Google, Google may require to verify the new listing by post card.
eGumball reasonably returns most inquires within 72 hours.
Please contact customer support at 1-800-890-8940 for further assistance.
