5 Updates & Rebuttals Read More About : First Down Funding TRUSTED BUSINESS | Ripoff Report Verified™ …businesses you can trust. First Down Funding the alternative business financing provider offering unlimited business funds. First Down Funding dedicated to accommodating all needs of business owners.
REVIEW UPDATE: May 15, 2018: First Down Funding remains committed to increased customer satisfaction and has improved their business practices over the years to better serve their customers. First Down Funding is truly dedicated to making sure their customers are satisfied and that any complaints which do arise are addressed promptly and fairly.
To date, First Down Funding 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, First Down Funding 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 First Down Funding 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 First Down Funding for its full commitment to quality customer service.
Ripoff Report's discussions with First Down Funding 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. First Down Funding 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.
First Down Funding specializes in structuring and approving cash advances for small to medium-sized business owners just like you. We have a large selection of merchant services that are designed to immediately help with all of your business’ needs. Our continuous growth allows us to give personal attention to each client’s specific needs and offer creative solutions. First Down Funding provides alternative business financing as well as the advice you need to keep your business thriving.
One of the things Ripoff Report learned in the course of its review is that typical customer feedback reads, First Down Funding truly communicate all aspects of the service in a timely and effective manner. We are very pleased with the responsiveness that the employees show us. They are serious about meeting commitments, and deliver on their promises."
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 Paul Pitcher during an onsite inspection held by a third party verification company with no biases toward First Down Funding.
First Down Funding offers commercial lending products and commercial lending solutions for business owners across the United States, and will soon be branching into the Canadian Territories. This includes same day approvals, as well as same day funding. Mr. Paul Pitcher further stated, "we're actually able to review financial information for the client between 9:00 and 10:00am. Put together an approval by noon, and execute contracts and have everything run through underwriting where we can offer funding the same day."
Leads for First Down Funding are obtained through advertising down on television and radio, in addition to mass direct mailing based on the surrounding area of past clients. Once a potential client has expressed interest in their services First Down Funding will make sure they fully understand the client and their product in order to provide them with the best services, "the main thing is understanding the client's needs...we obviously want to help them long term."
CUSTOMER CARE & COMPLAINT RESOLUTION FROM FIRST DOWN FUNDING
During the onsite interview Mr. Pitcher was asked to describe a situation where a client was not satisfied with the level of service they received. Mr. Pitcher went on to express that they rarely receive complaints out of the hundreds of deals every quarter, and explained the situation which led to a customer writing a complaint on Ripoff Report's website. Mr. Pitcher explained that they were working with a client who acquired and was currently paying off a loan with First Down Funding, and requested additional money, "we ran into a situation where he was looking for money while he had an outstanding loan with us. We decided to take the risk and offer him more money so he would have two balances with our company." However, the client was unable to pay his balances and became frustrated with his required payments. In order to help their client First Down Funding decided to credit back the origination fee that is takes set up a loan times two, "just for an example if the origination fee was $2,000 dollars we actually gave him $4,000 worth of credit." This allowed for the client to get back on track with his payments, "he had been such a good client for the long term that we felt the need to do it."
Additionally, in regards to the comments made on Ripoff Report's website Mr. Pitcher sated the following, "I personally and deeply apologize for any miscommunication, misunderstanding, or mischarging...I know I've personally done everything possible to either bring them back on board with our company or have them work within our company with someone else." Mr. Pitcher would also like to assure future and current clientele with their accreditations. These include platinum level accreditation with Dunn and Bradstreet, an A rating with the BBB, and various high profile spokesman for their company, " it's a blessing to know someone at that level will vouch for us."
When asked what type of changes they have made to honor their commitment to make things right with the customer per the request of Ripoff Report, Mr. Pitcher stated that they have developed a new position titled Director of Business Channels. This position will entail communication with current and past clients to see what processes work and what processes need improvement.
FDF ACH LOANS from Blackfrog Media on Vimeo.
Morning In America from Blackfrog Media on Vimeo.
First Down Funding from Blackfrog Media on Vimeo.
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First Down Funding 20 sec spot from Blackfrog Media on Vimeo.
FDF Affiliate 2 from Blackfrog Media on Vimeo.
ABOUT THE RIPOFF REPORT BELOW:
Ripoff Report would like to let readers know that Ripoff Report emailed this customer so the member business could make things right with them. When a business joins the Corporate Advocacy Program, Ripoff Report emails everyone from the past so the member business can make things right with them. Of course, everything within reason. 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.
STATEMENT FROM FIRST DOWN FUNDING:
After working with the merchant for several months of four (4) different loans, processing made an error and we immediately offered a complete refund PLUS a credit of the amount of the original refund. The client was in process of filing bankruptcy and even with that, we still gave him Two Times the amount of his original refund originally needed. The client's phone number(s) and email addresses went without a response for quite some time and his phones were turned off or disconnected several times while trying to contact him about this situation.
NOW TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT THAT WAS FILED
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Trying to expand my business, I reached out to First Down Funding back in June of 2015. After a short process, of which every phone call or email was responded to immediately, I was told the amount my company qualifies for. Monies were received and all was going well. Then I was double billed. When I started asking questions the communication became less and less. I never get an answer. Ever.
I am now attempting to do another expansion. Having used them, and being promised the people I had been dealing with were no longer there, I decided to give it another go. Once again the initial communication was immediate and direct. Once I began asking questions... well lets just say I had to resort to Managements, management, of which I received NO phone calls or emails. Instead the person I was dealing with called me 3 days later. Supposedly the 2nd half of the promised funds were to be done immediately. Well,,, that was 2 weeks ago, all of my docs were completed then, and..... nope. The only email I got was 9/28 stating my file was being reviewed. This is after I was approved, after I filled out and signed the contracts, and after the communication stopped. I won't reccomend these people to competitors, and d**n sure not to friends.
Brian
Colordo
#2Author of original report
Thu, November 19, 2015
First Down Funding has been incredible to work with!
Brian
Colorado Springs, Colorado
#3Author of original report
Thu, November 19, 2015
I can only say great things about the staff in the DC offfice at First Down Funding!
I just got off the phone with them and received funding within minutes of closing on the contracts with them.
PLEASE do yourself a favor and call First Down Funding for any funding needs!
Brian
Colorado Springs, Colorado
#4Author of original report
Thu, November 19, 2015
I want to remove the complaint I wrote two (2) months ago in regards to First Down Funding.
After getting back to my office, I realized I had many missed calls and emails, along with two (2) hand written notes from their office in Annapolis, MD and Washington DC.
First Down Funding has a staff that stands by their words and did everything possible to get me back on track financially.
They also credited me over DOUBLE the amount of a previous bank I had worked with. I don't think anyone in the entire world would have done what First Down Funding did for me.
Hats off to them and their staff.
I now have 8x the amount of money than I ever intended or requested, but this was a complete misunderstanding from the late Summer and will ONLY work with First Down Funding!
Please call their Sales Office or Customer Service Office at (202) 350 9053 anytime and tell them Brian from Colorado sent you!
THANK YOU!!!
Brian
Colorado Springs, Colorado
#5Author of original report
Mon, November 16, 2015
Lidia from First Down Funding, under the direction of Paul Pitcher (C.E.O.), contacted me on Friday 11/13/15. She is the new Q.C. type position. According to Lidia, Mr. Pitcher directed her to not only repay my original loan doc fees and fees in error, but to DOUBLE them.
I spoke with Lidia for close to 30 minutes and by the end of the conversation I was pleased with the "new direction" FDF is trying to take. As it stands I am revoking my previous complaint, because as I see it FDF is not only trying to do what's right... but make it right.
FDF HR
Annapolis,#6UPDATE Employee
Wed, October 14, 2015
Our office is sorry you dealt with any inconvience. As the account manager of your account I do promise you, you received a large credit well beyond the total owed originally and we tried calling you back many many times on your cell phone and office line. The cell phone was turned off and the voicemail was full.
I also tried emailing several times with no response.
I am more than glad to help you out but when your phones are off, voicemails are full and no response from email, I am not sure what else I can do.
God Bless Brian.