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  • Report:  #858507

Complaint Review: Ken Sonnenberg - Internet

Reported By:
Amber - Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
Submitted:
Updated:

Ken Sonnenberg
222 East 860 South Orem, Utah 84058 84058 Internet, United States of America
Phone:
866-716-3099
Web:
www.thecoachingdepartment.com
Tell us has your experience with this business or person been good? What's this?
"I apparently purchased this program under false pretense through another company.  I was unaware that the amount I was paying, $5,000.00, was just for this.  I thought I was purchasing the programming of my website, and that this was just added in.  When I called to cancel my website being built because after taking-that I could do it on my own, they told me the money was for this service and not the website.  If I had known that, I would have never spent so much money for it.  I am requesting my money back, as the drop-ship supplier I use, is one that I found on my own.  I did experiment with this site to see what it would come up with, but the supplier I contacted-specifically for Art Supplies-did not even offer drop-shipping, and wanted to know where I got their information from.  I told them, but they were unaware of your services.  With that being said, I would like a refund of my money for a service I dont use.  I was told by the person who ordered this, that they could not issue my $5,000.00 refund-because it went to you guys-someone outside their office.  Again, I was unaware of this.  I am contacting the Attorney General about this, because I feel that companies need not to falsify the services they are providing and what a customer is actually purchasing. They offered to give me a Gold Marketing Package to make up for the confusion, but I would rather have my hard earned back, then to continue working with them.  And-if it they who need to get the refund for me, please let me know, and I will take this up with them again...I appreciate your time and understanding of this issue." 

I was contacted by Ken Sonnenberg/Apply Knowledge Institute, whom told me I could earn money by setting up a drop-ship website, where basically, I sell a product and a supplier ships the product out to my customer.  My husband and I were hesitant, but he guaranteed his business had been around for a quite some time and that those who become their students have typically gained the money they have spent for the program within a few weeks time, with some making up to $10,000 within the first 2 months.  And, that they were going to help us start making money within the first 2 weeks of the program, to get that money paid back as quickly as possible.  

In between coaching sessions, I received a call from a Brandon Smith, who tried to take me into having them build my site for me.  I told him first off that I couldnt straight right then due to medication I was currently on, and he continued anyways.  I got up, since he had just woke me from a nap, and I didnt want him to wake my son.  He went on to tell me about this amazing package deal they had and that

most of their students take it.  From what I gathered, it was for him and his team to go and help build my website, logo, and put some of my products from my drop-shipper on there for me, as well as the keywords and such into the site.  He guaranteed that the site would be to my standards, and that any changes that needed to be made, would be with no problems and to my satisfaction.

Well, it wasnt done to my satisfaction, and when I asked for some things to be changed around, they complained, saying that they would have to go back into it and change all the pages.  Then I was told that it was something I could go back and change once everything else is ready to go.  Then I wanted to change hosting companies, because I found one that was whole lot cheaper, but told that I would have to recreate the entire site, and that it would be a different platform from what they were using.

(I think I need to mention that I was in a car accident with my son through this period, so it took me a little longer to be able to collect my thoughts after I stopped medication and just recently stopped visiting the chiropractor.) 

So, I called to cancel this web building package that I got after the Holidays were over, and let them know that my coach told me that I didnt need it since he was going to go through and show me how to build it on my own.   In trying to cancel this, I was told that the $5,000.00 I spent on this was not actually for the building of the website, but for a drop-ship supplier service that came with the package.  A drop-ship supplier located at www.mysuppliersource.com, which when I tried to use through experimentation to see what it was, didnt find my supplier in the 24 to 48 hours as depicted on their site (granted it was Thanksgiving, and I gave them that), but I had already found my supplier before they responded, not to mention that one supplier that I did contact from this source, didnt know how they got their information since they dont even offer drop-ship. 

I tried to explain this to Brandon, who didnt really care.  He was more interested in arguing with me, and said he could not give me a refund because the money went to a third party outside source.  Further, he said he was going to add on to my account a Gold Marketing Package for my website to make me happy.  I actually apologized to him for being so upset on the phone about this, but I feel that I was given false information to get me to depart with a large amount of money.  Needless to say, he said he was used to crazy women at home, and said that women tend to have these moments of craziness.  Am I crazy? I mean really?  $5,000.00 for having someone find me a drop-shipper? 

When I did that on my own through a search on the internet?  I would have never paid for this had I

thought that was what it was for.  So, technically I didnt even use the service. 

So now I was supposed to be getting this amazing marketing package.  I went through my site and reconstructed it myself fixing what they had done to it.  Before I know it, I am getting another call from someone saying that I need pay them for SEO on my site.  I told him that the coaching department was supposed to be all this for me, but he knew nothing about it.  So, I emailed them, asking what the heck was going on, and they hadnt even implemented it.  After thinking it over, I decided that I am not crazy, and that I dont want this marketing package, I want my money back.  So, I contacted My Supplier Source, and let them know about the situation I was dealing with, and asked them for a refund
since I was told thats where all my money went to.  Their response; they forwarded my issue to the coaching department for resolution, and said that they dont deal with the billing, that the coaching department was who handles all of it.  So, I believe I was lied to there again by Brandon, who said that because the money went to them, I couldnt get refunded.  But they are telling me that the coaching department is the only ones who can issue me a refund. 

I bit irritated, I called to have the whole thing canceled-to include the entire program, as nothing has gone the way it was explained to me.   Not to mention I was guaranteed that I would get up $10,000.00 back on my tax return for new business startup costs-still have yet to see that. I paid good money for this whole thing, and was guaranteed that if I followed everything I was told to do, I would be making money within the first 3 months at least. The only thing I have made is a lot less money, and I have done everything if not more than what I was told to do.

I have spoken to many professionals within the marketing business, and they are all shocked when I tell them this story, telling me that I need to talk to someone about this scam.  I have tried to cancel twice now, and they keep trying to persuade me with free stuff added to my account not to complain anymore.  But I feel the uncontrollable need to tell everyone and anyone who will listen. DO NOT use these people!  Run the other way and dont look back.  

Oh-and as far as them being in business for a long time, with all these successful students- I looked them up- as far as I can see, they have only been in business since July of 2011, which is only 3-4 months prior to me signing up for their program-so where are all of these successful students of theirs that must have made a ton of money within the 3 months prior to signing up with them?

I have an appointment monday, although I think it will just lead to them telling I can't have my money back-no matter how misguided they have been, and then blame it on me.


8 Updates & Rebuttals

Amber

Manhattan,
Kansas,
United States of America
My Contact Info

#2Author of original report

Wed, August 29, 2012

This in reply to someone wanting me to contact them through Rip-Off.  You can contact me through my email; [email protected]

And just as an update-I contacted the BBB who contacted them; however, as we all know the BBB is not a legal authority; hence, they can't force anyone to do the right thing.  As such, these people lied to them and to me again, and refuse to give anyone their money back.  After speaking to someone else, they changed their statements to the exact opposite of what was said in earlier conversations, and they don't care that anyone lied about any information given out-so, I take this as a learning experience, and hope that others will gain in this knowledge as well-and stay clear away from any company with the involment of those mentioned above.  As a matter of fact, I can let people know for free how to start a drop ship company on their own, or how to get started on e-bay-I learned everything I needed know before the coach even told me-all through conducting my own research online about the topic.  However, when you are first trying to get started, you get blinded and confused about not knowing where to start, so when someone calls you about being coached, it seems like a good idea at the time-but you don't need it.  You just need someone who is honest and who will give it to you straight from the start.








Lawretta

Killeen,
Texas,
United States of America
amber please contact me through ripoff reports

#3Consumer Comment

Wed, August 29, 2012

please contact me, Brandon Smith and Dave Sellers are ruthless


lawman7046

United States of America
Former Employee Responds

#4UPDATE EX-employee responds

Sat, July 07, 2012

Hello Amber!

I just wanted to let you know a few things.  I use to work for their group "Ecommerce Support Group" out of Eagle, Idaho.  They have promised these same things to other "customers".  I felt uncomfortable starting employment with them when I did but I needed the money they stated I would make.  Potential income from this employer was phenomenal.  

After a few weeks of working there I received my first pay, the amount owed to me was shorted.  When I questioned my team leader he stated I was paid what I was owed.  I was suppose to be paid a base pay or a commission, whichever was higher, and received much less than the amount I was owed.  After questioning the accountant, I was told that she "fat-fingered" the amount of pay and it would be fixed at the beginning of business the following week. 

I went all weekend and then Monday came with nothing added to my check card.  After attempting to speak with the accountant, she told me the same story....I was paid what I was owed.  Then, my team leader was behind my back and he said the same thing to me.  I turned around to leave the building and then I was followed by my team lead.  He muttered something nasty to me and I almost hit him.  I backed up and as I left I yelled out "I quit!".  

Immediately, I went to the Department of Wage and Hourly in the state of Idaho and they are investigating this situation.  After reading that this company is attached to Ken Sonnenberg, I will attempt to contact a lawyer or someone that can get these people out of Eagle, Idaho.  

Nothing has been resolved at this moment but I will keep everyone updated on my situation.  I warn everyone to hang up the phone on these people if they call you to offer a "coaching program" and offer things that are not possible.  I look forward to seeing responses on this post also.


slickrocks

Moab,
Utah,
USA
Hey Pest Control

#5Consumer Comment

Mon, March 26, 2012

If you're not related to these Utah telemarketers peddling their lousy "info"products, why slap this lady for trying to state her complaint? Not everybody can be so educated as you think you are.

 No place for name calling here. Butt out. You need to go clean up your own backyard, Sarasota.

FTC Consumer Alert:  Good Night, Sleep Tight, and Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite... Your Wallet Enlightening topic for discussion. Might give you something to gnaw on for a spell.


Amber

Manhattan,
Kansas,
United States of America
No-this is not accomplain on the BBB- It is on the company at hand.

#6Author of original report

Sun, March 25, 2012

"I apparently purchased this program under false pretense through another company.  I was unaware that the amount I was paying, $5,000.00, was just for this.  I thought I was purchasing the programming of my website, and that this was just added in.  When I called to cancel my website being built because after taking-that I could do it on my own, they told me the money was for this service and not the website.  If I had known that, I would have never spent so much money for it.  I am requesting my money back, as the drop-ship supplier I use, is one that I found on my own.  I did experiment with this site to see what it would come up with, but the supplier I contacted-specifically for Art Supplies-did not even offer drop-shipping, and wanted to know where I got their information from.  I told them, but they were unaware of your services. 

 

With that being said, I would like a refund of my money for a service I dont use.  I was told by the person who ordered this, that they could not issue my $5,000.00 refund-because it went to you guys-someone outside their office.  Again, I was unaware of this.  I am contacting the Attorney General about this, because I feel that companies need not to falsify the services they are providing and what a customer is actually purchasing. They offered to give me a Gold Marketing Package to make up for the confusion, but I would rather have my hard earned back, then to continue working with them.  And-if it they who need to get the refund for me, please let me know, and I will take this up with them again...I appreciate your time and understanding of this issue." 

 

I was contacted by Ken Sonnenberg/Apply Knowledge Institute, whom told me I could earn money by setting up a drop-ship website, where basically, I sell a product and a supplier ships the product out to my customer.  My husband and I were hesitant, but he guaranteed his business had been around for a quite some time and that those who become their students have typically gained the money they have spent for the program within a few weeks time, with some making up to $10,000 within the first 2 months.  And, that they were going to help us start making money within the first 2 weeks of the program, to get that money paid back as quickly as possible.  

 

In between coaching sessions, I received a call from a Brandon Smith, who tried to take me into having them build my site for me.  I told him first off that I couldn'tt straight right then due to medication I was currently on, and he continued anyways.  I got up, since he had just woke me from a nap, and I didnt want him to wake my son.  He went on to tell me about this amazing package deal they had and that most of their students take it.  From what I gathered, it was for him and his team to go and help build my website, logo, and put some of my products from my drop-shipper on there for me, as well as the keywords and such into the site.  He guaranteed that the site would be to my standards, and that any changes that needed to be made, would be with no problems and to my satisfaction. Well, it wasnt done to my satisfaction, and when I asked for some things to be changed around, they complained, saying that they would have to go back into it and change all the pages.  Then I was told that it was something I could go back and change once everything else is ready to go.  Then I wanted to change hosting companies, because I found one that was whole lot cheaper, but was told that I would have to recreate the entire site, and that it would be a different platform from what they were using.  (I think I need to mention that I was in a car accident with my son through this period, so it took me a little longer to be able to collect my thoughts after I stopped medication and just recently stopped visiting the chiropractor.)  

 

So, I called to cancel this web building package that I got after the Holidays were over, and let them know that my coach told me that I didnt need it since he was going to go through and show me how to build it on my own.   In trying to cancel this, I was told that the $5,000.00 I spent on this was not actually for the building of the website, but for a drop-ship supplier service that came with the package.  A drop-ship supplier located at www.mysuppliersource.com, which when I tried to use through experimentation to see what it was, didnt find my supplier in the 24 to 48 hours as depicted on their site (granted it was Thanksgiving, and I gave them that), but I had already found my supplier before they responded, not to mention that one supplier that I did contact from this source, didnt know how they got their information since they dont even offer drop-ship.  

 

I tried to explain this to Brandon, who didnt really care.  He was more interested in arguing with me, and said he could not give me a refund because the money went to a third party outside source.  Further, he said he was going to add on to my account a Gold Marketing Package for my website to make me happy.  I actually apologized to him for being so upset on the phone about this, but I feel that I was given false information to get me to depart with a large amount of money.  Needless to say, he said he was used to crazy women at home, and said that women tend to have these moments of craziness. 

Am I crazy? I mean really?  $5,000.00 for having someone find me a drop-shipper?  When I did that on my own through a search on the internet?  I would have never paid for this had I thought that was what it was for.  So, technically I didnt even use the service.  So now I was supposed to be getting this amazing marketing package.  I went through my site and reconstructed it myself fixing what they had done to it.  Before I know it, I am getting another call from someone saying that I need pay them for SEO on my site.  I told him that the coaching department was supposed to be all this for me, but he knew nothing about it.  So, I emailed them, asking what the heck was going on, and they hadnt even implemented it. 

After thinking it over, I decided that I am not crazy, and that I dont want this marketing package, I want my money back.  So, I contacted My Supplier Source, and let them know about the situation I was dealing with, and asked them for a refund since I was told thats where all my money went to.  Their response; they forwarded my issue to the coaching department for resolution, and said that they dont deal with the billing, that the coaching department was who handles all of it.  So, I believe I was lied to there again by Brandon, who said that because the money went to them, I couldn'tt get refunded.  But they are telling me that the coaching department is the only ones who can issue me a refund.   A bit irritated, I called to have the whole thing canceled-to include the entire program, as nothing has gone the way it was explained to me.  

Not to mention I was guaranteed that I would get up $10,000.00 back on my tax return for new business startup costs-still have yet to see that. I paid good money for this whole thing, and was guaranteed that if I followed everything I was told to do, I would be making money within the first 3 months at least. The only thing I have made is a lot less money, and I have done everything if not more than what I was told to do. I have spoken to many professionals within the marketing business, and they are all shocked when I tell them this story, telling me that I need to talk to someone about this scam. 

I have tried to cancel twice now, and they keep trying to persuade me with free stuff added to my account not to complain anymore.  But I feel the uncontrollable need to tell everyone and anyone who will listen. DO NOT use these people!  Run the other way and dont look back.   Oh-and as far as them being in business for a long time, with all these successful students- I looked them up- as far as I can see, they have only been in business since July of 2011, which is only 3-4 months prior to me signing up for their program-so where are all of these successful students of theirs that must have made a ton of money within the 3 months prior to signing up with them? I have an appointment monday, although I think it will just lead to them telling I can't have my money back-no matter how misguided they have been, and then blame it on me. 

And No-this is not a complaint on the BBB-If you know which section this should be under on this site-please let me know and I will do what I can to get it changed...I am trying to let others know what has and is happening here.  I never even knew a site like this existed up until I searched the company I am complaining about on scams, and someone else has apparently ran into similar issues with them before.

 


Southern Chemical and Equipment LLC

Sarasota,
Florida,
USA
So, Amber, is this complaint against the BBB? Why..

#7Consumer Comment

Sun, March 25, 2012

Amber,

You complaint is hard to belive and even harder to read as I can't give much credibility to someone who cannot even put a report in the proper category. You filed this report in the BBB category. So, that means that your rip off report is against the BBB, right?

Try some bullet statements and some paragraph structure as your report is nothing more than incoherent rambling, and very painful to read.

And, now, the all time best display of inbreeding comes from Slickrocks - Moab:

....."prolly"????....REALLY? Anyone who would use this "word" in written communications is an absolute, bonafide moron. "Did you mean "probably"? If you speak wrong, you will spell wrong. Go back to the third grade.

This trailer dwelling inbreed wrote:

"$10,000 in the first two months for a new biz sounds like an outlier.
Was the guy like selling his products on eBay or what?

FTC would prolly be interested to hear your complaint. Especially if they're the typical telemarketers pushing online biz flops out of Utah. "

Hope you get your $$$ back.


slickrocks

Moab,
Utah,
USA
$10,000 first two months?

#8Consumer Comment

Sun, March 25, 2012

$10,000 in the first two months for a new biz sounds like an outlier.

Was the guy like selling his products on eBay or what?

FTC would prolly be interested to hear your complaint. Especially if they're the typical telemarketers pushing online biz flops out of Utah.

Hope you get your $$$ back.


ORCA

Longview,
Washington,
United States of America
My Supplier Source / The Coaching Department

#9Consumer Comment

Sat, March 24, 2012

Amber,

My Supplier Source IS The Coaching Department. And The Coaching Department IS Apply Knowledge Institute.
Both are owned by Ken Sonnenberg.Apply Knowledge is a registered Telemarketer.

www.thecoachingdepartment.com/product/Product-Sourcing--MySupplierSource-com


Domain Name: mysuppliersource.com
Created on Aug 25, 2011

Registered by
Apply Knowledge Institute, LCC
222 East 860 South
Orem, Utah 84058

Administrative Contact Info
Welch, Dan [email protected]
222 East 860 South
Orem, Utah 84058
(866) 716-3099

The Utah Better Business Bureau Review has Rated them both as an "F".

You might want to file with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection as well.

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