mpr
Reseda,#2General Comment
Sat, December 01, 2012
"Read the fine print., read the fine print!" Hey, I'm not a lawyer, nor should I have to be to go onto the internet, but one almost has to be to read some of these terms, conditions and costs.
Now, after watching an hour video on the product, with no indication that you're signing up for anything more the this fantastic "30-Year Anniversary discounted price of $9.99 with free shipping to boot", and that is repeated several times throughout the clever advertisement (which by the way, continued giving you various thought provoking claims) that at the end of the hour, one felt as though you've basically been given every possible bit of information regarding the claims and the cost of the product.
There were plenty of opportunities to mention the expanded offer and the cost, but it was never mentioned. So after an hour of watching this almost hypnotic video on your computer, you're pretty fatigued and not wanting to go off on any side trips. I think we've all been caught up in these daisy chains where you keep clicking and there's more and more until "enough already!" I'm not saying that one shouldn't read all the terms and legal fine print as a rule, but I think any fair minded judge who watched this advertisement (for the full hour or so) would determine that they, Pimleur & Stroll, went out of their way to be deceptive regarding the real cost of the program.
In conclusion, I think it's d**n well about time that there were some rules put in place requiring complete and total disclosure of any and all potential costs involved. Then there should be a summery in bold print, of the legal fine points placed right up front so you can clearly see what you're buying into, with no hidden costs, ESPECIALLY ON-GOING MONTHLY CHARGES OR SUBSCRIPTIONS, shipping, insurance, handling charges, and taxes, if any, plainly posted in BOLD at the beginning and end of the ad of the application form.
Haven't we all had enough of this deceptive advertising crap?!
Thomica
richmond,#3Consumer Comment
Tue, January 03, 2012
I had planned to purchase the Pimsleur Approach as well and having been the victim of 'hidden charges' before, I am glad to have read the reports on RipOffReport! Now I will look into the other website that you suggested instead! In this economy, no one really has money to be scammed out of and to have to use a lot of time and follow up efforts to get refunds for products they never intentionally ordered! Thanks!
zerotolerance4ripoffs
Fort Worth,#4Consumer Suggestion
Mon, December 26, 2011
I understand your reaction to Pimsler's approach to customers. When I ordered the initial trial product (I think mine was approxiately$9.00) I read the fine print and realized that there would be further CD's sent. From a prior experience with on-line orders, I know that after I give my credit card number to a company, it is customary for that company to start sending me a product, even though I was lured into it only a trial. I have had several bad experiences where it took me forever to stop the process and get a refund.
With Pimsler, I paid attention to the language in the offer. I would like to add that I am completely satisfied with the Pimsler program. I use the CD's in my car and my Spanish has improved immensely. There are a lot of programs out there. Prices vary across the board. I would suggest reading reviews before you purchase. After I completed Volume I of Pimsler, I considered cancelling my account. Then, I thought about how well I have been progressing and decided to continue. In the future, I suggest that you read the fine print and call customer service to ask questions about future shipments, prior to giving your credit card number.
Jeena
Athens,#5Consumer Comment
Thu, April 01, 2010
I am glad that I read your report on this company. I looked at the advertisement myself and thought it to be too good to be true....ten days and you learn to speak a different language. That is a 'crock' in itself.
Try Byki...it is interactive and would be great for you or your children. I downloaded a free 13 lesson trial and love it. Then they offer you the extended version for $50.00. Which I will get. Looked up 'Byki' on this site and I see nothing negitive. Sorry you got ripped off...been there.