Complaint Review: Red Line Events -- Redline Events - Virginia Beach Virginia

I am writing about my experience because I have read so many other reports about companies like this and I wanted to warn other people like me.

I am a graduating Senior, so I figured to start looking for a job to gain some experience for when I get out of College. I was searching all of those career websites, I am sure you are also familiar with. One company kept popping up on every site I would go to. RedLine Events, Inc. claimed to offer 9-12 entry level management positions, to be filled ASAP. Red flag should have gone up right there. It also stated that starting pay was anywhere between $35 - $65 K and they claimed to be working with national charities such as DARE and Toys for Tots.

So, I figured I'll give it a try and see what happens. I submitted my resume online and about an hour or so later, I received the following e-mail. (Please note that this is the actual message)

"Congratulations!

After reviewing your resume, we were impressed with your background and have selected you as a candidate for a preliminary interview. At this stage of the interview process, we would like to have you meet face to face with someone from our management team to explain more about our company and the positions currently available. Red Line Events, Inc. and Associates, with over 18 years experience, located in Virginia Beach, is Virginia's Leader in Child Safety Promotions for non-profit organizations. We represent such clients as Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program. The child safety literature, the fingerprinting program, and our medical ID cards that we offer free to the community make us unique in our endeavor to make the world a safer place while helping organizations in need.

Our 100% promotion from within philosophy offers diverse career opportunities and growth potential. We are searching for the right candidates to fill positions in our management-training program, customer service, reception and administrative assistance. Hands on training will include safety event promotions, public relations, customer-service and management skills. We are seeking hard-working individuals who enjoy dealing with people and are looking for a rewarding career opportunity.

Prior to interviewing with us, feel free to browse our website at www.redlineevents.net and learn additional information concerning our company's marketing concepts and client base.

We will be interviewing this week, so please phone 757 233 1078 for a date and time.

Sincerely yours

Vicky Layden"

Up to this day I don't know who Vicky is. There is no such person in the office.

Anyways, I got a bit curious and actually called in to set up an interview. Conveniently, they had slots available the next day. I was told to dress professionally and when I got there that morning, there were 4 other people sitting there. Honestly, I felt like a looser, sitting there in my business suit in this office that was probably furnished by the employees' leftovers.

Anyhow, then one of the owners came out and put in a video that talked about QUANTUM MARKETING, right there in the 5 chair/receptionist lobby. That lasted about 30 minutes and talked about how those 24 year olds were making 6 figures a year helping out charities.

After the video, one by one, we were called in to the owner's office. They guy looked like the perfect sales man, with the cheesy smile and everything. Now that I think back on that, I feel ridiculous sitting in that tiny office and telling him how much of a people person I am and laying out there there that I am graduating from a good school with multiple majors and minors.

He told me that if I got called back for a second interview (after all, they would pick only 5 out of 30! people that they interviewed that day) I would go out to one of the 'events' and I should wear comfortable shoes.

I thanked him and left after the 5 minute interview. At the end of the same business day I got a call from their receptionist congratulating me on being selected to come in for a day of observation. I liked her but she sounded a little sad, and much too rehearsed.

So the day after, I put on a nice suit and flat shoes actually looking forward to the 'event'. I got to the office and was told to ride with one of their managers. Which is kind of sad, b/c I was driving a nicer car than the manager herself. She was a nice girl, but also one of those people that thought that becoming an owner was the ultimate goal. So, turns out that the 'event' was at a Kroger grocery store. We set up a table and put out a bunch of crappy toys. We stood there, at that store, until 7 that night. Throughout the day I was told to take notes because there would be a test at the end of the day.

We got back to the office at about 8. I had to fill out the questionnaire and was 'invited' to the back office for a third and final interview. I was actually offered the 'job' and was told that because they had so many applicants, I had to start the next day in order for them to 'hold' my job.

Well, the next day I came in at 8 in the morning where I was shown around the office. Then I had to participate in 'Atmosphere' where all the employees share their sales techniques and practice how to get people to "come over and check out what we're doing for the community". They were constantly yelling JUICE and stuff like that. Their cult like behavior was actually starting to creep me out.

I also was introduced to a girl that was on her "day of O" and would accompany me and my trainer. Later it turned out that she had just graduated high school. So, that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside with my 'special' resume and skills and stupid college degree. The event of the day was standing outside of a FEDEX store. It was below freezing and raining like no other. Needless to say, the next day I was sick as a dog. Luckily, I had class that day and had my car with me so I left early. I didn't come back.

There is NO base pay, like it says in their ads.

There are NO benefits.

The job is COMMISSION ONLY.

Pretty much, you stand around all day begging people to buy your stuff so you can get some money to put gas in your car (they don't compensate you for gas either even though you spend about 30-45 minutes driving out to the 'event') NO gas money, NO food money (who needs food standing outside all day)

Please, don't do it to yourself. After this experience, my husband had to take me to the hospital because of the fact that they had us stand outside all day when it was below freezing. I was sick as a dog and had a 104 degree fever.

Misssixty3261987

Norfolk, Virginia

U.S.A.