Complaint Review: TREK ALLIANCE ..Kale Flagg and Rich Von - Nevada

At this point I am terrified. I went to one seminar with Trek Alliance. I saw it immedietely for the scam it was. Hello I went to college and I took marketing. There is no way in hell you can get rich by signing up your pals for the d**n company because they'll be selling instead of buying. Anyway, I am scared right now because the f**kers from Trek/Sound/Cascade Alliance keep obsessively calling my house. I don't want to talk to them. They call multiple times a day. I feel harassed. They called twice today alone and used different company names both times: once it was sound alliance and next it was cascade alliance. the second time it amazingly enough showed up on my caller ID but it makes me sick to know that they will change company names that fast. How stupid do they think I am? They found my resume posted online at monster.com and now that they have my phone number they won't leave me alone. No matter how rude I am no matter how much I tell them to leave me alone. I want these people stopped

At this point I am terrified. I went to one seminar with Trek Alliance. I saw it immedietely for the scam it was. Hello I went to college and I took marketing. There is no way in hell you can get rich by signing up your pals for the d**n company because they'll be selling instead of buying. Anyway, I am scared right now because the f**kers from Trek/Sound/Cascade Alliance keep obsessively calling my house. I don't want to talk to them. They call multiple times a day. I feel harassed. They called twice today alone and used different company names both times: once it was sound alliance and next it was cascade alliance. the second time it amazingly enough showed up on my caller ID but it makes me sick to know that they will change company names that fast. How stupid do they think I am? They found my resume posted online at monster.com and now that they have my phone number they won't leave me alone. No matter how rude I am no matter how much I tell them to leave me alone. I want these people stopped

At this point I am terrified. I went to one seminar with Trek Alliance. I saw it immedietely for the scam it was. Hello I went to college and I took marketing. There is no way in hell you can get rich by signing up your pals for the d**n company because they'll be selling instead of buying. Anyway, I am scared right now because the f**kers from Trek/Sound/Cascade Alliance keep obsessively calling my house. I don't want to talk to them. They call multiple times a day. I feel harassed. They called twice today alone and used different company names both times: once it was sound alliance and next it was cascade alliance. the second time it amazingly enough showed up on my caller ID but it makes me sick to know that they will change company names that fast. How stupid do they think I am? They found my resume posted online at monster.com and now that they have my phone number they won't leave me alone. No matter how rude I am no matter how much I tell them to leave me alone. I want these people stopped

At this point I am terrified. I went to one seminar with Trek Alliance. I saw it immedietely for the scam it was. Hello I went to college and I took marketing. There is no way in hell you can get rich by signing up your pals for the d**n company because they'll be selling instead of buying. Anyway, I am scared right now because the f**kers from Trek/Sound/Cascade Alliance keep obsessively calling my house. I don't want to talk to them. They call multiple times a day. I feel harassed. They called twice today alone and used different company names both times: once it was sound alliance and next it was cascade alliance. the second time it amazingly enough showed up on my caller ID but it makes me sick to know that they will change company names that fast. How stupid do they think I am? They found my resume posted online at monster.com and now that they have my phone number they won't leave me alone. No matter how rude I am no matter how much I tell them to leave me alone. I want these people stopped

Aw, Dang it! Nobody answered my questions about Trek Alliance being in HOT WATER for their legal maneuverings to bend the laws to fit THEIR agendas and their "snake oil" businesses practices. Well, looks like I'll stroll over to the Wisconsin Attorney General website and see if there is any new developments in their lawsuit against Trek Alliance. Wonder if DOJ have made more new comments about their investigation on Trek "Avarice"? Ummmm-hot pink horse blinders for sale and I still got that beachfront property for sale in North Dakota!

Lance, you make a very good case for "legit" MLM companies. However, if you read through all of these reports, you will find numerous violations of Federal Law by Trek associates. Your "leaders" brought with them the very same BS tactics that Equinox employed and led to the demise of that scam. Hate to disappoint you sport but, Trek is headed for the same inevitable demise. Good luck!

Ok, ok, ok. First of all......typing classes people.....it doesn't cost much and will really help out your future...lol. Guess what? Here's a little intuition from someone who has heard alot from both sides. However, I'm always open to hearing more. 1. Network marketing is hard as hell. When I joined Trek Alliance, my mother, my aunt, my friends all said DONT DO IT!!!! All have done network marketing.....all have failed. However, during the time, most made a living until they quit. They just didnt get to be millionaires, and got tired of reaching that one more goal each month. See...that's the hard part. Folks wanna walk in and be rich. GEEEEEEZE....IT DOESN'T WORK THAT WAY FOLKS!! I have two successful companies of my own. Neither are network marketing. Both are successful. First you are not gonna buy product for $2,000 and be rich just cause you had a credit card with that much available credit on it. However, here's where folks think the scam is linked. That magical $2,000 is the root of all the scams eh? Well here's a question for you.....If you were selling a bottle of shampoo...and you had a pamphlet talking about the shampoo, or an actual bottle, which is gonna sell more product? Ummmm...lol....of course you know the answer. The same principle applies to why your sponsor wants you to have the product. So you'll get out there and sell it. Do you honestly think they want you to fail???? Of course not. If all of their reps fail how in the heck are they gonna make a dime? 2. You can bust your a*s in MLM and still fail. Why in the hell do you think MLM has to be some magical place of fairy tales that folks work and get rich immediately? How many folks get fired before getting their pension after 25 years? Are they bad people just cause they lost their job? Hell no!!! My grandparents are farmers....they've busted there a*s for 50 years and are still just making enough to make each day go by, and are top of the line people. The concept itself is sound whether you like it or not. You work hard, you make money, you exist, you struggle, you make bills, and if you bust your a*s and have some luck, your gonna hit wealthy. If you have bad luck, your gonna go broke. Such is life folks....quit freaking whining. Nobody promised a merry-go-round ride. They sat there best promoters in front of you because why....they were marketing to you...why....because they want you to market to others....why...so others will buy the products and market to more.....They aren't lying....many are doing very very well. They are there to inspire you....to challenge you. Was Abraham Lincoln a liar when he gave the Gettysberg Address for inspiration then sent 17,000 Union soldiers to die in 3 days? 3. The quote above about Rich Von, Mark Aceta, Harry Flag and others is true about them working for Equinox. Guess where all the facts in the above quote came from.....www.mlmsurvivor.com. Read them. They are word for word. Guess who is rumored to own the site.....Gould....the very man who employed these folks. You know why he runs this site. He's pissed off about his top employees leaving when they found out about how he was doing things. He lost millions. Hell, I'd be pissed too. 4. The fact is, nobody is guaranteed a d**n thing in life. I own two companies and am I rich....heck no. I started them from the ground up. I work my a*s off....but rich..no. Is Trek Alliance gonna make me rich...maybe...maybe not. But a scam??? Baloney....only a scam if you believe that life is a scam. I mean...why shouldn't we all have millions right. I mean geeze...the freaking editor of this site is gonna make money ridiculing other folks for making money.... 5. All I'm trying to say is both sides of the argument have truths and bull. Network marketing is legit though. I feel for the guy above who gave it a whole year of his life and lost. That blows for anyone. Sounds like he tried very hard. But here's a thought for you......would you rather work your a*s off and fail doing it on your own-or perhaps get wealthy (notice I don't say rich...big difference).......or.......would you rather someone else owned you for the rest of your life.....controlled your fate, and you answered them until the day they either called you successful or fired you. You chose.

Okaaaaay! I better check around and see if I could get a good price if I bought a case of horse blinders since Trek "Avarice" zealots seem to be putting them to a very good use. Not one of them bothered to answer some of my questions so I'll keep it down to the number that reps can count on both hands so it wouldn't distract them from their important things such as running up their credit cards, alienating familes and friends, and losing self esteem when the house of used water filters come crashing down. If the products are so "neat", then why did Wisconsin Attorney General file a complaint against Trek "Avarice" and why there are several complaints in other states that are pending ? Why did the attorney ban Trek's water filters in Wisconsin? Oh, *gasp* they were illegal! Here is the part of the blip: 1)misrepresented income potential for prospective recruits 2)misrepresented that clerical and management positions were available when they were not 3)failed to disclose that an investment was required to become a distributorship 4)failed to disclose that the water treatment devices it promotes could not be lawfully sold in Wisconsin. As for Rich Von's little escapade, he strutted around as he held himself up as a wonderful example to new recruits, a dedicated family man of high scruples, and telling everybody that families came first in Trek "Avarice" while in truth, Rich Von was convicted in 1996 of sexual misconduct which was reduced from a charge of Sodomy, 1st Degree. So, any explanation on that aspect? What about their underhanded efforts to recruit disabled people and then refusing to comply with ADA? How come you do not post the actual income or profit as reported on income taxes forms to show that you're making money? Oh, some of you can't since you need to claim this as business losses. Why do the products cost 2-3 times more than similar products in stores? Why are they substandard so that when people buy them, they are NOT getting their money's worth? Why are the air filters are so biohazarous to the people who suffer from asthma and allergies as shown on a certain website that grades filters and other products? If Trek Avarice is doing so well and people are beating a path to the door since the company "sells" itself so they don't have to advertise and yadda yadda, then how come they're checking out people's resumes on Monster.com and cold calling them and use downright dirty deceptive methods of "Oh, I'll see you at 5 for your job interview"? In reality, they're experts in stuffing fresh bodies in the meetings. As for these feeble explanation of the connection between Equinox and Trek Avarice, remember this: same wolf but different sheeps. As for the gal who claimed that she did extensive research on Trek Alliance and casually tossed out this little tidbit: "I'm a Journalism major." Word of advice: change your major. Tsk! Tsk! I wonder if the horse blinders come in colors instead of plain old black or rhinestones that outline the blinders? Ummm....

I can't believe some of the people that complain on this website. Look, you are not going to get-rich-quick doing MLM, it's just not going to happen. I'm also not suprised that there is a website dedicated to exploiting human-beings pension for running to mommy and "telling" every time that they think they have been wronged. What a bunch of cry-babies and would be super sleuths we have here. I can't believe how many people write in to complain about Trek Alliance that have, for all intents and purposes, only lost an hour of their time! I realize that there are some that "lost" more, and in some cases, you are to blame for that, and in other cases the people that you worked with are to blame. Any business that is made up of humans is going to have some bad apples in it, that is just the way it is, humans aren't perfect. It's a shame that a lot of you had a bad experience with a good company, but couldn't look past your anger to "rise above" anyway. I also answered an ad and was surprised to see a good # of people at "my interview". I stayed anyway and, with my wife, saw a great opportunity to provide ourselves with freedom in the future that wasn't going to be had working for corp. America. Guess what, if I had seen an ad in the paper stating, "New MLM looking for good people who want to...", (that's all I would have read). I would have written it off and not gone. Well I'm glad that Trek protected me from myself, because I was closed-minded and wouldn't have looked at it otherwise. I have talked to many people in my office, and they feel the same way. Just because you have "tried" MLM and failed, doesn't make you an expert, nor does it give you the right to trash everyone else's dreams of living there own lives, simply because you couldn't find what it takes to make it work from inside. If I were in your shoes and had failed and resigned to the fact that I would be working until I was 69+, I might be a little bitter too. Everyone gets to make choices in life. Would you like every idiot on the web giving you their opinion every time you want to do something? Wow that makes for a fun life. I am doing something on my own, that effects my life, regardless of what other people think. Some people are so unhappy with their pitiful existence that they think everyone should live that way since they can't. MLM's are here to stay and you are going to have to live with that. The term "pyramid" is used to describe MLM's quite a bit on this site. A pyramid scheme is illegal and the direct sales industry is highly scrutinized. In short, they are not aloud to get away with much by the FTC. How many CEO's are there at the place that you work? How many people are there working at entry-level positions? Oh my gosh, that sounds a lot like a pyramid, doesn't it? Everyone is in a pyramid, where you are in your pyramid is what is important. I would venture to say that a good # of you have found yourself dealing with someone who is unethical at some point in your life. That is all that happened to the Von's, Flagg's, and the other reps that left Equinox to go start Trek. It is completely illogical to lump the reps or "workers", to use a term that might be more familiar, with the guy who actually thought up the scam. Just because their names are loosely affiliated doesn't mean that they are guilty. They saw an industry that was growing and found that the system that they were in was unethical, so they left, easy as that. For those of you that have "lost" money, what did you lose it on? If you spent the money on trainings then you have a lot of great information that you can use almost anywhere in life. If you spent the money on inventory then you have a lot of great products. So the shampoo doesn't seem special to you, or you can't tell the difference using the shower filter, is everyone like you? Thank God the answer to that question is no. Get off your butt and sell it to someone that it will make a difference to. You knew that you were going to have to move products to be successful when you got involved right? There are many, many people that have had life changing experiences with these products, if you can shelve your bad attitude for just a little while you could sell your inventory and break even. Either way there really should be no excuse for losing money. One last thing. Am I supposed to stay away from every business that is posted on this website? If that is true, I can't drive a Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, Honda, Toyota, BMW, or Mercedes and the list goes on. I would also not be allowed to use a Gateway, Dell, IBM, Hewlett Packard, or Compaq computer. I couldn't shop at Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Lowe's, Target, or Home Depot either? I can't eat at McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Burger King, Dominoes Pizza, or even Outback Steakhouse. Get the picture? Life would be kind of hard if we avoided every one of these companies, but what do they all have in common? They all have employees, and as I mentioned before, anywhere you find humans, you will find unhappy people. But the makers of this sight already knew that. This sight is not much more than a National Enquirer for consumers. It takes everyday run-of-the mill bad luck stories and puts an alarmist "We can't let them get away with that" twist on them. Thanks for the time and I hope this helps.

So, your telling me Trek believes in you. Obviously you are a little muddled in the definition of someone "believing in you" Lets say someone comes up to you and tells you your a wonderful person with a lifetime of success ahead of you...yes. This is called someone "believing in you Now lets say someone says..."You will have success...but only if you work for me, otherwise youre just another corporate robot". Hmmm, now correct me if I am wrong, but that is not about someone believing in you, more along the lines of someone trying to use you. And while Trek Alliance says it in a more positive way, this is exactly what Trek is about. I walked into a Trek meeting once. I felt so embarrassed. The people were not friendly people...they were individuals that acted like they were taking one too many stimulants. One guy actually stopped me in the parking lot...shook my hand...said, "Hi my name is so and so I work here, do you have a lighter?" The energy is fake the kindness is fake. and if you go back after the meetings and just walk in the office when no music is playing and no shills are mingling, you realize that very quickly. Slumped over at their desks, looking through their phone books, picking up the receiver...setting it back down. This is what was going on there. Ohh and like former comments: "I make 300 a month, that is sooo good for a college student" Well guess what, when I was in college, I had a job at an insurance company and made anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 a month. This is not "bank this is a normal full time job without a college education and proper training. And what are you going to do after school is over? Good luck paying off your rent; ever paid a bill? See I think if you knew what house payments, electricity, garbage, heating, and water bills were, you would change your tune about your grand amount of money a month. And I tried the products. The conditioner wasn't heavy enough for my hair (not to say it would be bad for everyone, just bad for me and anyone else with thick hair) and the shampoo built up. 18 dollars for that 9oz bottle. And by the way, learning from the professionals is what you called it? You know those people got hired on without experience or without any actual training (other then how to sell crap) try learning from a business school professor, a seasoned professional (10 or more years experience) or even a shop owner (by this I dont mean someone that hawks vitamins to their parents every time they see them). Oh ya, and you wanted a way to make it better? Okay, how about 1.) Hiring people that know how to sell (my friend that is so into this scam cannot sell, it is not only pathetic...but embarrassing) 2.) Better product. And how about a diet pill that doesnt contain ephedra, an ingredient known to cause death to some. 3.)Ethical, non-manipulative practices...and yes, it happensMy friend once told me that maybe I wouldnt do well at Trek because I wouldnt lie to people. And 4.)Try to get it so you earn more then 10-20% of what you sell without having to buy a "Diamond Package" costing about 2,000 (still think I dont know what I am talking about?) And stop letting people buy themselves into different positions. My friend would come to me, "ohhh I got a raise decoded: "Ohh I just spent more money for a job title that just sounds important". So yes, you may be critical...and yes you may do your research. But ask yourself this question: Why would I lie to you? I am not profiting from it, I dont just want to see you fail or "ruin your dreams" as my friend put it. Now why would Trek lie to you? Every dollar you spend on them, they make money that is why. Hope you get your wits about you, because as much as it hurts, the sooner you do it, the less stupid you look in the long run. And all your friends and family are probably so tired of you tying to sell them crap that they try to avoid you. It makes me sad.

I am an extremely critical person, so after being shown the opportunities within Trek Alliance I decided to find the nastiest dirt on them as possible. So of course, I visited this site... If I was like many other people, I would take whatever is on the net, in print, or the gossip of the neighbor next door as the honest to god truth, but as a Communications Major at a very accredited private college I have been taught to look at things critically. (Still haven't mastered compound sentences, so you can't call me on that one!) I have looked at various websites...Trek's homepage, many of Ripoffreport's links and so on and I have come to these conclusions--- 1. Don't waste time talking about Trek if you don't understand it, it will only make the ones that do seem less intelligent. Whether you are for it or against it, if you don't understand the principles of network marketing, shut up. 2. Don't bash the products if you've never tried them. I just love it when people tell me about Paris when they've never stepped foot out of their hometown. Likewise people who aren't millionaires... how can you be the one to judge if your bank account doesn't reflect "your incredible knowledge" of MLM companies. Don't mock the business meetings unless you've attended one. 90% of the people in the Goal-Setting meeting I attended said that being able to provide for their family (parents, sister's, brothers, sons daughters) was their most important goal. Those awful "GREEDY GREEDY PEOPLE!" How dare them think of their families? How dare them want to be in a company that sold products good for the environment and people's health? 3. If you are against Trek, why not come up with some great suggestion to help all of us "senseless wanderers looking for a quick fix". I guess what I'm trying to get across is that not every single person gets caught up in the "glitz and glam" of the Trek opportunity. I know I enjoyed the energy and personalities of the individuals I saw involved with Trek, not their bank accounts (which very few of them indulged). It beat the "future work force" I have been surrounded by at college for the past year and a half. The "yes maam's and no sir's"... I will own my own business, whether I start in Trek or create my own. That "awful brainwashing" I've received at Trek meetings such as "believing in yourself, and accomplishing your dreams, whatever they may be," beat the normal frat parties and beer bongs that "all college kids" do. I would rather spend my extra time around career-oriented people that are focused on some type of productive goal. So what if I only make $300.00 a month with Trek in college. Have you seen the bank accounts of college students? If you have $300.00 you're filthy stinking rich. I know that I can do Trek around my class schedule, which very few jobs offer. Whether or not the people on the top are getting rich, I know that I'm making money on the side. In Trek, I am able to learn from professionals. In college, I would have to wait a couple years to get an internship with someone making millions of dollars. Oh darn if I don't make money right now. I would have blown the $50.00 start up kit fee (which is completely refundable) on something far less important than investing in myself. If you have actually read through this entire editorial, wow, you're above average. Most people's attention span's last 2 paragraphs max. (Remember, I'm Journalism major). In conclusion, Im not bashing anyone against Trek, or network marketing in general. I'm sure quite of few have been burned, and I'm sorry for that. Give us new people productive ideas so that it won't happen to us... AND for those of you out there that are looking for an alternative to something in their life, give network marketing a try. The least you can do is learn a life lesson. (Wow... now thats scary stuff).

I have read multiple charges of rip-off and scam by those people making complaints about Trek Alliance. There seems to be Two areas of complaint which I will address. The first is full disclosure. I am an independent Representative and have made an investment in time and $ in line with my goals. I am an experienced management consultant and marketing professional. My basic review of The Trek opportunity took on the following major areas of concern.

It seems that you are upset with three major areas of Trek Alliance recruiting activity. Full disclosure, real opportunity and personalities. Full disclosure is a two way street. By taking the Starter Kit and reading its contents, you took the first step. Personally, because of my previous business and training experience, I TAKE EVERYONE I sponsor thru the Fast Track Workbook, section by section so they completely understand whats expected and what the real income potential is. I start them off at whatever level they are at so as not to overwhelm them. I start them off one or two products at a time to use and retail and to recruit others jointly so they can see the opportunity. I have found the products to be exellent and of high quality and reasonably priced. I have found the training materials more than adequate. Youth has its enthusiasm but maturity brings experience. Join my group and see.

It seems that you are upset with three major areas of Trek Alliance recruiting activity. Full disclosure, real opportunity and personalities. Full disclosure is a two way street. By taking the Starter Kit and reading its contents, you took the first step. Personally, because of my previous business and training experience, I TAKE EVERYONE I sponsor thru the Fast Track Workbook, section by section so they completely understand whats expected and what the real income potential is. I start them off at whatever level they are at so as not to overwhelm them. I start them off one or two products at a time to use and retail and to recruit others jointly so they can see the opportunity. I have found the products to be exellent and of high quality and reasonably priced. I have found the training materials more than adequate. Youth has its enthusiasm but maturity brings experience. Join my group and see.

It seems that you are upset with three major areas of Trek Alliance recruiting activity. Full disclosure, real opportunity and personalities. Full disclosure is a two way street. By taking the Starter Kit and reading its contents, you took the first step. Personally, because of my previous business and training experience, I TAKE EVERYONE I sponsor thru the Fast Track Workbook, section by section so they completely understand whats expected and what the real income potential is. I start them off at whatever level they are at so as not to overwhelm them. I start them off one or two products at a time to use and retail and to recruit others jointly so they can see the opportunity. I have found the products to be exellent and of high quality and reasonably priced. I have found the training materials more than adequate. Youth has its enthusiasm but maturity brings experience. Join my group and see.

It seems that you are upset with three major areas of Trek Alliance recruiting activity. Full disclosure, real opportunity and personalities. Full disclosure is a two way street. By taking the Starter Kit and reading its contents, you took the first step. Personally, because of my previous business and training experience, I TAKE EVERYONE I sponsor thru the Fast Track Workbook, section by section so they completely understand whats expected and what the real income potential is. I start them off at whatever level they are at so as not to overwhelm them. I start them off one or two products at a time to use and retail and to recruit others jointly so they can see the opportunity. I have found the products to be exellent and of high quality and reasonably priced. I have found the training materials more than adequate. Youth has its enthusiasm but maturity brings experience. Join my group and see.

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report: Their email: [email protected] Their name: Tom Gandolph Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion Rebuttal: After reading all these rebuttals, I am completely amazed by what I am hearing from these people who are in Trek Alliance. ...I don't even know where to begin. The people who are posting rebuttals in here in support of Trek Alliance have to be the most close-minded poeple I have ever come across. -How do I know? Because, I was one of the them. -I was with Trek Alliance for an entire. I devoted my life, my money, my trust, and my passion to this company, only to find out that practically everything was a lie. ...The people in here in support of Trek who use those pathetic, worn-out, un-original "success lines" make me queezie in the stomach. Those of you who sit there and say, "Trek didn't fail you, you just quit on Trek", have no idea what you are saying. You ALWAYS seem to think that people quit Trek because they gave up. These people quit Trek Alliance because of all the lies, deception, and minipulation. NOT because they gave up. Would you please look at both sides of the picture? No, I didn't make very much money, AT ALL, but that is not why I quit. -I was dead broke, not making any money by the 4th month, but I pushed on, for the rest of the year. ...I quit because I found out Heather Hromoho was the most dishonest person I had ever met. I trusted with everything for a full year, and when I finally realized and saw what she had been doing, I almost got sick. I couldn't believe someone whom I trusted with so much could do such horrible things. ...Trust me, I caught her in a red-handed lie, telling me straight to my face. Trust me, I HAVE IT ON TAPE, and I've listened to it plenty. ....If don't believe me, ask her about what she did to Bill Draper and Juanita Fallis. -Of course, that would be pretty dumb of me to have you ask HER, because she just lie about it, that's what she is used to. For the new girl ([email protected]) who just joined Trek, YES, listen to the Editor. Get back to us in 9 - 12 months, and let us know how you are doing. See if you aren't dead broke yet. ...Your comment about only making a $50 investment, and growing it into millions a few later, was completely and totally ludicrous. Honey, you are still new, and I feel bad for you. You have no idea what you are saying. Have you even looked at anything YOURSELF? You've done nothing but listen and trust everything that they've thrown at you. That will lead you down a very dangerous path. -I said those same exact things when I was new. ->Do yourself a favor, NAME ONE PERSON WHO INVESTED JUST $50 AND MADE MILLIONS A FEW YEARS LATER. You will NOT find anybody! -Look at Trek's pay structure closely, YOURSELF, don't let them tell you what it is about. You will see that getting just a Starter Kit will not end making you millions. It is impossible. Pro-MLMer's need to also realize that the people who are Anti-MLM mostly aren't about the concept. They are complaining about the WAY the business is done. The people in it use deception like it's second-nature. Please understand this. Why is it that when you place an ad for Trek, you put things such as, MANAGEMENT, SPORTS NUT, ATHLETIC MARKETING, and never mention anything about what it really is? ...These are lies. There are no management positions, Trek isn't in the sports industry, and there is no athletic marketing. It total manipulation. Anyway, I've written quite a bit, so I will end here. But, I will be checking on this site quite often from now on. So, you want to have an open-minded "conversation", I am more than willing to help you see the truth in Trek Alliance. ...There is SSSOOOO much more I could post, but I don't have time to write a novel. Thanks for your attention. And to the editor, I love you site. It's awesome, and very informative. Take care, Tom Gandolph Click here to see all the other Rip-off Reports on Trek Alliance

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Lizabeth

Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion

Rebuttal:
I could not be more tierd of hearing all these "Trekkies" spouting off idiotic rhetoric like "Ahhh YOU work for coperate America", "Ahhhh you work for the MAN!". Yes, I work for the "man". I got hired because I attained skills that my employer finds usefull. Unlike Trek Alliance that will literally hire anyone that walks through the door...ya know what they say....the slowest buffalo holds the pack behind...I wonder how many slow-a*s buffalo are holding up that gravy train. Furthermore, I would just like to make the point that everyone that works for Trek Alliance is motivated by greed. We all have passions in life. I went into advertising to utilize my creativity, some go into social services because they care about others. I doubt most go into Trek because they care about
the earth. Greed, Greed, and social darwinism make up the better half of Trek...run buffalo run!!

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: JS

Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion

Rebuttal:
Kale Flagg and Rich Von CLASSIC NAMES!

Now there's a example of a couple of generated names I bet those are not even their real names, ask to see their drivers license would be a partial test of how legitimate they are, most of these MLM's that burn out the owners move on or open a new shop, which is a big reason why most of them never give their real names (harder to sue that way).

Well you do not really expect them to hang around or give their new # & address out do you!?

Guess who the suckers are! that would be the pumped up reps who run around flashing their real names on biz cards and selling deals to their own friends and then forwarding cash to the people running the company who are busy laughing over steak dinners!

Its not your fault for sticking up for the company you bought into.. You were an easy sell! These companies all use hyperactive energetic sales people who if you bother to watch from the background are continuously slapping each other on the back in front of new members and talking loudly and then winking at each other.

They also use the old system that the street sellers use that is at the end of their little pitch they have some of their staff to frantically sign up in front of everyone else, they dot these people around the audience to encourage excitement, they are normally the one's whooping and cheering, and pretending to be extra friendly and excited by what they hear.

At this point people like your selves think they are going to miss out on something and sign up of course on the way home you are questioning it to yourself and reassuring your self its a great product.

Now you read some complaints here you are now in the mode of denial you cannot possibly believe this company is doing anything wrong, your ego is under attack, now you feel you must protect the owners, Kale and Rich love me they shook my hand and called me by name or let me guess one of the reps introduced to them and you looked at them while shaking their hands
like they were royalty.

Basically most of these MLM's are pumping a pyramid scheme which is basically the sign up itself the product is just to keep it inline with legality otherwise with out a product it shows it true face A PYRAMID SCHEME.

Most of these MLM owners could sell a fridge to the Eskimos!.. The only thing easy about making money is when they sell it themselves these people are not stupid they know the buttons to press and they know how to respond to negativity and turn that into a yes

I hear you hark yes but you have to work hard for it not sit around!!

Absolutely but have you ever divided the hours you need to put into it by the reward? What's that I hear "Not even close to minimum wage then you have expenses on top"!

The only people that make money are the guys running these shows they get a portion of everything, their real interest is selling the initial package, they are not excepting another subsequent sale their expecting you to GO AWAY or as a bonus find them another couple of suckers.

When these companies get so many complaints it draws attention that is the time they run with the profits and set up a new program.

I await your thin response

John Smith M.D. B.A.

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Steven Seager

Their relationship to the company: Supporter

Rebuttal:
Isn't it amazing how no one has personal responsibility for failure these days?!? I was on Celebrex and then Vioxx by doctor's orders for a back disease and neither gave me relief but both cause other damage. ONLY the MUSKULARSKELETAL SYSTEM supplement from Trek Alliance relieved the pain and immobility and has given me back my life.

I then joined the company and am making $$ every month, with NO
investment, retailing product to other VERY content customers. I am successful because I treat it like a BUSINESS, and not like a HOBBY, as too many naysayers often do. After selling to family and friends, they wonder why the world is not beating a path to their doors. Bill Gates had to go out and sell MS-DOS to the computer world, and I am responsible for selling my product as well.

People who claim to have lost thousands of dollars in Trek are either braindead or outright lying! The only way to do so would be to needlessly purchase excessive inventory and then not try to sell it. ANY businessperson who does that is sure to fail, and it is no one's fault but their own.

This email is a rebuttal to RipOff #4608.
It was sent by Ben Juker at [email protected].

TREK ALLIANCE Kale Flagg and Rich Von's MULTI- LEVEL MARKETING Pyramid Cult *UPDATE *REBUTTALS ..BBB say's where're ok! *EDitor's Comments (#4608)

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Ben Juker

Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion

Rebuttal:
Itis interesting to read through this thread. A wise person said to me once "Never reply to a chain letter, you will never see any benefit- If you want to see a return, START a chain letter" The same thing goes for MLM- for the people who start it, it's great, but the poor fools who think they will be as succesfull as the guy at the top, well, just get out a
paper and pencil and do the math.

Try to do a business plan using accepted principles on MLM, and you end up at a dead end every time. The real reason MLM schemes come and go so fast, is that they run out of suckers for the bottom of the pyramid, and the whole thing collapses.

Better to earn a living without expecting others to do your work for you.

Just call me 'been there, done that', and no, I didn't just quit, I simply couldn't afford to pay all the MLM folks over me anymore. I decided to work for myself instead.

This email is a rebuttal to RipOff #4608.
It was sent by Anthony Swan at [email protected].

TREK ALLIANCE Kale Flagg and Rich Von's MULTI- LEVEL MARKETING Pyramid Cult *UPDATE *REBUTTALS ..BBB say's where're ok! *EDitor's Comments (#4608)

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Anthony Swan

Their relationship to the company: Owner

Rebuttal:
To the Editor:

You know your right. You don't get a bunch of hits on your site. It should go up in the future though, I've started to mention your site and others like it at all of my trainings. I figure if someone will quit after they meet someone doing as well as myself just by reading someone's opinion on a website then I wouldn't want them on my sales team anyway. I think my opinion is crap as well on here because I'm a little biased
toward the company. I'm doing well and have no complaints. Most people don't get to where they want in life because it's human nature to give up. I never tell people who walk into my office that this is easy. It will be the hardest thing most people will ever do. But in my humble and perhaps to you "worthless" opinion, It's worth it.

Anthony
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EDitor's Note to the above:
Rip-off Report presently receives between 400,000 to 600,000 visitors a month on average, and growing.

This email is a rebuttal to RipOff #4608.
It was sent by Anthony Swan at [email protected].

TREK ALLIANCE Kale Flagg and Rich Von's MULTI- LEVEL MARKETING Pyramid Cult *UPDATE *REBUTTALS ..BBB say's where're ok! *EDitor's Comments (#4608)

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Anthony Swan

Their relationship to the company: Owner

Rebuttal:
To the Editor:

You know your right. You don't get a bunch of hits on your site. It should go up in the future though, I've started to mention your site and others like it at all of my trainings. I figure if someone will quit after they meet someone doing as well as myself just by reading someone's opinion on a website then I wouldn't want them on my sales team anyway. I think my opinion is crap as well on here because I'm a little biased
toward the company. I'm doing well and have no complaints. Most people don't get to where they want in life because it's human nature to give up. I never tell people who walk into my office that this is easy. It will be the hardest thing most people will ever do. But in my humble and perhaps to you "worthless" opinion, It's worth it.

Anthony
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EDitor's Note to the above:
Rip-off Report presently receives between 400,000 to 600,000 visitors a month on average, and growing.

This email is a rebuttal to RipOff #4608.
It was sent by Anthony Swan at [email protected].

TREK ALLIANCE Kale Flagg and Rich Von's MULTI- LEVEL MARKETING Pyramid Cult *UPDATE *REBUTTALS ..BBB say's where're ok! *EDitor's Comments (#4608)

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Anthony Swan

Their relationship to the company: Owner

Rebuttal:
To the Editor:

You know your right. You don't get a bunch of hits on your site. It should go up in the future though, I've started to mention your site and others like it at all of my trainings. I figure if someone will quit after they meet someone doing as well as myself just by reading someone's opinion on a website then I wouldn't want them on my sales team anyway. I think my opinion is crap as well on here because I'm a little biased
toward the company. I'm doing well and have no complaints. Most people don't get to where they want in life because it's human nature to give up. I never tell people who walk into my office that this is easy. It will be the hardest thing most people will ever do. But in my humble and perhaps to you "worthless" opinion, It's worth it.

Anthony
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EDitor's Note to the above:
Rip-off Report presently receives between 400,000 to 600,000 visitors a month on average, and growing.

This email is a rebuttal to RipOff #4608.
It was sent by Anthony Swan at [email protected].

TREK ALLIANCE Kale Flagg and Rich Von's MULTI- LEVEL MARKETING Pyramid Cult *UPDATE *REBUTTALS ..BBB say's where're ok! *EDitor's Comments (#4608)

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Anthony Swan

Their relationship to the company: Owner

Rebuttal:
To the Editor:

You know your right. You don't get a bunch of hits on your site. It should go up in the future though, I've started to mention your site and others like it at all of my trainings. I figure if someone will quit after they meet someone doing as well as myself just by reading someone's opinion on a website then I wouldn't want them on my sales team anyway. I think my opinion is crap as well on here because I'm a little biased
toward the company. I'm doing well and have no complaints. Most people don't get to where they want in life because it's human nature to give up. I never tell people who walk into my office that this is easy. It will be the hardest thing most people will ever do. But in my humble and perhaps to you "worthless" opinion, It's worth it.

Anthony
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EDitor's Note to the above:
Rip-off Report presently receives between 400,000 to 600,000 visitors a month on average, and growing.

They filed the following to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Anthony Swan

Their relationship to the company: Owner

Rebuttal:
Those bastards tricked me too. I walked in 10 months ago and they tricked me into making just under $40,000. I'm so pissed off right now I may just have to work for five more years. I thought I would retire after just one year of working with the company but it will at least take me four at the rate I'm going. I guess not enough people are hitting your site because
I've got over 300 people on my sales team and it grows every day. Those tricky bastards at Trek sure pulled one over on me. But I'm glad I saw your site.

EDitor's Comment to the above REBUTTAL:

With the small amount of hits this web site gets (for the moment)
one would have to question, why are there so many Rip-off Reports on Trek Alliance? It's also interesting to note, that sources tell us here at Rip-off Report.com that Trel Alliance and CCA Capital Credit Alliance and First National Credit are all the same. Check out all the links below!

This email is a rebuttal to RipOff #4608.
It was sent by jeremiah hagedorn at [email protected].

TREK ALLIANCE Kale Flagg and Rich Von's MULTI- LEVEL MARKETING Pyramid Cult *UPDATE *REBUTTALS ..BBB say's where're ok! *EDitor's Comment (#4608)

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: jeremiah hagedorn

Their relationship to the company: Advocate

Rebuttal:
Anyone that thinks Trek Alliance is just a scam needs to sit down and think about what they're saying. Why do you think it's a scam? because you have to put money into it. Anyone that says yes to that deserves to be slapped. About five years ago my father wanted to start a company, a courier company the first time he tried he lost $20,000, but he didn't give up. he took out another loan and started over. this time he lost
$8,000. He finally pulled it off on his third try. This is corporate America. My father lost $28,000 in corporate America thats a scam. I Couldn't lose a fourth of that with Trek Alliance.


EDitor's Comments to the above REBUTTAL:
Dear Misguided Jeremiah,

There is a cavernous difference between your father's poor business sense which caused him to lose his $28,000 investment and the lies and deception that have been detailed in the volumes of reports, which have been filed on the Trek Alliance scheme, which number well over 200 in a very short period of time. If these people knew IN ADVANCE what they were getting into there would be less sympathy from us. Trek Alliance is deliberately deceptive in their mailers. The key is Trek avoids full disclosure.

It is obvious you never studied logic or critical thought, so this is more for the other consumers. Jeremiah, you have fallen prey to the fallacy, non sequitar. You attempt to justify the loss of investment capital with Trek by comparing it to your father's loss of investment capital, by pointing out that he lost more than you would with Trek. Do you realize how ridiculous you sound? You have just admitted you can expect to lose capital investment with Trek. I frankly have no interest in your father's stupidity and it is irrelevant to the issue. What is relevant is that I would not advise anyone to invest where they can expect to lose. We're Americans and we just aren't wired that way. Oh, and Jeremiah, since you are throwing your money away...we could use some!

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Daniel Gutierrez

Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion

Rebuttal:
Wow- How long did you give it? I know, you justified why it couldn't work out for you. In the short time I've been involved with Trek Alliance, I've found something that's missing in most people's lives, passion. It's so easy to be average! To have three kids, and two jobs, and six wives... What's hard is holding yourself accountable for every single action that you do. That time you had one too many beers, the day you could have gotten up a little earlier but instead, you stayed in bed.
Listen, the mentors that work in this industry and along side Trek Alliance have something that obviously you lack, and that's self esteem.

Nobody fails in Trek, they just quit. You know, this business isn't for everybody, but anybody can do it. You just have to believe in yourself before you can believe in anything or anyone. Look in the mirror. I want to take this oppurtunity to say thanks to Rich and Tiffani Von, and Kale Flagg. You people have sincerely created something that already has and definately will change my life for the better. See you at the top!!!

EDitor's Comment to the above REBUTTAL:

Hey Danny,

Just because they are your "UPLINE" doesn't mean you have to put your head so far up their line. You are obviously still very new and they will shake you around by your short hairs until they have gotten the last few drops out of you and throw you away like a used tampon. When you look at Rich, Tiffani, and Kale, just ask yourself how much they resemble televangelists asking for more money.

Bottom Line: you are way too enthusiastic. I give you 9 months. Will you please check back in and let us know how many millions of dollars you've made by then? Hell, if YOU only make $2 million, I would give it a shot. I might even buy Bill Gates...ya think?

This email is a rebuttal to RipOff #4608.
It was sent by Adolph at [email protected].

TREK ALLIANCE Kale Flagg and Rich Von's MULTI- LEVEL MARKETING Pyramid Cult *UPDATE *REBUTTALS ..BBB say's where're ok! *EDitor's Comment (#4608)

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Adolph

Their relationship to the company: Owner

Rebuttal:
This is a copy 'n pasted quote from the "Trek Alliance" home page: >>>>"Up to 20 percent of all toxic pollution in municipal sewage comes from our homes. It has been estimated that, in a city of a million people, 372 million tons of toilet bowl cleaning and 1,569 tons of liquid household cleaners go down the drain annually.<<<<<

Holy cow! Unless I misplaced a decimal point someplace that means each person is responsible for 372 tons of bowl cleaner and 3.14 pounds of "liquid cleaners". Uhhhh...REALLY? That's some mighty clean toilets. Not so sure about their clothes though.

This email is a rebuttal to RipOff #4608.
It was sent by Scot at [email protected].

TREK ALLIANCE Kale Flagg and Rich Von's MULTI- LEVEL MARKETING Pyramid Cult *UPDATE *REBUTTALS ..BBB say's where're ok! *EDitor's Comment (#4608)

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:
Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Scot
Their phone number: 636-583-4299
Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion

Rebuttal:
If you think this is a rip=off, why don't you take them to court? Because you know it is not a rip-off and no judge would ever allow it in court. I am just starting with the company and I believe it is a great opportunity for me (or anyone else) to make great money. However, you do have to put time and effort into it, just like any business. Where else can you invest
$50 and with a little hard work, turn it into millions in just a few years? The company is legit. And the reason the owners left Equinox, if you must know, is due to the unethical business practices by the owners of Equinox, not because they were scamming people.

As soon as they discovered the unethical practices, they left the company. If you want to complain, get out of my way while I make my million in 5 years or less.

EDitor's Comment to this REBUTTAL::

Yah right. Why are there so may Rip-off Reports on this company?
Why don't you get back to us in a few months and then lets see if you are singing the same tune?

Take them to court? Sure thing. Easy for you to say.
It would cost more than what it's worth.

This email is a rebuttal to RipOff #4608.
It was sent by Anne at [email protected].

TREK ALLIANCE Kale Flagg and Rich Von's MULTI- LEVEL MARKETING Pyramid Cult *UPDATE *REBUTTALS ..BBB say's where're ok! *EDitor's Comment (#4608)

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Anne

Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion

Rebuttal:
As a side note: The only reason I sited the BBB as a place to check is that it is the first place where average people run to when the feel that something is shady. I personally did most of my research in the library and at the book store. There are hundreds of well written books on the legitimacy of MLM and how the industry oporates.

Also, I don't know if this person knows it or not, but Trek Alliance is a member of the DSA(Direct Sales Association). To be a member of the DSA, the company is required to have a buy back program. If he bought inventory and then decided that he doesn't like the products, he can probably send them back for a refund.


EDitor's Comment to this REBUTTAL:::
So, you still think the BBB is OK?
But now your saying, because they are a member of the DSA(Direct Sales Association), that they must be OK and they could never rip-off or deceive anyone? What are you on anyway?

This email is a rebuttal to RipOff #4608.
It was sent by Anne at [email protected].

TREK ALLIANCE Kale Flagg and Rich Von's MULTY LEVEL MARKETING Pyramid Cult *UPDATE *REBUTTALS (#4608)
They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Anne

Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion

Rebuttal:
After reading the initial "Rip-Off Report" submission, I am actually still confused as to how this person was "Ripped Off". He doesn't ever mention that he lost any money. Trek Alliance DOES NOT require anyone to buy inventory...so how was he ripped off? The only investment that is required is a starter kit (which is less than $50). This gives you lots factual information on the company and how to run your own ethical distribution. If, after he bought the kit, he feltthat he was not motivated enough to build a successful downline...he
should have spoken with his sponsor.

In the initial compliant he mentions a lot about the products and that he felt they were sub-par. You know what...everybody has opinions. If you don't like it, don't buy it! If you were to go to Wal-Mart and buy some shampoo and it turned your hair green...would you buy it again? Probably not! He hit the nail on the head when he said, "if a product is great people will buy it". But he should have went further by saying, "the true
test of a products greatness comes when it's time to reorder."
My suggestion to anyone who is worried about getting ripped off, is to do your own research.

Check with the BBB of Nevada. Check out the Trek Alliance official website and make your own decisions. Multi Level
Marketing can work for anyone who is willing to work hard. Unfortunately, not everyone has a strong work ethic. If it was easy...everyone would do it!
:::::::::::::::::::::::

EDitor's Comment to this REBUTTAL::::::::::

You said the BBB? ...You're joking right?

Besides, you haven't even come close in answering all the other complaints in this Rip-off Report.

This email is a rebuttal to RipOff #4608.
It was sent by Sara at [email protected].

TREK ALLIANCE Kale Flagg and Rich Von's MULTY LEVEL MARKETING Pyramid Cult *UPDATE *REBUTTALS (#4608)

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Sara

Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion

Rebuttal:
Trek Alliance is made of real people who don' try to blow smoke up your a*s. Everyday Trek Alliance promotes that this is a business that takes hard work, sweat equity, and a little bit of passion.

The problem is that 80% of Americans are either unmotivated or motivatable and they get excited by every other commercial or guy that comes into town. Only 20% of the population is a self-motivated or a motivator-type person. And the coolest part is, it just takes a little desire and a willingness to learn.

If you want to be good at anything, we all have the power. It is simply a matter of desire. There is no B.S. in Trek Alliance's approach. No kumba ya, no singing, no rah rah--just hard work and an opportunity for average people to be influenced in a positive atmosphere and have a support system and education to create financial independence in America.

Most people try to find excuses of why not to get involved with an opportunity. Why not just find the one reason to embrace an opportunity and work it under your guidelines, with your business plan, and your beliefs. Everything else is just an excuse!

This email is a rebuttal to RipOff #4608.
It was sent by Tara at [email protected].


TREK ALLIANCE Kale Flagg and Rich Von's MULTY LEVEL MARKETING Pyramid Cult *UPDATE *REBUTTAL (#4608)

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Tara

Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion

Rebuttal:
I am continually amazed by how many people have negative things to say about multi-level marketing. Has anyone been to college lately? Well, if not, let me inform you of a few things. Colleges are turning out processed, non-thinking beings who hear a command and are trained to respond, "Yes-sir. Anything else, sir?" Perfect employees for the large corporations running this country.

I was the valedictorian of my highschool class and have been bored stiff ever since I began college. The classes are tailored to average, non-thinking people, and I don't ever want to be one of those. What does this all have to do with Trek Alliance? I think MLM is a god-sent. Finally, there are companies where you can work hard, and get paid on your production. So it takes a while to get a profit out of an
MLM company - big deal. Anything worth while takes time.

The problem with America right now is that people aren't looking within themselves for solutions and instead blaming their environment for their problems. How many people do you know currently working 2 or 3 jobs to try to pay the bills?

Obviously, the traditional system of going to college and getting a job with a stable company is no longer working.
It's time to wake up and find new solutions to the financial stalemate in America.

If Trek Alliance didn't "work" for you - how long did you really work at it, and how hard did you really try? Honestly.
Stop blaming MLM companies for your own laziness and start working on changing your world from the inside - out.

This email is a rebuttal to RipOff #4608.
It was sent by Justin at [email protected].

TREK ALLIANCE Kale Flagg and Rich Von's MULTY LEVEL MARKETING Pyramid Cult *UPDATE (#4608)

They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Justin
Their phone number: none of your business
Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion

Rebuttal:
You people need to get a life. The only thing that doesn't work in network marketing is how easy people today quit and give up. It's starting a business and that's never easy. Do you know that about 60% of kids who go to college never graduate, is college then a scam????? We spend much more going to college than getting an initial kit in a network marketing company and trying a product or two. Wake up and smell the coffee folks

Date: Thu, 17 May 2001 04:07:04 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Update of Kale Flagg and Rich Von story
To: [email protected]

I came across your article about Kale Flagg, and Rich Von, founders of Trek Alliance 3/4/01. Because you didn't mention it, I didn't know if you were aware that these two individuals, as well as most of the founders of Trek Alliance, were once top people in another notoris scam company Equinox International.
Basically same scam, different name.

Hope I've added something to the story, so that others don't get riped off. Thank you for exposing these types of scams.

Sincerely,
[email protected]