101 sales
atlant,#2UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, January 15, 2011
My names Scott,
I worked for U.F.C. for 3 to 4 years.At the time i was a turmoiled 17 year old with more charisma and ambition then a 17 knows how to handle.Within 1 month working with the company i became their top salesman.Funny enough my 18th birthday was a few months later and i informed my boss i lied about my age due to their restraints pertaining to age requirements for independent contractors.I dont think it bothered them.It was more like they thought more of me because of it.It made me feel even more confident with myself alittle bit more,i have to say.Over the next few years i made icredible money,met incredible people, and traveled to amazing places.I wouldnt have the time and noone would have the patience to hear all the improbable, impossible, and truely once in a lifetime stories that i think about on a daily basis.They are so complex and off the wall that most people couldnt believe they could actually happen.They did, and i enjoyed every moment while i rode this wild rollercoaster i signed up for.My father tells me still that the difference between my older brother and i is this,.When i drive up a steep, icy road up a mountain my car stays on the outside lane,hugging the line ,close to the edge. My brother(intelligent and successful guy)drives up that same mountain always clutching also clutching the inside line, close to the center the entire way up.Though our technique is the opposite, we both reach the top.This job taught me to utilize my unorthodox and and unrefined skills,and turned me into a man that sees no boundaries and strives to be the best man he can be.The skills i acquired from the owners and managers i directly worked for have followed me over the last decade and rewarded me with wealth, wisdom, and respect for each day i have on this earth!!! The horror stories you here from ex-employees are fabricated by children who still have not become adults.They feel mistreated because they have been by their family, their community,etc.,etc., but if they felt mistreated by U.F.C. they were to weak to realize the benefits, or too lazy to capitalize on this life-changing opportunity they were given. T those who feel they were mislead or lied to by one of these agents.WHAT SALES JOB TELLS THE COMPLETE TRUTH? Ive had so many sales jobs throughout the years and didnt have one that didnt involve some form of fabricating a story.NOT ONE.I believe around 10% of the people in our country make over 6 figures annualy.90% of those making over 100k annually happen to be involved in sales.I wonder how efficient they are at telling people the complete truth?I wouldnt bet on the salesmans moral fiber being any different then most of these young adults coming to your door.Going to doors and rubbing elbows with some of the wealthiest people in the country was something i will forever cherish, and seldom is a day in which i dont think back and chuckle about the wonderful time i had with United FAMILY Circulation! They had a simple idea and keen business sense and turned it into a profitable company for all that committ to it.I did and i was rewarded handsomely for it.So many names i have forgotten, but good luck to,Starla,Sunny you crazy pollock, Mikey from Boulder,Janessa,Tony the premadonna from the Dirty beach, Andre my big bro on the road,Jt and your brother(bahamas was wild hu!)hit me on facebook road warriors!!This company is completly legitament and i felt compelled to speak on so many of these innacurate and completely wrong and maliciuos posts.Get a bunch to all,and try and take down my 10 year strong company record of 101 sales in a day.Thank you U.F.C fro making me the the man i am today!!!!!!!!!!!!
Scott A.K.A The Kid
anonymous
California,#3UPDATE EX-employee responds
Fri, July 30, 2010
im anonymous to the viewers of you people because of the retaliation efforts that would probably happen
I worked in the magazine buisness for eight years i was even a manager that had a crew of 15 people at one time all the things that the ex agents or the managers say is a lie to some extent.
whom ever said that it was like prostitution was correct the managers are the pimps and the agents are the hoes, the many of stories i can express are amazing after working and managing a crew for eight years you can imagine i have seen alot.
you cant blame most of the kids that work for these companies because of the training they recieve, thats just shady agents and managers that have to lie to the public to try to make there pockets fat.
agents if you are reading this ask your manager to see your books or company account for thoase not familiar with the term, see what your eyes see and 99.9% of the time they will be in the negative whonder why?.......think about it u just got pimped, i would advise you as a former manager leave why you can, there are better things out there.
Ive seen people get beat up for not receiving there quota, get verbally abused and stranded in a city where they know noone if you a a parent all i can tell you is be careful dont let your kids go.
Personaly i have witnessed many of things that would never happen unless i was on the road as an agent i witnessed the organized crime of the magazine buisness and became addicted to the thrill then i was promoted to a car handler, then manager. But guess what im one of the few that got smart and left. I have witnessed everything from shootings and stabbings outnumbered fights where the agents and managers jump the citizens of cities.
By the way im in the process of working with quite of few law enforcement agencies to shut down the magazine buisness for good, my change of heart from being loyal to the buisness is now gone they will screw you in the end like always it is to good to be true.
parents beware even for you children that are not eightteen yet these companies will hire everyone they can felons,underage,child molesters, anyone that can make them a dime, so please be care ful i will from time to time come back and reveal more information for the publics eyes but i am sworn not to talk about it right now except to the people that are helping to shut the buisness down
Penhook1
penhook,#4
Sun, September 13, 2009
My name is Anthony and I sold magazines for 2 1/2 years for Rick and his sister Kay. The drugs , sex and mistreatment of these kids is true. I personnally left people in the middle of no where and did not pick them back up under the direction of management. I sold alot of magazines till close to the end so I didnt get mistreated like some. I even turned on people that were my friends when they told me to and to this day I feel bad about it and wonder what ever happened to them. They hired under age kids, just anyone they could control. It has been years since i've sold mags. The only way out for these kids is to finnally realize they have no future selling mags like I did and leave and not let them talk them into staying. They just have to realize there is a better future for them than living off 15.00 a day and sleeping in roach infested hotels. The only people that make money are the owners and managers. It has been 12 years since i worked for them the crew I worked on was called Kays Naturals. I am now a successful Real Estate Agent and have a daughter, so I am an example that these kids can change their lives. If anyone I used to work with reads this I would like to talk to you. You can email me at (((ROR redacted)))
CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.Renee
Winchester,#5UPDATE EX-employee responds
Fri, June 12, 2009
I sold magazines for over 5 years. I worked for many different companies. One of them had me put in jail for things they did. I guess they needed someone to pin it on! To tell the truth, most of the people that go door-to-door are doing it because it's their last option. They're trying to get away from a life that's not what they want. It's a great way to travel the country and meet people. UFC was the best company I ever worked for. I worked for Empire. No matter what some of these people are saying, we were never told to lie. As a matter of fact, if you were caught lying, you were sent packing. We were people traveling the country, selling magazines to earn points and if we rocked at it, we won the contest. That's it. No sports teams, no colleges, no living around the corner. People decided that they wanted to lie in order to get ahead. Don't blame that on the company. There are guidelines to follow and some people decide not to. As consumers, you should be able to spot it. Do you fall for telemarketers, car salesmen, etc. Then don't blame the kids at the door for something that you fell for. If you think people are lying, tell them no. If they're rude, ignore them. Some people are jerks. I got fired from my job because I decided I wasn't happy and broke the rules. We're not just a bunch of crazy kids running wild. To this day, if a kid in a contest knocks on my door, I'll buy a magazine. At the same time, they have to tell the truth. If a kid shows up trying to sell you magazines, just tell them you know whats up. If they tell the truth, you should consider helping. They're trying to make a living, just like you!
Kingnightro
Goshen,#6UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, April 19, 2008
April i was an employee of the company infact i think i was the one of the people that scammed Andrea during the time. Well ill be honest with you Andrea i would do anything to make it up for you because i wasnt satisfied about the service itself its not in my neighborhood to lie to anyone and i hated myself. Which infact i am 22 years old but im not a college student i never was. Let me clear something up with everyone else here. I did contact the FBI and police from their towns they visited and ive been track down with them. Some kids were even arrested the company bailed them out and on your behalf Andrea i wasnt a talker i was just a person where i stood around look stupid because i didnt know what to say and i wouldnt wanna lie to anyone so i kept quiet. Clear things up and Miss April you wanted "clear things up" how in the hell can you say those exact storylines to each people even different storylines. A storyline is a storyline and if you werent in it to "win" something it still would be a lie. You made yourself look like a fool right there so thank you very much for proving to all these people what background you came from with all this. Go to door to door like that some states if they dont trust you and your on their properity they would end up shooting you and killing you. So question is, is this the way you wanna spend your life? As a former worker the magazines will not be recieved from anyone period, it only took 2 days to figure all of it out not only you lied to everyone but you also used to it for drug money aswell and passed it amongst yourselves. Infact how can you spend Christimas in Everglades? Its a Magazine company not something big as a music bands. Most of Magazines by issues dont run around $80 always not even books. besides your work name "USA FUNS" whats so fun about going door-to-door unless your Jehovah Witness its not easy. If you arent them then your a scam period. But does everyone wanna know the truth? here is my story behind it and its absoluley true. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure it out. http://lookout911.tripod.com/ P.S. if that isnt enough evidence this is. one of the vans got into a wreck the doors was messed it up and they had enough money right up front to replace the door from that night to really early tomorrow morning. Not even the biggest company in the world gets it done that fast.
Scooder
Pleasanton,#7Consumer Comment
Sat, February 23, 2008
So here I am at home this evening, when the doorbell rings, followed immediately by the unmistakable rap rap rap on the door that only someone I know would produce. Typically, I never answer my door for the very reasons I'm about to describe. Yet, I did because it would seem to be someone I know, not a stranger, by the familiarity of that bell ring/knock sequence. You know the type. So I open the door, and some young guy is there who immediately initiates a WAY too friendly discourse that was without a pause for breath. But he did manage within the first 3 seconds to mention that my neighbor, "Virginia", said he should come talk with me, and that she said I was good, friendly guy. Funny - I never heard his name, nor whom he worked for, nor saw I.D., only catching something about earning points for something or another. It was all so rat-ta-ta-tat. OK - red flags are springing up everywhere. So, I tell him I'm not in the practice of answering the door to strangers, as if I had known it was not someone I knew or expected, I woul;d have never answered it. And in the next breath said that whatever he wants, I am not interested. Now please leave. Great salesman that he was, he noted with great emphasis how WEIRD it was that I should tell him to go, maybe 3 or 4 times he said this as he made his way to my next door neighbor's home a few steps away. Oh boo h*o - I was so offended. I dashed upstairs and opened a side window, just as my elderly neighbor answered her door. And I eavesdropped. He immediately began the same barrage of rapid fire speil, including that "Virginia" told him that he should come talk to her and that she would friendly. I can hear this slimeboy flirting and working the charm, and I know she must have eaten it up, what with being a live-alone widow. Scam confirmed. Next thing I know the kid is inside that old woman's home. d**n. So I bolt out the door to go talk with Virginia. Yes, there really is one who is my neighbor. When she anwered the door I explained what had happened, and she told me that she had also had the kid at her door, and DID NOT tell him to come to my door. But he DID drop another person's name on her - a fictitious one - whom he claimed said that he should come talk with her. Somehow in the few minutes they chatted before she gave him the boot, he managed to catch her name. So I told Virginia that the kid in now inside Francis's house. I can just imagine what's going on. So I march over and knock on her door. Guess who answers? Not Francis. I invite him outside as I walk in and close the door behind me. Sure enough, she has her checkbook out and is in the process of purchasing $35 worth of magazines "to be sent to a[n unnamed] childrens' hospital" somewhere. I tell her to stop and inform her that this is a SCAM. I invite the kid in. I ask him for I.D. He claims to not have any. I ask for his driver's license, but claims he has none because he's only 17 and does not drive nor has ever driven. I ask where he lives. He claims not to live anywhere. I ask where his home is. He claims to not have a home. Where are you sleeping at night? In a hotel in Union City (some 30 miles away). Finally, I ask him where his HOMETOWN is, and he says in a notable southern accent that he's from Modesto, CA. Nope, I don't think so, bucko, now get the hell out, or I'll call the police. So he leaves begrudgingly, all the while calling me weird, the situation weird, me telling him to leave weird, ad nauseum. Whatever, scam boy, taking advantage of an elderly person is the last straw for you. In a moment, after i go back in to calm down my neighbor, I follow his path to the main street where he's standing in the chill night. I talked to him again. I asked, again, for his I.D. Again, doesn't have any. Ia sked for his STUDENT I.D. and he comes unglued, saying I graduated 2 years ago - why would I have a student I.D.?? What, when you were 15? He replies that he's 18. Hmmm... that's funny, you said you were 17 a few minutes ago. I then told him the police were on their way. He said, that's OK, my ride will here in a moment. I turned for a few minutes, and he was gone. BUt the police did arrive and pick up his buddy who was also waiting to picked up, apparently. I spoke to the police a moment, and was informed that they has gotten a rash of calls that night in this city of 65,000 about these magaizine sales scammers. Apparently they were making the rounds. And then I came inside to see what I could learn about "Unitied Family Circulation", which brought me to this page after reading a plethora of articles, newspaper reports, and the like, about this enterprise. Yeah - teaching kids how to make their way in the world through practiced deceit is a great lesson. Soon they can be hawking used cars, or campers, or securities, or run a Fortune 500 company, all stemming from the wholesome life experience on the road. Is funny - I recognized this as a scam, on whatever level, from the way this kid came across. He reminded me of a high school friend who made his way in life by sweet talking people out of their money or goods or home or love, or all of the above. He learned how gullible people can be, how to manipulate them in ways that benifitted him. These great lessons in life taught him how to be a salesman. He scammed at every opportunity, because it came easy to him. He had that gift, just like this nice young man, tonight. And it landed him in the State Pen for 25 to life as a 3rd strike felony, all stemming from him thinking he was just a bit smarter than the next guy. Lesson learned, eh?
Rachel
Ventura,#8UPDATE EX-employee responds
Fri, February 01, 2008
I took a job with UPS in 2002 and I have to say that there is a lot of brainwashing that takes place to get these young people to buy the crap they are sold. I have to admitt it was exciting in the begining but Im glad its over. Not to say I regret it and want to take it back but I would not want to do it over again either. The young people that join these crews are lost and looking to be found. These mag crews give you a false sense of family and belonging. At the time I needed a job and wanted to to get away and this was my quick fix. In 24 hours of being employed I found myself hours away from home and living in this sub culture. The lifestlye was pretty much working all day which meant walking all day and selling mags to people who really didnt want them but bought them anyway to get you out of their face. Maybe they ordered a magazine because they felt sorry for you or really liked you or were tricked by you, rarely was it that they really wanted the magazine. Never the less we as agents didnt care what your reason was for buying the mag just as long as you bought. We were told not to accept no for an answer. Being picked up with nothing really sucked you would get screamed at made fun of made a fool of. You're next drop would be in the worst part of town since you wouldnt deserve good territory and would only waste it. The pressure to sell was high and this came from the top and rolled down hill. Needless to say people would come up with shadey ways of dealing with this back lash. Stealing lying cheating all so some man named James St Claire could sit on his fat a*s and collect. Some days I felt like a slave and other days I felt like a rock star. This lifestyle was a crazy rollercoaster of ups and downs and in the end I couldnt wait to get off. Drinking, taking drugs and hooking up with eachother or people we met along the way was typical. I remember on one of my first days my car handler and manager told me I didnt have to work on one of the drops. I was happy because it was cold and raining but instead of having to work that drop I was forced to watch him get himself off. Females are used and ran through by the guys on crew and most of the time these people are not protecting themselves, obviously a very reckless lifesyle. Another time I remember finding myself in a house alone with a man who seemed intrested in buying a magazine but then made it clear he wanted somthing else. I got out of that house as quick as could and afterwards was shaking from fear when the reality of what could have happened to me set in. Lots and lots of close calls from being in a van with the person behind the wheel driving like a mad man or sometimes hitch hiking to finding myself sleeping in parks or empty houses because I was so tired from not sleeping at all the night before, it was all just so dangerous. I have some good memories of being on crew mostly the people I met along the way the nice homeowners who offered to feed me or put me on a bus to get me out of danger but clearly its not a good life to get caught up in and the worst part is that once your in it you dont really see that because your brainwashed into believing its money. When it finally comes to end its not on good terms. Its kinda like a break up either your totally over it and cant wait to leave or their done with you. Its also kinda like a cult in the way that once your out the door the higher ups dont want you to communicate with the others on crew because their afraid you might try and convince the others to leave with you for a better life. Knowing what I know I would discourage someone from joining a mag crew for alot of reasons. One thing I can say is their is much better out there then being exploited or exploiting yourself. I never belived I would make my fortune by selling magazines but I did buy into the idea that it was a cool way to travel. However now looking back working 6 days a week for 10- 12 hours and being paid 20 dollars at the end of the day is a joke that was on me. Dispite all that I do want to say whats up to a few and yes Im calling out names Jay, Brandon, Stevie, Mike, Rob you guys were alright in my book and I hope your all well in life. Rachel
Anonymous
Shakeytown,#9UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, August 23, 2007
I have read all but too many comments about crews on here. Here is the REAL deal. ALL CREWS SCAM PEOPLE! Sometimes the agents, sometimes the management. Not all crews are bad, but they all have people looking to get the one-up on the Jonses. I have worked for several crews over the span of 7 years. I wrote good business, but still got *&*& on in the end. The thing that has bothered me is reading "old timers" letters about how "people are going to get it." That is why the industry is crumbling. It isn't the 70's anymore guys. You can't just beat the s**t out of an agent for having a wab day anymore. You can't leave kids stranded without having it put out all over the net. Hell, my last crew left me in San Francisco at 2 a.m. with no bus ticket or money. I quit because our GM, who was 43, married, and had 2 kids, made his 19 year old agent mistress get an abortion, and THEN fired her. In my own personal opinion, MAGCREWS should be shut down until they can be regulated. I have personally went to Greyhound stations and sales talked kids out of getting on that bus.
Kingnightro
Goshen,#10UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, August 02, 2007
Hello, i am done with all information on the coverage of the new page. I need for everyone to read it throughly it maybe long but its for your own good along with your network of friends and family. I have sent this to FBI and some police chiefs across the country letting them know who is responsible for this. This is a major thing, this has chain of police reports that i cant put online but little i have you could access what people are saying about it and some news reports aswell. Please go to http://lookout911.tripod.com/ Again read this throughly IM NOT JOKING! where ever you are within the states regardless of who you are you could be the next suspect.
Dlorah
Miller,#11UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, April 16, 2007
The Allen as in Allen and Erin and kissing the alligators picture i have. Remember the "i love you" episode. If this is you, please put together my contact so you can say hello to me. Its your bestest pal in the whole world D'Lorah. (simon fish 03 at yahoo) Just like Allen I learned so much, and even though I have been away from the business for 5 years i think of it everyday and know that I wouldnt be here today if it wasnt for them and what i learned. Im still people orientated and I still have a passion to acheive goals, just like I learned how to make and acheive in the magazine business. I do respect anyone who disagrees because I am not proud of how I sold magazines, but i made the choice to do it that way and i have to live with that decision everyday. But I will never forget what I acheived out there in the 7 years that i worked for the company. Thanks and i hope you contact me really soon Allen because I know it is you. D'Lorah- south dakota
Allen
Calhoun,#12UPDATE EX-employee responds
Fri, October 06, 2006
Yes it's true that ups SHOULD re evaluate what there employees are doing and saying to there customers.However the original way to sell mags was and still is a great idea.Take for instance you pay money to go to the circus and be entertained right,well when magizines are sold the way they are supposed to be;then the customer is only buying the mag because they were entertained and enjoyed the spunk if u will of the sales person,hence the saying they are not buying the mag they are buying me.Futher more their is usally some magizine that the customer whould not minde having and if thears not but they would like to help the sales person out they can still donate to the kids hospital or some other charity of there choice for a small tax right off.I guess what i am saying is if the sales people whould go back to selling the old way and the customers whould stop being so rude and get there noses out of the air we could all just get along. siceraly allen
John
Ross,#13Consumer Comment
Thu, September 28, 2006
The previous posts from sales agents, claiming that the UFC's way of doing things exemplifies American type enterprise, are wrong. Obtaining money by lying or hiding relevant information from people is nothing new or particular to the United States. In fact it's been occurring since the beginning of history in all cultures, capitalist or not. For example, it has been common for millennia for dishonest merchants to sell rotten meat, by disguising the smell with spices. This type of merchant behavior does not represent true capitalism, because it hides information and doesn't create any new value for the economy. Not hiding information is critical because it allows customers to make educated decisions in picking the company with the best service, products and efficiency, therefore increasing competition; Good competition is core to capitalism and our way of life. UFC doesn't create new value for the economy (excluding the profits UFC and agents gets for itself.) because customers could obtain the same magazine and books elsewhere at significantly less cost, and they're not really donating to true students. In the later case, a false value, beyond the magazines, is created because customers are often tricked into thinking they're helping a student or student like person. These false values mean customers are paying for something that doesn't exist. Just because UFC is aggressive in earning such money and its owners and managers are wealthy, does not make it an American type business. True American entrepreneurialism is a creative process that spawns new ways of doing things, wealth and careers while improving customer's lives. Bill Gates helped spread computer to the masses and create trillions of dollars. And most smaller scale honest American businesses, although competitive, do present a fair picture of their product and business. And no owner of any merit tolerates people misrepresenting fundamental facts about the business or product. UFC on the other hand is not like these American companies; It's just a company in the age-old business of swindling people. Although, it's not a criminal enterprise, it's sure nothing to brag about or suggest swindled customers shouldn't question.Unless swindling skills or working for swindlers is something that you think is of value, and something that we customers should appreciate. Either way it's definitely not the type of business that has made American economically vital. So please be honest about what you're doing or working for and don't blame customers for trusting you and then changing their minds latter when they find out the truth and ask for money back which legally still theirs. And please don't expect the public to deny common sense and think UFC a commendable American business, for which they should be ashamed of questioning. And don't be surprised that people are going to post negative comments when you or your colleagues have lied to them in their own homes.
B
Chillicothe,#14Consumer Comment
Mon, September 11, 2006
Although it's nice to hear that you took the opportunity expand your life, there are many people who are VERY successful from probably more humble beginnings, and who didn't perpetuate a business that is as questionable as United Family Circulation and its satellite companies. For example, a friend of mine, who I admire and who grew up in the rough part of rural Pakistan, is now a college professor. He didn't have the benefit of a silver spoon or the luxuries of the west, yet through hard hard work and scholarships he moved ahead. So it's hypocritical that you support and worked for a company that has hindered scholarship fundraising, by its provable practice of impersonating legitimate student fundraising, when scholarships are a sure way for a person without a silver-spoon to become successful. It doesn't matter what combination of independent agent arguments United Family Circulation managers provide, there are just too many different real cases of student impersonations to remove the company from reasonability. You may only value your experience on the road as real world, but what is more real world than UFC agents tricking well intentioned people, in their own homes, into giving money that could be used for schools and scholarships? And consequently what is more real world than underprivileged students having less scholarship money? And what is so special about UFC agents that you value your experience to get ahead over those that could benefit from school fundraising? With all due respect it sounds a bit selfish and has a serious lack of social perspective.
Allen
Calhoun,#15UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, September 09, 2006
First of all i whould like to say that yes there is better experience out there.However in the real world ppl like my self don't have a silver spoon in there mouths groing up so we might not get to go to colledge so we have to rely on first hand experiance and thats what UPS gives you.You dont have to lie and yes James Clair does scold you if he finds out that your lying to get your sales,you are your own boss when you are in a neighborhood and you as a person must make the decision to lie or tell the truth.James Clair stompped the pavmentjust like all of us he worked his way to the top and he has been mentoring young adults ever sience .So if you havent been in the shoes i have then you cant dog the compony.And on that note i whould like to say geta bunch,rock out with your c**k out Sienceraly Allen
B
Chillicothe,#16Consumer Comment
Thu, September 07, 2006
Above gaining so called sales experience and learning about life on the road, sales people must understand the negative consequences of United Family Circulation using fraudulent misrepresentation. This misrepresentation, which involves sales agents impersonating or strongly implying they are local students, causes unfair skepticism towards legitimate student fundraising, thus hindering legitimate school money raising. Although not every agent practices fraud, enough different cases exist that common and legal sense dictates that United Family Circulation is responsible. Furthermore, since the fraudulent misrepresentation voids the signed receipt, United Family Circulation has no legal right to keep the money against a lied-to customer's wishes. Fortunately, in my situation UCF did return my money after I protested in writing (I assume they realized they have no legal to right to keep it). The bottom line is that enough agents of UFC have engaged in enough different cases of fraudulent misrepresentation, that the company would probably loose a class action law suit seeking a refund of all relevant profits and money above the cost of a normal subscription. With all these problems do you really want to work for a company with such grey business ethics and morality (It's immoral to hinder our schools)? There are better jobs and experiences out there, and I for one would be skeptical as an employer if UCF was on your resume. And in this day in age, if you want a top position, gaining experience in ethical business practices is just as important as sales. Think better of yourself by seeking jobs beyond and not trying to defend or justify UFC.
Allen
Calhoun,#17UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, September 04, 2006
Whats up everyone. I worked for UPS for 1 year and yea i loved it, i would not be the man i am today if i had not hung with the ppl i did. I learned how to sell with the best and i am still selling today;not mags but campers. Most the ppl i worked with were good harted ppl maybe not christians,but good harted yes.
Stephen
Vancouver,#18Consumer Suggestion
Thu, February 23, 2006
Biblical quotes?You have got to be kidding.You were a bad idea in a n*****k when I started in this industry,and let me tell everyone,you sure arent quoting verse when agents check in a bad days business.I was in this business as a mgr long before it was ruined by the likes of you.Far too many crews are out on territory without legitimate contracts with reputable clearinhouses.Post a copy of your bank satement that indicates proof you have disbursed any funds for agents who have left your company.We both know you cannot.Let your crewmembers in on how even a processed subscription is renumerated.They might not be so enthusiastic tomorrow.Vinnie is the only one left out there from my days,and he turned into a piece of work,too.No amount of bullshit from you can erase the thousands of reports posted on this industry you and people like you have ruined.Acountability and reform will catch up to your fat a*s soon...and Ill be there to see it.Anyone who thinks the NFSA is legitimatly concerned with consumers has never attended a "meeting".
Dlorah
Miller,#19UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, February 23, 2006
Like many responses I have read on this report I too worked for Ultimate Power Sales Inc form 1996-2002. I absolutley loved it, I wouldnt be the person I am today without the love I got from James Clair, he was like my road dad. And boy didnt I treat him bad sometimes too. I know where James came from and I have the utmost respect for where he went. And at times I didnt say it but I appreciated him everytime he put up with all my crap. If i could talk to him one more time I would say I was sorry for making him so angry at times. As for the all the hub-bub about the business being bad and not getting your magazines, I worked in the home office for a period of time and processed orders and indeed ordered magazines and always received them. My parents even bought magazines from me and received them. I was extremely well taken care of and even at times miss the lifestyle. I too have grown up and married with a family of my own but I will never trade my 6 years with the company for all the tea in china. " Im a little tea pot" I used to sing that at doors. Plenty of people will remember me, and I will remember all of you too. Not a week goes by that I dont dream about the job and how much I loved it. I wouldnt have the self confidence I have now or the personality or even the smile that I have grown to love all because of selling magazines door to door. And reading all these responses from happy ex employees Im sorry but I forget my high day and week (big surprise) but my high slam was 20 in Florida and Ill never forget that. Maybe my high day was like 35. Please know that I think of all of you often and feel free to get in touch with me anytime- I always want to talk to an old friend.
Jeremy
Sacarmento,#20UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, November 08, 2005
I would like to start this rebutal by saying thank you to Rick Clair, and Dave Moffett for the best chapter in my life so far. Slangin zines was an experience that I am thankful for and would start from the beging of my career and do it all over again if given the chance. My story went the same as others got hired quick, travled to 45 or 46 states several times, entertained many ballin' a*s norms, and got paid like a mother f u c k e r. I ahve more famous fols and been in their homes, took thier cash, than most norms will have a chance to even see. Even with some of the crazy s**t that went down in my 4 years, there was alot of it, I left the business with a better understanding of life and the direction I want mine to go in. I want to take a moment to say what's up and thank you to all my best friends that I mad on the road. Scott, Von, Jon, Tati, Laura, Austin, and everone else, it was good times down the highway for sure. Anyone who I missed like Tassi who posted on here what is up, and get a hold of me some how everyone. here is my e-mail- [email protected] P.S. What's your high day b***h, high week? Bet not as high as mine..... P.S.S EMPIRE for life J-DOG IN THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David
Beaumont,#21UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, October 10, 2005
I worked for up2 for 1 year and 1 month. I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. All these people saying they were not allowed to call their parents are full of s**t. I can personally vouch for these companies because my manager allowed me to use his cell phone to call my grandfather until i could borrow someone else's or got my own. As for the jail situation the reason they probably don't bail some of the kids out is because they did'nt go for soliciting. I was allowed to do what i wanted when I wanted with in reason but anybody with any kind of sense would do the same. Especially if not in their own hometown. Every person that bought a magazine from me recieved theirs, the only checks that got returned to me were insufficient funds. I'll admit i used the soccer canvas but thats is not what sold my magazines. IT WAS MY PERSONALITY YOU RETARDS. I didn't coerce anyone into it. They had a choice and they made it. As for the cult I have one thing to say--- HA f**kING HA. We could leave when we wanted to. The only thing is the manager tried to talk us out of it because they wanted to see us make something of ourselves. Those who could handle it did and those who couldn't were galdly6 sent home. I accompanied them on many a ride to the local bus stations. The bosses make the same as the kids do the only difference is that they are getting half of 5-25 kids sales instead of the individual sales if that makes any sense. They put in their walikng time and earned "thier fuking escalades". I have seen the promotion process and must say every bit of it is well earned. I met people on that crew that I would trust and those I wouldn't but that is with any job from magazines to hammers and nails to computers to hamburgers and fries. As fo Jame's anger problems I'll personally say that I had my bad days when he was in town and the worst he did was sit me down and tell me to picked my s**t up. They looked out after us to the extent that we were adults should should act so. I gotpaid every dollar I earned. I left because I wanted to thats that. DON'T BASH THESE KIDS. THEY CHOOSE THEIR CANVASSES AND USE THEM AT THEIR ON RISK. The bosses don't like the sports canvas but the are not going to tell their top agent how to do their job. Thats the way it is. If you don't get your order don't buy from that kid again. Don't blame the company every penny is accounted for. And considering the amount of money that goes through the offices they are some of the most honest people I have ever met. Lil' Davey Richard says tear it up UP 2. Go scotty and F CASEY H.
David
Beaumont,#22UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, October 10, 2005
I worked for up2 for 1 year and 1 month. I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. All these people saying they were not allowed to call their parents are full of s**t. I can personally vouch for these companies because my manager allowed me to use his cell phone to call my grandfather until i could borrow someone else's or got my own. As for the jail situation the reason they probably don't bail some of the kids out is because they did'nt go for soliciting. I was allowed to do what i wanted when I wanted with in reason but anybody with any kind of sense would do the same. Especially if not in their own hometown. Every person that bought a magazine from me recieved theirs, the only checks that got returned to me were insufficient funds. I'll admit i used the soccer canvas but thats is not what sold my magazines. IT WAS MY PERSONALITY YOU RETARDS. I didn't coerce anyone into it. They had a choice and they made it. As for the cult I have one thing to say--- HA f**kING HA. We could leave when we wanted to. The only thing is the manager tried to talk us out of it because they wanted to see us make something of ourselves. Those who could handle it did and those who couldn't were galdly6 sent home. I accompanied them on many a ride to the local bus stations. The bosses make the same as the kids do the only difference is that they are getting half of 5-25 kids sales instead of the individual sales if that makes any sense. They put in their walikng time and earned "thier fuking escalades". I have seen the promotion process and must say every bit of it is well earned. I met people on that crew that I would trust and those I wouldn't but that is with any job from magazines to hammers and nails to computers to hamburgers and fries. As fo Jame's anger problems I'll personally say that I had my bad days when he was in town and the worst he did was sit me down and tell me to picked my s**t up. They looked out after us to the extent that we were adults should should act so. I gotpaid every dollar I earned. I left because I wanted to thats that. DON'T BASH THESE KIDS. THEY CHOOSE THEIR CANVASSES AND USE THEM AT THEIR ON RISK. The bosses don't like the sports canvas but the are not going to tell their top agent how to do their job. Thats the way it is. If you don't get your order don't buy from that kid again. Don't blame the company every penny is accounted for. And considering the amount of money that goes through the offices they are some of the most honest people I have ever met.
Rose
Austin,#23UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, May 28, 2005
The person above whose son was not *allowed* to call is being accurate. I saw it myself, though I managed to escape the very first night. This happened to me in 1984. Since the name of the company has changed so frequently, I can't be positive this is the same bunch, but I've been approached by their kids as recently as 1998. Off-white laminated cards with blue print for the magazines and red for the prizes, if I remember correctly. In 1984, they were headquartered in San Antonio, or at least that's where their yearly meeting took place. I was once one of those 18-year-olds who needed a job, and was therefore answering most every ad. Found the "Travel the US" ad, replied, had a phone interview, was hired, and was told to report to the hotel they were staying at with clothes and toiletries, as they'd be leaving in a day or two. So I do. Taking my car, and thank heaven for that. I get there and am greeted by a youth leader-type guy and about a dozen people my age, who are all very nice. They're getting ready to run errands for the night, so I go with them. The first stop is Stop-n-Go, where the kids are *given* money to shop with by the youth leader. They didn't manage their own finances. We get Stop-n-Go hot dogs for our dinner. Then the girls are sent to the laundromat to do the washing for the whole group. I can't remember what the guys were off doing, but it wasn't their own laundry. While we're there, we talk, and that whole Stepford cult thing really starts to come through while they talk about what their lives are like. Seems the youth leader controls pretty much everything - who sleeps in what room, how they get their money, etc. Independent thought is decidedly discouraged, and they look half-confused, half-alarmed when I ask questions like "So why does the youth leader keep our money?" before they go back into the Stepford smile. Furthermore, no one is ever alone if they can help it. Ever. For anything. The girls think this is a *good* thing. I've got all kinds of warning bells going off by the time we're picked up and taken back to the hotel room. Thankfully (thankyouthankyouthankyou Universe) I left my suitcases in the car. I say I'm going to go get them. Several people offer to help me, but I finally convince them that I don't need help and really, I'll be right back. I get in my car and start it. *Everyone* comes running out the door and after me. I hit the gas and take off like a bat, shaking the whole way home. I think about calling the police, but what charges could I bring up? They didn't do anything that technically broke the law (that I knew of at the time). I just called myself lucky to find out the truth before they made me return my car to my home and leave with them. Not 2 weeks later, I tell this story to a friend of mine, and it turned out he had a friend who was in with them for several months before he escaped by calling my friend from a pay phone, scared, begging for bus fare to get away. In theory, your fare home is covered by the company whenever you want to leave, but you can't actually get to it. So my friend did send him a ticket, and the guy got away with some other sort of narrow escape involving leaving everything behind. The company then sent his belongings back home, all friendly-like. If any of these kids come to your door, offer them a way out if you have the financial means. Some are quite happy apparently working for a cult (and *do* consider why it is they specify young people when older adults can sell magazines too). But some are trapped and just want to go home.
Andrea
Zirconia,#24UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, May 14, 2005
hey this is andrea. i worked for ultimate power #14 the manager is John it was ok at first then i noticed that John had a bad anger problem if you didnt do good enough he would flip out. there also was a girl on the crew named Missy and she use to lie to every1 in her sales pitch and told them it was for a local hospital or for breast cancer. she was such a phonie no wonder she brought in alot of sales. i bet only 5% was real. well i recomend no one to do this line of work. if any1 wants a job, get a real one.
Lauren
Decatur,#25UPDATE EX-employee responds
Fri, February 04, 2005
it's a scam I did work for them, UPSI tries to get you to lie and do wahtever it takes to sell a magazine i tried to tell the truth but no one would buy and I'm a good salesperson and when my car handler would come back and get me he would yell at me for only selling 2-5 on a drop that was only 2 hours long in a small part of town. I was there I got mentally abused I was basically physically abused and the manager didn't give a s**t him and his girlfirend didn't care my car handler would yell at you and put you down so bad it wasn't funny I sent tow magazines to my family never got them that was over 6 months ago i never recieved pay after i quit and i got yelled at for wanting to go home to my mother who had a heart attack it's a bullshit company that owes a lot of people a lot of money IF THEY COME TO YOUR DOOR WITH A HUGE CANVAS DONT BUY CAUSE YOU WONT GET YOUR MAGAZINES AND DONT' GIVE DONATIONS MOST PEOPLE TRY TO POCKET THAT CAUSE THEY GET 15 DOLLARS A NIGHT TO LIVE OFF OF. I'm sorry for the people who stick up for Ultimate Powers cause it's not a respectable company i got friends that got arrested and went to jail without knowing they would or even could i was lucky cause all i had happen to me is mental abuse.
Megumi
La Jolla,#26Consumer Comment
Tue, February 01, 2005
I heard the same lines - a kid who just lives around the corner, it's for his soccer team, and donating to Boys and Girls Club. Since I was in Boys and Girls Club before, I fell for it. But I read all the reports and cancelled my check right away. I'm just upset about lies - living in the neighborhood and donating. This experience will make it harder for me to donate in the future. It's really sad that some people use goodness of others to do such a thing. Thank you for posting all the information. I read consumers, ex employees, and current employees. And all I can say is hopefully more people will read this ripoff reports so that they can be more aware of what had happened and stop before they become victims. I don't feel good about being ripped off but I'm grateful that I was able to stop things before I truly got ripped off.
Sharon
Dallas,#27UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, January 10, 2005
sharon palicer is a fat nasty homosexual who has probably transmitted aids throughout james various crews. They both will pay for the harm that they have inflicted on innocent young people. And jaqulyn is sharons crazy bucktoothed lover. And they want to talk about the bible. Well my question to them What does the bible say about queers? point proven. If you are ever approached by a door to door solicitor call the police, chances are you are dealing with a ex convict or rapist or who only knows, it's not like they do background checks before they hire you. they snatch you up and take you out of state before you can get help. and once your in it feels like life or death trying to get out. to james and sharon payback is a b**ch. We were vindictive enough to scam innocent communities, just wait, you will get it all back, ten fold
Sharon
Dallas,#28UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, January 10, 2005
sharon palicer is a fat nasty homosexual who has probably transmitted aids throughout james various crews. They both will pay for the harm that they have inflicted on innocent young people. And jaqulyn is sharons crazy bucktoothed lover. And they want to talk about the bible. Well my question to them What does the bible say about queers? point proven. If you are ever approached by a door to door solicitor call the police, chances are you are dealing with a ex convict or rapist or who only knows, it's not like they do background checks before they hire you. they snatch you up and take you out of state before you can get help. and once your in it feels like life or death trying to get out. to james and sharon payback is a b**ch. We were vindictive enough to scam innocent communities, just wait, you will get it all back, ten fold
Sharon
Dallas,#29UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, January 10, 2005
sharon palicer is a fat nasty homosexual who has probably transmitted aids throughout james various crews. They both will pay for the harm that they have inflicted on innocent young people. And jaqulyn is sharons crazy bucktoothed lover. And they want to talk about the bible. Well my question to them What does the bible say about queers? point proven. If you are ever approached by a door to door solicitor call the police, chances are you are dealing with a ex convict or rapist or who only knows, it's not like they do background checks before they hire you. they snatch you up and take you out of state before you can get help. and once your in it feels like life or death trying to get out. to james and sharon payback is a b**ch. We were vindictive enough to scam innocent communities, just wait, you will get it all back, ten fold
Sharon
Dallas,#30UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, January 10, 2005
sharon palicer is a fat nasty homosexual who has probably transmitted aids throughout james various crews. They both will pay for the harm that they have inflicted on innocent young people. And jaqulyn is sharons crazy bucktoothed lover. And they want to talk about the bible. Well my question to them What does the bible say about queers? point proven. If you are ever approached by a door to door solicitor call the police, chances are you are dealing with a ex convict or rapist or who only knows, it's not like they do background checks before they hire you. they snatch you up and take you out of state before you can get help. and once your in it feels like life or death trying to get out. to james and sharon payback is a b**ch. We were vindictive enough to scam innocent communities, just wait, you will get it all back, ten fold
Jackie
Trotwood,#31Consumer Comment
Sat, January 08, 2005
Hi, i am the woman that wrote earlier about my son not calling. First of all he is an adult, true, but HE is my son! He did want to call but as before was told that he had to have a calling card. He didn't make enough money to get one. I though that what ever amount that you sell that you would get a commission off what ever little or alot that you sold. And as far as a deadbeat parent, no, I didn't kick my son out. He felt that this was a easy way to make some quick money. And found out that it is harder than if he would just get a job and earn it the old fashion way, hard work, mind you. Lest he would get a paycheck every week instead of filling some quota. In fact he told me that there was marijuna smoking and drugs. I did had to say one good thing about the boss, that he was nice enough to give my son a ticket to take the bus home. My son is no longer involved. But it is sad to see young people going after the Quick buck instead of getting a job and getting a paycheck. It is hard work, yes, but atleast you get paid for the work you do instead of trying to reach some quota, living off fast food and living in cramped hotel rooms. I am sick and tired of people blaming parents, these days. You can raise a child right and still when he/she is grown can make up their mind to go the opposite way. I could go back and blame my parents, but after being a parent myself, i relize!. I am not perfect.And when I turned 18, I either made something out of myself or sat back and blame others. I felt that 18 is alittle young to kick a child out if they are not ready, BUT , they should be getting themselves ready while they at home in stead of sitting there doing nothing and blaming their parents. Children should be thought to work for their money, but sad to say these "quick money schemes" are attracting them by the droves. By the way every body is not cut out to be salesmen. Those of you that were successful in these programs must have had excellent salesman abilities. That is why you spoke well of these companies. But what about those who doesn"t have these qualities?
John
Eau Claire,#32UPDATE EX-employee responds
Fri, January 07, 2005
I read alot of the other reports and I hate computers so im going to make this very breif i worked for rick claire and moffitt and at one time i tried to run my own crew but was not succesful. but my concearns are to all that write neggetivity: Empire teaches to sell magazines to win a trip and a thousand dollars cash the way you sell is through your personality not by lying i am a living proof you make money, not get stranded, and can call home i eaven drove a company car home to visit when we were close to louisiana. i worked for the company for 3 years and i enjoyed every minute of it. it was my choice to be terminated. to all that say it is scam empire sales teaches to sell magazines with personality and the truth . i was a nobody when i got hired i been to 45 states to the bahamahs if i was not to join and trust them i would of never seeen anythaing. now im 24 married and reside in wisconsin and have a little john on the way. if it was up to me i would take my family on the road and do it all over. and teach people how to make money the right way, there is always negetivity in the world and that is what the media focuses on so if you just take that first step and just do it you wont regret it... i made lots of money in this company made lots of freinds and dont regret anythaing. if you are reading this and use to be a former employee and use to work with me i would love to stay in touch
Tina
Austin,#33Consumer Comment
Fri, December 31, 2004
My comment goes out to everyone, consumer and salespeople. For the most part, these kids are good kids, desperately trying to make something of themselves. I used to sell magazine subscriptions door-to-door and know first hand that it is a tough world out there. These kids are taken good care of, but as kids sometimes do, take the wrong turns in life and end up putting themselves in bad situations. Your son hasnt called? maybe there is a reason he doesnt want to. He does have a choice you know, he/she is an adult. There are payphones on every main street in the country, 1-800 is free, and if a kid knocked on my door to use the phone to call his mom, long distance or not, i certainly would not turn him down. COnsumers, use your god given common sense, why would you only help a kid if he says he just moved to your neighborhood? Good honest kids live all over the world, just like bad ones do. A kids sales pitch doesnt necessarily reflect the company. I was taught to pitch lies, and the honest truth. These kids are taught by kids, if you feel they aren't telling the truth, then dont buy. Its not like you have to. But if they are being honest with you, then reward there honesty. And for crying out loud, if you smell alcohol on a kids breath, call the cops. public intoxication is illegal for a reason. Ask any kid that comes to your door for a company i.d., a state id or drivers license, call the phone number on the receipt, read all the fine print ( the receipts usually say not for charity, school, church group or organization), go to the website or go to the better businesses website to see if there are any complaints. Use your common sense people. A lot of these ex-employees saying a kinds of bad stuff are butt-hurt because they either couldnt sell anything and got fired ( not everybody is a salesperson) got caught doing/selling drugs and made up a pity story to tell mom and dad. Everyone gets paid what they make at one point or another, and dont think that they dont spend it just as fast as they earn it, and omg it might be all spent on drugs! what a shocker! half the country are addicts and drunks and what do you really think a bunch of 18-26 year old kids running around the country from hotel to hotel do at night afte they get paid? THe companies certainly dont condone it and can try to stop it as best they can, but come on, seriously, the kids are knocking on drug-dealers, murderers, drug-doers, rapists, pedophilers, and drunks among your own doors. These kids will sometimes do and say anything to meet their quota ( usually for a cash bonus). Nobody's perfect, and you cant blame all the kids or the company because of a few bad apples. I bet your kids are no different from these kids. If you really dont want to support the compnay but like the kid at your door because they are honest and obviously hard-working, (esp. if they are running to doors telling you the honest truth, no B.S. school spiel), than ask them what they make on a particular magazine ( they all know i promise- usually $10 to $30for the lowest term) just give them a cash for their effort. They certainly dont get paid to walk around talking to you. Agents- if you take care of the business, the business will take care of you, the B.S spiels are for the dogs and most people can see through your lies and fairy tails, that is where most of these ignorant peoples' remarks come from . Treat the people you talk to no matter what side of the door you are on like you would someone in your family, if they are honest to you, be honest with them. Nobody likes a person they cant trust.
Joshua
Orlando,#34Consumer Comment
Thu, December 02, 2004
There are reports across all the local news organizations here in Orlando, two employees of this company have been arrested for scamming to sell their magazines. This is a scam, ignore what these supposed "ex-employees" etc. are saying. Be careful!
Susan
Houston,#35Consumer Comment
Wed, October 27, 2004
I've read all of the above reports and can now truly say this Ultimate Power Sales, Inc. is a rip off company. People are now going door to door in Texas with the same stories as above - obviously all lies. Anyone who has stood up for this company and this operation, the lies, etc. are part of the scam. I've asked the local TV stations to investigate and hopefully all the the scammers will be run out of town. Two of these people came to my door in just one night. Same soccer stories, same lies, same lies about their Moms. Funny one was a girl, the other a boy - I don't think so, not on the same soccer team The Strikers!
Wendy
Washington,#36Consumer Comment
Tue, August 10, 2004
My husband and I purchased a sponsorship after our very clean cut, young solicitor told us all about how he's "new to our neighborhood, and how his mother, Kathy Koe "walks her dog up our street in the morning"...how he was "raising money for a trip for his soccer team to go to Florida." He even gave us his phone number and address if we had any questions neither of which turned out to be real. He said that his mother is a nurse at a local hospital and that she would be sending us a thank you post card...Sound familiar to anyone? Don't be fooled. This was a fraud plain and simple. If you buy from these people, you risk losing more than just $, you could potentially set yourself up for identity fraud....at least that's what our local law enforcement has said...so you can call your local law enforcement and ask them OR you could trust some girl on the Internet with the "unique name"...April, I think it is.
Leo
St. Cloud,#37UPDATE EX-employee responds
Fri, July 09, 2004
Hey, I'm a former crew member of ESI, Empire Sales, under Dave Moffett and Rick Clair. I was on the crew for an entire month. Did I get paid, only my draws of 20 bucks, but that was because I didnt sell very well. In fact, Mr. Moffett, AND Mr. Clair paid out of thier own pockets for me to stay as long as I did, because I gave it 110%. As far as when people come to the door for soccer, school, this or that, its B.S. The only real thing we're doing is a Cash Award contest where we can win 1000 dollars and a vacation. That is why we are selling magazines. Now, my boss Dave, went out of his way to help me learn the no B.S. approach to the buisness. But unfortunately, I was the one stuck out. The "soccer players" got all the sales. Nobody wants to help a kid get rich, they just want to send him on his way. The job was a BLAST! There's nothing better for a social person like me. The idiots who B.S. stuff, or the customers that cant pay attention to detail on reciepts just prove the mechanics our country was founded on. Mr. Moffett is an incredible person to work for, and Mr. Clair has a personality that just lights a fire under you to be your best. All our magazines go where they are supposed to, and people CAN cancel thier orders, I know, I got one back in the mail with a -12 on it, where I lost money. After a month of solid working my @$$ off, I was let go, and sent home at the companys charge even with money for food. These guys do take care of their own, and respect the customer. If you could only experience half of what I have in this buisness you would see WHY WE DO IT! And why we will CONTINUE to DO IT. ESI doesnt rip people off, what rips people off is stupidity, not putting a destination on the receipt, or forgetting about your receipt and complaining you didnt get a magazine when you did a donation anyways. Dont hate on us, participate, I know you guys read magazines, (though the falling literacy rate makes me doubtful) We never ripped nobody off, salesperson or customer. Empire is the s**t! Empire what? F**k's S**t UP!!!!
Dwayne
Middletown,#38UPDATE Employee
Tue, June 29, 2004
Hello boys and girls my name is Dwayne I am an EX- Employee of UPS and I am here to give you the low down on the buisness at hand. One day I to was looking through the papper and came across an add stating "Best Job Ever! Nat'l Co. now hiring 18 to 25 guys & girls to travel the U.S. with a fun CO. Road rules type atmosphere. Return fare guaranteed. Paide training if you can start immediately." At first I thought wow this sounds like it might be fun, so I gave it a try and discovered that the entire company was nothing but a giant scam. While "training" you they teach you to lie your butt off and if you do not make a sale withen a couple of days they will make your life with them a liveing hell untill you do. They teach you what is known as a canvas all that this is is a way for you to get your foot in the door after that it is all up to you. The canvas they teach you is " Hello my name's _________. I'm Heather Harris"s son I live around the corner. Yeah my moms got me out here in the community embarrising mysely today. I'm out here with my soccer team The Strickers doing a fund raiser we just won districts and now were going nationals to Maui. We jave to sell mags. to raise the money I know no body mags. all they do is clutter the mailbox so my mom had the idea to have have the neighbors pick out maybey two or four of them and send them to the Boy's and Girl's club of "what ever city they are in". This usually gets the job done for the sales people" and if it doesn't they will usually harras the people untill the either threten to call the police or they buy a mag. If any one has anything else to add to this please do. All in all what I am saying is that if you here anything like this at all call the Police at once it is a scam. Thank you.
Bob
Buford,#39Consumer Comment
Mon, June 14, 2004
While I can appreciate the comments I've read here about the integrity and the usual commentary on how this great company has helped under priveleged kids get a leg up my experience this past weekend doesn't tell a story of integrity and values. When the two guys turned up on my doorstep and fed me a direct lie about them selling magazines for a soccer team and the same line mentioned by someone else about a newspaper article I went against my better judgement and decided to still purchase a magazine to be give to the Boy's and Girl's Club. When they were leaving I caught a whiff of alcohol on one of their breaths. I felt suspicious from the word go because I have dealt with youth oriented sales drives from other kids in my neighborhood and I know a taught sales technique when I see one. The booze breath really had me thinking because I doubt a soccer player would be drinking over the weekend trying to raise money for the team trip to the finals. Integrity and self value are not lessons learned by being taught to manipulate people into buying magazines under false pretense. Any misrepresentation when selling shows a clear absence of integrity. Can you blame those of us who have ordered from this company for being suspicious? From the first interaction we are faced with lies and inflated prices under the guise of a good cause. The person I spoke with on the phone plainly stated that their sales force can say whatever they want. That does not make for a legitimate business practice.
Jason
East Moline,#40UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sun, June 06, 2004
A learning experience.... My name is Jason Cullinan and I had worked for Ultimate Empire Sales for almost a year. I had signed up when I met one of the guys that was in the area. I had no job, no place really left to go and was down and out. The people that worked on this crew gave me a bus ticket up to Georgia and trained me how to sell magazines. When I first started I did what the manager had told me to do and told the truth about traveling the country and earning points. The outcome wasnt too good. I saw the guys that sold alot of magazines making good money and I wanted to learn how. The people I worked with took care of me and put me in nice hotels and bought me great food and took care of me before I got paid. At no time did I not get paid or was left without a place to sleep or food to eat. Of course the managers would tell us not to lie but if you wanted to make money there was no other way. At first I felt bad at what I was saying to get people to buy from me but the truth is people will not help some stranger trying to make some money. Well not many at least, I did have a few in the begining but not for a large amount. What people will do is help out their neighbors and thats what worked best. I did not write this to say that what I did was ok but to say that at least the company I worked for took great care of me and treated me very well. The owner instilled confidence and made me feel like a great leader. I was good at what I did and it was a fun job. The people we did sell to had alot of money and they mostly needed the tax write off anyway. The people all did recieve their magazines becuase I had bought some for my family as well. I just want to say sorry for those out there that I hurt by lying but at the same time thank you for the people that took care of me in those hard times. I am in the army now and currently back in Iraq for my second time. I would never go back to lying again but I will never forget the fun, great times I had with the people I worked with. I hope people still help the people selling magazines even if its just a tax write off, even if you know its a BS story just have the person come inside and ask them what their qouta for the day is. That always scared the crap out of me and I would always tell them. They would never buy as much as the ones who didnt know but they were always cool and let me continue on with my business.
JACQUELYN
LOUISVILLE,#41Consumer Comment
Sat, June 05, 2004
In response to those who have bashed Ultimate Power Sales and Sharon Pallicer...also to the mom who says her son can not call... this is what I say to you. Imagine a child about 18 years old getting kicked out of his home because of a drunken dad punching him or a mom saying he is no good. Imagine this kid with no place to go, no food to eat, not any money to do anything with. Imagine being beat up on the streets, or a dad molesting his daughter or prostituting her out to his friends. Now imagine that that child is yours!!!! These kids on these magazine crews are being taught values, respect, honor, and gratefullness. How dare anyone of you punch their self esteem any futher down the drain than it already is! I personally have seen in action the care and love that James Clair and Sharon Pallicer have given to these kids. They have taught them alot more than you dead beat parents out there who do not give a crap where your child is or what he/she has accomplished, not to your help of course because why? You parents, your solution now a days is to kick your child out at the age of 18 and expect him to take care of himself. And then you want to complain when you do not here from them or you want to be their best friend now that he/she has made it on their own (and maybe even a little money in their pocket)and say to family and friends, " I raised him/her right." Please, you parents make me sick. Thank God for James Clair and Sharon Pallicer, you better, if it were not for them your child would not eat! They have taken an intrest in these kids to help insure, stability, loyalty and respect. Something you as the parent should have done a long time waiting. In regards to the woman who said her son can not call her. Have you ever thought he might not want to. He might be living his life and trying to be who he is or find the person he is. These kids get so sick of their parents or parent saying I love you and then turning around and calling them a piece of trash. What is it with that. Also in regards to James Clair being a manager and sitting on his butt bringing in the dough, how do you think he learned this buisness? Do you think he has been sitting behind a desk for 15 years. No, like any other job you start at the bottom and you work your way up. People act so ignorant and ask ignorant questions now a days that you would think they have no brains or function at all. Well here is a smart butt tip to those who do not know the buisness world: To become a manager or ceo or owner of a company you have to learn the basics first! Not the p/l ( profit and loss for those who are ignorant)and status of an empire first. You can not learn to walk with out first learning to crawl. Common Sense: What goes up must come down. So as your noses go up to the family of Ultimate Power of Sales and to James Clair and Sharon Pallicer, the theory shows that the nose must also come down, and when that day comes, it seems hell might freeze over. Now in regards to Billy who told Sharon to leave Jesus out of this, let me say that the braclet says it all. What Would Jesus Do? If you are not a Christian then I guess this would not matter to you, but Jesus would not turn His back on these kids, nor would he approve of the mocking of His Holy Scriptures yourself has placed onto this website. Do not think you are mocking huh? Well, if you are a Christian, let me be the one to refresh your memory. Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Do not put into a mind the vivid hope of someone burning in hell for it is not what Jesus wants, nor does He want you mocking. For those who have taken the time to listen and take to heart these words, I thank you. For those who oppose, my thoughts are among you.
Nikki
Sea Island,#42UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, March 31, 2004
There are alot of names for the companys that go door to door and sell books and magazines here are a few: Ultimate Power Sales Empire Sales TLC Marketing Xtreme Marketing Supreme Marketing and maybe a couple new ones but they have always had the same name. Now United Family Circulation is the magazine clearing house that these companies send their orders too, they are the ones that send you order to the publishers. It takes 90-120 days to recieve your first magazine because the publishers take 2-3 months to send magazines out because they pre-print their labels. If you don't believe me call a publisher any publisher and ask them how long it usually takes when you order a magazine through an agency or just ask them how ling they pre-print thier address labels for. Also , If you can't get anyone on the phone then there are plenty of options and their answering service to leave a message. If the numbers busy then you should wait a while and call back. If you still for some off the wall reason can't get a hold of them then you should fax them, there number is 770-831-7040. Each person that comes to your door has to be over the age of 18, they are independent contractors, and if you have a receipt it stats that in the top middle of your receipt. To cancel: All you have to do is mail your receipt within 3 business days, DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THERE IN 3 DAYS just has to be post marked. If you follow the instuctions then you will get your money back. If your information (such as name & Address)is not filled out on your reciept what makes you think that we will know where to send the magazine? If you releize that your info isn't filled out then you need to call asap. If you want to change your magazine subscripton then you need to change it before the first 30 days. After the 30 days the publisher will have your order and you may not change it. If you donated a book or magazine and want to make sure it's a legit then you should call the magazine company before you call the place where it's being donated because it takes 90-120 days to recieve the book or magazien so if you just ordered it why would they know anything about the book or magazine that you donated. You first call United Family Circulation and then wait 90-120 days and then call the company and make usure they have got your item. Now if you have anymore questions, call the company don't jump to conclusions. 770-831-7722 770-831-7733
ROMEO SNYDER
Houston,#43REBUTTAL Owner of company
Sat, March 13, 2004
I HAVE BEEN IN THE DOOR TO DOOR SALES BUISNESS FOR 18 YEARS I AM CURRENTLY THE OWNER OF SOLID TRUST SUBSCRIPTIONS SERVICES AS A MEMBER OF THE NFSA AS WELL AS MANY OTHER DOOR TO DOOR SALES CREWS I CAN ASSURE TO THAT WE ARE NOT A SCAM AND THAT WE ARE TOTALLY LEGIT THERE WAS A STORY DONE ABOUT MY CREW ON INSIDE EDITION ABOUT DRUGS ,ABUSE ,AND ALCOHOL BUT IT IS ALL BULLSHIT IF YOU DONT LIKE US THEN DONT BUY ITS A FREE COUNTRY RIGHT SO KEEP YOUR UNINFORMED COMENTS TO YOUR SELF THANK YOU VERY MUCH. SINCERLY,
Louise
Dearborn,#44Consumer Suggestion
Mon, January 26, 2004
Before you leap into working for this company ask yourself a few questions and check out some things... 1. Why has this company changed its name so many times and moved around? 2. Check out the Better Business for complaints there and under their various names: Ultimate Power Sales Ultimate Empire Sales Xtreme Maketing Empire Sales Inc. United Family Circulation 3. Here's another good resource: http://edumacation.com/UnitedFamilyCirculation 4. Check out a company to see if it is licensed for the type of work you will be doing 5. Ask yourself why a company would ask you to lie to sell their product. My friends son was interested in this company and his Dad asked me to check it out first.... gosh, I'm glad we did....and I'm glad I checked here.
Jackie
Dayton,#45Consumer Comment
Wed, July 09, 2003
Alright, i read the pros and cons of this company. But I have a few questions I want answered. If theses type of companies are ligit,why don't they get a permit to sell? Why, tell me why these kids can't call their worried to death parents, to tell them that they are alright? My son joined one of these crews and it is a crying shame that he can't call. and when he sneaks to call, he has to get off the phone because his boss is comming. When his boss was called via cell phone, was told my son has to buy a calling card. Well, he has been working long enough to get one, so what's the problem? Also, how much do these kids get paid for their work? How much do the boss get paid? From what info i had gathered , it sounds to me that these kids are being prosituted. Using them to do all the work while the bosses sit on their behind and collect most if not ALL the money. Please tell me if this is true? If these companies all that legit, then why I keep hearing horror stories from those who worked for them? These mag sales groups are all over the nation. And I am worried, especially when I can"t hear from my own son. young men go to war, atleast you can hear from them?
Billy
Cloud City,#46Consumer Suggestion
Fri, May 23, 2003
Sharon, Please leave Jesus out of your scams. One day when the fires of hell are licking the flesh from your wicked bones, only then will you truly be sorry for what you have done. REPENT for your wrong doings. It's never too late, in this life to repent.
Tassie
Los Angeles,#47UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, April 28, 2003
Funny People, Anyone that is working for this company, try quiting and waiting 9 months to be paid, having a baby takes time. It is like pulling teeth to get paid for the torment i went through with this company, obviously something has happened ( or in this case Hasn't ) to make me be up right now responding and even looking up this company. You guys are liars, cheats an I hope you catch that string of scabies that is going around Ken Cooks crew. For one thing, if you guys are so legit. Wheres every kids permit for soliciting? And if we are put in jail for this, why was that kid Jeremy not gotton out? You guys promise us that all tickets are paid and you will also pay for bail. Whos gonna accompany these kids back to a different state for their court, huh??? Get a real job guys, one where you work for your money, not have kids do everything for you, while you drive around in your fukin' escalades and these kids are riding in church vans, crammed?
Michael
Atascadero,#48UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, December 28, 2002
I'm at work and just read a list of negative commints on United Family Circulation. I'm an ex-employee to United Family Circulation and represented U.E.!!!(Ultimate Empire) I just have to say Wow!!! what an awsome company to work for. Not in my life would I have thought how much my past experience's would benefit me today. With traveling,soliciting, and partying away down the concrete road I learned how to overcome my own frustrations. For example being negative all the time, giving up, and not setting goals. The one thing that always pissed me off was those people who complain how the company was a lie and that noone recieves their magazines, or even better like the m**o that APRIL refered to that was actually on crew what a week!!! Grow up and open your eyes you pansy get some balls you freakin girl!!! Try something new and don't be scared if its not what you expected. Like April said ther are a hundred or so companys out there that do ripe people off and the never recieve there magazines but United Family Circualion is not one of them!! People do make mistakes and I couldn't say everyone recieves there subscriptions but a d**n good majority of peple do. Oh, yeah and the unconfident people who buy the magazines and realize they don't have enough money in there account or realize that they've just been SOLD decide to cancel or lie and say they've been SCAMED. ooooooooo, just because you people are natural Guppies doesn't mean you have to make up excuses to jusify your own personal regrets. You are the people who make me sick. When i was selling publications the people that never wanted the magazines but bought them anyways were always my favorite. My cancellation percentage was low and my pockets were big. So in response to all the negative Guppies: Quit crying uhh open your eyes and realize that America in itself is evil. Just like those crazy Middle Eastern people. Why is the U.S. puting bases all around the world in every country, supplying third world countries with guns, using propaganda on our televisions, taking away land from Native Americans, estabishing a "New World Order" Fighting terrorism........finally. michael billy (the navajo) Whats up everyone!!!! Hi--- Rick,Ken,Moffit,Laura, GET A BUNCH!!!!!!
Zeb
Indianapolis,#49UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, December 28, 2002
Hello my name is Zeb. From sept to December, I worked for Ultimate Power sales group #12 a.k.a. United Family Circulation. I was granted a wonderful oppurtunity to travel and meet all kinds of people. Yes, I sold magazines door-to-door and no we did not have to lie or coherse anyone into buying our product.This company taught me self confidence and very powerful sales skills that will stick with me forever.Along the way I met and worked with some of the most promising young adults I have ever known.I dont agree with the way certain people bad-mouth James Clair's company.Sharon Pallicer was my boss during my employment and she was one of the best people I have met in my Lifetime.I am 25 years old so I have had some adventures.But my time with Ultimate Power is among the best and most memorable.I made a few mistakes along the way and I am no longer employed by this company.They had nothing to do with the company...but they cost me my job for the simple fact that this is not a "cult" .They are not out there running wild and lying to everyone they meet.They are good people doing a job.If I was ever given the chance to work for Ultimate Power I would take it in a minute.Sharon Pallicer is one of the best managers I have ever met...most of the people employed by her haven't had the opportunity's that other people have and she gives them a chance to feel good about themselves..she shows that they can make something of themselves and for that I take my hat off to her.Sharon thank you for being my friend I am sorry for not being yours.To my other special friend:I am very sorry...All in All Ultimate Power Sales is not a scam ,customers do receive their magazines.So the next time you hear KNOCK KNOCK take time to help out the person at your door, they are just doing their job..which includes making you SMILE.
Sharon
Sugar Hill,#50UPDATE Employee
Sun, November 24, 2002
Sharon Pallicer Field Supervisor Ultimate Power Sales November 23, 2002 To Whom This May Concern, First of all, I would like to thank all of you for the comments that have been made within this website. EVERYONE has the right to their own opinion(s) and I do respect them, no matter how uninformed they may be. I am writing this to represent myself because I am an independent contractor with Ultimate Powers Sales. These statements and personal comments are mine and mine alone. I have been watching this web page since the first report that appeared in July. I am under the impression that a few people have been misled, so let me set the record straight. I have been in the magazine business for thirteen years. Within those years, I have traveled across the U.S., nine times. I have seen my share of hatred, dishonesty, and an overall inconsideration for one another. However, I have, also, been blessed to witness all forms of good-natured acts to include honesty, love, and complete selflessness. Unlike some people today, I choose to be positive, rather then dwell on the negative things in life. Having said that, when I read this web page, I was overwhelmed with how negative a person(s)can become over a situtation that could have been easily taken care of, had I been given the oppurtunity. With any job, it takes time and patience to learn the job effectively, before knowing if you are suitable for that position. This job is no different. Needless to say, door-to-door sales is not a job for everyone. However, some people make a decent living at it (vacuum cleaner sales people, meat sales people, etc...). I believe that everyone has the right to free enterprise, and it should not be taken for granted. If you take away our small freedoms, such as, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and right to due process you will violate everything that we believe in. Free enterprise has made an enormous contribution to the fondation that our country was built upon. I listened to the person(s) that help to initiate this letter. You have the right to express their own views. However, I must comment on the fact, that you think that we teach and allow our sales reps to lie or falsify information to the prospective customer. We do not encourage, nor tolerate, any such behavior within our organization. I sold magazines for 6 years, door-to-door, and not once, was I coherced or forced to misrepresent myself, in any way. I do realize not every representative may be completely honest and I am taking all steps to ensure that they conduct themselves in a professional manner. There are still companies out there that are honest, but it would be naive to think that ALL individuals within that company are completely honest. Take a long look at our government, churches, law enforcement agencies, and definately the one not to overlook....our main source of information...the MEDIA!! You should not judge the whole organization because of the acts a few individuals with in it. What I ask is that you extend the same courtesy to all businesses and individuals that you have extended to the above-mentioned, time and time again!!!!!!!!! Now, to address the issue concerning subscriptions that have not been recieved. After a subscription has been sold, I send the order(s)directly to the clearing house. Then, they process the subscriptions and send them onto the publishers. If you have ordered magazines and have not recieved them, my suggestion is that you go through the proper channels to inquire about the order or to make any adjustments that maybe needed. This same process is used by any company that has a product sold by direct sales. On every reciept that is given by the sales rep to a customer, it does state the address and phone number to contact customer service. I do understand there are concerns that are important to you and need to be addressed. If you feel that this pertains to you, please feel free to contact customer service to advise them of your situtation. All complaints will be addressed and handled within a reasonable time, to the satisfaction of all involved. Remember, if we do not know the problem, then we can not correct it. When referring to a company (as a whole) "rip-off" is a powerful accusation to make and should not be used without considerable thought. One should inquire into the particular circumstances that has brought all of us to this point. We should be investigating the individual involved with this complaint. Every sales representative is required to follow the rules and guidelines set forth and enforced by myself, as well as, my staff. Also, I am truley sadden by the negative publicity that has been generated recently. I would like to apologize to anyone that has suffered an act of injustice performed by a sales person, in any feild. I always have and will continue to do my best to contract honest and trustworthy people. If, a similar problem arises such a the ones mentioned here, I will take immediate action to rectify the situtation. I am sure we all have heard this statement before: JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED BETWEEN TWO THIEVES...THAT DID NOT MAKE JESUS ONE!!!!!!!!!! Do not judge by what is heard, but by actions taken to make sure that you are satisfied.
Susan
Orlando`,#51UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sun, November 24, 2002
Hi, my name is Susan. I had the pleasure of working for this company. Although I had personal reasons for leaving, I will never forget the time that I spent with this company. I have worked with lots of people from all over. I had the experience of a lifetime. The best part is: MY father used to work with a company JUST like this. You see, he went to vietnam as a 17 year old boy, whose parents died when he was 14. He had nothing but an older brother who beat him every day because, he could. So he decided to join the Marine Corps. He lied about his age, and ended up severing two tours. When he got out, he had nothing, but the glory of knowing he served his country and lived to never tell about it. In 1970, he saw an ad in the paper. He answered the ad, went to the interview, and accepted an oppurtunity that changed his life forever. You see, back in those days, you had to fight for everything...as I am sure that you experienced or have been told. He had such awesome stories to share with my older sister, my brother and me. For your information, my mother and father have been married since the day after he knocked on her door, and sold her four magazine subscriptions back in March of 1970. They worked together, with their crew, for four years, when they decided that they would take their knowledge and settle down. They started a newspaper in Tennessee and a television station in Florida. Not bad, right? They then, of course, had the three of us. Now, I am here, writing this rebuttal, after six of the best years of my life, to all concerned. I started selling magazines, door-to-door, at the age of seventeen, with complete consent from my parents and documentation of legality. At first, I simply thought that the whole idea was appealing. I must admit that I thought door-to-door sales seemed ludicrous. But, the thought of traveling around the U.S.A. was enticing. Then, I met different people and learned their stories, and their reasons for answering the ad. Have you ever had the chance to be enlightened by so many people and their personalities? We all have our stories, experiences, and regrets. Judge not, less the be Judged. Isn't it great that we are all so different yet, so much the same? Ok, I seem to be rambling on. Yes, I will admit, I used an entertaining spill when I was talking to a customer. But my goodness, when you turn on the television, we all know the commercials, that interupt your programs, aren't always honest with their facts. Read the fine print, next time. Do you pay for cable? Yes, I thought so. Do you go out and buy those products, that advertiser's promote, that use false results to increase produtivity? YES!! Can you make the decision not to buy? Of course. Get MY point?!!! My intent here is to offer you an alternate perspective. Let me share with you the knowledge and experience I gained during those years, and still apply it to my life on a daily basis. I learned that I must first beleive in myself, and knowing that, I can achieve anything. I learned to treat others with respect, and consideration that EVERYONE deserves. I was taught leadership and responsibilty for myself, as well as those around me. My most valuable asset, that was taught to me by the magazine business, is to maintain my own self-respect, by means of honesty. I will always take with me and never forget the lives I have touched, and those who touched mine (whether it was a co-worker or customer). Also, I thank GOD, that this business was around for me, is around today, and will always be here for others... Reminder: pay it forward
Susan
Orlando`,#52UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sun, November 24, 2002
Hi, my name is Susan. I had the pleasure of working for this company. Although I had personal reasons for leaving, I will never forget the time that I spent with this company. I have worked with lots of people from all over. I had the experience of a lifetime. The best part is: MY father used to work with a company JUST like this. You see, he went to vietnam as a 17 year old boy, whose parents died when he was 14. He had nothing but an older brother who beat him every day because, he could. So he decided to join the Marine Corps. He lied about his age, and ended up severing two tours. When he got out, he had nothing, but the glory of knowing he served his country and lived to never tell about it. In 1970, he saw an ad in the paper. He answered the ad, went to the interview, and accepted an oppurtunity that changed his life forever. You see, back in those days, you had to fight for everything...as I am sure that you experienced or have been told. He had such awesome stories to share with my older sister, my brother and me. For your information, my mother and father have been married since the day after he knocked on her door, and sold her four magazine subscriptions back in March of 1970. They worked together, with their crew, for four years, when they decided that they would take their knowledge and settle down. They started a newspaper in Tennessee and a television station in Florida. Not bad, right? They then, of course, had the three of us. Now, I am here, writing this rebuttal, after six of the best years of my life, to all concerned. I started selling magazines, door-to-door, at the age of seventeen, with complete consent from my parents and documentation of legality. At first, I simply thought that the whole idea was appealing. I must admit that I thought door-to-door sales seemed ludicrous. But, the thought of traveling around the U.S.A. was enticing. Then, I met different people and learned their stories, and their reasons for answering the ad. Have you ever had the chance to be enlightened by so many people and their personalities? We all have our stories, experiences, and regrets. Judge not, less the be Judged. Isn't it great that we are all so different yet, so much the same? Ok, I seem to be rambling on. Yes, I will admit, I used an entertaining spill when I was talking to a customer. But my goodness, when you turn on the television, we all know the commercials, that interupt your programs, aren't always honest with their facts. Read the fine print, next time. Do you pay for cable? Yes, I thought so. Do you go out and buy those products, that advertiser's promote, that use false results to increase produtivity? YES!! Can you make the decision not to buy? Of course. Get MY point?!!! My intent here is to offer you an alternate perspective. Let me share with you the knowledge and experience I gained during those years, and still apply it to my life on a daily basis. I learned that I must first beleive in myself, and knowing that, I can achieve anything. I learned to treat others with respect, and consideration that EVERYONE deserves. I was taught leadership and responsibilty for myself, as well as those around me. My most valuable asset, that was taught to me by the magazine business, is to maintain my own self-respect, by means of honesty. I will always take with me and never forget the lives I have touched, and those who touched mine (whether it was a co-worker or customer). Also, I thank GOD, that this business was around for me, is around today, and will always be here for others... Reminder: pay it forward
Susan
Orlando`,#53UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sun, November 24, 2002
Hi, my name is Susan. I had the pleasure of working for this company. Although I had personal reasons for leaving, I will never forget the time that I spent with this company. I have worked with lots of people from all over. I had the experience of a lifetime. The best part is: MY father used to work with a company JUST like this. You see, he went to vietnam as a 17 year old boy, whose parents died when he was 14. He had nothing but an older brother who beat him every day because, he could. So he decided to join the Marine Corps. He lied about his age, and ended up severing two tours. When he got out, he had nothing, but the glory of knowing he served his country and lived to never tell about it. In 1970, he saw an ad in the paper. He answered the ad, went to the interview, and accepted an oppurtunity that changed his life forever. You see, back in those days, you had to fight for everything...as I am sure that you experienced or have been told. He had such awesome stories to share with my older sister, my brother and me. For your information, my mother and father have been married since the day after he knocked on her door, and sold her four magazine subscriptions back in March of 1970. They worked together, with their crew, for four years, when they decided that they would take their knowledge and settle down. They started a newspaper in Tennessee and a television station in Florida. Not bad, right? They then, of course, had the three of us. Now, I am here, writing this rebuttal, after six of the best years of my life, to all concerned. I started selling magazines, door-to-door, at the age of seventeen, with complete consent from my parents and documentation of legality. At first, I simply thought that the whole idea was appealing. I must admit that I thought door-to-door sales seemed ludicrous. But, the thought of traveling around the U.S.A. was enticing. Then, I met different people and learned their stories, and their reasons for answering the ad. Have you ever had the chance to be enlightened by so many people and their personalities? We all have our stories, experiences, and regrets. Judge not, less the be Judged. Isn't it great that we are all so different yet, so much the same? Ok, I seem to be rambling on. Yes, I will admit, I used an entertaining spill when I was talking to a customer. But my goodness, when you turn on the television, we all know the commercials, that interupt your programs, aren't always honest with their facts. Read the fine print, next time. Do you pay for cable? Yes, I thought so. Do you go out and buy those products, that advertiser's promote, that use false results to increase produtivity? YES!! Can you make the decision not to buy? Of course. Get MY point?!!! My intent here is to offer you an alternate perspective. Let me share with you the knowledge and experience I gained during those years, and still apply it to my life on a daily basis. I learned that I must first beleive in myself, and knowing that, I can achieve anything. I learned to treat others with respect, and consideration that EVERYONE deserves. I was taught leadership and responsibilty for myself, as well as those around me. My most valuable asset, that was taught to me by the magazine business, is to maintain my own self-respect, by means of honesty. I will always take with me and never forget the lives I have touched, and those who touched mine (whether it was a co-worker or customer). Also, I thank GOD, that this business was around for me, is around today, and will always be here for others... Reminder: pay it forward
April
Columbus,#54UPDATE EX-employee responds
Fri, November 22, 2002
Hello everyone, This is April, again. I feel that there are a few things that I need to clear up. First of all, there maybe a female on one of the crews named April. But, I am not her. May I ask, How common is that name? Last I checked it was pretty common. Also Marc, YOU failed to realize something when you were on crew. You may have been taught to say all those things at the someones door but did it ever occur to you that you did not have to say what they were teaching you? There are many other things that you could have said----LIKE THE TRUTH!!!! That you were traveling and trying to earn points to win a trip or win a $1000.00. This does work, believe me, I know. Also, how can you say that the customers of Ulitmate Power Sales or United Family do not get there magazines, if you were only there for one week? Grant it, when you went to someones house they may have said something about not getting magazines before when they have ordered them but, out of the hundreds of magazines companies, how can you say that it is definately this company that has ripped off people? There are companies out there that do rip people off, I will give you that, but before you go spreading lies about something that you honestly do not know nothing about, you need to make sure that what you are saying is the truth. You were there a week and you learned a little about the magazine company, but what you did not learn is how the magazine business turely works. Also, I know first hand that this company, in particuliar, do not RIP PEOPLE OFF. Every subscription that goes though the office in Sugar Hill, GA does get processed and customers do recieve their magazines. I am also an ex-employee of this company and, regrettably, I had to go home for medical reasons. I have cancer that will not go into remission. Put that aside, let me say this!! If I could go back on the road, I WOULD! It was a great exprience for me, and why was that? Because no matter what people try to get me to say I always told the truth. The truth did more for me than any lie. Maybe you need to learn that lesson and realize that no matter what anyone says, that you are your own person and can chose what to say and not say.
jennie
santa barbara,#55Consumer Comment
Sat, November 09, 2002
The other day, I myself went to an interview to work for this very company. The girl I talked to made it sound so great, like I was going to make a whole lot of money, that it would be the funnest job I could ever take. And I said "Sure! I love to travel, and heck, to get paid for it too would just be awesome!"
I was supposed to leave tonight, at 7:00 pm. The girl was going to pick me up at my house, and take me down to the San Fernando Valley, for training. While I was waiting for her, I thought I would check out the company's website, since she said they had one. I searched and couldn't find that website. Instead, I found this report. It shocked me a bit, and I became a bit uneasy about taking this job. So I called the girl and left a message saying "I'm looking at some interesting things on the internet that I'd like to ask you about, call me back". She never called back. Nor did she ever come pick me up. She left me hanging, with no idea what was going on.
I think that seems a bit fishy, and now I'm wondering what I would have gotten myself into had I not called her to ask about these things I was reading.
So thank you, ripoffreport.com.
Scott
Lee's Summit,#56Consumer Comment
Thu, October 24, 2002
My name is Scott, and I'm not going to claim to know anything more about United Family Circulation than what I saw at my door.
But last week I was visited by one of these "kids" from my neighborhood - supposedly, selling magazine subscriptions and software, who by his story was competing to try to accumulate enough points to attend some sports divisional finals or something. Well the young man knew absolutely nothing about his products, and obviously had some serious coaching in lousy sales pitches and overacting, but I believed his story about being from my neighborhood, so I bought into it to help him out.
Of course the product I was ordering was severely overpriced ($53 for an Encyclopedia Britannica 2002 cdrom), but like I said I just wanted to help a 'local' kid.
Lucky for me two nights later we saw a news feature story regarding the same sales pitch and how they were scams, so I had my wife do a search on the net for the name of the company I wrote my check to, and found enough negative sounding feedback to convince us to stop payment on our check before it was cashed.
So although I didn't give them a chance to rip me off, I'd rather pay the $15 stop pay fee for a foolish move on my part than the $53 for nothing fee. Though in all fairness I can't say for sure I would have been ripped off, but like a few of the other comments I've seen, all my instincts told me not to do it, and like an idiot I ignored them and did it anyway.
I did get a receipt with a cancellation coupon, and a little "Bug-Off" tag for anyone else from their "team" who might stop by. But the guy didn't exactly volunteer any info about the company other than the name in the first sentence he blurted out.
My suggestion to anyone approached by these sorts of sales "pitchers", is tell them you make it a personal policy not to buy anything from door to door salespeople and leave it at that. You might also throw in for good measure some advice about having dignity and not letting older adults take advantage of them like that, boss or not. And like this other gal said, always follow your intuition, it inevitably sees more clearly than we do.
If you want a subscription to a magazine, buy a copy and send in the subscription card(s) enclosed, don't risk your time and money on what very likely will turn out to be at best a disappointment, or at worst an outright scam.
Marc
San Diego,#57UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sun, September 22, 2002
I worked for this company for about a week a few months ago. Just long enough to see what this company is really about. I saw an ad in the news paper for a soliciting job. When went to the interview it seemed all ligit.
They said that we would travel to a different city every day, all around the country and sell subscriptions door to door. And any time I wanted to go home they would pay for my bus ticket.
Then I went to training and things started geting weird. They taught us what they called "selling skills." Basicly they told us lies that we could tell people to get them to by our subscriptions. A commen story was something like "Hi my name is Scott. I just moved into the neighborhood.
Maybe you know my mom, Mrs Peterson, she sells May Kay, walks the dog up the street in the mornings. Ohh well. Im accally on the California Lightings, which is a soccer team. Were really good were gonna be in paper on the 12th.
Any way, we are raising money to go to finals in Flordia....etc." Total crap. And the worst part of all....they never recieved a singel magazine. We went to peoples houses who had bought magazines from us before and never received anything. We even had a hard time getting paid by our boss when we did sell a subscription.
Thank God the bus ride home was for real. There are several other groups which move around the country. Bewair of these people. Don't buy anything from them unless they have it right their. If you ask for their permit, they will tell you that their boss has it. When i fact, their is no permit. Thats all I have to say.
Marc, California
P.S. The main guy who runs this company has a girl friend is named April. Coinsidance? I think not.
April
Columbus,#58Consumer Comment
Wed, July 24, 2002
Dear Andrea,
This is a "head's up" to those living in the Frederick, Maryland area. As well as the rest of the United States for that reason.
I cannot comment on what these young people say to you when they are standing at your front door, for I am not there with them. But I can say this much - your description of this company is totally wrong.
The "salesperson" that come to your door do get "points" for each subscription sold. And they are also in a running for a cash reward.
As it turns out, the subscription sales are NOT basically a scam. These people do get paid for each subscription sold and it is more than 5.00 a subscription. Don't they have to have money to eat? And there is a guarantee that you will get what you are paying for.
Yes, the magazine that you ordered would have went to the Boys and Girls Club. Had you not of stopped payment on your check. Or if you truley would of wanted to cancel all you had to do was call the number on the receipt within 3 days and they would havew sent your check back. No answer? Well then you should have left a message and they would of gotten it when they got back to the office. Makes sense, huh? Then you would not of had to waste money by paying for the stop payment on your check. Which by the way, was probably just as much as the magazine cost.
You say that you did research after this transaction. Well you didn't do a good job of it for if you would have then you would of known everything that i said above.
Here is a lesson for you....before you go spreading lies to everyone in the internet world and around you, you need to make sure that what you are spreading is the truth. This is how good companies get bad reps.....people saying things that they know nothing about.
April
Columbus,#59Consumer Comment
Wed, July 24, 2002
Dear Andrea,
This is a "head's up" to those living in the Frederick, Maryland area. As well as the rest of the United States for that reason.
I cannot comment on what these young people say to you when they are standing at your front door, for I am not there with them. But I can say this much - your description of this company is totally wrong.
The "salesperson" that come to your door do get "points" for each subscription sold. And they are also in a running for a cash reward.
As it turns out, the subscription sales are NOT basically a scam. These people do get paid for each subscription sold and it is more than 5.00 a subscription. Don't they have to have money to eat? And there is a guarantee that you will get what you are paying for.
Yes, the magazine that you ordered would have went to the Boys and Girls Club. Had you not of stopped payment on your check. Or if you truley would of wanted to cancel all you had to do was call the number on the receipt within 3 days and they would havew sent your check back. No answer? Well then you should have left a message and they would of gotten it when they got back to the office. Makes sense, huh? Then you would not of had to waste money by paying for the stop payment on your check. Which by the way, was probably just as much as the magazine cost.
You say that you did research after this transaction. Well you didn't do a good job of it for if you would have then you would of known everything that i said above.
Here is a lesson for you....before you go spreading lies to everyone in the internet world and around you, you need to make sure that what you are spreading is the truth. This is how good companies get bad reps.....people saying things that they know nothing about.
April
Columbus,#60Consumer Comment
Wed, July 24, 2002
Dear Andrea,
This is a "head's up" to those living in the Frederick, Maryland area. As well as the rest of the United States for that reason.
I cannot comment on what these young people say to you when they are standing at your front door, for I am not there with them. But I can say this much - your description of this company is totally wrong.
The "salesperson" that come to your door do get "points" for each subscription sold. And they are also in a running for a cash reward.
As it turns out, the subscription sales are NOT basically a scam. These people do get paid for each subscription sold and it is more than 5.00 a subscription. Don't they have to have money to eat? And there is a guarantee that you will get what you are paying for.
Yes, the magazine that you ordered would have went to the Boys and Girls Club. Had you not of stopped payment on your check. Or if you truley would of wanted to cancel all you had to do was call the number on the receipt within 3 days and they would havew sent your check back. No answer? Well then you should have left a message and they would of gotten it when they got back to the office. Makes sense, huh? Then you would not of had to waste money by paying for the stop payment on your check. Which by the way, was probably just as much as the magazine cost.
You say that you did research after this transaction. Well you didn't do a good job of it for if you would have then you would of known everything that i said above.
Here is a lesson for you....before you go spreading lies to everyone in the internet world and around you, you need to make sure that what you are spreading is the truth. This is how good companies get bad reps.....people saying things that they know nothing about.
#610
Fri, July 05, 2002
Although I would categorize the company as being evil dirtbags, the long title is an error.
I don't know how it happened, but if the webmaster could kindly go in there and take out all of the extra stuff, I would be very much obliged. : )
TY