SCENTSY MLM Scam Deceptive Advertising by Sleazy Independent Consultants?
October 31, 2011
Is Scentsy a deceptive MLM company that uses fraudulent tactics and sleazy independent consultants to sell dangerous, overpriced products?
According to Carol B. it is. We received this angry complaint from Carol, who felt that she was deceptively tricked into attending a sales presentation by a coworker.
Here’s Carol’s story:
“I started working at a new job in a new town. Since I don’t know too many people here, I was really happy when a coworker sent me an email saying that she was having a few people over on Sunday afternoon, and she would love it if I would be able to come.
“I really appreciated her thinking of me, and I was really looking forward to meeting some new people.
“When I arrived, I found out that instead of a social get together, this was a home party and that my new ‘friend’ was an ‘independent consultant’ for some multi-level marketing scam called ‘Scentsy.’ Instead of a real party, I had to listen to a presentation about these stupid, overpriced warmers that melt scented wax with a light bulb. She was pushing these stupid warmers and wax bars packages for like $75 – $85. The Scentsy plug-in warmers are glorified nightlights they sell for $20, and the tabletop warmers are like $35. Of course, if you’re stupid enough to buy those you’ll have to buy their ridiculous scented wax bars for the rest of your life.
“I discreetly asked around and none of the other guests knew they were attending a sales presentation. Yet still they allowed themselves to be manipulated into buying these ridiculously overpriced air freshners just to be polite. I was the only one who didn’t buy.
“I have some advice to people who do these home parties like Scentsy and invite people under false pretenses: You are scum. You might think you are clever, and you might get some free products or whatever, but all those people you tricked, even the ones you tricked into buying and tell you they love the product, now know you’re scum and can’t be trusted.
“My advice to people who unknowingly show up to sales parties: You should leave. Or eat a bunch of their free food and then leave. Do not buy a thing! Make it clear you don’t appreciate being lied to and that if your friend needs money that bad she just should have asked you for a loan. Do not be ashamed. It’s your scummy host who should be ashamed. Go buy yourself a Glade Air Freshner and buy some new shoes with all the money you saved!”
The only good thing that came out of Carol’s experience with the Scentsy home party is a new goal she has at work.
Says Carol: “I now have a work fantasy that I will get promoted to supervisor over the sleazebag Scentsy consultant. I will call her in for a meeting to discuss a promotion and a raise. When she gets there, I’ll say ‘Oh, I didn’t mean a promotion and a raise! Sorry! The meeting was to let you know you’re fired! Good luck with your Scentsy MLM scam!”
ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE SCENTSY MLM HOME PARTY OPPORTUNITY? IS IT A SCAM OR LEGITIMATE OPPORTUNITY? SHARE A COMMENT BELOW!
REVIVE ENERGY MINTS Vending Scam Dashes Entrepreneurial Dream
October 31, 2011
Vending scams and fraudulent business opportunities like Revive Energy Mints vending opportunity can dash the entrepreneurial dreams of individuals of all ages.
Jerry, after a long career as a hotel manager, was hoping to retire when he invested $23,000 into the Revive Energy Mints franchise. (Read: REVIVE ENERGY MINTS Katrina Survivor Devastated by Vending Scam)
Liz, on leave recovering from surgery, was still employed but wanted to supplement her income when she invested her savings of nearly $16,000 (Read: REVIVE ENERGY MINTS Vending Fraud Victim Liz Speaks Out)
Kevin* is a young, ambitious business school graduate who dreamed of owning his own business. Now he’s unemployed, depressed and out $18,250.
[For more information on Revive, check out: REVIVE ENERGY MINTS Vending Scam Information]
Kevin’s Vending Scam Story
In his early 20’s, Kevin’s career was off to a promising start. Shortly after earning his degree in Marketing, Kevin landed a job as a sales rep with one of the nation’s best known companies. He excelled at the job, managing to save nearly $20,000 for his dream of starting and building his own business.
Like others Unhappy Franchisee interviewed, Kevin ran across an enticing ad on the franchise opportunity website FranchiseGator.com. The ad was for a vending opportunity for Revive Energy Mints. It promised continued access to a proprietary energy-boosting product that contained multiple, popular anti-oxidents. It promised branded retail displays and gumball-type vending machines for selling the Revive Energy Mints products. And it promised both initial training and lifetime support and coaching to help ensure the success of the business.
Kevin did his homework, searching extensively online for info on the company. There were no red flags. The company had a positive rating from the Better Business Bureau. It was a member of the International Franchise Association, and had been named distributor opportunity of the year by what looked like a legitimate trade magazine. All of the reviews and articles that showed up on Google were positive.
After multiple phone conversations with the very polished and effective Revive Energy Mints sales representatives, Kevin was hooked. In April, 2011, Kevin became a Revive Energy Mints franchise owner. He sent the company $18,250 for 25 vending machines and a supply of mints. He was so dedicated to making his new Revive Energy Mints business a success, he quit his job so he could focus on the new venture full-time.
Despite the fact that placing machines was nowhere near as easy as the company had said, Kevin got his business off to a decent start. He received his initial training and coaching calls from Paul Haverstick. He got three machines placed, and multiple non-vending retail displays secured. 5 months after sending his initial check, he could no longer reach anyone at the company. Suddenly, he had no way to replenish his vending machines or his retail displays, as the company was his only source of inventory.
He searched the Internet once again and this time found Unhappy Franchisee, and the stories of others who had lost their investments with Revive Energy Mints as well.
He joined up with other abandoned Revive Energy Mints franchisees as part of the Revive Victims Coalition to tell his story and seek justice and restitution (for more info on the RVC email UnhappyFranchisee[at]gmail.com)
Business Opportunity Fraud Takes a Personal Toll
Business opportunity fraud takes a personal, as well as a financial, toll on its victims.
One of Kevin’s motivations for quitting his job and starting his own business was to gain the flexibility to help care for and support his mother, who has severe health problems.
As a result of the trust Kevin put into Revive Energy Mints, he has less flexibility than ever. He now must devote his time to seeking employment that will start as soon as possible. He no longer has the $18,250 he had saved, just a garage full of machines he can’t place because he no longer has access to inventory.
Despite this major setback, Kevin hasn’t given up on the idea of owning his own business some day; he’ll just be more diligent on not rely on a vending or franchise company.
Kevin’s also refusing to go away quietly. The Revive Victims Coalition has documented their stories and complaints, which are being submitted to governmental and law enforcement agencies with the hope of bringing those responsible to justice. If you’ve been the victim of Revive Energy Mints or other business opportunity fraud, email UnhappyFranchisee[at]gmail.com for info on what you can do.
WERE YOU A VICTIM OF REVIVE ENERGY MINTS OR OTHER FRAUDULENT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY? SHARE A COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL US AT UNHAPPYFRANCHISEE[AT]GMAIL.COM.
REVIVE ENERGY MINTS Katrina Survivor Devastated by Vending Scam
October 29, 2011
Jerry* lost his home to the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history: Hurricane Katrina.
But the latest devastation Jerry and his family have suffered was entirely man-made: the Revive Energy Mints vending fraud.
Jerry searched for a franchise opportunity that would enable him to retire from the 12-14 hour days he was putting in as a hotel manager. Instead, he lost his $23,000 savings to a group of individuals who disappeared without providing the services they promised, or providing access to the products he needs to run business.
Jerry’s Vending Scam Story
Jerry feels blessed that his family escaped the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, even though they lost their family home in New Orleans.
Jerry redoubled his effort to rebuild his life and achieve retirement by working 12-15 hours in the hospitality industry and running an Internet business on the side. Like most of the other victims, Jerry ran across an ad on a franchise opportunity website for an exciting new vending opportunity: Revive Energy Mints.
As soon as Jerry responded to the Internet advertisement, he was drawn into the slick, aggressive and highly effective sales process used by the sales representatives of Revive Franchising LLC and Sito Marketing LLC. They used the hard-sell techniques and the polished, manipulative telemarketing sales script that had literally hooked hundreds of other victims.
Pretty soon, the slick salespeople of Revive Energy Mints had convinced Jerry to send them his $23,000 savings in exchange for 30 gumball-type vending machines, an initial supply of mints, lifetime support and coaching and access to their proprietary products as needed.
At first, the company seemed responsive. Says Jerry: “At first, I got many calls from them. I spoke with [Revive business coach] Paul Haverstick 2 or 3 times. Then I was told that Emma Burns would assist me with any questions I had and if she could not answer them she would have Paul Haverstick call me.” Soon after that, neither phone calls or emails were answered.
Jerry is stuck with 30 gumball machines and bags of energy mints. He has not received the training and coaching he contracted for. Even if he could place his machines, he’d have no way to restock them as the company is not responding to reorder requests.
However, Jerry is not willing to take this scam lying down. He is part of a group of Revive Energy Mints vending fraud victims that have formed the Revive Victim’s Coalition. They are speaking out, naming names and telling their stories to both UnhappyFranchisee.com and to law enforcement.
What would Jerry like to see happen? “I’m out of $23,000 and I would like to see all of those guy in prison and some type of restitution,” he says.
“I would’ve like to retire, but that’s out of the question now.”
WERE YOU A VICTIM OF REVIVE ENERGY MINTS OR OTHER FRAUDULENT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY? SHARE A COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL US AT UNHAPPYFRANCHISEE[AT]GMAIL.COM.
* Jerry is not his real name
REVIVE ENERGY MINTS Vending Fraud Victim Liz Speaks Out
October 29, 2011
Business opportunity fraud victims often go away quietly, allowing the perpetrators to freely move on to their next scam and future victims.
However, a group of Revive Energy Mints vending fraud victims have formed the Revive Victim’s Coalition. They are speaking out, naming names and telling their stories to both UnhappyFranchisee.com and to law enforcement.
(Read more about the Revive Energy Mints vending fraud at Revive Energy Mints Franchise Information Center. To join the Revive Victims Coalition, email us at UnhappyFranchisee[at]gmail.com)
Here is the story of Liz (not her real name), a software industry professional who invested her savings of nearly $16,000 with the Revive Energy Mints company that promised her ongoing support, coaching and access to proprietary mints to restock her machines. In August, 2011, the people who took Liz’ savings disappeared without a trace, leaving her without the services she paid for and no way to restock her vending machines.
Liz’s Vending Scam Story
For quite a while, Liz had dreamed of owning her own business. When Liz was off of work recovering from surgery, she started to search the Internet for different business opportunities. The franchise opportunity that caught her eye was a vending opportunity called Revive Energy Mints. Here’s her story, in her own words:
“I was searching the internet for business opportunities. I found Revive and I asked for some info…
“Well, after I sent a request for information, I got a phone call. I guess they were checking how interested I was. I talked with Gerry Porter and he said he was going to talk to his colleagues and get back to me. It took a couple of weeks to get another call. Then they asked me if I was still interested in getting samples and a business outline. I said yes to go ahead and send them. We also set up an appointment for a Q & A.”
A common technique of scam artists is what’s called the “negative sell,” where the salesperson skillfully manipulates the “mark” into thinking that there’s is a very exclusive offer with a rigorous application process. Skillful salespeople manipulate buyers into trying to selling themselves and almost begging the scammer to take their money. Says Liz:
“I was told to look everything over and make a list of questions to ask Mr. Wotocek when he called back. I then spent about an hour on the phone with him asking questions I thought pertinent. He asked for 3 character references. A man named Richard Gates called my friends to ask questions about me. Then I was told that he would call me back at a prearranged time about a day and a half later after he discussed me with his colleagues.”
Hard-sell salespeople skillfully create a “sense of urgency” to pressure the prospective buyer into making a decision to purchase. In this case, they built up the importance of the call with Mr. Wotocek, then gave Liz the ultimatum that if she didn’t buy now, she couldn’t reapply in the future. Liz recounts:
“He called me at the pre-arranged time and said they were still discussing it and he would call me back in a few minutes. He then called back and said ‘Congratulations we have decided to let you buy a franchise.’ I forgot to mentioned that during our Q & A he asked me some interview like questions as well about my character and such. As well I forgot that during this process they told me that I would only have one chance to buy a franchise. If I decided to not buy one this time I wouldn’t likely be invited to invest in the future. It was like now or never. I wish I had Never!!”
Liz sent Revive Energy Mints Franchising LLC $15,800 for 25 vending machines and an initial supply of mints. The vending machines were gumball machines worth less than $50. However, Liz paid approximately $600 per machine because she was to receive unlimited support, coaching for life, and ongoing access to proprietary mints. Says Liz:
“…at first it was good. The evening all the paperwork went through, Paul Haverstick called to introduce himself. We talked about my expectations and he sent me a business plan to fill out and email back to him. Then we discussed it and so on. I had a couple of other meetings with him to discuss vending machine placement. Then we had one meeting to discuss retail. After that I did not contact him for a couple of weeks. In the middle of August, I tried to call and book an appointment with him to discuss retail and I received no answer. No one ever called me back.
“My coaching call was scheduled, but the appointment was missed. I followed up with calls and emails but never got any calls in return.
“I’ve tried to reach Paul Haverstick and the company several times, but cannot reach anyone.”
In August, 2011, Revive Energy Mints abandoned their offices, changed their address to a P.O. box and disconnected their phones. Tt appears they took the investments of 400+ individuals and disappeared without providing the services contracted for or supplying the mints needed to operate the businesses.
According to Liz and other victims, the damage is both financial as well as psychological:
“The emotional effects have been worse than the financial ones. I am embarrassed and do not want to tell my family and friends. I am mentally kicking myself daily for having gotten involved with them. It is like I took $16,000.00 and threw it away.”
However, Liz and others are refusing to be victims. About joining the Revive Victims Coalition, she says:
“I am now feeling a bit better for taking some action. I just that I hope it is not too late to get them for something. ”
WERE YOU A VICTIM OF REVIVE ENERGY MINTS OR OTHER FRAUDULENT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY? SHARE A COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL US AT UNHAPPYFRANCHISEE[AT]GMAIL.COM.
REVIVE ENERGY MINTS For Sale Below Wholesale
October 17, 2011
Revive Energy Mints, packaged for vending & retail, for sale by owners at below-wholesale pricing. Read more
REVIVE ENERGY MINTS Vending Machines For Sale (NEW)
October 17, 2011
Brand new vending machines, in the boxes, for sale by owners at a deep discount. Read more
REVIVE ENERGY MINTS Dalimara Vending Scam?
October 13, 2011
At Dalimara.com, you can buy a Quantum Energy Pendant that “Neutralizes Disharmonious Or Negative Energies,” “Retards Aging,” and even “Enhances the flavor of food, juice & wine.”
At Dalimara.com, you can buy a Church-blessed Divine Mercy Quantum Pendant that provides “God’s given natural protection to human against harmful radiation, free-radicals, evil spirits…” (Act now and you get a “FREE Bio Energy Card”)
At Dalimara.com, you can also invest in a Revive Energy Mints business opportunity that promises you a “profitable business,” “extra income” and a discount code for wholesale pricing in the future.
The only problem is, the Revive Energy Mints company appears to have gone out of business and dealers are unable to order product.
Who is Dalimara, and why are they selling a seemingly defunct business opportunity?
Dalimara is promoting $299 Vending Machine Business on Twitter, Craigslist and Dalimara.com
The Dalimara.com site claims:
For only $299 you can start a Vending Machine Business. Also a good source of funding for charity, community event, office party, xmas party, excursion, raffle and many more. . Limit 3 per customer.
Business Package Includes:
One (1) Revive Vending Machine worth $680
Start-up inventory 100pcs Revive Mint
Wholesale cost per mint 0.25/mint (MSRP 0.50 – 1 dollar)
Marketing Collateral (brochures)…
Our vending machine provides a wonderful business opportunity for individual wanted to make extra income and at the same time help increase company productivity at your work place or business…
Dalimara links to the company websites that franchisees report have been unresponsive. It even promises future discount pricing from the company dealer’s can’t seem to reach:
Websites: http://reviveboost.com
http://easyvendingbusiness.com
Once you become a dealer, you will be provided a discount code to wholesale prices.
Dalimara is promoting on Twitter & Craig’s List, too.
On Craigs List in New York, the Dalimara ad reads:
“Brand New Revive Energy Mint Business Package – $299 (nyc)
”Date: 2011-10-09, 12:12PM EDT
“Standard Franchise starts $17,900. NOW ONLY $299 you can start a profitable Vending Machine Business. Offer a Revive Energy Mints to your company for better health & productivity. Best source of funding for charity, community events, office party, xmas party, excursions, and many more.
“Hurry limited stocks available!!!!
”http://dalimara.com/product/revive-energy-business-package”
On Twitter, @Dalimara promotes:
dalimara Quantum Science
Only $449 u can start a profitable Vending Biz.Offer Revive Energy Mints to ur office for better health & productivity.
Who is Dalimara, and why are they promoting the Revive Energy Mints opportunity?
Who is Dalimara?
Is Revive Energy Mints trying to market their opportunity under the radar, or is this a distributor knowingly trying to unload machines on unsuspecting buyers?
Dalimara Vending Opportunity: Buyer Beware!
If you are considering the Dalimara Revive vending opportunity or any other Revive Energy Mints opportunity, be sure you read our posts and discussion:
REVIVE ENERGY MINTS Vending Scam Information October 2, 2011
REVIVE ENERGY MINT Franchise Complaints June 5, 2011
WHAT DO YOU THINK? SHARE A COMMENT BELOW.
Contact the author or site admin at UnhappyFranchisee[at]gmail.com
VENDING SCAMS Coffee Vending Scammer Found Guilty
October 12, 2011
VENDING SCAMS FL Coffee Vending Scammer Found Guilty. Another win for the US Department of Justice and the The Postal Inspection Service.
Here’s the press release from the USDOJ:
“WASHINGTON – A federal jury in Fort Lauderdale, Fla ., yesterday found Manuel Rodriguez guilty of fraud in connection with a coffee machine business opportunity scheme, the Justice Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service announced. After a two-week trial in which 14 witnesses took the stand, the jury found Rodriguez guilty on all seven counts submitted to it, one count of conspiracy and six counts of wire fraud. Rodriguez was taken into federal custody upon the jury’s verdict. Sentencing is scheduled for December 7, 2011.
“At trial, witnesses testified that Rodriguez engaged in his scheme through the operation of three companies: M & D Gourmet Coffee Inc. of Boca Raton, Fla ., Coffee Heaven LLC of Deerfield Beach, Fla ., and Divino Trio Coffee & Vending Company of Ft. Lauderdale. The jury heard testimony that the defendant and a co-conspirator made similar misrepresentations to consumers in connection with each of these companies with the same effect – a loss of tens of thousands of dollars per consumer.
“Specifically, victims at trial testified that the defendant and his businesses offered a business package that included coffee machines, locations in which to place those machines, and on-going support and assistance in the operation of a coffee machine business. Witnesses explained that they lost amounts from $15,000 to $192,000 in the scheme. They testified that the defendant told them that their machines would sell enough coffee to recoup their investment in 12 to 18 months, and that this representation was false. Victims also told the jury that while the defendant promised that the coffee machines would be placed in high-quality locations that would generate numerous sales, what was delivered were poor locations which generated few, if any, sales. Some victims testified that they received no machines at all.
“Protecting consumers from financial fraud is one of our top priorities,” said Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division of the Department of Justice. “As the jury’s verdict shows, those who prey on people trying to run a small business will be held accountable.”
“We are committed to vigorously prosecuting financial fraud,” said Wifredo Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. “Fraudulent telemarketers must realize that they will be pursued and brought to justice.”
“The Postal Inspection Service has investigated scores of individuals and dozens of companies like the ones involved here, said United States Postal Inspector in Charge, Henry Gutierrez, based in Miami. Those investigations have led to felony convictions and significant terms of incarceration. The American Public must remain vigilant to avoid sophisticated schemes that try to take advantage of our natural desire to prosper by owning businesses like this one.
“Assistant Attorney General West commended the investigative efforts of the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Trade Commission. The case was prosecuted by attorneys John Claud and Matthew Ebert of the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch.”
ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH ANY VENDING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY OR FRANCHISE SCAMS? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL US.
Contact the author of site admin at UnhappyFranchisee[at]gmail.com
h.u.m.a.n HEALTHY VENDING: A Scam?
October 11, 2011
h.u.m.a.n HEALTHY VENDING franchise is growing fast.
Is h.u.m.a.n HEALTHY VENDING a great new franchise opportunity or the newest vending scam?
h.u.m.a.n HEALTHY VENDING is definitely going out of its way to promote a friendly, altruistic company image. According to its website:
“What is h.u.m.a.n. Healthy Vending?
“We’re helping unite man and nutrition (h.u.m.a.n.) by placing premium healthy vending automated retail machines across the globe and giving 10% of proceeds back to charitable causes that fight obesity and malnutrition.”
Vending Times reports that h.u.m.a.n HEALTHY VENDING is definitely closing some deals According to the article “H.U.M.A.N. Healthy Vending Cites Record Growth,”:
SANTA MONICA, CA — H.U.M.A.N. Healthy Vending said it achieved record growth from June through August, adding 31 new operator partners worldwide and selling 219 machines.
The Santa Monica, CA-based healthy vending franchisor, whose name is an acronym for "helping unite mankind and nutrition," says its network of vendors now serves more than 750 locations throughout North America and overseas. Its goal is to reach 1,000 locations by early 2012.
The company says its machines are stocked exclusively with foods, snacks and beverages that meet better-for-you nutritional criteria established by a team of nutritionists, registered dietitians and public health specialists. High-definition LCD screens that run streaming videos provide consumers with dynamic nutrition-related information at the point of sale.
ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE h.u.m.a.n HEALTHY VENDING FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY? IS IT LEGIT OR IS h.u.m.a.n A HEALTHY VENDING SCAM?
Share a comment below! To contact the author or site admin, email UnhappyFranchisee[at]gmail.com.
RED BULL Creative Concepts Vending Scam Ends in Prison Time
October 11, 2011
Creative Concepts of America (CCA) used the powerful Red Bull brand to successfully pull off a massive vending opportunity scam.
Correction: almost successfully.
Creative Concepts of America founder Andrew Levinson, as well as his phony shill references, Edward and Alan Perl, have scammed themselves into Federal prison.
UnhappyFranchisee.com exposed this vending scam 3 years ago.
In 2008, UnhappyFranchisee.com ran a series of 9 separate posts chronicling how Andrew Levinson’s Creative Concepts of America (CCA) duped trusting individuals out of their savings, often tens of thousands of dollars. Levinson’s firm convinced them they were getting in on a cutting edge vending opportunity backed by the powerhouse beverage brand Red Bull.
Read the victims stories, in their own words, here: Red Bull Vending Scam.
The story of the sentencing of the vending scammers was reported in Vending Times:
“FT. LAUDERDALE, FL — Combining the popularity of energy drinks with the chance of entering the vending industry could be a lucrative business opportunity scam. The owner of one such business from south Florida got 17-1/2 years behind bars for hoodwinking investors into buying Red Bull vending machines with the promise of making huge sales and profits.
“Andrew Levinson, founder of Lauderhill, FL-based Creative Concepts of America, received the hefty sentence in Fort Lauderdale on April 19. Edward and Alan Perl, two brothers who acted as references for Creative Concepts, were sentenced on the same day to 57 months and 41 months.
“South Florida’s Sun-Sentinel reported that Levinson, 41, was convicted in February on 16 counts of mail and wire fraud. The business-opportunity company, or biz-op in industry parlance, supposedly pulled in more than $22 million by promising aspiring vending operators who bought the machines that they could make huge profits by selling at least 20 cans a day. According to the paper, prosecutors said actual sales were closer to two cans a day. Levinson and his company got rich while investors lost their homes, life savings and more, prosecutors added.
“Approximately, 920 people nationwide bought the Creative Concepts vending machines. In a typical deal, about $21,000 bought five machines.
“As with many biz-op swindles, Levinson used phony references, who were paid to lie, to persuade investors…”
HAVE YOU BEEN A VICTIM OF THIS OR OTHER VENDING SCAMS OR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FRAUD? SHARE YOUR STORY BELOW.
To contact the author or site admin, email: UnhappyFranchisee[at]gmail.com
