BLO DAD & Sons Vending Responds to Alleged Complaints

Blo Dad & Sons VP Sales & Marketing, Gabriel Jacobs, from Blo Dad & Sons, has provided this rebuttal to the alleged complaints on our post BLO DAD & Sons Boozelator Vending Complaints.

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This is Gabriel Jacobs, from Blo Dad & Sons. I am the Vice President of Sales & Marketing, and I oversee 100% of all sales, whether I am your sales associate or not. We have determined that these postings are not from one of our customers for the following reasons:

1. We have only sold a quantity of ten (10) machines to one (1) customer, who is located in upstate NY.

A.) I spoke with him today and he has confirmed that he did not make this posting and that he is very happy with our customer support.
B.) We offer a deeper discount for quantities of 11, as opposed to 10, which so far has always prompted people to purchase 11, as opposed to 10; of course with the exception of this one (1) customer.

2. We do not sell our machines for $1,400 (or even $1,500 for quantities under 50), so this also false.

3. Our website specifically states that our machines are made with parts from around the world, including USA, Asia, Germany, Japan. We have many of our metal boxes made and designed here in Ft. Myers, FL, and those are assembled in Cape Coral, FL. We have never made a claim that our machines are ‘made in the USA.’ Only assembly and containing some USA parts. Heck, even iPhones and other Apple products (which are among the best in the industry) are made in China, so we do not see anything wrong with that, as long as it is regulated. However, our product is not just composed of Chinese parts as listed by the above poster, it is a collaborative effort among several countries.

4. We only charge a $200 difference between the fuel cell and semiconductor, not $350, which further confirms the above story is fictitious.

View an accuracy video on the the Boozelator™ 3001 on our homepage here: http://www.breathalyzervending.com. You cannot fake a news-clip!

More Info On The Differences In Sensors:

The fuel cell sensor is indeed leaps and bounds more accurate than a semiconductor sensor, and also far less expensive to maintain. A semiconductor sensor starts breaking down within about 1 hour of being exposed to alcohol fumes, and starts becoming vastly inaccurate. You will even receive false positives: for instance, you may have had nothing to drink, but your test may read a 0.02% or a 0.04%, etc. The fuel cell sensor does not give false positives. A semiconductor sensor should also be replaced a few times/year, which can cost you hundreds of dollars. The fuel cell sensor typically lasts 2-5 years (average of 3.5), and can be re-calibrated for as little as $0.25/calibration. You can often save $200/year or more by using a fuel cell over a semiconductor. It is our job to save you money on your maintenance, so you can re-invest it into more machines and more locations, as opposed to spending it on maintenance. There are far too many other differences to list between the two sensors. Contact us if you wish to learn more.

5. You may ‘Google’ Boozelator and see several websites from our different route operators. You can contact any or all of them via the ‘Contact Us’ section on their website, and you will be sure to find 100% positive feedback on Blo Dad & Sons, and our unparalleled customer support in the industry, by contacting real people.

6. I personally deal with any customer complaints, which are very rare. I have a vast education in business and business ethics, and have never copped a tone with a customer, let alone using profanities with them. Heck, you will only find me saying nice things about competitors, let alone talking down to a paying customer. Anyone who has spoken or emailed with me can testify to that.

7. There have only been 2 unsatisfied customers with us, and each of them had only purchased one (1) machine and realized the industry was not for them. See their stories below.

A. Customer #1 was located in Santa Barbara, CA – he decided to send back his machine months outside of the return period with claims that he could not place the machine anywhere in Santa Barbara, CA, and he demanded his money back. We have since sold 4 machines to route operators in Santa Barbara, CA, who have successfully placed their machines. We came to an agreement with this customer and issued him a refund, even though it was outside of his return period. He was VERY happy with the way we handled things.

B. Customer #2 was located in NJ and realized that he did not like being in the presence of alcohol and the bar crowd in general. He never placed his machine, and because he was outside of his return period, we helped him sell his machine to one of our other existing customers. In a recent email from him, this is what he had to say: “Gabe, I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for all your effort and your help. I am sorry that I never got off the ground. But you were a great help to me. Thanks again for all your support.” Again, this is from a customer that we knew would never purchase another machine, and we still went out of our way to help them.

8. There is no plastic on our machines, so that could not be breaking. The LCD monitors are ‘commercial-grade’ and built tough. We do not manufacture the monitors, but even they come with a 1 year warranty from the manufacturer of the monitor – so they are

IN CONCLUSION:

Sometimes when you have the top of the line product with the best customer support in the industry, you have jealous competitors who spend their time trying to bash the competition, rather than spending their time bettering their own products and own customer support. It is also unfortunate that the breathalyzer vending industry has typically been a shady business and never exploded as mainstream in bars – this was due to lack of an accurate product, as well as lack of customer support in the industry. We at Blo Dad & Sons saw this as a huge opportunity in this market, and that is how we revolutionized the industry: by changing the standards in the industry to use of a law enforcement grade fuel cell sensor, as well as offering top of the line customer support.

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ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH BLO DAD & SONS, BOOZELATOR, OR OTHER BREATHALYZER VENDING OPPORTUNITIES?  PLEASE SHARE A COMMENT BELOW.

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BEAUTIFUL VENDING / Beautiful Hair Styler Vending Complaints

Like most vending business opportunities, Beautiful Vending USA’s Beautiful Hair Styling biz-op seems like a great idea.

The pitch is that you can place these revolutionary, wall-mounted hair-straightening machines in public places, like restrooms, fitness club locker rooms, nightclub lady’s rooms, etc., then sit back and get rich $2 at a time.

According to the Beautiful Vending USA promotional website:

“Introducing the revolutionary Beautiful Hair Styler. This award winning concept has proven to be a hit at venues worldwide.

“Designed to the highest standards and implementing the industry’s finest GHD ceramic hot irons, the Beautiful Styler enables women a quick fix hair solution to look good at all times.

“This unique proven opportunity generates incredible cash revenues and has identified a strong presence in the multi-million dollar vending industry.

“The Beautiful Vending Styler is a huge success in all locations. It compliments and enhances any location by offering a high quality service for style-conscious females. customers bad hair days are a thing of the past.”

The Beautiful Vending USA website includes the classic Vending Income Calculator to help ambitious dreamers sell themselves on how rich they’ll soon become.

Unfortunately, one woman sent us her claim that she was scammed by Beautiful Vending USA.  She asked us to share her experience as a warning to others to stay away from Beautiful Vending USA.

She wrote:

OH Lord Beware of these British Scam Artists…

I don’t like to use the lord’s name in vain, but these guys really screwed me…

I saw their advertisement in a small biz opp magazine and thought it was a great idea and I still do… Dealing with these British low lives was unbelievable… I placed my order for 9 machines and was told they would be able to ship in 1-2 weeks, which sounded fine… They said they had stock of the machines.. I called back after 4 weeks and they said they wouldn’t have machines for another 3-4 weeks…

I asked for a refund and they would not issue me one, which sounded like a scam… So I held out for another few weeks and tried to be patient just spending over $15,000 on machines… I finally received the machines 8 weeks after I placed my order… I opened the machine and saw it was just 1 tiny electric board, a cheap hair iron and a bill acceptor…

They charged me $1800 a machine for only that stuff… I was extremely shocked… The components must have only cost $250-$300 max and that’s pushing it… I called for a refund and they would not give me one at all…

I used 4 of the machines as test models and 2 of the machines didn’t even work… I am so frustrated with their nasty attitude and unwillingness to help…

Buyer beware of these English Scammers… Don’t trust them one bit…

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH BEAUTIFUL VENDING USA, BEAUTIFUL HAIR STYLER, OR OTHER VENDING OPPORTUNITIES?  PLEASE SHARE A COMMENT BELOW.

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BLO DAD & Sons Boozelator Vending Complaints

The unfortunately-named Blo Dad & Sons (only in the South…) offers a vending route business opportunity featuring the Boozelator breathalyzer machines.

Have you had any dealings with Blo Dad & Sons or Boozelator breathalyzer machines?  If so, please leave a comment below.

Blo Dad & Sons Boozelator advertising states:  “Earn cash with a unique business – a breathalyzer vending machine route. Blo Dad & Sons breathalyzer vending machines work for you while you sleep. Simply place the machine in any alcohol-serving establishment to allow patrons to test their BAC level for a fee ($1-$5/test). Blo Dad & Sons offers the most advanced bar breathalyzer vending machine on the planet due to it’s LCD advertising monitor, high accuracy, sleek design and other advanced options.”

The Blo Dad & Sons website states:  “The Boozelator™ 3001 works all night long for you while you sleep, so you can wake up a little bit richer everyday! Ask about GUARANTEED VENDING MACHINE PLACEMENT!

We Offer FRANCHISE-LIKE SUPPORT Without Any Franchise Fees!!! ”

However, we received this complaint about the Blo Dad & Sons Boozelator vending route business opportunity:

  Hello, I recently purchased 10 boozelator breathalyzer vending machines from Blo Dad and sons in florida… I should have known just from the name “Blo Dad & Sons” that they were a little sketchy…
I contacted the owners of Blo dad and sons to purchase machines initially and they were helpful… They swore the machine were built in the USA and that the upgrade machine of the Fuel cell sensor is so important and more important than a semi conductor which is not true.. The upgrade cost $350 which I thought was crazy but I agreed and went along with their advice… They just wanted to squeeze out some more of my hard earned cash…
I think purchasing machines made in the USA is a big deal, because of the quality issue and spare parts.. I didn’t want a machine built in a Chinese sweat shop…  I did some research and home work and found the manufactures website in china and was super angry that I was lied to…
The machine did not function well at all and machine started breaking apart after a few weeks in the bar.. The machine had plastic breaking off and the LCD screen stopped working… The breathalyzer was not accurate at all… The machine is a complete piece of garbage… I lost over $14,000 of my hard earned cash…

I want to give a warning to any folks looks to getting into the breathalyzer vending biz… Stay clear of boozelator by Blo Dad & sons…

READ BLO DAD’S REBUTTAL:  BLO DAD & Sons Vending Responds to Alleged Complaints

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH BLO DAD & SONS, BOOZELATOR, OR OTHER BREATHALYZER VENDING OPPORTUNITIES?  PLEASE SHARE A COMMENT BELOW.

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MICHAEL EISENBERG: Atomic Vending & Energy Vend Scams End in Jail Time, Restitution

Michael Eisenberg, the serial vending con artist known for the Atomic Vending, Energy Vend & Lifestyle Vending scams, is going to prison.

Congratulations to the Justice Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, prosecutor Richard Goldberg of the Civil Division of the Department of Justice, Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division of the Department of Justice, Assistant Attorney General West and Wifredo Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and all others involved in holding Michael Eisenberg accountable for his fraudulent vending schemes.

While some have remarked that Mr. Eisenberg was only prosecuted on behalf of a relatively small number of his many victims, a victory is a victory and prison time is still prison time.

Congratulations to the USPIS and USDOJ.

Here’s the press release from the Department of Justice:

Office of Public Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

New York Resident Sentenced in Miami in Connection with Fraudulent Business Opportunity Schemes

WASHINGTON – Michael Eisenberg, a resident of Long Island, N.Y., was sentenced Monday in connection with a series of fraudulent business opportunity ventures, the Justice Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service announced. Eisenberg was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Joan A. Lenard in Miami to 28 months in prison, a $7,500 fine, at least $15,000 in restitution and three years supervised release.

On July 19, 2011, Eisenberg pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his operation of two firms, Atomic Vending and Energy Vend, both located on Long Island. The criminal information charging Eisenberg alleged that he served as an owner and salesman for Atomic Vending and Energy Vend from March 2008 to March 2010. Each firm sold business opportunities to the public for a minimum price of approximately $6,000.

As the government alleged, potential investors were told they would receive a vending “route.” In pleading guilty, Eisenberg admitted that he and others made a number of false claims about the profits generated by the firms’ vending machines. In addition, he admitted salesmen led potential buyers to believe that they would recoup their investment in a year or less. Eisenberg admitted that he misrepresented that “locating companies” would find high traffic, high profit locations in which to place the vending machines. In reality, as the government alleged, buyers earned little to no money from their investments.

Prior to Atomic Vending, Eisenberg had operated another business opportunity firm called Lifestyle Vending. In December 2006, the Justice Department brought a civil case against Lifestyle Vending and Eisenberg, alleging that they made unsubstantiated claims to business opportunity buyers. The case resulted in entry of a federal court order barring Eisenberg and others from misrepresenting business opportunities. After entry of the federal court order in the Eastern District of New York in March 2008, the information stated, Eisenberg founded Atomic Vending and, later, Energy Vend, to continue the deceptive sales practices of Lifestyle Vending. In the sentence announced today, Judge Lenard increased Eisenberg’s period of incarceration based upon his violation of the 2008 federal court order.

“Fraud schemes like this one target consumers who are trying to start a small business and earn an honest living,” said Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division of the Department of Justice. “This defendant not only misled investors about business opportunities; he continued to defraud people after being ordered by a court to stop. We believe the judge appropriately took this behavior into account when issuing her sentence.”

Assistant Attorney General West and Wifredo Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, commended the investigative efforts of the Postal Inspection Service, which investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by trial attorney Richard Goldberg of the Civil Division of the Department of Justice.

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE MICHAEL EISENBERG, ATOMIC VENDING, ENERGY VEND OR LIFESTYLE VENDING? HAVE YOU BEEN A VICTIM OF A VENDING SCAM?   SHARE A COMMENT BELOW.

Contact the author or site admin at UnhappyFranchisee[at]gmail.com.

DVDNOW DVD Vending Kiosks: Scam or No Scam?

DVDNow offers a DVD rental business vending opportunity.  While their website does not disclose the required investment (unless you fill out their form), franchise and business opportunity ads state that $20,000 cash is required.

Do you have any experience with the DVDNow kiosk vending or similar business opportunity?  Please share a comment below.

DVDNow DVD Rental Kiosks:  The Dream.

Here’s the dream scenario that DVDNow is conjuring:  That there is an $8 billion rental market for new release movies.  You can “skim the cream off that $8 billion market”

From the DVDNow website:

“Imagine owning a chain of fully automated DVD rental machines without the overhead or hassles of a big staff or a several thousand square foot storefront. Did you know that almost 90% of revenue in the $8 billion DVD rental industry is generated through the rental of new releases. Now imagine that you can skim the cream off that $8 billion dollars without investing hundreds of thousands in a brick and mortar store, franchise licenses, and all of the time, overhead and management hassles that come with starting and running such a business. DVDNow is proud to introduce the most innovative way to skim the cream off that $8 billion market – an automated DVD rental kiosk that is open 24 hours a day, has a footprint of only 5 square feet, requires no staff, and rents nothing but profitable new releases.”

DVDNow DVD Rental Vending: The Pitch.

Here’s the basic pitch:  There is a window of opportunity in an $8 billion market that will soon be gone if you don’t act now.  DVDNow will assist you in getting top locations for your machines (which are abundant).  You will get the training and support you need to run a profitable business that can be managed remotely via the Internet.

From the DVDNow website:

With the limited number of DVD rental kiosks in operation we are at a point in this industry that will never occur again. The massive demand from consumers, and the unprecedented availability of top locations, are just two of the reasons why experts are uniformly endorsing DVD rental kiosks.

• DVDNow offers a truly scalable business, allowing you to build from just a few locations to a large network of rental kiosks
• We can offer assistance in selecting and securing great locations
• Our training and support staff will teach you what you need to know to run a profitable business
• Our industry leading remote monitoring application allows your entire business to be managed remotely from any computer with Internet access

DVDNow Vending Complaints & Red Flags

On the BizBuySell Answers website, commenter Robert Wallace wrote:

I owned 2 of these kiosks… I truly believe that it is a bad business to get into.. the hidden costs that are not discussed at the sales orientation amount to about 25% of the operating costs of these kiosks, irregardless of their location.. plus technology has flat passed it up.. it was a good Buseness model in Europe 6-7 years ago but now Bit Torrents, Free Movies by Hulu and others, Netflix has become so cheap, not to mention the biggest competitor in the Industry is privately owned, REDBOX.. they are everywhere and they rent for $1.00.. the average cost of the dvd’s you buy will be about $17, possibly more.. and the buyback program for wholesale DVD’s is not good, get exact info on that beforehand.. just check out how many are desperate to sell their kiosks, it’s unbelievable.. I gave up last year and chalked it up as experience and a loss…

Wallace warns of hidden fees & costs, and mechanical problems:

You must use their software and their technical assistance.. they charge for that tech assist, they charge for all rfid’s, they charge for all parts .. The Kiosks are made in China … they are great when they work but they are a nightmare when they don’t and your phone will be ringing off the hook because there is noone there at your kiosk.. people will rip you off left and right… you will either be chasing money or trying to find the dvd’s they stole.. the credit card companies that process your transactions are outright THIEVES… all the costs will never be explained to you… the owner of the company LIED to me .. I was told I had to buy two kiosks… thats $35,000 US plus shipping…. come to find out from other owners that they didn’t have to buy 2… Do Not get involved in this Business…

Jason Miller cautions that DVD vending could soon be obsolete:

DVDs are going the way of the dinasaur. Right now you can order the most recent movie releases “on demand” from cable/satelite right from your couch. I’d expect the number of movies that one can access at home will continue to grow exponentially… In my opinion, the business model is not great, and the only people who make money are the ones who sell the machines.

UnhappyFranchisee.com does not have firsthand experience with the DVDNow vending business opportunity, but we always urge extra caution when dealing with a vending opportunity, especially one that promises vending machine placement services.  Vending machine locators are notorious for making big promises, demanding cash upfront, and then not delivering as promised.  As Always, Caveat Emptor.

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE STRATUS BUILDING SOLUTIONS FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY?  WHAT DO YOU THINK?  SHARE A COMMENT BELOW.

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REVIVE ENERGY MINTS Vending Scam Dashes Entrepreneurial Dream

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

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

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.

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