Consumers in Larimer County are receiving enticing invitations to attend a 90-minute conference to learn more about StoresOnline, which offers workshops on Internet marketing strategies. The seminars are being offered Friday and Saturday, October 3 and 4 in Fort Collins. Those attending are offered a free MP3 player and meal.
The initial preview presentation is followed by a one-day workshop for which there is a registration fee. At the end of the workshop, attendees are given a special offer to buy services and products from StoresOnline, and the offer contains the three-day right to cancel.
Consumers who plan to attend any seminar should be aware that the presenters are there to promote products and services that are for sale. A motivational conference environment can be compelling, resulting in consumers buying into a program without doing their homework first or checking out the company and all the details.
In the case of StoresOnline, the Better Business Bureau of Utah (
www.utah.bbb.org) has an extensive
report showing 583 complaints filed against it in the past 36 months; 289 complaints were closed in the past year. The complaints concern information provided at the workshops, the company’s refund policy, customer service and optional coaching services.
Some consumers have not been satisfied with the company’s response to complaints. When consumers signed up for the company’s services they agreed to arbitrate disputes through the American Arbitration Association, so the BBB serving Utah refers dissatisfied consumers to that organization and does not retain information beyond that point.
The BBB serving Utah further details 12 legal actions filed in 11 states and Australia against StoresOnline Inc. which also operates under the names of iMergent, Inc., Galaxy Mall and Galaxy Enterprises
Your BBB offers the following advice regarding online business ventures:
Consider all aspects and costs of starting and operating a business. Beyond a great-looking Web site, a successful online business owner needs to be cognizant of licensing, advertising, bookkeeping and credit-card processing. In all cases, a wide variation in earnings should be expected. Be sure to read and understand any cancellation policies or guarantees before making a decision.
Read all contracts and materials carefully before purchase. Products and services sold by StoresOnline are not investment education materials, and the company does not consider its products a business opportunity, or a home-based business.
Be Aware of the Federal Trade Commission Cooling-Off Rule. Also known as the Three-Day Cooling-Off Rule, this regulation states that consumers have the right to cancel a contract within three business days for purchases made at a facility rented by the seller on a temporary or short-term basis, such as a hotel or motel.
In order to cancel, consumers must sign and date one copy of the cancellation form (as provided by the company). The copy must be mailed to the address given for cancellation, making sure the envelope is postmarked before midnight of the third business day after the contract date. Saturday is considered a business day, but Sunday and federal holidays are not. Consumers should consider sending the notice certified, so they have proof of delivery.
If no form was given out by the seller you can write your own cancellation letter and you do not have to give a reason for canceling. The seller then has 10 days to cancel and return any promissory note or other negotiable instruments you signed and refund all your money. If you received any goods from the seller, you must make them available to the seller in as good condition as when you received them. If you do not make the items available to the seller - or if you agree to return the items but fail to - you remain obligated under the contract.