At todays time point, we've elected *NOT* to sign or deal with StoresonLine, until I can find MORE information on them! But we WILL use them for a thought-bank to get ideas of what is 'out there'!
My wife had been 'downsized' at her job, MY pay was also cut by a third! So we decieded to start our own "online" business, soing what we like best. - And along comes Storesonline! ...
Resevations are made for ONE spot near our home, only to find out 24 hours before the event from a friend that works at the resort where it was to be held; "No - no contract was signed, no downpayments were made .... they wanted to send a lot of stuff here for the meeting, but with no commitment, we weren't going to accept shipment!"
So we called Stores' 800 number, and found that 'at the last minute, there had to be some changes made!'
We go to the 1st (Dinner) meeting, to be held captive for 89 of the posted 90 minutes. Are given a sandwich, a warm glass of soda, 12 potato chips, a thin slice of orange and a warm condiment of mayo (for the sandwich or lubricant - I don't know - as I tossed it away!)
The people in charge of the 'event' SEEMED to be knowledgeable, I thought, until we signed for the SECOND meeting in a different town. I asked the "lead-talker" if the next meeting was to be Wi-Fi compatable? Because if it was, I'd have my laptop with me, we can start the process then and there!
He said, "What's Wi-fi?" and looked TRUELY lost!!!!
If you're selling the Internet, you SHOULD know the latest techknowlogies (sp) like wi-fi and blue-tooth!
My wife was writing the check (don't use your credit-card at ANY of these functions - it's bad business!), and she asked him, "Who do I make the check to?" - With over 13 years in the Service, I should'a known - His reply, "S.O.L. - Storesonline!"
(In the Service, THAT also means - "Sh*t-Outta-Luck"!)
We BARELY managed to get our "free" handout (a $14.99 Daytimer-type organizer from I.P. Accessories, they said is worth $49.99) before they mystically 'ran out'.
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My wife, is a 'skeptic' when it comes to starting your own business. I'd say the only "good" thing to come of that meeting, was she's now fired up and has a GOOD understanding of what it is I want to do on line, and how I intend to accomplish that end-goal!
So far, to ANYONE looking to develop an Electronic store, Caviat Empor! - Buyer beware!
I've read a number of posts here tonight, and they've ALL seemed to point to what *I'd* call disreputable business practices! (Everything from Stock and Securities infractions to bait and switch, to denial of basic consumer rights!)
It is no wonder they were 'willing to waive' the $2700.00 'start-up fee'! - they're charging 13,000$ for the FULL program, 10,000$ if you can't afford the 'full' package, and 5200$ after they "refund" your money! (Which, according to ONE of their phone operators; "is NOT an option with this company.") !?!?!?!?
I'll ALSO be checking into YAHOO and Excite for web-hosting/online stores! (WON'T use E-Bay due to their past security problems).
Thank you folks for the 'heads-up' and ideas!
Jim
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.