- Report: #42497
Complaint Review: IPA-IBA / International Profit Associates
| IPA-IBA / International Profit Associates www.ipa-iba.com
Buffalo Grove, Illinois United States of America |
|
REVIEW: IPA commitment to 100% customer satisfaction, IPA - International Profit Associates implemented strategic changes to insure their clients business success, focusing on finding ways to help small & medium size companies make improvements to both their short-term and longer-term profitability & creating a secure future. Buffalo Grove Illinois
*UPDATE: Ripoff Report REVIEW - International Profit Associates recognized by Rip-off Report as a safe business service - IPA pledges to resolve all complaints, 100% commitment to customer service and satisfaction, feel confident and secure when doing business with IPA
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: EMPLOYEE PEP TALKS BORDERED ON CULTISH
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: EMPLOYEE PEP TALKS BORDERED ON CULTISH
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: EMPLOYEE PEP TALKS BORDERED ON CULTISH
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: EMPLOYEE PEP TALKS BORDERED ON CULTISH
*Consumer Suggestion: Hit them where it hurts....THEIR pocketbook
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Hiring a PROFESSIONAL Consultant does pay
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: IPA ruined my life
*Consumer Comment: I also got caught by this high pressued sales organization.
*Consumer Comment: IPA SCAM GOT ME TOO SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE
*Consumer Comment: IPA SCAM GOT ME TOO SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE
*Consumer Comment: IPA SCAM GOT ME TOO SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE
*Consumer Comment: IPA SCAM GOT ME TOO SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE
*UPDATE Employee: hiring new employees every week because people are quitting or getting fired
*UPDATE Employee: his may be the sleeziest of all companies I have dealt with in my 15 years of business experience..
*Consumer Suggestion: Suggested Steps for IPA Clients
*Consumer Suggestion: check out companies that promise the moon and stars
*Consumer Comment: Test
*Consumer Comment: big time rip off International Profit Association IPA
*Consumer Suggestion: Apparently this Company thinks they are above the law
*Consumer Suggestion: International Profit Associates Got Me Too!!!!
Does your business have a bad reputation?
Fix it the right way.
Corporate Advocacy Program™
SPECIAL UPDATE: October 27 2012: International Profit Associates - IPA remains committed to increased customer satisfaction and has improved their business practices over the years to better serve their customers. International Profit Associates - IPA is truly dedicated to making sure their customers are satisfied and that any complaints which do arise are addressed promptly and fairly.
To date, International Profit Associates - IPA has made good faith efforts to resolve all complaints reported on Rip-off Report. Based on our experience, the member business has proven to be among the top members of the Rip-off Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction Program as a Verified Safe Business.
Over time and since becoming a member, International Profit Associates - IPA has remained actively engaged and improving the way they address customer service complaints. As an active and current member of the Rip-off Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction Program we are happy to report that now more than ever International Profit Associates - IPA remains committed to improving customer satisfaction.
Remember, no company or individual can ever satisfy 100% of the people 100% of the time. There are no products or services that will always be perfect for everyone and even the best companies will receive complaints from time to time. However, by participating in the Corporate Advocacy Program, the member business has made a commitment to working with its customers to resolve complaints quickly and fairly whenever possible.
Please keep in mind that as a consumer you have some responsibilities as well. Success has many definitions that based on your past experiences, current situation and your perceived expectations. Success with any product or service is always based on the proper application and understanding. The fastest car will not run if you never turn the engine on. Look at how you used the product or service that was provided in relation with the instructions that you received. The Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction Program will help you get your voice heard but please be prepared with documentation and fair representation of your concern, also have an idea of how the company can fix your concern. Can they offer additional services, extend warranties, offer a fair refund or just get you talking with someone that can help. ..let them know and let us know!
*Any consumer not receiving satisfaction from a member of the Corporate Advocacy Program should email us at editor@ripoffreport.com
Editor's UPDATE: Positive Rating and Recognition has been given to IPA International Profit Associates for its Commitment to Excellence in customer service.
Rip-off Report's review of IPA uncovers an ongoing commitment to total client satisfaction. This means that clients can expect the company will always work towards finding a mutually satisfactory resolution to any complaints or concerns, more importantly IPA is concerned with the new growth and success of their clients business and, IPA is listening carefully to what its clients are saying. After all, when becoming creative to make things better, making changes for the benefit of the business sometimes comes hard like any good lesson.
One top executive of the company stated to Rip-off Report, that IPA's corporate philosophy is based on the premise that IPA will advance itself through first advancing its clients. Their process starts by identifying what clients want, then reinforcing and continuing with its work, which ultimately leads to Client Company Life Cycle Management - what clients needs as they grow from start-up to maturity continuing through exit strategy and retirement for the business owner.
Rip-off Report has confirmed that IPA's approach to business includes a total corporate quality assessment. The result of which, leads to continual dedication to quality operations, client and employee relations, and innovation management. Rip-off Report was pleased to learn that the company's past and current approach to business is focused on its pledge to total commitment towards client satisfaction.
It is our opinion that large and small business owners can feel confident in the fact that IPA has worked with thousands of businesses in Canada and the United States. They are a full business development company and innovators in their field and have successfully helped thousands of businesses by providing new and innovative ideas and solutions for almost every type of business imaginable.
IPA recognizes that complaints posted on Rip-off Report (true or not) are issues that need to be addressed and if handled correctly can be valuable learning opportunities. With the feedback generated by Rip-off Report's Investigation IPA has made organizational changes allowing their clients a more streamlined approach to problem resolution and a total overall commitment to customer experience.
In summary, after our review, which included discussions with IPA Senior Management, Rip-off Report is convinced that the company has been and is committed to quality delivery of services resulting in total client satisfaction.
Read more about IPA International Profit Associates Commitment to Excellence and Total Consumer Satisfaction and why consumers should feel safe, confident and secure when doing business with a member of Rip-off Report's Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program. ..yes, a long name for a program that does a lot for both consumers and businesses alike.
Read about Rip-off Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program,..A program that benefits the consumer, assures them of complete satisfaction and confidence when doing business with a member business. this program works.
===================== NOW TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT THAT WAS FILED
=====================
IPA-IBA International Profit Associates ripoff Buffalo Grove Illinois
IPA-IBA / International Profit Associates, Biz Doctor, John Burgess ripoff, business consulting scam,over $500.00 per hour cost,deceptive, this CEO is a crook cheated employees and screwed the customers even more Buffalo Grove Illinois .....
This Company will call a small or medium sized business and tell you that they are sending a business analyst to your place of business for Knock your socks off consulting, even when you ask them not to send someone. Then the analyst will take up your time and pry out of you what kind of money you may have available then inform you that a team of consultants will be at your place of business in a few days because your business needs serious help.
The analyst then invoices you on the spot for $375.00 or more and has you sign a paper that they say is to show their company they were at your place of business, when actually you are agreeing to hire their consulant team. Just as the analyst said a team of crooked consultants will be at your place of business within 3 days ready to pry deeper into your finances and give you a 9th grade economics lesson for the minimum time of 8 billable hours plus expenses that got them there,
$750 or greater for expenses and $275.00 per hour for the consulting for a minimum amount due of over $2500.00 for their first day there and tell you that you need at least one week of consulting or more. I am sure the time you need for consultation is based on them prying financal information from you, so as to milk you dry. check out this web site
Screwed 48444, Michigan
U.S.A.
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 01/22/2003 07:37 PM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/IPA-IBA-International-Profit-Associates/Buffalo-Grove-Illinois/REVIEW-IPA-commitment-to-100-customer-satisfaction-IPA-International-Profit-Associate-42497. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report.
Click Here to read other Ripoff Reports on IPA-IBA / International Profit Associates
If you would like to see more Rip-off Reports on this company/individual, search here:
Search Tips#1 UPDATE EX-employee responds
EMPLOYEE PEP TALKS BORDERED ON CULTISH
AUTHOR: Louise - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, March 17, 2005
They would require us to go stand outside in the cold several (4-5) times a day for PEP talks . These pep talks became more and more like some sort of CULT indoctrination. There was yelling and HIGH FIVES all around.They tried to make us believe we were helping small business that were struggeling. I believe now we were just taking them down the rest of the way. Much like vultures who feed on the dead carcus.
A young (much are young) fellow employee pointed out a poster on the wall where she stated that a manager had put an employee through the wall previously. All the phones were mismatched , the type you can buy at any discount store for 20 dollars and the chair we sat in were missing arms , no waste baskets , no computers, no head sets, not even the basic office supplies(paper and pens) When questioned we were told it was so the owner could pay us higher commissions.(RIGHT)
Anyone going to work or doing business for this company be weary. I now wish I could could go call the businesses back I talked to and tell them I made a terrible mistake and not let these people into their business
Signed
At Home Sick
#2 UPDATE EX-employee responds
EMPLOYEE PEP TALKS BORDERED ON CULTISH
AUTHOR: Louise - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, March 17, 2005
They would require us to go stand outside in the cold several (4-5) times a day for PEP talks . These pep talks became more and more like some sort of CULT indoctrination. There was yelling and HIGH FIVES all around.They tried to make us believe we were helping small business that were struggeling. I believe now we were just taking them down the rest of the way. Much like vultures who feed on the dead carcus.
A young (much are young) fellow employee pointed out a poster on the wall where she stated that a manager had put an employee through the wall previously. All the phones were mismatched , the type you can buy at any discount store for 20 dollars and the chair we sat in were missing arms , no waste baskets , no computers, no head sets, not even the basic office supplies(paper and pens) When questioned we were told it was so the owner could pay us higher commissions.(RIGHT)
Anyone going to work or doing business for this company be weary. I now wish I could could go call the businesses back I talked to and tell them I made a terrible mistake and not let these people into their business
Signed
At Home Sick
#3 UPDATE EX-employee responds
EMPLOYEE PEP TALKS BORDERED ON CULTISH
AUTHOR: Louise - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, March 17, 2005
They would require us to go stand outside in the cold several (4-5) times a day for PEP talks . These pep talks became more and more like some sort of CULT indoctrination. There was yelling and HIGH FIVES all around.They tried to make us believe we were helping small business that were struggeling. I believe now we were just taking them down the rest of the way. Much like vultures who feed on the dead carcus.
A young (much are young) fellow employee pointed out a poster on the wall where she stated that a manager had put an employee through the wall previously. All the phones were mismatched , the type you can buy at any discount store for 20 dollars and the chair we sat in were missing arms , no waste baskets , no computers, no head sets, not even the basic office supplies(paper and pens) When questioned we were told it was so the owner could pay us higher commissions.(RIGHT)
Anyone going to work or doing business for this company be weary. I now wish I could could go call the businesses back I talked to and tell them I made a terrible mistake and not let these people into their business
Signed
At Home Sick
#4 UPDATE EX-employee responds
EMPLOYEE PEP TALKS BORDERED ON CULTISH
AUTHOR: Louise - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, March 17, 2005
They would require us to go stand outside in the cold several (4-5) times a day for PEP talks . These pep talks became more and more like some sort of CULT indoctrination. There was yelling and HIGH FIVES all around.They tried to make us believe we were helping small business that were struggeling. I believe now we were just taking them down the rest of the way. Much like vultures who feed on the dead carcus.
A young (much are young) fellow employee pointed out a poster on the wall where she stated that a manager had put an employee through the wall previously. All the phones were mismatched , the type you can buy at any discount store for 20 dollars and the chair we sat in were missing arms , no waste baskets , no computers, no head sets, not even the basic office supplies(paper and pens) When questioned we were told it was so the owner could pay us higher commissions.(RIGHT)
Anyone going to work or doing business for this company be weary. I now wish I could could go call the businesses back I talked to and tell them I made a terrible mistake and not let these people into their business
Signed
At Home Sick
#5 Consumer Suggestion
Hit them where it hurts....THEIR pocketbook
AUTHOR: Phil - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, January 06, 2005
#6 UPDATE EX-employee responds
Hiring a PROFESSIONAL Consultant does pay
AUTHOR: Greg - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 12, 2004
IPA's biggest problem is they lost focus on what they are in business for-helping business owners. It became more about feeding the office overhead and quantity of clients at the cost of quality of service. Bottom Line? They hired people who weren't qualified to give advice-period. Most employees were middle-aged men who had been downsized from some company and now considered himself an "expert". No credentials, no industry-specific background just a suit and some smooth talk.
In the past 3 years, I've started my own consulting practice and IPA has made alot of business owners naturally skeptical of consulting services. Unlike accountants and lawyers, there is no licensing-anyone can call him/herself a consultant-just print the business cards. You have to do your homework before you hire one.
Using the services of a PROFESSIONAL consultant does reap rewards-don't let "one bad apple spoil the whole bunch". Best of luck to all of you- Being a business owner isn't for everyone-just those who have a passion for what they do.
#7 UPDATE EX-employee responds
IPA ruined my life
AUTHOR: Kathryn - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, June 13, 2004
After a three day training session, workers are coached to know the "industry specifics" enabling them to sound knowledgeable to the business owners they are calling. It is the employee's job to get as much info out of the owner as possible and to book an appointment with them even if they really don't want it.
For every appointment booked that turns into a sit-down discussion between the owner and the rep (a "sit") the IPA employee back in Illinois gets anywhere from $100-$300, depending on how many he or she has already got that week.
Of course, with 300 people being hired every week (the majority of them are commuting 1+ hrs by car or (most) by bus from Chicago out to the suburbs where the company is based) the majority of these people stay a week or so and then leave after their first paycheck.
And they call it a legitimate business!
And I have been informed the local and county police are investigating the business right now, and I got followed by detectives while I was working there because of it. Coincidentally I left the company, after being questioned by police and now am...once again...without work.
an unhappy ex-employee
#8 Consumer Comment
I also got caught by this high pressued sales organization.
AUTHOR: Duane - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, March 23, 2004
I informed them we were not going any further with this project. They told me that I owed 1/3 now. I told them to leave an invoice and leave immediately. I'm waiting to see what the company does next since I don't plan to paying anything.
Thank God I stopped when I did. I can't imagine how much more money they would have sucked from me if I hadn't stopped.
#9 Consumer Comment
IPA SCAM GOT ME TOO SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE
AUTHOR: Brian - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, January 26, 2004
Now its time for the consultant to leave so he stands up and says, well if i can just get my $300.00 I will be on my way. I immediatly told him that it was negotiable and we felt they didnt help us in any way. He said he couldnt leave until he had a check because all the expenses he incured for travel. We wrote him the check just to get him to leave.
Since then they have called back approximately 15 times and I continue to tell them to not call back. Another consultant called my partner under the company IBA and came in. At the time we didnt know they were affiliated. We got rid of him quickly when he showed up. Its a shame that this company continues to harass us and there isnt much we can do about it. I feel lucky they only got away with $300.00 after reading some of the other stories. I would gladly be a part of any class action lawsuit against this company. Something should be done.
#10 Consumer Comment
IPA SCAM GOT ME TOO SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE
AUTHOR: Brian - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, January 26, 2004
Now its time for the consultant to leave so he stands up and says, well if i can just get my $300.00 I will be on my way. I immediatly told him that it was negotiable and we felt they didnt help us in any way. He said he couldnt leave until he had a check because all the expenses he incured for travel. We wrote him the check just to get him to leave.
Since then they have called back approximately 15 times and I continue to tell them to not call back. Another consultant called my partner under the company IBA and came in. At the time we didnt know they were affiliated. We got rid of him quickly when he showed up. Its a shame that this company continues to harass us and there isnt much we can do about it. I feel lucky they only got away with $300.00 after reading some of the other stories. I would gladly be a part of any class action lawsuit against this company. Something should be done.
#11 Consumer Comment
IPA SCAM GOT ME TOO SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE
AUTHOR: Brian - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, January 26, 2004
Now its time for the consultant to leave so he stands up and says, well if i can just get my $300.00 I will be on my way. I immediatly told him that it was negotiable and we felt they didnt help us in any way. He said he couldnt leave until he had a check because all the expenses he incured for travel. We wrote him the check just to get him to leave.
Since then they have called back approximately 15 times and I continue to tell them to not call back. Another consultant called my partner under the company IBA and came in. At the time we didnt know they were affiliated. We got rid of him quickly when he showed up. Its a shame that this company continues to harass us and there isnt much we can do about it. I feel lucky they only got away with $300.00 after reading some of the other stories. I would gladly be a part of any class action lawsuit against this company. Something should be done.
#12 Consumer Comment
IPA SCAM GOT ME TOO SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE
AUTHOR: Brian - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, January 26, 2004
Now its time for the consultant to leave so he stands up and says, well if i can just get my $300.00 I will be on my way. I immediatly told him that it was negotiable and we felt they didnt help us in any way. He said he couldnt leave until he had a check because all the expenses he incured for travel. We wrote him the check just to get him to leave.
Since then they have called back approximately 15 times and I continue to tell them to not call back. Another consultant called my partner under the company IBA and came in. At the time we didnt know they were affiliated. We got rid of him quickly when he showed up. Its a shame that this company continues to harass us and there isnt much we can do about it. I feel lucky they only got away with $300.00 after reading some of the other stories. I would gladly be a part of any class action lawsuit against this company. Something should be done.
#13 UPDATE Employee
hiring new employees every week because people are quitting or getting fired
AUTHOR: Bj - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, November 08, 2003
#14 UPDATE Employee
his may be the sleeziest of all companies I have dealt with in my 15 years of business experience..
AUTHOR: BLAIN - OPERATIONS MANAGER - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, October 20, 2003
#15 Consumer Suggestion
Suggested Steps for IPA Clients
AUTHOR: Chuck - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, October 18, 2003
1)Ask all employees about their background in y's our industry. They have been instructed to tell you that they have training and background...but they do not.
Most employees have a very short work history in consulting, and have not been successful in pervious businesses.
2) You really do not have a method to check the data provided about your business by IPA. The employees have been instructed to 'make mistakes' in the financial presentations, to ensure that you think they know what your problems may be, and have solutions that work. Before you spend $10,000's, take the data to a 3rd party, such as your accountant or banker, and ask them to verify the numbers and assumptions.
3)When an invoice is presented for inbound and outbound travel, ask why the last or next client is not paying for at least one of the airline tickets. The employees will say that you will be refunded if another client pays, this is unlikely. Just refuse to pay.
4)Have a 3rd party exaimine the 'contract' and/or 'program' before you sign. The employees are instructed to use high pressure for you to sign without giving you time to get advice or think things over. The employees will say that you can close the project at the end of any day; but you could be billed for $10,000 if three employees showup, and will not leave until the end of the second day, with alot of expenses included.
It is clear to me that if a small business needs some outside advice to correct problems, the logical direction is to find someone that has a backgound in you industry. Industry groups or vendors may give you a lead. Forget about the promised savings from IPA, they will not happen while they are working, and will not respond if you do not realize the promised savings.
Ask what results can be promised for a specfic dollar amount. $5,000-nothing, $10,000 nothing, $15,000 nothing, IPA wants alot more money than you are thinking about spending. And once you start, it is very, very difficult to stop the meter from running. BE VERY CAREFUL.
#16 Consumer Suggestion
check out companies that promise the moon and stars
AUTHOR: Michelle - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, October 10, 2003
#18 Consumer Comment
big time rip off International Profit Association IPA
AUTHOR: Barbara - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 02, 2003
#19 Consumer Suggestion
Apparently this Company thinks they are above the law
AUTHOR: Sally - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, June 25, 2003
#20 Consumer Suggestion
International Profit Associates Got Me Too!!!!
AUTHOR: Michelle - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, February 18, 2003
Their sales tehchniques were very high pressure and a lot of promises were made verbally that were never carried through to the actual paper agreement. We have tried several times to contact the companies project manager for a resolution and they will not return our calls or letters.
We have received rude calls from thier collection department that were offensive. When IPA left our company they left a huge white binder that contained regurgitated information that our accountant had given them.
IPA has a very shadey past and only after my dealings with them did I discover the hundreds of complaints against them via the BBB of Chicago and several interesting articles written about the founder of the company. My company is currently in litigation with IPA. For interesting reading look into the Inc.com article "Im John Burgess. I'm Here to Help You".

