SMC, Specialty Merchandise Corp. eMerchantClub scammers, rip-offs, frauds Simi Valley, California

We originally got involved with this company in September 2010, purchasing their "Gift Card Redemption Website". We quickly realized, you can not make any money with their Gift Card system. When our "Coach" called, we expressed our concerns and was told that in order to increase our income potential significantly, we would need to spend $9,456 for their "Ultra Deluxe All the Bells and Whistles" web site. At that time we said no way can we afford that.

When you first sign up with them you are guaranteed a free Business coach for the first three months. Their idea of a Business coach is in fact nothing short of a sales rep. We did in fact have a few coaching sessions which were worthless calls. They talk very fast, dont allow you to ask questions. We had to yell at them to Shut up so we could ask questions.

Every call from our "Coach" was always an attempt to upsell. "If you really want to make money you need to buy this package. On January 25, 2011, Our coach (Sales Rep) called again with an unbelievable deal for us. It seems that for just that day their $9,456 Ultrara Deluxe package was discounted to $4,035 . Josh, the coach/sales rep convinced me that purchasing this would guarantee sales and income. EMerchant Club would quickly get my site out on to all top search engines and customers would be pouring into our site.

Needless to say, we did all the work that they were supposed to do and we never had any sales. We have given out over $1,500 in gift cards and that has not even brought in any sales. As it also turned out their prices are not rock bottom at all. In order for us to try to get someone to purchase any item, we would have to mark it down 50 to 75% to be in the running with anyone else selling that particular product resulting in an extensive negative cash flow situation for me.

I have tried to explain this to EMerchant Club and SMC but all they keep saying is Section 3 of the eMC Membership rules clearly state that all fees paid are non-refundable.

We have disputed their charges to my credit card company and obviously cancelled everything.

I just don't understand how a company like this can still be in business.