AutoMax Sales Training, Jere Conover, And Charles Branson ripoff, lie, fraud, phony classes Pleasantville, Reynoldsburg, And Alpine New Jersey, Ohio, and Utah

This "applicant" might have been a nervous nellie and should of seen it through all the way to the end to know the "full" story.  The dealer(s) are actually the ones paying the recruiting company "AutoMax".  How they do this is they have the employee front the money and then give it back to them in 90 days.  See, if the dealer paid the recruiter upfront then there would be no reason for the employee to "stick it out" through the first couple of weeks when it is the toughest.  I was hired this way with having a monetary investment in my future success.  I called it "tough love".  Dangling that $500 dollar carrot in front of my nose for the first couple of months to keep me from wanting to quit.  This is not a get rich quick job and my first 3 weeks in the biz I hadn't sold a car and wanted to quit but stuck it out to get my $500 back and the rest was history.  I've made over a million dollars selling cars and I never would have of if it wasn't done this way (which has been going on in the car biz for over 40 years).  If the dealer pays upfront and someone quits in the first week or two, then what did the dealer get out of it?  If someone pays the $500, stays 90 days and then gets it back, then what are they out?  Nothing!  You are not paying to get a job and you are not paying for training.  The dealer is, just 90 days later back to you.  What you are doing is showing your loyalty to the business that you are fronting the dealers money for the recruiting, advertising, interviewing, training, and placement.  If you would of paid your $500 and stuck it out you would have found out that even if the "host" dealer didn't hire you that the recruiter/trainer would have gotten you a job at a different dealer with all of the same stipulations.  Why should a dealer take the risk that you might "flake out" on them after they paid thousands of dollars for the newspaper ads, online ads, recruiters expenses, etc. to have you quit on them because you aren't selling 10 cars your first week in the biz and then they have to rerun all of the ads all over again to do it again?!  They would rather have these job fairs once a year instead of every couple of weeks because they are very expensive and they want the "committed" person working for them.  If they are going to pay for your drivers license test, drug test, background check, sales license, uniforms, etc. then they want you to stay because it really isn't fair for them to give you a chance when you have no experience.  So many people say that they are a "man of their word" only to quit, the way to prove it is that money talks.  Put yourself in the dealers shoes and realize why this is the only effective way to insure that they retain their employees, basically an "insurance retainer" that you will still be working there, plus what if another dealer see's the ad and sends their sales staff there for free training?  Since the bottom line is that you get all of your money back as long as you don't "flake out" on them, then essentially it is COSTING YOU NOTHING!!  NOT A CENT!!  Shame that you didn't see it through to the end and got a job at one of the dealerships and made the money that I and my co-workers have made in a great industry and easy job.  FD

I think the so-called "Automax graduate" is really just one of their salesperson.

Automax Sales Training And The Peruzzi Organization Deceive, Lie, Cheat and Steal and response to Rebuttals OCEAN CITY New Jersey

As the bread winner of my family and currently out of a job, I am willing to respond to anything that walks, talks or grunts for a job. My qualifications include a BS degree.

I responded to an ad in the Bucks County Courier Times entered by The Peruzzi Organization, or so I thought. The ad GUARANTEED $3200.00 the first month, $2800.00 the second month, and $2400.00 the third month. What person needing a job wouldn't respond to this offer?

Upon entering the Peruzzi Pontiac location in Fairless Hills, PA I met Dave Peaschek, who I learned only at the end of the interview, would be the trainer for Automax; and that was only after he handed me his business card.

Mr. Peaschek told me he would only like to see 18 more candidates walk in like me. He made me feel as if I was hired on the spot. He informed me of the training classes, the $500.00 fee (this one was at the end of the course) and I enrolled on the spot.

I went through the class and at the end, he had me sign a "contract" and we arranged a $25.00/week payment schedule on my credit card. He also informed me of the lifetime placement deal for an additional $89.00? which I did not apply. If I wanted the lifetime deal later on it would cost me $260.00? or some number like that, which I figured if I made enough money I could always apply later.

After we signed the contracts he immediately placed us with (or, in my case, sent us to) various agencies. It was myself and another guy, Moe, who got sent to Peruzzi Pontiac and the Manager, I believe his name was Craig, said he would prefer we saw him on Monday (it was Friday). Moe and I lost contact and I don't know if he ever continued with his job. Craig? didn't have time for me on Monday either and wouldn't return my telephone calls. Neither would Mr. Peaschek.

After several emails back and forth with Mr. Peaschek, he finally stopped responding. My contention is I responded to an ad for employment, paid money I could have used to pay bills and never received employment. Automax is taking advantage of the unemployed.

The bad news is after receiving my first credit card invoice, I put the five $25.00 charges in dispute. The dispute was denied because the charges were based on a contract I signed and I had to pay the $125.00.

The good news is the credit card company advised me to cancel the credit card number and get a new one. This way they can't bill the rest ($375.00) of the charge.

In seeking employment I talked to other car agencies because I had the "Automax Training Experience" and they refused to hire me because of the "sales tactics" with which we were trained. Automax "tainted" our possibilities for employment. Don't mention you were trained by Automax if you were.

RESPONSE TO REBUTTALS

The Automax graduate rebuttal is obviously an uneducated individual and apparently the perfect candidate for Automax because he WAS hired. Does he REALLY know he is being paid properly?

The "guarantee" was the ad placed in the paper describing the income for the first three months. The ad did'nt even mention training classes or the requirement to pay for them.

What about the poor shmoes who put up their money before the training and never got anyhing for it?

As far as headhunters are concerned, you shouldn't be paying them for anything. They are being paid by the companies looking for employees. If you want to pursue a certain career, GO TO SCHOOL!

As far as Car Dealerships are concerned, the manufacturers should clean up their act and get rid of the dealerships and individuals destroying their name. Boycott those agencies! Make them known!

With the Internet the way it is, let the manufacturers set up the purchases on the Web and use the agencies as PICK UP POINTS ONLY! Restructure the entire frickin' system! Give those salesman honest jobs!

Harry
Trevose, Pennsylvania

I have filed my own report but wish to say that I agree with the individual reporting them (Automax). They are extremely misleading. Their approach seems as though it is designed to dupe potential "students" into thinking that the interview/training is something other than what it is.

I did not pay them one nickel and feel that anyone interested in working for any company should not PAY their potiental employer or any of their "business associates" or "consultants" or other "representatives" any money (for training or otherwise) to work. If you need training in sales and are willing to pay $500 to get it then go to a community college or university and enroll in marketing/business classes. Don't trust anyone who promises you work only if you'll pay something up front. Check and double check anyone making such claims; protect yourself and your interests.

I don't know if this opperation is technically illegal but their methods are certainly suspect in my eyes. I have sent letters to the state AG's office and other relevant individuals/offices. I certainly think their practices should be reviewed.

I hate to think of people, desperate for a job lead, getting caught by these people and rooked into forking over $499 they just don't have. I saw many such cases in my class. I would bet that many of the people in there would suffer from the "tuition" and the shaddy dealings related to this dealership and Automax.

It isn't any wonder people don't like going to the car dealership for anything. Who would want to? Especially at a dealership like this one that not only tricks its customers it tricks its employees!

It smears the honest car dealers and salesmen out there (which there are some). It is a disgrace to the business to treat people so poorly. I know I will never do business with that dealership (or any dealership I have found to do business through Automax).

Stick... what does your post have to do with this individual's issue? You're ranting again about how horrible car dealers are, but you have done nothing to attempt to help this person with their issue. If all you're going to do is scream from the rooftops about the horrors of the car business you're going to lose your credibility. You're coming across as someone who couldn't cut it selling cars and just has a bad case of sour grapes.

Your heart is in the right place, in trying to protect people from being being taken advantage of, but you're not really accomplishing anything lately. You rant and rave about Attorney Generals, radio stations, newspapers, and television stations... but you don't actually say anything contructive to the people who've been wronged. Let's get back on track here.

George,

Do you have any idea what salespeople have to put up with these days due to attitudes of people like you. Carsalesmen are men and women with families and mortgages just like everyone else, not a bunch os scum and liars as you propose. In the age of the internet if anyone gets ripped off by a car deal THEY DESERVE IT, what other industry can you find out from a 1000 websites what the cost of the product is to the comsumer, what the trade is worth, the best interest rates, etc. etc. etc. Knock off the car salesmen lair, outdated steroetype crap from the 60's. You want to list a bunch of complaints about an industry of proffesionals, why not list articles on lawyers, doctors, stock brokers or politicians, oh yeah there greed only kills people or wipes out there life savings but god-forbid you pay to much for a car YOU KNOW THE COST TO ANYWAY.

George,

Do you have any idea what salespeople have to put up with these days due to attitudes of people like you. Carsalesmen are men and women with families and mortgages just like everyone else, not a bunch os scum and liars as you propose. In the age of the internet if anyone gets ripped off by a car deal THEY DESERVE IT, what other industry can you find out from a 1000 websites what the cost of the product is to the comsumer, what the trade is worth, the best interest rates, etc. etc. etc. Knock off the car salesmen lair, outdated steroetype crap from the 60's. You want to list a bunch of complaints about an industry of proffesionals, why not list articles on lawyers, doctors, stock brokers or politicians, oh yeah there greed only kills people or wipes out there life savings but god-forbid you pay to much for a car YOU KNOW THE COST TO ANYWAY.

George,

Do you have any idea what salespeople have to put up with these days due to attitudes of people like you. Carsalesmen are men and women with families and mortgages just like everyone else, not a bunch os scum and liars as you propose. In the age of the internet if anyone gets ripped off by a car deal THEY DESERVE IT, what other industry can you find out from a 1000 websites what the cost of the product is to the comsumer, what the trade is worth, the best interest rates, etc. etc. etc. Knock off the car salesmen lair, outdated steroetype crap from the 60's. You want to list a bunch of complaints about an industry of proffesionals, why not list articles on lawyers, doctors, stock brokers or politicians, oh yeah there greed only kills people or wipes out there life savings but god-forbid you pay to much for a car YOU KNOW THE COST TO ANYWAY.

George,

Do you have any idea what salespeople have to put up with these days due to attitudes of people like you. Carsalesmen are men and women with families and mortgages just like everyone else, not a bunch os scum and liars as you propose. In the age of the internet if anyone gets ripped off by a car deal THEY DESERVE IT, what other industry can you find out from a 1000 websites what the cost of the product is to the comsumer, what the trade is worth, the best interest rates, etc. etc. etc. Knock off the car salesmen lair, outdated steroetype crap from the 60's. You want to list a bunch of complaints about an industry of proffesionals, why not list articles on lawyers, doctors, stock brokers or politicians, oh yeah there greed only kills people or wipes out there life savings but god-forbid you pay to much for a car YOU KNOW THE COST TO ANYWAY.

George,

Do you have any idea what salespeople have to put up with these days due to attitudes of people like you. Carsalesmen are men and women with families and mortgages just like everyone else, not a bunch os scum and liars as you propose. In the age of the internet if anyone gets ripped off by a car deal THEY DESERVE IT, what other industry can you find out from a 1000 websites what the cost of the product is to the comsumer, what the trade is worth, the best interest rates, etc. etc. etc. Knock off the car salesmen lair, outdated steroetype crap from the 60's. You want to list a bunch of complaints about an industry of proffesionals, why not list articles on lawyers, doctors, stock brokers or politicians, oh yeah there greed only kills people or wipes out there life savings but god-forbid you pay to much for a car YOU KNOW THE COST TO ANYWAY. Jerk

George,

Do you have any idea what salespeople have to put up with these days due to attitudes of people like you. Carsalesmen are men and women with families and mortgages just like everyone else, not a bunch os scum and liars as you propose. In the age of the internet if anyone gets ripped off by a car deal THEY DESERVE IT, what other industry can you find out from a 1000 websites what the cost of the product is to the comsumer, what the trade is worth, the best interest rates, etc. etc. etc. Knock off the car salesmen lair, outdated steroetype crap from the 60's. You want to list a bunch of complaints about an industry of proffesionals, why not list articles on lawyers, doctors, stock brokers or politicians, oh yeah there greed only kills people or wipes out there life savings but god-forbid you pay to much for a car YOU KNOW THE COST TO ANYWAY. Jerk

George,

Do you have any idea what salespeople have to put up with these days due to attitudes of people like you. Carsalesmen are men and women with families and mortgages just like everyone else, not a bunch os scum and liars as you propose. In the age of the internet if anyone gets ripped off by a car deal THEY DESERVE IT, what other industry can you find out from a 1000 websites what the cost of the product is to the comsumer, what the trade is worth, the best interest rates, etc. etc. etc. Knock off the car salesmen lair, outdated steroetype crap from the 60's. You want to list a bunch of complaints about an industry of proffesionals, why not list articles on lawyers, doctors, stock brokers or politicians, oh yeah there greed only kills people or wipes out there life savings but god-forbid you pay to much for a car YOU KNOW THE COST TO ANYWAY. Jerk

George,

Do you have any idea what salespeople have to put up with these days due to attitudes of people like you. Carsalesmen are men and women with families and mortgages just like everyone else, not a bunch os scum and liars as you propose. In the age of the internet if anyone gets ripped off by a car deal THEY DESERVE IT, what other industry can you find out from a 1000 websites what the cost of the product is to the comsumer, what the trade is worth, the best interest rates, etc. etc. etc. Knock off the car salesmen lair, outdated steroetype crap from the 60's. You want to list a bunch of complaints about an industry of proffesionals, why not list articles on lawyers, doctors, stock brokers or politicians, oh yeah there greed only kills people or wipes out there life savings but god-forbid you pay to much for a car YOU KNOW THE COST TO ANYWAY. Jerk

Ralphin Glendale I think that these new sales people are in for a rude awakening soon. I know how many in the auto indusrty work. Many dealers will only hire people that they feel are willing to bend the sales truth to pad the size of their pay check.

Soon many sales people will be listed on this site just like many others that have Rip Off Reports that are disceptive and misleading in the auto industry.

I know that there are about 20 sales training programers out there that say they are going to teach people how to sell cars. Maybe you and I both could say that they too could not make it in selling cars.

Here below is some informative reading for all you want to be car sales people. Now you think about this. Do you want to be in an industry that might train you on the insider secrets on how to Rip Off people to increase the size of your next pay check?

Read this Rip Off Report. Car dealers being untruthful happens everyday.
www.badbusinessbureau.com/reports/ripoff143416.htm

Go look to what this car owner has had done to her by somebody in the auto industry.
www.badbusinessbureau.com/reports/ripoff139010.htm

Look what this hid had to do to get his $2000 down payment back. No car buyer shouls have to call the Police to get his or her money back. Big problem is the state of Arizona will not spank car dealers. This Rip Off Report had some GREAT PHOTOs
www.badbusinessbureau.com/reports/ripoff138219.htm

Here is a guy that was a car salesman. He says he was told to lie to car buyers.
www.badbusinessbureau.com/reports/ripoff139957.htm

Here is some more good reading for you people that want to sell cars.
www.badbusinessbureau.com/reports/ripoff139586.htm

Here is some more good reading for you people that want to sell SLEDS!
www.badbusinessbureau.com/reports/ripoff135416.htm

It would not surprise me if many in the auto industry use fake names when talking to car buyers. This way if they ever get out of this industry they can use their real name and nobody would relate them to the auto industry.

If you beome a dirty car sales person you might get in trouble with the law.

Look at what happend to these car dealers.
www.oag.state.ny.us/press/2003/mar/mar18b_03.html www.oag.state.ny.us/press/1999/dec/dec06b_99.html www.oag.state.ny.us/press/2002/feb/feb28b_02.html www.oag.state.ny.us/press/2002/nov/nov07b_02.html www.oag.state.ny.us/press/2001/dec/dec13b_01.html

My hat is Off to Eliot Spitzer is a man that all consumers in New York should thank. He has the balls to spank car dealers that are reported to be playing deceptive car buying games.

It is a shame I can't say the same about other AG's. Maybe one day I can chat about other AGs.

I have been in the Automobile business for 20 plus years, and when I read this rip-off report, it reminded me of many people who tried and failed in the Automobile business. The fact is, in my opinion, Automax is basically a head hunter for dealerships, only they actually give you some basic training for your job! Most head hunting agencies that I have run across charge $4-5,000 for doing less than what, it appears, Automax is willing to do for people. These head hunters do not promise you anything. It appears Automax at least gives you a little training and an opportunity to get into a field thatyou can make a lot of money in. I think you are betraying the public because of your sour grapes!!

I also responded to a similar ad. I however had a rewarding experience. Let's review the comments made and contrast them with my thoughts. I will respond by each paragraph.

1) Jessica Lockerd is the owner's daughter.

2) The interviewer has a number of test questions he will ask you. Depending on your response he will invite you for the training class that involves a fee. The trainer gets paid on the number of people who complete the 3 day class. Of course the trainer wants everyone who walks in the door to complete the training session. They have to ascertain which candidates they think are worth the effort. In my case 16 were interviewed and 6 were invited.

3)I was never told anyone was guarenteed a posistion. Yes it is a long day with a lot of information. I was serious and wrote down everything so I could review at night to reinforce what I learned. After the first day we were interviewed to see if we found value so far and to "cough up" the fee of $588. That was a suprise as I was told in the intitial interview that it involved a "reasonable fee". I was thinking about $150. Only 3 of us decided to commit. None of us had the money and wrote post dated checks. We figured we would get the money back if we "stuck it out" with the dealership if we got hired. All 3 of us were hired. Big Suprise. The dealership only pays $150 a week salary with no benefits. If we only sell enough cars to feed ourselves they are ahead.

4) You were not hired? I can only guess from your attitude about hours and commuting time they gathered you were not very serious about your new career. I drive an hour each way. I get an hour a day for lunch or dinner. I run across the street to a fast food place and eat at my desk. Anytime I'm not available for an "UP", I've lost the opportunity to make money.

5) Charles Branson called me and told me about the services he and Automax would avail themselves to me at anytime.

In conclusion, I have been at this dealership since July. I got reimbursed by the dealership to the day upon reaching 90 days. November, I made bonus for exceeding sales expectations. I am enjoying my new career and making money.

It is unfortunate your experience with Automax was so negative. Your claim of fraudulent activity is unfounded. You are responsible for yor own success or failure.