QuickCert , Specialized Solution Misleading Advertisement with Bogus Guarantees- - Clearwater Florida

On or about 08/08/07, I received a call from Mr. Alan Darulla to introduce his MCSE Training Product. He alleges that if I study and understand all the material is this training course, I am guaranteed to pass the Microsoft Exams. So, I used my credit card to purchase this Online Training Course over the telephone.

However, after studying and understanding all the material in the Training Package for the Microsoft 70-270 Exam, I am unable to pass this Exam Test. Furthermore, I am able to easily answer correctly all 210 study questions in this study Pak for this course. It is evidence that this material alone does not equip me to pass this exam.

First, I am seeking the $125.00 paid to take the Microsoft 70-270 Exam. Next, I am seeking a refund in the amount of $1150.00 plus appicable tax I paid for the Training Course.

BELOW IS THE COMPLAINT FILED WITH BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

Better Business Bureau of West Florida, Inc.
COMPLAINT ACTIVITY REPORT Case # 67096632
Consumer Info: Williams, Ronald Business Info:Specialized Solutions
8333 Cottage Hill CT
24703 US Highway 19 N Ste 200
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Clearwater, FL 33763-5004-
301 640-2230 727 669-1415

Location Involved:(Same as above)

Consumer's Original Complaint :
I purchased the MCSE Certification Package whreby I was informed that this Study Program will guarntee that I will pass the certification exams providing I study and understand all the material in this package for each exam. Well, I study the 70-270 material and understand all of the material for this exam. Also, I'm able to answer correctly all 210 questions in the package for this exam. However, I take the exam and very few questions I am able to answer correctly from studying this preparation course.

Consumer's Desired Resolution:
First, I am seeking to be reimbursed $125.00 for the exam fee. Secondly, if the company cannot provide material that will better prepare me for these exams, then, I am requesting a refund of $1150.00, the cost of the training package.

BBB Processing

09/12/2007 web BBB Case Received by BBB
09/14/2007 LAG MAIL ADR Complaint Rec'd Call Company
09/18/2007 OttO BBB MIP Member timeline
09/18/2007 LAG MAIL Call/Email Business
09/24/2007 OttO BBB MIP Member timeline
09/24/2007 LAG BBB MORE INFO RECEIVED FROM THE CONSUMER : On or about 08/08/07, I received a call from Mr. Alan Darulla to introduce his MCSE Training Product. He alleges that if I study and understand all the material is this training course, I am guaranteed to pass the Microsoft Exams. So, I used my credit card to purchase this Online Training Course over the telephone. However, after studying and understanding all the material in the Training Package for the Microsoft 70-270 Exam, I am unable to pass this Exam Test. Furthermore, I am able to easily answer correctly all 210 study questions in this study Pak for this course. It is evidence that this material alone does not equip me to pass this exam.

First, I am seeking the $125.00 paid to take the Microsoft 70-270 Exam. Next, I am seeking a refund in the amount of $1150.00 plus appicable tax I paid for the Training Course.
09/25/2007 LAG MAIL Call/Email Business
09/28/2007 LAG MAIL ADR Rec'd answer/settlement offer call consumer
10/01/2007 LAG MAIL ADR CONSUMER REBUTTALS B OFFER CALL COMPANY : Laura Gainey,

In the letter from Specialize Solution, it appears that this company want you to think that my decision to take the exam in less than 30 days had an adverse affect in passing the Microsoft Certification Exam. Furthermore, they informed you that Test Applicants should be able to score a 96% or higher on the practice iexams. Well, as mentioned earlier, I studied digently for this exam and my passisng score on the practice exam was 100% the day of the Certification Exam.

In additon to these comments, they are denying that I call to seek assistance on why I did not pass the exam. On 09/12/07, I first spoke with Alan Darula, who instructed me to call back and ask to speak with an Instructor for this course. When I called back, the receptionist tells me there are no Instructors, but Alan probally meant for me to talk to someone in Tech Support. She connected me to a personnel in Tech Support who then take my concern and contact information. Afterward, he tells me that someone will contact me the same day. As of yet, no one from this company call to assist me in this matter. Attached is the company statement of Guarantees.

As mentioned earlier, This purchas was conducted over the telephone using my Visa Card. Mr. Alan Darulla stated he will send me a receipt of the purchase but I do not remember receiving this receipt. However, I will send you a bank statement reflecting the $1150.88 that was debited from my account on 08/10/07. Please let me know if you need additional information. Again, thank you for your effort in resolving this matter.
10/08/2007 OttO BBB MIP Member timeline
10/12/2007 LAG MAIL ADR Fax/Mail rebuttal to company
10/18/2007 OttO BBB MIP Member timeline
10/18/2007 BBB MORE INFO RECEIVED FROM THE BUSINESS : Our position has not changed. We wrote that his taking the certification exam within 30 days "may have contributed" to his not-passing. We acknowledged that he called into Educational Support but he did not ask questions regarding content, or for pointers on how to pass the exam - he only complained about the training in general. The guarantee is still available to Mr. Williams until 2/9/08. Should he fail to pass the same exam a second time within this time frame, he would be eligible for a refund on the course that he failed. Absent this guarantee all sales are final and Mr. Williams agreed to the terms and conditions of sale at the time he activated his account. We wish Mr. Williams the best as he continues to pursue his IT certifications. Thank you.
10/19/2007 LAG MAIL ADR Rec'd answer/settlement offer call consumer

10/24/07 LETTER I WRITE TO BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

RE: Case # 67096632: Specialized Solutions

As a reply to the company last correspondence in regards to the unique structure of this Guarantee, the company states The guarantee is still available to Mr. Williams until 2/9/08. Should he fail to pass the same exam a second time within this time frame, he would be eligible for a refund on the course that he failed. Absent this guarantee all sales are final and Mr. Williams agreed to the terms and conditions of sale at the time he activated his account. Furthermore, the company also states we wish Mr. Williams the best as he continues to pursue his IT certifications.

Well, let us further examine the uniqueness of the company Guarantee Policy for a more detailed description. First, you purchase the Total MCSE 2003 Package that consists of 8 courses to include the SYO-101: CompTIA Security. So, let us do a breakdown of how the guarantee works according to the company earlier reply. The total cost of the MCSE 2003 Course Package is $1099 plus tax. If I understand the guarantee, you pay the cost to fail the exam two times in the amount of $125.00 each. So lets see how this work:

1.First, we determine the cost of each course by dividing the number of courses (8) into the total cost of the Training Package (1099.00).
2.Next we will determine the amount we will need to spend for each test exam course before becoming eligible for a refund according to this guarantee.
3.Now we will do the calculations:

1099 divided by 8 = 137.37 Refund amount for each course

125.00 X 2 = 250.00 Test expense to be eligible for refund amount

250.00 X 8 = 2000 Total amount need to spend in order to be eligible for a full refund of 1099.00

So, in order to receive the $137.37 refund for each course failed, we will need to first spend $250.00 according to this guarantee. In order to receive the full refund amount of $1099.00, we will need to first spend $2000.00. This by far is one of the most deceivable forms of advertisement known in todays Business Industry. This kind of Guarantee should require a more detailed description so that consumers can make better choices that reflect their best interest.

Although the company is quick to place emphasis on this bogus Guarantee, they place absolutely no significance on Customer Satisfaction. It is quite sadden as well as unfortunate that we must still guard ourselves from such domestic deceptions in the Business Industry. This type of misconception in Business Advertisement should be subject to further scrutiny so that others are not tyrannized by such inconsiderate Business Practices.

Ron
Gaithersburg, Maryland
U.S.A.