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Report: #990966

Complaint Review: Ripoff Report | Symmetry Financial Group - Ashville North Carolina

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  • Reported By: Gary — Chicago Illinois U.S.A.
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  • Symmetry Financial Group Ashville, North Carolina United States of America

Symmetry Financial Group REVIEW: Symmetry Financial Group clients, feel safe, confident & secure when doing business with SFG. Symmetry is committed to employee satisfaction & success along with exceptional client experiences. Commitment to Ripoff Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program, A program that benefits the consumer, assures them of complete satisfaction & confidence when doing business. Swannanoa, North Carolina


*UPDATE: Symmetry Financial Group is recognized by Ripoff Report Verifiedâ„¢ as a Safe business service.

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REVIEW UPDATE: June 6, 2018: Symmetry Financial Group remains committed to increased customer satisfaction and has improved their business practices over the years to better serve their customers. Symmetry Financial Group is truly dedicated to making sure their customers are satisfied and that any complaints which do arise are addressed promptly and fairly.

To date, Symmetry Financial Group has made good faith efforts to resolve all complaints reported on Ripoff Report. Based on our experience, the member business has proven to be among the top members of the Ripoff Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction Program as a Verified Safe Business™.

Over time and since becoming a member, Symmetry Financial Group has remained actively engaged and improving the way they address customer service complaints. As an active and current member of the Ripoff Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction Program we are happy to report that now more than ever Symmetry Financial Group 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.

Ripoff Report Verified™ REVIEW:

Editor’s UPDATE: A positive rating and recognition has been given to Symmetry Financial Group for their above average commitment to making the insurance business profitable for both agents and agency builders.

Ripoff Report’s discussions with SFG have uncovered a genuine enthusiasm by the company to uphold this commitment. Agents with Symmetry can expect that the company will work towards providing not only the best opportunities available, but will do so with the highest levels of integrity and knowledge.  SFG leadership has drawn upon over 100 years of cumulative experience in the insurance industry and have pooled their expertise to create a model that is truly revolutionary.

Symmetry Financial Group stated that they are truthfully committed to sharing the wealth of opportunity, all while delivering high levels of service and training to their sales forces.  As successful businessmen, SFG’s owners know that this philosophy is a key component to ensuring short-term and long-term success in any business.

A top manager with Symmetry recently said this of the company’s leadership, “Having come from the largest financial institution in the United States, where leadership was talked about often but rarely developed, I have been extremely impressed by not only the leaders of the company but how often they are speaking of and implementing growth all the way down to an individual level.” 


Symmetry Financial Group is Rip-off Report Verified
Ripoff Report Verified™ .. part of Ripoff 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..

..The information provided in this report is based on comments made by Casey Watkins and Brandon Ellison during an on-site inspection held by a third party verification company with no biases toward Symmetry Financial Group.  

Symmetry Financial Group (SFG) is a company that gains access to public records such as loans that were financed and data from certain age groups.  The company’s target market for clients would be people who have financed loans, recent home buyers, and people who are between the ages of 55-80 who want to make sure burial expenses are taken care of with retirement protection. Brandon stated, “Seniors are outliving their money.”  The company works with agents who are self-motivated and want to make money part time or full time.  Symmetry Financial Group feels they are a franchise opportunity with a much lower cost which sets them apart from others.

The company sends out forms from a mail house explaining what their product are and if customer is interested they will fill form out and mail it back in with information such as age, race, height weight, and smoking status, etc. An agent can then purchase that lead from SFG for a cost of $16-$42.  The agent can then set up a meeting with the client or customer and explain potential options for coverage.  Leads are generated by the forms that are returned from potential customers.  These leads are then purchased by agents and the agents then make contact with the potential customer.  The process for closing a sale is based on the client dealing with the agent and then agreeing on a policy that works for that client.

An agent never has to buy leads from Symmetry Financial Group.  Every time an agent does purchase a lead, its costs SFG money.  However, sales are much less likely without these leads.  An agent’s main goal in working with the company is to sell insurance to people and families that need these services.  If an agent never wants to buy build a lead.  Their main job is to sell product. Casy Watkins states, “SFG does not pay agents.  Commissions pass through insurance companies.  SFG does offer incentives but that’s the only payment SFG has with agents.” The company states they try to get the message out to everyone that all leads will not turn into sales and that you must have thick skin.  All leads have potential but are not guaranteed. 

  The company states “Very few promises are made to agents; SFG promises to treat everyone fairly and promise not to take money from them.  Agents will be released as long as agents do not owe SFG money and allowed to sell for other people.  Clients are not promised anything from SFG because SFG is the ‘middle-man.’” Brandon Ellison went onto explain that as an agent working for SFG one may promise a client to always answer any questions they may have regarding their business, however SFG itself does not promise anything to clients.  When a client is not happy with their expectations, SFG will work with client to produce refunds if necessary, however this is rare.  SFG will talk to agent and client and figure out best solution to remedy the problem.

Internally, the company is working to set the correct expectations and establish more training while getting agents to understand their role and that they represent Symmetry Financial Group. The company states that many complaints come from agents and setting better expectations can help with this.  They are making active approaches to remedy concerns and working to create better hands on training and software to get reports out faster to agents.  The company is also focused on getting agents to be more business minded and managing expectations.

Symmetry Financial Group states that because there are so many agents and managers, the company rarely sees complaints.  Sometimes clients will complain to SFG for something that the Insurance Company messed up; however this is not SFG’s problem in almost all cases.  They stated that complaints are resolved by talking to the client and explaining the issue to them in a non-defensive manner.  Agents will complain to SFG that that they are trying to make money selling leads. However, SFG actually loses money selling leads and would rather agents attain these leads on their own to save costs, but the leads are there for the agents if needed. 

  Casey Watkins stated that, “Complaints on Ripoff Report were factually not true in many instances.” Furthermore, he emphasized complaints on Ripoff Report are not possible to resolve.  A recent complaint involved a misunderstanding between an insurance company and client where insurance company was drafting a premium and the client did not want the policy anymore. A miscommunication lead to the policy not being canceled and client was unhappy.  They stated that many of these types of complaints are outside the control of SFG; however SFG will do whatever they can to make clients happy.  SFG in this instance personally got on the phone with the client and explained to them it was a misunderstanding and that the issue had been resolved. Mr. Watkins stated “Complaints from clients at SFG is like buying a Toyota and the alternator goes out. It’s not really the dealerships fault that this happened. It is more the manufacturer of the Toyota, however many people need someone to blame.”

Furthermore, the main thing that SFG tries to explain to their employees is that they are in the service industry and to not be argumentative while always doing what’s best for client.  Some complaints from clients are from agents losing their tempers and maybe arguing and upsetting clients.  The company tries to remind agents to take a deep breath and don’t get emotionally involved.  SFG regularly checks up on agents to ensure satisfactory service is being rendered.

Symmetry Financial Group stated that they have not changed much because the complaints on Ripoff Report as the complaints are not addressing changes the company can make. They state there is no validity to the complaints that are out there now.  Employees are taught to treat all clients with the utmost respect.  All SFG can talk to the agents and tell them they represent the company, however, the reality is SFG cannot control every single agent and sometimes clients become unhappy.  Agents are very competitive and take it personal when they are being outdone by a fellow co-worker.  They stated that SFG continues to get better and hiring quality agents which is the easiest way to ensure customer satisfaction. 

The company states they are happy to be a part of the Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction Program because it allows customers to get to know SFG better and to see the truth about the company who they are.  However, they feel that up to this point Ripoff Report has been one sided and is inaccurate thus far.  If it gives SFG the opportunity to turn negatives to positives they are very happy with it. 

Statements from Symmetry Financial Group

  Symmetry’s field agents often express the confidence they have in the system in place. One new SFG agent said, “The great mentoring and support, humble leadership, great system, and abundant resources I’ve found with SFG saved me from leaving the insurance industry”.  This is one of the many positive feedbacks we received while conducting research on Symmetry and very in tune with what other agents have to say.

Symmetry Financial Group is serious about providing a unique and genuine opportunity.  Employee feedback and surveys continuously produce reports similar to the following, "SFG is the perfect vehicle for me to help people, not just through insurance but by empowering them to have their own company."  Rip-off Report was also pleased to learn that SFG’s past and current approach to business is focused on its pledge to its agents success.  When we asked employees what advise they had for upper management, these are some of the responses, “I appreciate all you do for us and your willingness to put your time and energy to help us become better. The system you have in place is allowing me to do what I was meant to do!” and “Keep the innovative thought process coming for our industry”

STATED IMPROVEMENTS FROM SYMMETRY FINANCIAL GROUP.

Symmetry Financial Group recognizes that complaints posted on Ripoff Report (whether true or not) are issues requiring attention and are not to be ignored.  When handled correctly, complaints are valuable learning opportunities. With the feedback generated by Rip-off Report’s Investigation, Symmetry Financial Group has examined every complaint independently and worked to resolve and/or clarify where any issue may have stemmed from.

In summary, after Ripoff Reports investigation and 3rd party review, which included discussions with Symmetry’s owners, Ripoff Report is convinced that SFG is committed to providing a quality and beneficial service to its employees and clients.

Read more about why consumers should feel confident when doing business with a member of Rip-off Report's Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program. Yes, it’s a long name for a program that does a lot for both consumers and businesses alike.

Read about Ripoff 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. 

As a matter of policy, when a business becomes a member of the Corporate Advocacy Program they agree to allow Ripoff Report to contact every client who filed a complaint so they can make things right with them.  In order to confirm that the complaints were resolved, Ripoff Report is copied on all responses so we can insure that the member business did right by their customer ..  

NOW TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT THAT WAS FILED    
-------------------------------------------------
 

Symmetry Financial Group SFG The TRUTH about Symmetry from the Inside Ashville, North Carolina

Let's begin.

First the company DOES make money from leads that you must buy.  $24 for A leads, $8 for B leads, not bad right?  The leads   are horrible.  I received 250 "Fresh" A leads and when I contacted them, some were Dead, others had no idea who I was and why I was calling,  When I followed their script, these people had no clue and didn't want any mortgage protection. 

Mortgage protection is a dying/dead market right now.  Many people are under water and could care less about protecting a mortgage at face value since the house isn't worth it.  They do have final expense but push MP

Third, the company is run by two "good ol' boys" and a handful of regulars...these are the people who make ALL the money.  I have spoken with several agents all of them have told me they have second jobs to support themselves and their families.   THeir commissions start at 50%..one of the lowest in the industry.  Like NAA they encourage you to recruit, which I did..my people were ther for months and never made a dime...one had been in insurance for 10 years so I take it he knew what he was doing. 

Do your due diligence BEFORE signing up with this company....they are NOT who they say they are.  You will NEVER be part of their network..it is a very closed group of people.  They will hire anybody as long as you have a pulse.  

I have a bad taste in my mouth,,,oh one last thing, when you decide to leavem which you will, you will wait 1-2 months before they will release you...why?  Who knows...

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 01/03/2013 08:22 PM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/symmetry-financial-group/ashville-north-carolina-/symmetry-financial-group-sfg-the-truth-about-symmetry-from-the-inside-ashville-north-caro-990966. 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. READ: Foreign websites steal our content

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REBUTTALS & REPLIES:
0Author
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0Employee/Owner

#1 UPDATE Employee

Let's set the record straight

AUTHOR: jnwiseguy - (United States of America)

POSTED: Thursday, January 24, 2013

 I'm not sure if this is just an underhanded flaming attempt by a competitor, but it's clear that this poster either never worked for Symmetry or is extremely confused, because the "facts" here aren't even close to true.  

First of all, generating good leads is extremely expensive.  Symmetry pays between $40-75 to generate each lead. I buy new leads for $26.  What that means is that Symmetry invests in each one and if they were bad we'd both go broke.  In fact, only agents that have proven that they're doing a good job for the customers are allowed to buy new leads, exactly for that reason.  Nobody, not even the most competent broker, buys 250 of them.  Let alone someone who this is clearly a bad fit for.  They'd never allow that.

I generally buy 10 of them per week, which usually yields 8 appointments and 4-7K production.  I'm thrilled to shell out $260 for 10 families I can help and turn that into $2500 in my paycheck the next week.  In other words, I have a business with 10-15% overhead.  That's a pretty darn good margin, and I'm thrilled to have that opportunity.  The families I see are usually receptive, grateful, and come back to me when they need anything else.  My retention is at 91%. 

I came on with SFG 5 months ago with my family on food stamps.  The leadership gave of their
time and resources, showed me how to make money honestly in this business, and I'm on track to make
75K or more this year after expenses.  The training has been excellent, the people have deep integrity, and I've never worked for a more generous company.  

It hasn't been easy.  I almost quit in my second month because I hit a rut, but my mentors came alongside me and coached me through it.  Have I had to invest in this business with my time and turn a percentage of my profits back into leads?  Yes, because this is legitimate business and not a get-rich-quick scheme.

As to whether the market is dead or the leads are bad or the inner group is closed or any of that other hogwash you're throwing out there, results are what talks.  SFG has doubled in size every year, I can afford to send my little girl to a good school because of the leads I buy, my clientele are thrilled to have somebody who cares help them, and I'm mentoring others in learning this business too.  I owe them that because of how much people invested in me when I came on.  
 
It's not perfect, and it's not for everybody, but SFG is the company I've been looking for all my life, and everybody I know who works here is thrilled to be a part of it.  

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