Bill Clark's ATA Black Belt - ASF International Bill Dishonest and Unfair Business Practices Taking advantage of consumers Jacksonville, Florida Jacksonville Florida

Although I can't speak for the actions of the ATA or Master Clark's organization, I can speak on behalf of other Non-ATA Martial Arts schools who use ASF for their billing services. I own Abatecola's USA Karate, located in Pawtucket, RI. We are not an ATA affiliated school, but we do employ ASF for our tuition billing services. What people need to know is simple: ASF is just a billing company that works for the school they represent. If ASF takes a hardliner approach, its only because that's the way their client wants it.

I have used ASF for about 6-7 years now and I have rarely had a customer complaint. It is policy for my school not to treat people like a number. If a student wishes to terminate their relationship with my school, they are free to do so without penalty so long as they discuss their reasons with me first. That is my only condition. I have never refused to cancel a contract. The cancellation meeting gives me the opportunity to learn where or what the problem is and attempt to correct it. The only contracts I don't cancel are the rare ones where a client simply "disappears" and doesn't let us know they have left. This policy has helped maintain the extremely positive image and reputation we have in our area.

ASF's customer service staff is excellent. They have never mishandled any of my student's accounts and any errors that are discovered are corrected without question. (They also speak English very well!) They have never refused to do whatever I asked in regards to my student's contracts.

There is a growing wave of people who despise using contracts; most likely due to the actions of schools like those listed on this site. What people need to understand is that a good contract protects both the school and the student. For example a good contract can provide legal help to the student who's school suddenly closes; taking everyone's money in the process.

In closing, just remember this: Not all schools operate the same way. Use a little business sense: Look before you leap. Read before you sign. Keep copies of everything. Don't be afraid to ask questions from anybody (staff, clients, and students) and don't ever feel pushed or obligated into anything!

Train because you want to, not because you have too.

Shihan Tony Abatecola
Master Instructor, 5th Dan
USA Karate Pawtucket
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CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

Mr. Anand never contacted ASF International regarding this issue. Also, we do not handle the cancellation procedures for ATA. They handle all of their own cancellations. In this case, ASF International was powerless to do anything for this customer.

Chris Peterson
Customer Relations Manager
ASF International