Cherryone Web Design Consumer BEWARE!!! Shoddy Work, Unprofessionalism, Broken Promises! Chicago Illinois

I contracted with Cherryone Web Design in April of 2007 for a website development project. Prior to signing a contract, I spoke extensively with a certain representative about my project and brought in copies of the sites documents, including the site map, artwork, a design and text for each page. I was told by two representatives a project manager and a marketing director that the project would take 6-8 weeks to complete. The initial project timeline and costs were mapped out as follows:
Start the project pay $3025 (I paid this)
Sign off on a design pay $1500 (I paid this)
Launch the website pay remaining $1500

By my last conversation with a Cherryone manager, it had been close to 9 months. Now, initially it took longer than expected for me to sign off on a design, but that decision was made in May. I was given several launch dates per a manager, the first being in August of 2007 and the last being in October of 2007. In January, the project was still not complete. When I talked with a manager on January 8th, he blamed me for the fact that the project was still not complete. He claimed that I had been constantly changing things. However, when taking a look at the original documents, I hadnt made any changes. I actually left things out. When I called with concerns, they were primarily concerns about form and functionality. I did not want to seem over-bearing, so I would call one week and would not call again for a couple of weeks. Then when I did call, I would be calling about the same stuff asking for the same changes to be made. I did not ask for any major changes. I just wanted what was promised me.

Now, on January 8th, in a conversation with a manager, I did become upset and impatient. The manager blamed the length of time that the project had taken on me. He yelled and he used profanity (by the way, I had him on speaker and three people in the office with me). I told the manager that if he continued to yell at me, I would hang up. He continued to yell and, as I reached to disconnect him, he said that he was canceling my contract. I immediately called back and told him that canceling my project was fine, but I would be expecting a total refund. I told him that I would be retaining an attorney to help me with this matter. That is exactly what I have done. However, in consulting with my attorney and speaking with several website design companies, I have decided that all I want are the project files. I paid $4500 towards a project that will not be finished with Cherryone. I paid for a service for which I have nothing tangible. I consulted with a different website development firm, and was told that I own the project files and should be in possession of them. The firm also told me that since my project is a new idea, Cherryone should have given me a timeline of 6-8 months, not 6-8 weeks. I do not want to go into litigation because, win or lose, it is an expensive inconvenience for both parties. All I want are the project files. I want to cut all ties with Cherryone as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Today, I have filed complaints with the States Attorney General, Lisa Madigan, with the FTC, and with the BBB. I suggest you all do the same.

Soyini
Blue Island, Illinois
U.S.A.