KBN Promotions Job, Free work, interview, Car Wax, toys for tots, D.A.R.E., pyramid scheme Woburn, Boston Massachusetts

This was by far the worst & strangest job interview I've ever encountered. Every time I see a job posting for a company I haven't heard of I ALWAYS do my research before submitting my resume. **Note to previous post - you shouldn't assume that people don't do this and blame them. The KBN website was very generic (generic "business" photos and uninformative description). I didn't have a clear understanding of what the position was about, but considering that I was laid off from my previous job and in desperate need for a job I was willing to give it a try and submitted my resume. I was expecting to learn more about the position and company during my interview and was ready with a list of questions.

Just like all the other posts, the entire interview process went exactly the same way for me. So weird about the blasting music in the waiting area - are we interviewing for a nightclub? The first interview was only 5 minutes (if that) and provided no further clarification for me about what this job was really about. They just gave me the same standard info that was on their site. It was a revolving door, they said they were seeing 30 people that day. It was a screening for them to see us but not an opportunity for us to learn more about them. Just like any job you need to make sure it's a good fit for you too, it's a 2 way street.

I was asked which client I'd like to work with and I said I'd prefer D.A.R.E. knowing that it's a non-profit. When I came back for my full day interview/field experience I was matched up with an employee and was told to ride with her. I thought this was strange but didn't want to ruffle any feathers in my interview. Wish I had taken my own car.

On the ride over she was telling me more about how the company works and calling this "event marketing." She told me that KBN does the leg work and D.A.R.E. gets 5%. I immediately thought this wasn't very much going to the charity. She quizzed me by asking where I thought we were heading considering the needs of the client. I thought it was logical to go to a place like a park or zoo where lots of kids and families would be (it was summer) so we could teach about safety. Up to this point, I though this was "event" marketing where we would host an event so families and kids could learn about safety. Instead we pulled up to Best Buy in Dorchester!

Once we arrived I finally learned that we are not teaching anything, there is no event and we would be soliciting all the Best Buy customers leaving the store. She started setting up t-shirts, teddy bears, mugs, books, and more junk to sell. **Note to previous post - I agree that the Kid ID is a great thing but that doesn't make this situation ok. About 20 minutes in I had to walk out (and find a ride back to the office to get my car). I found this to be extremely misleading to all the customers leaving the store. By looking at the banner on the table and all the D.A.R.E. imprinted stuff you'd think you were giving directly to the cause but only 5% is. I don't know of many people who would agree to that if they knew the details up front.

I'm looking for a new job again and have come across an almost identical posting (same job description, same generic website saying the same generic stuff) under a different company name. This one is calling itself Dynasty - they have a very spiffy website but don't let it fool you.

This was by far the worst & strangest job interview I've ever encountered. Every time I see a job posting for a company I haven't heard of I ALWAYS do my research before submitting my resume. **Note to previous post - you shouldn't assume that people don't do this and blame them. The KBN website was very generic (generic "business" photos and uninformative description). I didn't have a clear understanding of what the position was about, but considering that I was laid off from my previous job and in desperate need for a job I was willing to give it a try and submitted my resume. I was expecting to learn more about the position and company during my interview and was ready with a list of questions.

Just like all the other posts, the entire interview process went exactly the same way for me. So weird about the blasting music in the waiting area - are we interviewing for a nightclub? The first interview was only 5 minutes (if that) and provided no further clarification for me about what this job was really about. They just gave me the same standard info that was on their site. It was a revolving door, they said they were seeing 30 people that day. It was a screening for them to see us but not an opportunity for us to learn more about them. Just like any job you need to make sure it's a good fit for you too, it's a 2 way street.

I was asked which client I'd like to work with and I said I'd prefer D.A.R.E. knowing that it's a non-profit. When I came back for my full day interview/field experience I was matched up with an employee and was told to ride with her. I thought this was strange but didn't want to ruffle any feathers in my interview. Wish I had taken my own car.

On the ride over she was telling me more about how the company works and calling this "event marketing." She told me that KBN does the leg work and D.A.R.E. gets 5%. I immediately thought this wasn't very much going to the charity. She quizzed me by asking where I thought we were heading considering the needs of the client. I thought it was logical to go to a place like a park or zoo where lots of kids and families would be (it was summer) so we could teach about safety. Up to this point, I though this was "event" marketing where we would host an event so families and kids could learn about safety. Instead we pulled up to Best Buy in Dorchester!

Once we arrived I finally learned that we are not teaching anything, there is no event and we would be soliciting all the Best Buy customers leaving the store. She started setting up t-shirts, teddy bears, mugs, books, and more junk to sell. **Note to previous post - I agree that the Kid ID is a great thing but that doesn't make this situation ok. About 20 minutes in I had to walk out (and find a ride back to the office to get my car). I found this to be extremely misleading to all the customers leaving the store. By looking at the banner on the table and all the D.A.R.E. imprinted stuff you'd think you were giving directly to the cause but only 5% is. I don't know of many people who would agree to that if they knew the details up front.

I'm looking for a new job again and have come across an almost identical posting (same job description, same generic website saying the same generic stuff) under a different company name. This one is calling itself Dynasty - they have a very spiffy website but don't let it fool you.

This was by far the worst & strangest job interview I've ever encountered. Every time I see a job posting for a company I haven't heard of I ALWAYS do my research before submitting my resume. **Note to previous post - you shouldn't assume that people don't do this and blame them. The KBN website was very generic (generic "business" photos and uninformative description). I didn't have a clear understanding of what the position was about, but considering that I was laid off from my previous job and in desperate need for a job I was willing to give it a try and submitted my resume. I was expecting to learn more about the position and company during my interview and was ready with a list of questions.

Just like all the other posts, the entire interview process went exactly the same way for me. So weird about the blasting music in the waiting area - are we interviewing for a nightclub? The first interview was only 5 minutes (if that) and provided no further clarification for me about what this job was really about. They just gave me the same standard info that was on their site. It was a revolving door, they said they were seeing 30 people that day. It was a screening for them to see us but not an opportunity for us to learn more about them. Just like any job you need to make sure it's a good fit for you too, it's a 2 way street.

I was asked which client I'd like to work with and I said I'd prefer D.A.R.E. knowing that it's a non-profit. When I came back for my full day interview/field experience I was matched up with an employee and was told to ride with her. I thought this was strange but didn't want to ruffle any feathers in my interview. Wish I had taken my own car.

On the ride over she was telling me more about how the company works and calling this "event marketing." She told me that KBN does the leg work and D.A.R.E. gets 5%. I immediately thought this wasn't very much going to the charity. She quizzed me by asking where I thought we were heading considering the needs of the client. I thought it was logical to go to a place like a park or zoo where lots of kids and families would be (it was summer) so we could teach about safety. Up to this point, I though this was "event" marketing where we would host an event so families and kids could learn about safety. Instead we pulled up to Best Buy in Dorchester!

Once we arrived I finally learned that we are not teaching anything, there is no event and we would be soliciting all the Best Buy customers leaving the store. She started setting up t-shirts, teddy bears, mugs, books, and more junk to sell. **Note to previous post - I agree that the Kid ID is a great thing but that doesn't make this situation ok. About 20 minutes in I had to walk out (and find a ride back to the office to get my car). I found this to be extremely misleading to all the customers leaving the store. By looking at the banner on the table and all the D.A.R.E. imprinted stuff you'd think you were giving directly to the cause but only 5% is. I don't know of many people who would agree to that if they knew the details up front.

I'm looking for a new job again and have come across an almost identical posting (same job description, same generic website saying the same generic stuff) under a different company name. This one is calling itself Dynasty - they have a very spiffy website but don't let it fool you.

Even though it is a scam to the customer cause people actually beleive that their money is going to Dare, I beleive that for the most part the employees are getting scamed on a larger scale. Why don't you explain the fact that no gas is expensed, there are no benefits, and it is totally commision based. Why would an employee want to waste their time putting in that many hours and if they don't "sell" anything they get no money for their time and effort. The biggest part of the scam is that once you finally make it to ownership and you think you have made it you actually screwed again. First they tell you once your an owner you have a great opportunity but once you make it you have to scam more people into becoming owners so you can make money off of them. This business is pathetic no offense to anyone who is in it it really isn't your fault for falling for it the system has been around for ever and has scammed millions including myself. Just chalk it up as a loss however much money you have wasted on the business go home to your family and start from scratch. Just do one thing read the paper work and you'll see these companies aren't liable for anything that happens to you in the field they will leave you out to dry. And owners read your paper work cause quantum has no ties to you not cause its "your own business" but because if something goes wrong they will have no ties to you. and please someone rebut this I am curious to see what you have to say

I also forgot to mention that the products are not a rip off. KidzID cards and the Child Safety CDs are an excellent precautionary measure...heaven forbid your child ever go missing, these are just a few less things you have to worry about. Additionally...Wasted Time and Gas in Mass's title mentioned that people "donating" are also getting ripped off. If a rep ever uses the word "donate" or any variation of that, and someone higher up finds out...it is grounds for being fired. KBN does NOT accept straight donations...there are signs in the office pointing that out. Every amount of money MUST be matched to something on the table, and as I have said before, every customer is supposed to walk away with a receipt. The only donation is if you physically take the product that you bought and place it in a donation box, or donate it to someone else...then it is a donation. KBN reps may NOT accept so much as an extra penny that is not matched to something on the table. KBN also sells things like Disney Encyclopedias, Dare Tees, Balloon Making Kits, etc...fun things for your kids...lots of people stop and pick stuff up as birthday presents or something great for mom and dad (KidzIDCards) Think of it this way...you can buy the Disney Encyclopedia in stores for an extra $5 and all of the money goes back into that corporation...or you can save yourself $5 and know that 5% of that purchase goes into helping a national charity...every penny counts. Most of the people who write bad reports on here never made it past a few days with the company...the company runs on a great theory...if you're strong enough, you can make it.

To: Wasted Time & Gas in Mass

We should all know that when applying for a new job, it's absolutely essential to research the company. KBN is a company that is NOT right for everyone. It requires GREAT work ethic, positive attitude and energy. If you do your research before your interview, you will notice that on the website ( www.kbnpromotions.com ) it is stated that it is a grassroots company. I have noticed several reports stating that this company is a rip off because it keeps 95% of the money. You have to remember that KBN does give back to the charities. Charities ask companies like KBN to do their marketing for them, because it HAS proven to be more effective. This is a business based on impulse. Products sold are not scams. If someone in the field at a table EVER tells you that all of the money goes to a charity...call the media. This is 100% NOT ALLOWED and is something that is preached every day. Every employee is required to give whoever is buying the product a receipt stating this. You can't call this company a ripoff...don't you think that these charities would STOP using Quantum companies if they felt they were ineffective or a ripoff? The fact is that each charity makes money off KBN twice; when 5% is given back and when the company pays for the products that they have sold (as it is a business run on consignment). KBN is commission based. Yes. You have to put in LONG hours, probably 6 days a week, when you start...and it can suck, but the opportunity for advancement within the company is incredible. You can become experienced and own your own company in a year or so....something the company will pay for. But if you don't have a good attitude, and haven't done your research...don't bother....this company is NOT for everyone.

KBN is the biggest scamming company in Boston, right next to those supposedly "elite" model agencies in the city, I went in for an interview last week Thurs 8/7/08; they sent me an email saying that the manager of the company saw my resume on a popular jobs posting website and thought that I potential to work there, it then told me to contact "Jida" their receptionist (if that's even her real name) and to schedule and appointment for an interview the next day. I did as the email requested to do and then from then on I saw nothing but red flags! when I walked in to the sketchy warehouse building in Woburn I walked into loud music playing and only 2 people in the office the receptionist and Kat Norton (the woman that interviewed me) not only was it weird to see only 2 people in an office that was claiming to be such a great company but when I walked Kat's office the first thing she said to me in a rehearsed line was "this is just a meet and greet" see also went on saying that this company is looking to pick 5 people to move onto the second round interviews and that is too speak to the managers of the company, and that I should wait by my phone from 5-6pm because they will call me if they're interested. I did and they called. I went in for my second interview the next day Fri. 8/8/08 at 8:45 am to find out that in fact I would not be speaking to a manager but will be going on site to a CVS in Andover so that I can get an understanding on how the company works I was to stay there from 9-5 with a trainer manager that hounds people to buy D.A.R.E products and scams them into believing that we are there "to promote child safety" BS!!!! the company takes 95% of that profit and supposedly the other 5% goes to D.A.R.E. Well here's the really funny stuff, so in order to get to these events you have to drive in the car with the trainer manager and the first thing she says is "if you don't like what you see then you can leave just remember I have a job to do" We're in a remote area in Andover an area I am not familiar with!! how am I supposed to get home!?!? steal her car! so on the way there she feeding me a bunch of too good to be true information on the company "how in 3 weeks I'll be a trainer manager" and how "in a couple of months I can eventually have enough money to own my own business" just as my interviewer Kat Norton was doing; she was coincidentally; after she hired me; moving to California to do bigger and better things after only being with the company for 9 months (oh and by the way her and her "team" drove to California, they didn't fly they took a road trip!! and "elite" business with "tons" of money sent their employees to California in a truck!!!!!!! YEAH OK BUDDY) anyways me being the eager to work college student believes everything she is saying but also having doubts in the back of my head (they really try to brainwash you) but me like an idiot tells them I can start ASAP which was clearly what they wanted to hear because I got the job the same day after returning to the office and was asked to go to a breakfast meeting with the entire team the next morning. I did and the moment I walked in the breakfast spot all eyes were on me! not in a "oh, hi nice to meet you" way but in a creepy "oh, so this is our new victim" kind of way so from then on I had this thought in the back of my mind "this is a cult"... please people don't get sucked into KBN or any Quantum affiliated company (by the way I asked how they were affiliated with Quantum and they told me "oh wow no one's ever asked that question before, I'll need to find out"!!! what!!! again YEAH OK BUDDY) I was stupid enough to give these people 3 days of free labor, don't do the same...as a retaliation I've contacted the better business bureau, as well as D.A.R.E, and my local news station KBN will be shut down and I hope someone from the office reads this! and I personally want to apologize to any consumers that purchased an item at the D.A.R.E table

I went through the same interview process for KBN and actually was excited that things were fast-paced and welcoming. I went on a very professional second round interview for the DARE America campaign. What I liked about KBN is that the second round interview is very hands-on and it gives candidates an opportunity to see for themselves how they promote for their clients. Unlike a lot of other companies, who tell you over the desk what the company does and what the position will entail, I has the chance to experience what it would be like to work for them.

Coming from a marketing background, I was actually relieved when I could spend the day (which is obviously unpaid because I was being interviewed) proving that i would be a good asset to this business. The second round was more of an informational experience where the company had the chance to really see my people skills and work ethic out there while I learned more about the financial pay and structure of the company. By no means is it a pyramid scheme, and if anyone has experienced the real world, they would know that it is very rude asking the pay during an interview. In fact, I have worked for two well known companies in the past who gave me an hour long interview, hired me and then I found out the pay and saw what I would be doing. And to be honest, I would now rather see first what I will be doing instead of learning about a position after I am hired.

After being hired at KBN and moving my way up in the company into a training management position quickly, I realized that it is hard to open a lot of peoples eyes into a different interview process from the traditional type. I learned a lot of skills that will definitely help me in other professional careers. Although I am no longer working with for KBN, I will always recommend the company to anyone that wants to do something outside the box, have fun, work in a fast-paced team environment, and develop strong management and marketing skills.

If you base your decisions on peoples negative feedback about anything in life, then you are closing the door on great opportunities. Plus, whats the harm in spending one day to find out if its a good fit for you?