Complaint Review: Scent-Sations, Mia Bella Candles - Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania
- Scent-Sations, Mia Bella Candles 1 George Ave. Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania U.S.A.
- Phone:
- Web:
- Category: Multi-Level Marketing
Scent-Sations, Mia Bella Candles Pyramid Scheme, Cult-like company, will not refund money Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania
*REBUTTAL Owner of company: bella candles ripped me off
*Consumer Comment: Yes, it is a scam
*Consumer Suggestion: She said it herself-She was not ready.
* : Here's the deal...
*Consumer Comment: Uneducated
*Consumer Comment: Uneducated
*Consumer Comment: Uneducated
*Consumer Comment: Uneducated
*Consumer Comment: Mia Bella Candles Scent Sations, Inc. Independent Contractors Not Employees
*UPDATE Employee: Mia Bella Candles Allows Single Mom To Achieve Work At Home Freedom
*Author of original report: I wish to retract all negative statements
*REBUTTAL Owner of company: Scent-Sations Not Illegal Pyramid, Surely No Cult
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This is a very large MLM company selling candles, bath and body products, and car air fresheners. I found out about them on the site wahm.com which has a large community of work-at-home parents from different sales companies. I received a sample votive in July 2005 and hated it because the scent was way too strong, it made me sick. When I posted on wahm.com stating this, the distributors attacked me. They have a cult-like mentality and no one can ever say anything bad about the company. When I posted on the board that I thought the company was a SCAM, someone sent my message to the corporate office, and I received an email from the owner that he would be filing a lawsuit against me. He said because the company is named after his daughter, anyone saying something negative about the company is attacking her personally (??) and I would be sued for slander. (??)
I could not afford a lawsuit so I posted a public apology on the message board and emailed the owner with an apology, he agreed not to sue me and forgave me.
I signed up with Mia Bella in December 2005 because I thought I could make money, I was living on my own and making $6.75 an hour. I received my box of candles and materials, but I decided against selling as I was busy with work and school. My sponsor attacked me when I told her I was leaving, and called me a quitter, saying "well I have 3 kids and work full-time but I still have time to run this business." I contacted the company with my resignation and asked about returning the candles. This was about a month after I received them. They told me it was too late since it was past 30 days and I would receive no refund. But it wasn't past 30 days when I contacted her.
So I had to throw all the candles in the trash and I was out some money.
I've never heard of a company that threatens a lawsuit against someone who says anything negative about it. The distributors are BRAINWASHED automatons.
Jane
Orlando, Florida
U.S.A.
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 05/28/2007 07:05 AM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/scent-sations-mia-bella-candles/wilkes-barre-pennsylvania-18705/scent-sations-mia-bella-candles-pyramid-scheme-cult-like-company-will-not-refund-money-250777. 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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#12 REBUTTAL Owner of company
bella candles ripped me off
AUTHOR: Teresa - ()
SUBMITTED: Monday, July 21, 2014
Lost money to bella candles.no candles no money
#11 Consumer Comment
Yes, it is a scam
AUTHOR: Cxxxxxxxxx - ()
SUBMITTED: Friday, April 18, 2014
Yes, this company is a scam. I've known several people over the years who got wrapped up in it and they all turned into the same MLM style zombie spouting their own company's brand of the gospel of wealth.
While I sympathize with the guy who has been bullied into retracting his statements (and he was bullied, there is no basis for a lawsuit in an internet posting), I will proudly state that this company is a scam based on its classical MLM business model of recruiting people into the pyramid.
It is also my personal and subjective opinion that the product is awful, and based on the awfulness of the product I have to infer that everyone person involved with this company is a (((REDACTED))). Only such awful human beings could peddle such an awful product. I currently do not have evidence to support this opinion, it's just a gut feeling. But my gut hasn't failed me before.
#10
Here's the deal...
AUTHOR: Cait - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Monday, September 14, 2009
I am from Wilkes-Barre where Mia Bella or Scent-Sations is based out of. It is a very popular candle in this area, of course. The only problem with this company are the "distributors" and their business practices. Some are extremely rude or try to bash other candle companies. I have many friends who do craft shows and make candles and there are often people there who sell Mia Bella candles who will purposely tell customers false information about the handmade candle makers. I hear many of these stories. It's unfortunate and I'm not really sure how they are trained or taught to sell but I feel like it is a disgusting representation of the Mia Bella/Scent-Sations! If it were my company and I knew independent distributors were selling my product that way, I would be ashamed. In this instance though, whether you are an employee, an independent seller/contractor/distributor, you are still selling a MIA BELLA candle and representing the company where it comes from.
And FYI, you cannot be sued for slander or any sort of thing unless your statements cost the company a SIGNIFICANT amount of money. So, please, do not fall for the whole suing thing from companies.
The whole thing about starting a business is that you have to accept that not everyone will love your business or product. That's life.
#9 Consumer Suggestion
She said it herself-She was not ready.
AUTHOR: Avongal - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, December 08, 2008
Sales positions like this are what you make them.
This woman was obviously to caught up in life to do anything else and put herself under un-necessary stress.
Her indecisiveness is what caused the tension and bad attitudes.
No company wants to be affiliated with that.
Emotional outbursts of self unhappiness does not given anyone permission to state things such as "it is a scam".
She had a contract she didn't fully read. Her bad.
She got her product. The candles were strong-which is their claim. Sounds like the company keeps to their word.
#8 Consumer Comment
Uneducated
AUTHOR: Ray - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, August 02, 2008
When Amway first stared over 50 years ago they were thought to be a pyramid. Look at them now. I have been in MLM for years. The only people that call MLM pyramids now are the uneducated. I do not mean that you did not graduate from any high school or college. But they are uneducated in the field of MLM.
A far as Scent-Sations goes, I have personally met the owners of the company and talked to them on many occassions and you will not find more honest people anywhere.
Some distributors can be out of line and overbearing and I understand that can be a reflection on any company. But please remember, these are business owners/entrepenuers. They are not the owners of Scent-sations. Any company has rules for returns and if the rule says 30 days then it is 30 days.
You cannot hold Scent-Sations responsible if you notified your sponsor and not the company. And it was not a good idea to throw your candles away. When you purchased the fast start pack you recieved over $700 worth of things you could have sold or used yourself.
Seems to me you have no one to be upset with but yourself.
Ray
#7 Consumer Comment
Uneducated
AUTHOR: Ray - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, August 02, 2008
When Amway first stared over 50 years ago they were thought to be a pyramid. Look at them now. I have been in MLM for years. The only people that call MLM pyramids now are the uneducated. I do not mean that you did not graduate from any high school or college. But they are uneducated in the field of MLM.
A far as Scent-Sations goes, I have personally met the owners of the company and talked to them on many occassions and you will not find more honest people anywhere.
Some distributors can be out of line and overbearing and I understand that can be a reflection on any company. But please remember, these are business owners/entrepenuers. They are not the owners of Scent-sations. Any company has rules for returns and if the rule says 30 days then it is 30 days.
You cannot hold Scent-Sations responsible if you notified your sponsor and not the company. And it was not a good idea to throw your candles away. When you purchased the fast start pack you recieved over $700 worth of things you could have sold or used yourself.
Seems to me you have no one to be upset with but yourself.
Ray
#6 Consumer Comment
Uneducated
AUTHOR: Ray - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, August 02, 2008
When Amway first stared over 50 years ago they were thought to be a pyramid. Look at them now. I have been in MLM for years. The only people that call MLM pyramids now are the uneducated. I do not mean that you did not graduate from any high school or college. But they are uneducated in the field of MLM.
A far as Scent-Sations goes, I have personally met the owners of the company and talked to them on many occassions and you will not find more honest people anywhere.
Some distributors can be out of line and overbearing and I understand that can be a reflection on any company. But please remember, these are business owners/entrepenuers. They are not the owners of Scent-sations. Any company has rules for returns and if the rule says 30 days then it is 30 days.
You cannot hold Scent-Sations responsible if you notified your sponsor and not the company. And it was not a good idea to throw your candles away. When you purchased the fast start pack you recieved over $700 worth of things you could have sold or used yourself.
Seems to me you have no one to be upset with but yourself.
Ray
#5 Consumer Comment
Uneducated
AUTHOR: Ray - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, August 02, 2008
When Amway first stared over 50 years ago they were thought to be a pyramid. Look at them now. I have been in MLM for years. The only people that call MLM pyramids now are the uneducated. I do not mean that you did not graduate from any high school or college. But they are uneducated in the field of MLM.
A far as Scent-Sations goes, I have personally met the owners of the company and talked to them on many occassions and you will not find more honest people anywhere.
Some distributors can be out of line and overbearing and I understand that can be a reflection on any company. But please remember, these are business owners/entrepenuers. They are not the owners of Scent-sations. Any company has rules for returns and if the rule says 30 days then it is 30 days.
You cannot hold Scent-Sations responsible if you notified your sponsor and not the company. And it was not a good idea to throw your candles away. When you purchased the fast start pack you recieved over $700 worth of things you could have sold or used yourself.
Seems to me you have no one to be upset with but yourself.
Ray
#4 Consumer Comment
Mia Bella Candles Scent Sations, Inc. Independent Contractors Not Employees
AUTHOR: Cheryl Pope - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, May 28, 2008
No I am not the owner or an Employee. When You Join The Company Please Read The TOS. We are Independent Distributors/Contractors and not viewed as Employees. When I joined the Company I sure did my homework and checked all the Credentials for a reason. Scents Sations Are Members Of The Better Business Bureau and Believe Me I talked to them In PA. I have been with the Company for almost 14 Months and never had a problem with home office. In fact they all resolved my issues in a timely and polite manner. When you label a Company a Scam that can be taken as Slander.
Just Remember when you join "Business Opportunities" That Is Exactly what they are. It's all about running your business and you have to treat it that way or it will never be and that is why so many fail because they don't. Re examine exactly why you failed before you make false labels.
If you show up for a job and do not work, do you think you will get paid? It's all about what you put in to it.
Best Regards,
Cheryl Pope - Diamond Distributor
http://MiaBellaShop.com
#3 UPDATE Employee
Mia Bella Candles Allows Single Mom To Achieve Work At Home Freedom
AUTHOR: Dawn Mathisen - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, May 26, 2008
I ran across this report today while surfing the internet and while this post seems somewhat stale it concerns me that it appears at all.
My name is Dawn and I'm an independent distributor with Mia Bella Gourmet Candles - Scent-Sations Inc. I have been with the company for over three years having started my business in April 2005.
As an independent business woman in Florida it concerns me that a fellow Floridian would make a post such as this and I would just like to point out a few observations, share my positive experience with this company and let it go at that.
The most obvious of questions I would have is why a person that admitted they were not a candle lover enter into a candle business in the first place? One of the key elements of success is belief in your company and product, whatever company and product that is. The originator of this post seemed to have issues before they even started their business making success with the company not a realistic possibility.
The second question I would raise is what action steps this individual took before they went off and made this post?
As a candle lover and someone looking for a great business I could do from home on my time and on my terms, this company has and always will be a true fit in my life. I love the fact that this marketing plan is simple, straightforward and allows the average person to achieve success.
Note I did not say they would achieve success without work involved or the right attitude. With any business that is important.
As a possibility thinker and free spirit, the allegation that the company I am with is a cult or anything of the like is absolutely absurd! Quite the contrary is true of my experience!
My experiences with this company have been nothing less than extraordinary! For an ordinary single mom to realize the milestones and dreams I have has been a dream come true for me. The journey has taken me to work at home mom status and I have achieved that in my way, on my terms, in my time frame.
No one from the company has ever "brainwashed" me. Those who know me will tell you I'm not one you can brainwash. I'm strong willed, deterimined and very independent. Ask my parents I have a mind of my own and follow my own path and face the outcome either way.
This company has allowed me to turn that determination and independent thinking into what has shaped up into a life changing business for me and my son.
In this case my path has led me to wonderful results and I want to share that with anyone who stumbles upon this post.
Please don't let one person's slanted opinion hinder you from checking out what is a wonderful opportunity! Backed by experienced and professional business people, values and morals.
It would be a far stretch for me to believe that the owners of this company would ever make statements such as the poster alleges. I know them personally and believe there is a lot of creative license here.
If you are looking into this company - keep looking and don't let one person's opinion hinder you from going further. It would be a shame because this is a wonderful opportunity and company and I'd be glad to personally share my positive experiences with anyone!
In my over three years with the company I've never experienced a late order delivery, a missed paycheck (it's like clockwork) or any negative experiences in the area of customer service or distributor relationships. I have a team of hundreds of distributors and in any instance where there was a concern or problem the company has been right there to help or assist!
If you are a candle lover and possibility thinker like me - you will have the freedom to build a successful home business in a variety of ways. You will be able to lead your business and your distributor team as you grow in the directions that interest you and fit with your lifestyle. You will always have ample support from the company and they are aces in my book!
You are welcome to contact me anytime for more information or to hear my experiences more in depth.
Thank you!
Dawn
$10K Diamond Distributor
#2 Author of original report
I wish to retract all negative statements
AUTHOR: Jane - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, July 03, 2007
I do not want to be sued so I formally retract all negative statements that I posted in my original review and formally apologize to the company owners and distributors. Please disregard my original review. Thank you.
#1 REBUTTAL Owner of company
Scent-Sations Not Illegal Pyramid, Surely No Cult
AUTHOR: Charles - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, July 03, 2007
I am one of the owners of ScentSations and am also Vice President of Marketing. My duties include being a liason with the independent distributors in the field and also the law firms employed in the USA and Canada.
The heading states our company is a pyramid scheme. Before one makes such claims one should check out what the law says about such schemes. Anyone researching at that level would come to the conclusion that ScentSations Inc does not meet any of the criteria for an illegal pyramid scheme. This is an emotional verbal attack with absolutely zero merit.
As far as a cult like mentality, one would have to determine at what point in the company that his or her "impression" of a cult like mentality is being fostered. Surely not at the corporate level. Thus, another emotional verbal attack with no merit.
ScentSations has a refund policy in place and will and has refunded money to anyone who returns any and all resellable products within the policy limits stated in the independent contact that this and every distributors agrees to and signs.
"I received a sample votive in July 2005 and hated it because the scent was way too strong, it made me sick' ....this is a quote from the person who posted on this board yet she goes on to say in the next paragraph
I signed up with Mia Bella in December 2005 because I thought I could make money...!
She claims we refused her a refund saying she contacted us too late while she claims she did.....we have never refused to refund any distributor who terminates his or her contract and sends back product within the stated contract time limit.
If this distributor had a problem with her upline calling her a quitter, this is something that can happen in any part of life, whether it is little league, football, school, etc...we surely cannot be held responsible as a company for an emotional statement made by an independent contra ctor
IF she has any thing in writing stating that we intended to sue her, Id love to see it...we have been in business for 6 years, have had zero problems with regulators, no lawsuits against us and have never sued any one anywhere in the USA or Canada
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