The Internet is a Great Place to do Business, But Buyer Beware.
Following are my experiences and my opinions concerning www.topsitereviews.com, www.topsitereviews.info www.topsitereviewsinc.com, TSR Inc. A.K.A. Scott Welch
Most of my business is done on the Internet and I’m always looking for something that will compliment what I’m already doing. I’d searched the Internet for various possibilities and Top Site Reviews, AKA Scott Welch and the other AKA’s listed above, was one I found. The sales copy sounded good but, as I found out after ordering, that’s where it ended.
The sales copy said they offered a 100% refund to those who signed up with twenty or more of the affiliate sites they had listed and since I follow through and thoroughly check out the programs that might be incorporated in my businesses, I figured it would be worth a try.
I received the information and was somewhat disappointed to discover it was the same as much that is offered on other sites for free, but there were a couple I hadn’t seen so I signed up for every one listed, including those I’d signed up with in the past. When the sign-up confirmations came in, I checked them out and failed to find any that would work with my already existing programs. I wasn’t looking for something to buy and resell, I wanted something that could be used and incorporated into what I already had that offered a genuine opportunity to those who visit my websites, are on my mailing lists or take my classes. When I sent for the full refund Top Site Reviews advertised, I got another surprise.
The e-mail I got back said they gave 100% refunds only to those who participated in their program. I had participated per their guidelines so I didn’t see that as a problem but it turned out it was, because everything seemed to be changing. I sent off a couple more e-mails and got one back that stated I needed to supply them with all the confirmation e-mails I’d received from those I’d signed up with. Their next e-mail(s) stated they would refund 50% of the original price, if I didn’t supply them with the confirmation e-mails.
I receive upwards of 400 e-mails per day and don’t keep them unless there is a reason, and since there was nothing I’d seen that stated it was necessary that the e-mails be kept, I’d trashed them. I do have copies of their later correspondence e-mails from TSR: fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. Also, time is money and transferring the e-mails from my inbox to their form, if I had kept them, would cost more in time than the balance would be, so I told them to credit me the 50% balance. When that came, there was another surprise. The credit balance included a deduction for a processing fee of $10.00. Nowhere in the e-mails I’d received was that stated.
I’ve been in business since 1967 and have seen a lot of scams. I was in the automotive business from manufacturing to import and export, retail, wholesale, parts and service. Top Site Reviews definitely deserves a high score for deceptive advertising and ranks right at the top with service shops who clean a part and sell it as new, charge customers for service not performed and don’t stand behind their guarantees and warrantees.
My personal opinion is that Top Site Reviews, and any other business or affiliate who is connected with them, should be avoided at all costs. If anyone recommends them, it might be a good idea to approach that person with caution, too. Reading the terms of service and the fine print may not afford you any protection. It would cost many times the amount spent to pursue a claim. If in doubt, go without.
After the fact, I found other information on www.scam.com, some dating back to July 30, 2005. In the 2005 article, the person stated that they had had very similar experiences with the above named person and business(es) as I did.
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