The Southwestern Company Difference Blog
Southwestern Company alumnus, Robert Bugai, sent me a news story from KIRO-7 Seattle I thought was worthy of a mention. It dealt with a traveling sales crew that is ripping off homeowners by claiming a portion of the proceeds will go toward a charity. The story was titled “Beware of door-to-door seller pretending to be charity.”
Members of the traveling sales crew, Fresh Start Opportunities, have claimed part of the money paid for magazine subscriptions will be directed towards helping young people get a “fresh start on life.” Oh, how original. You see how ”clever” these traveling sales crew operators really are? They always have some positive-sounding, motivational company name. In this instance, they really did come full-circle to have the unimaginative name fit with a bogus charity – all in the name of trying to sell their precious subscriptions.
The problem? The Washington Attorney General is on to them (as are many consumers) as they have numerous complaints registered against them in multiple states and a slew of ignored calls and letters from regulatory agencies.
When I checked out the Fresh Start Opportunities’ website, I was actually not surprised to find vague and unusual answers filled with typos on their FAQ page (http://www.freshstartopportunities.com/order_info). See the following text copied directly from the Fresh Start Opportunities website:
FACTS, QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1) How do I cancel my order?
– We do not take cancellations over the phone or via email. You need to mail a copy of the front and back of your receipt to the address listed on your receipt and we will gladly cancel your order.
2) How long will it take to begin receiving my subscriptions?
– It nomally takes 60 – 90 days but however we ask that you allow 90 – 120 days.
3) What do I do if I have not received anything and it has been over 120 days?
– We ask that you send your receipt to the listed address and we will gladly refund your money.
4) Can I change my subscriptions?
– Yes, If at anytime your not completely satisfied with your subscriptions we will gladly send you another one in it’s place.
5) Why is the price different with you than with another publisher?
– The main reason is because our program is designed to give young adults a second chance and fresh start so they are earning a commission as well as bonus’ and points to help them get to where they wna to be in life.
6) Can i just donate to your compny?
– No you can not because that would take the purpose of what we are doing away from the young adults who need this opportunity.
7) Why dont your workers just go get a regular job at McDonalds or etc. etc.
-Well if alot of people’s background no longer counted against them it would be possible .
Notice question #7. Why would they even put this on there? Charity-schmarity. According to the Washington Attorney General’s Office and the Secretary of State’s Office, the company has failed to actually register as a charity. Whoopsie-daisy! That would also explain the lame answer for #6. No legitimate charity is going to refuse a monetary donation.
As the news story states, if you have a question about a specific charity claim, check it out. For Washington, they list the website, www.secstate.wa.gov/charities or you can call 1-800-332-4483.
Robert, thanks for bringing this to our attention. Saying part of the order goes to a charity is a commonly-used pitch traveling sales crews often use to play on the emotions of their victims. Not cool!
