BBB Warns Entrepreneurs About StoresOnline Seminars

8/5/2010

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StoresOnline, a Utah-based company has left a long trail of unhappy customers across the U.S. The company teaches budding entrepreneurs how to set up their own websites and sell products online. 

BBB advises customers attending the seminars to be extremely cautious when dealing with representatives of StoresOnline, Inc., or iMergent, Inc., of Orem, Utah. While there is no admission fee to attend the seminars, salespeople at the meetings and follow-up sessions typically try to convince attendees to spend several thousand dollars for help in setting up their own websites.

Complainants have told the BBB that they felt misled, experienced high-pressure sales tactics and found the startup instructions confusing and difficult to navigate. They also said they had problems obtaining assistance from customer service representatives. The BBB in Salt Lake City, Utah, reports that it has processed more than 800 complaints against StoresOnline in the past 36 months. Of those, 270 were closed in the past 12 months. The company has a grade of “F” with the BBB, the lowest grade possible.

The BBB offers the following tips for persons considering attending a free marketing seminar:

  • Be aware that in most cases presenters will promote products and services that are for sale. Typical products sold at these seminars include self improvement items, investment education materials and materials or websites for home-based businesses. In setting up a home-based business, persons need to consider related costs such as licensing, advertising and bookkeeping. A wide variation of earnings can be expected.
  • Do not be hurried into making an immediate decision. Take as much time as needed, even days or weeks, to make sure there is not a better alternative on the market and you are receiving good value for your money.
  • Read and understand all materials carefully before signing, including contract information and any information on guarantees or refunds.
  • Check out a firm’s Reliability Report by contacting the BBB at edmonton.bbb.org or phoning (780) 482-2341 (toll free) 1-800-232-7298
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