I received an unsolicited telephone call by a very pushy sales person who said that he got my contact details from an "online survey", and would not take no for an answer until he got a sale. After some heated discussion, where he unsuccessfully tried to get my credit card details, he said that he would send the first instalment of the Weapons of War series to me on approval only for the cost of the postage. I refused to pay the postage costs using my credit card as I did not feel comfortable with the company knowing my credit card details. As he already had my name and address details, the item duly arrived in the mail.
Having not agreed to this purchase, I did not open the item, as I waited to be contacted by the company in due course. Subsequent items arrived, a total of four items before a representative from the company contacted me by phone demanding payment in full for all the previous items. This was the first time I was contacted, since the initial sales contact. I explained to the person that I never expressed an interest in the product, yet they saw fit to send these items to me and then demand payment for something that I had not requested.
After a number of telephone conversations, a compromise was reluctantly reached, where a discounted price was settled upon. I requested that for my records, the company bill me for the new agreed price, and that payment would be made when this arrived.
To my surprise, the bill arrived for the agreed amount plus a surcharge for overdue payment. This company uses dubious marketing techniques to supply their product, and prey on the unweary consumer to extort payments for their highly overpriced products. Beware!
Approximate cost: $174.90
My Wife and I were contacted by this company by telephone after completing an online survey. Were were told that as a way of saying thank you IMP would like to send us a free gift, they just needed a key card number to verify we were eligible to receive it. As we normally get paid for our surveys and the company seemed reputable we didn't think anything of it & foolishly gave them our details. We received the free gifts (some crappy recipe cards & a fry pan made out of the thinnest possible tin they could get that they valued at $39.95). Two months later we find they have been stealing from our account. When I phoned them I was told we can have our money back if we send the packages back unopened. (of course we opened them, we were told they were a free gift) So far I have reported them to the police, Fair Trading and I have lodged a dispute with my bank and canceled my cards. And I still don't think I will get my money back.
Don't ever deal with this company, they will lie to you and steal from you.
Approximate cost: $Your Soul
Hi Buzzl1ght, thank you for disclosing your personal experience involving the afore-mentioned company. Your review is clear, detailed and well written. We applaud you for having the courage to write such a candid review, as far too many WOMO members evade ‘negative’ comments which is a travesty in itself because all experiences should be heard, not just those including ‘positive’ content. Given the growing number of complaints submitted to The Department of Fair Trading, it is obvious that there are many such businesses who use these (and other) dishonorable tactics to glean monies from unsuspecting consumers. Out of curiosity, how much money did the business take from your account over this period? Irrespective of the amount lost, it sounds like you have learnt an important lesson from this experience, one that you are unlikely to forget any time soon. We thank you sincerely for notifying others of your experience and please be sure to let us know if the company lodges a formal complaint with WOMO in relation to this review. Regards, Reeces
I'll give an update:
Originally they took $9.99 & then $44.96 a month later. If I hadn't noticed & phoned them, they would have taken $44.96 every month.
I lodged a complaint with my bank and fair trading. And got new cards with new numbers.
After some time the bank sent me a letter saying they would refund my money unless the company could offer proof the transaction was legitimate.
They have not been able to offer this proof and I have had my money returned.
Hi Buzzl1ght
I would love to speak with you more about your experience with IMP.
Is there another way I can contact you?
Luc14
I am purchasing two 'bit part' collections from this company. Their free offers are generous and their service speedy and efficient. The collections of recipes and information are beautifully produced and presented. An expensive but fun way of building a recipe book
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That sounds horrible. Never heard of these people before
Yes there can be some pushy people out there
Thanks for the warning