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Hopefully Dennis is still around here... cause I got the brush off today when I called about our refund and where it was. Of course I was told that they would have a manager call back and I'm still waiting. I returned our packet on Feb 14th and our number is 14076571TFW.
Wish I would have done some online research before now:(
I do show that you did call into customer Service and they forward your information over to the accounting department. Your refund will be going out on Friday's Check run.
Regards,
Dennis Mario
Quote:
Originally Posted by sunshines4u2
Thank you very much.. I will let you know when/if I receive it
I am receiving 3-5 calls a day from this organization. Thankfully, I have not given them any information or signed up for their service. After some research, I found the following information that I thought may be useful for those who are having the same difficultly getting through to customer service.
Contact information: National Small Business Alliance, Inc.
National Small Business Alliance, Inc.
180 N Luring Dr. Suite 300
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone 760 322 5572
Fax 760 406-6035
E-mail [email protected]
Contact: Dennis Mario
Interesting to note.. they claim to have an 'excellent' rating with the 'Fair Business Association of America', but the only companies that are listed with this 'FBAA' are their company, Gucci, and a gaming association of some sort. Looks to me like 'NSBA' created 'FBAA' themselves.
Best of luck!
FBAA is NOT an NSBA company, agency, or affiliate, it is a full fledged independent reporting bureau. I suggest that one do better research before making such claim.
Dennis Mario
NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS ALLIANCE, INC.
760-322-5572 Main
760-902-8415 Cell
760-406-6035 eFax
[email protected]
Interestingly, each time I come to this site I realize just how many people really are influenced by what they are reading versus the facts. I believe only one person ever had the fees stated correctly; what does this tell you?
As I have stated in the past; I invite people to contact me directly to discuss their personal matters and do included my personal cell phone number and yet not one has called me; what does that tell you?
I also feel that everyone who has reported here has received their FULL refund for the ACCURATE amount, not their misquoted amount which in several cases was lower than what they received back and yet not one has reported this fact back; are you starting to see a pattern here?
Dennis Mario, CEO/President
NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS ALLIANCE, INC
CELL: 760-902-8415
E-mail: [email protected]
Hi DMario,
I have attempted to contact your cel phone several times. My call was never returned by you personally. I was however, contacted by someone in your company who stated it would take up to 30 days to remove me from your list. This was approximately 35 days days ago (around the time I first posted here about your company. I still receive at least 1-3 calls a day. I would block the calls, but they all come in with an 'unknown caller ID'.
To add to your thought...
DMario said:
"I also feel that everyone who has reported here has received their FULL refund for the ACCURATE amount, not their misquoted amount which in several cases was lower than what they received back and yet not one has reported this fact back; are you starting to see a pattern here?"
You "feel" that everyone has received their full refund? How about 'know'? After all, it's your company, I would think that you would have access to records showing for *fact* that these refunds have been received. How you feel is truly irrelevant.
The only pattern I'm seeing is one of poor customer service, unhappy customers and people who 'feel' that your company has done them a greater disservice than provided any sort of service at all.
Scam stay awayQuote:
Originally Posted by DMario
Rude people tried to get refund and failed
Lost almost $400.00
Stay away scam
So called services are not useful for a new business
Cold calling tried to make you think they help with loans
Offer refund but don't give it
I have notQuote:
Originally Posted by DMario
(Porterhouse Restaurant)
Please tell me how they got it
I have tried for almost a year now
Web Home
I will respond back to this post IF
You can get me a refund
Today is 4/21/2007
My
Contact Information
Telephone 706-387-7454
Postal address
735 Barber Rd. Commerce Ga 30529
Electronic mail
General Information: [email protected]
Thank you
Marc
Well, you would think by now I would learn to research things before I give out my checking account number... I was contacted by a very nice lady who said she was with the NSBA, National Small Business Alliance... and they wanted to help our small business... all it would cost me is $1.00, in return for that $1.00, I would be able to look over all of their wonderful credit offers and positive things for my business, $8,000.00 in interest free credit... if after 30 days I was satisfied that what they offered would help us in our business I would be charged 149.95... 1 week later they withdrew 149.95 out of my account and sent everything in a tail spin... we live week to week and my checking account is usually pretty tight and with no warning 149.95 withdrawal can do major damage and it did... I contacted them expecting to hear an apology, oh a mistake was made, but no I got attitude and rudeness, no one wanted to listen to anything I had to say... needless to say was told that as soon as I return the package they will start processing my return, which will take 30 days for me to receive... I talked to several different women and they were all just as hateful as can be. Unbelievable. Never have I been treated so rudely by people in customer service. Now I know that the reason they wouldn't listen to me is because they had already heard this before, hundreds of times. I have already contacted the BBB and I hope everyone else keeps doing the same.Quote:
Originally Posted by CHAYOTE23
Has anyone gotten their money back from these crooks?Quote:
Originally Posted by CHAYOTE23
The company issue me refund
I show that you signed up 6-30-06 and cancelled your membership on 4-20-07. Per our refund policy you have 2 months left on your membership and will be refund for 59.95 which is 29.95 x 2 months.Quote:
Originally Posted by porterhouse rest
Everyone who is due an refund has been refunded.Quote:
Originally Posted by A Helping Hand
I've been trying to get a hold of this company to cancel and refund my money on the phone for the past 2 weeks but I haven't been able to get a hold of a representative. My account number is 14763692 and my name is Sat Nguyen. Since I have been somewhat patient with this company already I hope to get a reply in a timely. If not I will carry out actions with BBB and any other agencies.
We show that you have cancelled your membership on 8/3/07 and spoke with 2 reps. Also we show that you called in today to find out about refund status. Here is a copy of your cancellation letter that you will be receiving in the mail in the next few days.
CXL Number: 14763692PLC08/03/07
This letter confirms that your membership with NSBA was cancelled per your request on 08/03/07. We are sorry that you are unable to take advantage of the many benefits offered by the NSBA membership at this time, however we are confident that if in the future you decide to reactivate your membership, you will be able to take advantage of the many benefits that the NSBA membership offers.
As you know, when you joined NSBA you authorized NSBA to process your enrollment fee and annual membership dues by drafting your bank account. You also agreed to the cancellation and refund policy and procedures as also disclosed in the membership portfolio*. If you have cancelled within 30 days of joining you will be refunded the entire enrollment fee and not be charged annual membership dues. If you have cancelled after 30 days of joining you will only be refunded a pro-rated amount for the unused portion of your annual membership dues.
In order for us to process your refund, you must complete all of the following steps, some of which you may have already done:
1. Call Member Services to cancel and receive a cancel authorization number.
2. Receive a cancel confirmation letter that includes a cancel authorization number.
3. Write the cancel authorization number on your membership kit and return to: NSBA, PO BOX 1630, Cathedral City, CA 92235.
Your refund will be processed within 30 business days of receipt of your returned membership kit.
Sincerely,
Member Services
National Small Business Alliance
[email protected]
800-506-6722
*TELEPHONE ORDERS - NSBA will gladly allow any consumer who enrolled over the phone to listen to the verbal recorded verification where they authorized NSBA to process the transaction in accordance with NSBA's terms and conditions. INTERNET ORDER S– NSBA will gladly show any consumer the online verification where they authorized NSBA to process the transaction in accordance with NSBA's terms and conditions. We have the right to provide your telephonic or online verification to your financial institution to show authorization.
Wow... so I just fell victim to your scamming company Dennis... and for the record I just cancelled my membership within the 30 day trial period... actually 1 hour after siging up and researching you company on the internet. Because I know that you read this forum (you have responded here) I'm leaving this message to inform you that my account (verification number 5990656) is cancelled and you are NOT authorized to debit my checking account.
Your company representative has been informed of this, AND I RECORDED THE CALL! Let this be your second warning not to debit my account. YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF MY LAWYER... I GUARANTEE IT!
Thanks everyone here for filing your grievances, I'm sure it has saved me the headache that you all have experienced.
Yes, Everyone who was entiled to a refund has been refunded. All members who cancel with in the 30 day trail are refunded.Quote:
Originally Posted by A Helping Hand
Regards,
Dennis Mario
We do show that you did place an early cancel on your membership and nothing was charged.Quote:
Originally Posted by vacman
Regards,
Dennis Mario
Dear Sir Mr Mario
I sat on hold three separate times trying to cancel, there is no way to e-mail anyone through your site that I can find the only way to get through to you is on here so it seems, I would like to cancel immedittaly my Mebership ID number 6579829. I have tried and tried to be patient and would greatly appreciate you taking care of this matter.
Bill Daker
847-344-2369
You could have emailed us at [email protected]. We have cancelled your membership. You will receive your cancelation letter in the mail in 5-7 days. Your cancelation number is: 6579829operations12/26/07.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mountainman747
Regards,
Dennis Mario
Thanks for your prompt response to my inquiry. It is duly noted that you have responded promptly (minutes)and will handle such manners in a proffesionl and straight forward manner. Can you tell me when exactly I will see the refund to my account? I will send the envelope and kit back to your attention via certified mail so there are no issues with receipt of such materials.
I will email you my tracking number.
Thank you and best of luck to you.
Bill Daker
I will look for it.
Regards,
Dennis Mario
Promised refund, 30 plus days since, none received, today the due date has come and gone, you took from me significantly more than told, You need to payme as promised when promised. Romy your person has not delivered when promised? I have been extremely patient considering the amount you took and you have held and subsequently collected interest on my money over the last 30 plus days. When you say you will do something you need to follow through and back it up. I want my 659.30 now!!
Since it seems Mr. Mario reads this thread, I've decided to post here.
On December 17th 2007, NSBA drafted my checking account for $359.40 without my authorization. 3 days later (12/20/07) I discovered this charge and called your company immediately. I was in formed it was a membership "renewal" fee. Since I didn't authorized this charge and since I have NEVER used anything your company has ever sent me in the past, I decided to cancel what appears to be a worthless membership. Your operator assured me it would be handled and I would get my refund within 30 days. All I needed to do was send my packet in when it arrived. Well it's now nearly 2 months later and not only have I not received my refund (big surprise) I have also not received my packet (another big surprise – NOT!)
I called your company numerous times and have been insulted, hung up on and have been given such a “run around” that I am appalled at the level of disrespect that permeates within your organization. I am particularly disgusted with your “customer service" department specifically Laverne, one of your telephone people. If this is your idea of a customer service rep, your HR manager should be fired.
I have since investigated your company thoroughly on the internet as well as in person. It seems the NSBA is already in a lot of hot water with consumers. I've never seen so many negative comments about a company! Thousands of dissatisfied members are disgruntled, canceling memberships and requesting (it seems in vain) refunds. The majority of these people have also been given the ”run-around.” Which is obviously why so many have been compelled to post their experiences all over the net. I would imagine a federal investigation of the NSBA, PCI as well as Mario Consulting can't far off.
I am once again demanding a full refund ($359.40) of the membership fees you charged against my checking account and that you cancel my membership and remove me and all of my information from your database.
Sincerely,
Jeff D. Lambright
Member#12045622
I am sorry sorry that you have been treated unprofesional. We Haver forwarded the complaint over to the Custmer Service Manager to make sure this does not happen again. Regrading your refund I have contacted the account department and mad sure you are on the next check run for the refund of your renewal fees of 359.40.Quote:
Originally Posted by jlamb
Regards,
Dennis Mario
I can't even find out how to call them to contest that once again they have withdrawn another annual fee when I cancelled this account last year. I was never able to tap in to the promised $8000.00 for the benefit of my business. I called over and over for help and no one was able to even tell me how to do so. Nothing happened and I finally gave up and cancelled. I still get solicitation calls to join. Obviously, they never cancelled my account and have yet again withdrawn money. I am a single mom running her own mortgage business. With the market the way it is, I do not need others robbing my account. If you have any suggestions on how to fight this, please respond. Vicki DeanQuote:
Originally Posted by CHAYOTE23
We do not show that you called into cancel. Your membership renewal with the National Small Business Alliance, has been canceled as of today . Your cancellation code is 14488810per03/06/08 . Please return the membership portfolio or a letter to NSBA, Member Processing 20195 S. Diamond Lake Rd Ste 700 Rogers, MN 55374 this is the address listed on the envelope. Please put the cancellation number on the front of the envelope. Once the portfolio is received the refund request will be sent to the processing center. You will receive the refund check within 30 business days from the portfolio return date. If you have any questions please contact customer service at 1-800-506-6722 or feel free to reply to this email. Customer service hours are as follows.Quote:
Originally Posted by deanvic
Monday - Thursday: 7:00 - 4:00 and Friday: 7:00 - 3:00 PT
Sincerely,
National Small Business Alliance
Oh WOW, this company has reached a new low! The NSBA or National Small Business Alliance has ripped off a 77 year old woman with cancer! She does not even have a business! I have called her bank and they said they will put a stop check on this transaction but we'll see how long it takes to get her money back. She had NO money in her account so she also had an overdraft, she lives on ssi. They got the money by issuing a "check" #9999 that had her name on it in the amount of $359.40. I called them. They had a FAKE business name (her last name, inc) and the wrong address. I cannot believe the bank actually approved this transaction. I told the lady that I would not give her the real address and they HUNG UP ON ME!! I called them back. After I told them that I wanted to HEAR their supposed phone verification, I was told that I will be called back by Monday. I said that's not good enough, I was told I will be called back today. No call yet. The only reason I found a phone number for them was this site. There is NO CONTACT INFORMATION on their site. BEWARE! BEWARE! They then said that she would not receive all of her money because she did not cancel before her 30 days LOL.. they are ridiculous and someone needs to get the law involved. I am going to both the law and the media. They cannot continue to defraud people. Note that I also asked for a supervisor MULTIPLE times and never was transferred. I was given # 800-350-0577 and got a full mailbox so I could not leave a message. I called this dmario guy and left a message, so don't believe him when he says that NO ONE has called him!
I will update you all on the progress of this company and IF I ever hear this supposed phone verification. Teresa
I have now made another complaint at the BBB. They ARE rated an F
861 Making a full refund, as the consumer requested
20 Making a partial refund
199 Agreeing to perform according to their contract
7 Refusing to make an adjustment
12 Refuse to adjust, relying on terms of agreement
9 Unanswered
3 Unassigned
1111Total
BBB Comments and Analysis
This company solicits small businesses nationally via automated solicitations, telemarketers, and e-mail, for membership in their organization. They claim to offer benefits such as business discounts, consulting services, and an $8000 business credit line. The offer is also presented as a 30 day "free" trial membership as a buyer incentive. They ask for bank account or credit card numbers advising businesses their accounts will not be debited until after the 30 day trial period.
We believe this company's marketing methods are deceptive and misleading. Automated solicitation calls are said to advise business owners they have been approved for a platinum credit line of $8000. They are instructed to call to activate the credit offer. Upon calling to activate, they find that NSBA membership is a requirement. This company is not a lender, therefore cannot pre-approve or grant credit. The offered "credit line" is not a loan for any purpose as represented or implied, but rather, is collectively comprised of coupons, discounts, and offers made by participating vendors to purchase goods and services such as computers or travel arrangements using credit terms.
The company fails to disclose that participating merchants have terms and conditions which apply to credit purchases made by members. For example, one offer is for up to $5,000 in credit for travel. However, the credit line is only available for pre-configured vacation packages for two persons, with departure dates and cities pre-set by the company. Any changes to the itinerary, upgrades, car rentals, additional travelers, additional days, or changes in departures can not be financed with the credit line. An undisclosed deposit amount must be made before booking, and any additional fees must be paid 30 days prior to departure date. Only one vacation per term (meaning membership term) may be financed. Another offer is for up to $3,000 in credit for a computer. The offer is good for only pre-configured computers and may not be changed or altered in any way during the term of the agreement, unless agreed to by the seller. A deposit of 20% to 30% of the purchase price is required to obtain financing for balance of the computer purchase. In addition, while any item is being financed the borrower must maintain membership in the club at the rate of some $7 per year, which is renewable annually unless otherwise cancelled. Further, there exists little information on the company's website or in advertising materials about the specific configurations and total costs of the computers.
We routinely recommend that businesses should insist on reviewing all details of any offer before making a buying decision. A membership buying club may offer discounts on merchandise and or services to its members; however, the membership fee may amount too much more than you might actually save by using the membership. For example, if a member receives a 25% discount on merchandise, in order to recoup the $500 membership fee, a member would need to buy $2,000 worth of merchandise. The advertised "savings" may apply to "suggested retail price,” which is an amount generally much higher than the normal selling price. Do comparison shopping. A discount store could offer the item at the same price as the buying club and not charge a membership fee.
Has anyone ever "HEARD" one of these signups? :eek:Quote:
Originally Posted by DMario
Your facts are somewhat inaccurate
1.We do NOT solicit through e-mail marketing
2.We do NOT accept Credit Cards
3.We do have a pre-recorded disclosure that clearly and distinctly states EXACTLY how
The funds will be debited from one’s account. For the funds to be withdrawn, the buyer
MUST agree in their own voice that they fully understand.
4.The recording states that the company has been approved for a Platinum membership
Not a platinum credit line
5.The line of credit is offered by 2 of our benefit providers to buy their products and
Services which include computers, electronics, office products and supplies, travel, etc.
6.Again, in our recording and in our terms and conditions it clearly states that the benefits are provided by other companies and their their terms and conditions apply
Basically, from what I can gather, you either didn’t listen or didn’t understand what was being said to you. Please keep in mind that our complaint rate is less than ¼ of 1%. In other words 99.75% of the people understood what was being offered to them.
Actually, those are not MY facts. That is copied and pasted from the BBB's opinion of your company. So you read this. Why is my mom's money not returned. Her name is Jessie J. Shinn, her #7161400. Why has no one called me so I can hear this supposed "phone verification"? I am really pissed off at you all ripping off my mom. SHE WON'T BE ABLE TO PAY HER RENT! GIVE HER THE MONEY STOLEN BACK. I HAVE ALREADY CONTACTED THE ATTY GENERALS OFFICE IN CA. SHE CAN'T WAIT 30 DAYS, IMMEDIATELY. YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE A 77 YEAR OLD WOMAN THAT DOES NOT EVEN OWN A BUSINESS BE HOMELESS? I WILL CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, YOU CAN TRUST ME ON THAT.Quote:
Originally Posted by DMario
I have been sitting here waiting for that promised phone call BTW. You know some packet that was supposedly sent out, came back to you all.. BUT YOU STILL TOOK HER MONEY. Where did you steal her information from? UNTIL I HEAR THAT SUPPOSED PHONE VERIFICATION.. I DON'T BELIEVE ONE WORD YOU TYPE. Of course, make it right, and if I truthfully believe that you all did not try to rip off my mom then I will give you all a full written apology.
Right, so if they didn't understand.. are you lying to them? Or scamming them? As i said.. "SHOW ME". And again, believe me.. her bank is already looking at this and putting a stop check on your "FAKE CHECK" #9999Quote:
Originally Posted by DMario
Percentages? Lets see, the BBB says The following grid displays the number and responses to complaints over the last 36 months: 1111 (well now 1112). How many does that make in a month? 30.88 THAT IS ONE PER DAY! AND YET THEY HAVE NOT PUT YOU OUT OF BUSINESS? Do you know how many complaints I have? NONE.. not one. I have had my business for 4 years and not one report so what does that tell me about you?Quote:
Basically, from what I can gather, you either didn’t listen or didn’t understand what was being said to you. Please keep in mind that our complaint rate is less than ¼ of 1%. In other words 99.75% of the people understood what was being offered to them.
It is now Monday, 11am and no call from mr Dmario or any of his staff. I won't update until further news.
It is now Tuesday, evening, April 01, and no phone call to hear the phone verification, or any phone call at all from mr. dmario or anyone in his company. My mom did go to her bank and signed a form to get her money back. The bank said that her money should be back into her account within 3 days. I will keep you updated.
Well, my mother got her money back via the bank. I am not sure what the company had to say as I never heard back from anyone there. This could have been an honest mistake or a scam, I will personally never know.
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