Collecting $ from Franchise Compliance
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Yes, I submitted a complaint over a month ago with the FTC. They didn't even bother responding.
frodosdojo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I also contacted a business attorney in Utah and
> he suggested that the company be reported to the
> FTC. He siad it was best that the federal
> government be notified since everyone is located
> in a different state.
frodosdojo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I also contacted a business attorney in Utah and
> he suggested that the company be reported to the
> FTC. He siad it was best that the federal
> government be notified since everyone is located
> in a different state.
They won't call you back. They enter the info into a database for law enforcement. Here's their number 1-877-382-4357.
The FTC suggested contacting your state's attorney general and not utah.
This is frustrating. What government agency is going to take action against AV ?
JASFLALMT Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Yes, I submitted a complaint over a month ago with
> the FTC. They didn't even bother responding.
>
>
> frodosdojo Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I also contacted a business attorney in Utah
> and
> > he suggested that the company be reported to
> the
> > FTC. He siad it was best that the federal
> > government be notified since everyone is
> located
> > in a different state.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/07/2012 08:13PM by frodosdojo.
The FTC suggested contacting your state's attorney general and not utah.
This is frustrating. What government agency is going to take action against AV ?
JASFLALMT Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Yes, I submitted a complaint over a month ago with
> the FTC. They didn't even bother responding.
>
>
> frodosdojo Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I also contacted a business attorney in Utah
> and
> > he suggested that the company be reported to
> the
> > FTC. He siad it was best that the federal
> > government be notified since everyone is
> located
> > in a different state.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/07/2012 08:13PM by frodosdojo.
Have no idea, I keep getting run around in circles. Utah Attorney General was no help either. Adam is getting a good laugh, laughing all the way to the bank, as he continues to scam more shoppers and still gets paid from companies like Chem Dry and COIT.
frodosdojo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> They won't call you back. They enter the info into
> a database for law enforcement. Here's their
> number 1-877-382-4357.
>
> The FTC suggested contacting your state's attorney
> general and not utah.
>
> This is frustrating. What government agency is
> going to take action against AV ?
>
> JASFLALMT Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Yes, I submitted a complaint over a month ago
> with
> > the FTC. They didn't even bother responding.
> >
> >
> > frodosdojo Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > I also contacted a business attorney in Utah
> > and
> > > he suggested that the company be reported to
> > the
> > > FTC. He siad it was best that the federal
> > > government be notified since everyone is
> > located
> > > in a different state.
frodosdojo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> They won't call you back. They enter the info into
> a database for law enforcement. Here's their
> number 1-877-382-4357.
>
> The FTC suggested contacting your state's attorney
> general and not utah.
>
> This is frustrating. What government agency is
> going to take action against AV ?
>
> JASFLALMT Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Yes, I submitted a complaint over a month ago
> with
> > the FTC. They didn't even bother responding.
> >
> >
> > frodosdojo Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > I also contacted a business attorney in Utah
> > and
> > > he suggested that the company be reported to
> > the
> > > FTC. He siad it was best that the federal
> > > government be notified since everyone is
> > located
> > > in a different state.
Did anyone else have to mail samples? I was mailed information from jbishop and I had to return several items through the US Mail. Doesn't that mean that they are now in federal territory with mail fraud?
Just thinking out loud and still kicking myself.
Just thinking out loud and still kicking myself.
Elise the Editor and p/t shopper
Inside Evaluators
Inside Evaluators
I don't know if it is mail fraud, what kind of laws would they have broken? It would be nice if you could hang them on that. I personally did not have to mail anything.
shume Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Did anyone else have to mail samples? I was mailed
> information from jbishop and I had to return
> several items through the US Mail. Doesn't that
> mean that they are now in federal territory with
> mail fraud?
>
> Just thinking out loud and still kicking myself.
shume Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Did anyone else have to mail samples? I was mailed
> information from jbishop and I had to return
> several items through the US Mail. Doesn't that
> mean that they are now in federal territory with
> mail fraud?
>
> Just thinking out loud and still kicking myself.
I had to mail a sample in as well. Will look for the receipt. I keep and copy everything, but it was right before I left for vacation so my files are in a bit of disarray. 
I had to mail in my sample and I do have the receipt. How do we make that work to our advantage? I am up for anything to make franchise compliance pay us!
make a copy and save the shopper's log too ....you will need it for documentation of you doing the assignement the payment, and your grading. save it before they shut down or remove your log--anything is possible with this company
konopelski Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> make a copy and save the shopper's log too ....you
> will need it for documentation of you doing the
> assignement the payment, and your grading. save
> it before they shut down or remove your
> log--anything is possible with this company
I did take a screenshot of my log. they have not graded my shop yet and it's been nearly two months. Afraid this can give them an "out" - they can claim I did something wrong. Ugh!
-------------------------------------------------------
> make a copy and save the shopper's log too ....you
> will need it for documentation of you doing the
> assignement the payment, and your grading. save
> it before they shut down or remove your
> log--anything is possible with this company
I did take a screenshot of my log. they have not graded my shop yet and it's been nearly two months. Afraid this can give them an "out" - they can claim I did something wrong. Ugh!
It wouldn't put it pass them to not grade it and come up with something you did wrong. It did take almost 2 months to get my shop graded....watch for it and then save it
Have any of the rest of you emailed Tony from Surfmerchants (Sassie)?
tony@surfmerchants.com
I sent him a few emails in the past but he never responded. I think I am going to email him again, and it would be great if everyone who is owed money from FC does this. After all, Adam Valdez pays Sassie to keep the site up, so he likely knows how to get ahold of him. Maybe if he realizes the seriousness of this and that when criminal charges are filed against Adam, it isn't going to look good for his business reputation that he knew about it and did nothing to help shoppers. At the moment, I am probably the only shopper he knows about and maybe that is why he isn't taking this seriously. If he knows that a mass of people are being ripped off maybe he might try to help us. I am not sure if it will do any good, but at the same time, it can't hurt to try.
tony@surfmerchants.com
I sent him a few emails in the past but he never responded. I think I am going to email him again, and it would be great if everyone who is owed money from FC does this. After all, Adam Valdez pays Sassie to keep the site up, so he likely knows how to get ahold of him. Maybe if he realizes the seriousness of this and that when criminal charges are filed against Adam, it isn't going to look good for his business reputation that he knew about it and did nothing to help shoppers. At the moment, I am probably the only shopper he knows about and maybe that is why he isn't taking this seriously. If he knows that a mass of people are being ripped off maybe he might try to help us. I am not sure if it will do any good, but at the same time, it can't hurt to try.
Email: jbishop sent emails for the carpet cleaning service as recently as 7-15 for shop deadline of 7-31. It is signed by Ralph. Obviously, this not stopping.
$25 bonus on top of up to $225 for cleaning. As said before, you can offer anything if you're not going to "make good" on payment. :-(
This train wreck keeps getting bigger.
$25 bonus on top of up to $225 for cleaning. As said before, you can offer anything if you're not going to "make good" on payment. :-(
This train wreck keeps getting bigger.
Elise the Editor and p/t shopper
Inside Evaluators
Inside Evaluators
I am not sure why the Utah Attorney General won't act on this.
According to their website, this is one of their duties:
13. Prosecute corporations which act illegally.
Who is the AG accountable to - the governor?
Also, is everyone following the Freeman discussion? they are trying to coordinate an action against this company as well: [www.mysteryshopforum.com]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/08/2012 07:55PM by POhlott.
According to their website, this is one of their duties:
13. Prosecute corporations which act illegally.
Who is the AG accountable to - the governor?
Also, is everyone following the Freeman discussion? they are trying to coordinate an action against this company as well: [www.mysteryshopforum.com]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/08/2012 07:55PM by POhlott.
JASFLALMT Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Have any of the rest of you emailed Tony from
> Surfmerchants (Sassie)?
I emailed Surfmerchants daily when Restaurant Evaluators was stiffing shoppers and using Sassie. Never received a single response.
IMHO, they should be named in any lawsuit against non-payming companies utilizing Sassie because they are aware it's being misused could care less. I wonder how long the site would stay up if the MSC stopped paying that bill?
-------------------------------------------------------
> Have any of the rest of you emailed Tony from
> Surfmerchants (Sassie)?
I emailed Surfmerchants daily when Restaurant Evaluators was stiffing shoppers and using Sassie. Never received a single response.
IMHO, they should be named in any lawsuit against non-payming companies utilizing Sassie because they are aware it's being misused could care less. I wonder how long the site would stay up if the MSC stopped paying that bill?
This is the text I received when I asked for information on the Franchise Compliance website: The owner of this phone offered me a number for Adam.
That number was 435 770 5071. It was not in service as of 8/5/12. Intellius lists the owner as Adam Valdez.
From: ggriffin@franchisecompliance.com
To: Kernmantle13@hotmail.com
Subject: Quote Request
Date: Tue, 5 Jun 2012 08:18:35 -0700
Thank you for your interest in Franchise Compliance. Can you tell us how many evaluations you would like performed on a monthly basis? If you would like to discuss our program in greater detail please send me the best number to reach you and I will give you a call.
Thank you.
Best Regards
Gary Griffin
Director of Franchise Development
435-770-9595
ggriffin@franchisecompliance.com
---------------------------------------------------------
That number was 435 770 5071. It was not in service as of 8/5/12. Intellius lists the owner as Adam Valdez.
From: ggriffin@franchisecompliance.com
To: Kernmantle13@hotmail.com
Subject: Quote Request
Date: Tue, 5 Jun 2012 08:18:35 -0700
Thank you for your interest in Franchise Compliance. Can you tell us how many evaluations you would like performed on a monthly basis? If you would like to discuss our program in greater detail please send me the best number to reach you and I will give you a call.
Thank you.
Best Regards
Gary Griffin
Director of Franchise Development
435-770-9595
ggriffin@franchisecompliance.com
---------------------------------------------------------
~
up, up, down, down, left, right,left,right, B,A, start.
up, up, down, down, left, right,left,right, B,A, start.
I did the same and spoke to this guy...he had someone from Harris call me to find out why I wasn't paid. I can't figure it all out on who is who and who is really who they say they are...all such crap
Now that is really strange. Why would someone from FC have someone from Harris call? I don't believe it was anyone from Harris either. Who is really who...good question.
konopelski Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I did the same and spoke to this guy...he had
> someone from Harris call me to find out why I
> wasn't paid. I can't figure it all out on who is
> who and who is really who they say they are...all
> such crap
konopelski Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I did the same and spoke to this guy...he had
> someone from Harris call me to find out why I
> wasn't paid. I can't figure it all out on who is
> who and who is really who they say they are...all
> such crap
And why would Harris be asking you why you weren't paid. That's a question for FC. I wonder if that Attorney General blew you off thinking it was one unpaid shopper who may or may not just be disgruntled. Do you think it would change if they understood there are hundreds of shoppers and the unpaid fees are into the tens of thousands of dollars now? With FC continuing to do business that number will continue to climb.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Are there hundreds of shoppers who haven't been paid? I was unaware. Where did you find that out?
LisaSTL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> And why would Harris be asking you why you weren't
> paid. That's a question for FC. I wonder if that
> Attorney General blew you off thinking it was one
> unpaid shopper who may or may not just be
> disgruntled. Do you think it would change if they
> understood there are hundreds of shoppers and the
> unpaid fees are into the tens of thousands of
> dollars now? With FC continuing to do business
> that number will continue to climb.
LisaSTL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> And why would Harris be asking you why you weren't
> paid. That's a question for FC. I wonder if that
> Attorney General blew you off thinking it was one
> unpaid shopper who may or may not just be
> disgruntled. Do you think it would change if they
> understood there are hundreds of shoppers and the
> unpaid fees are into the tens of thousands of
> dollars now? With FC continuing to do business
> that number will continue to climb.
I don't have exact figures. My speculation is based on the hundreds of shops FC was posting across the country for the last couple of years combined with the number of shoppers who have come forward on this forum and Volition.com over the same period of time. I would think that the only reason there are not more complainants is the other unpaid shoppers do not know of either forum. It would be too much a stretch to think FC had actually paid them all.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I'm guessing that FC hasn't paid hardly ANY shoppers for shops this year. Those that reported payment were for long overdue shops if I recall.
The people who post here are a small portion of MSers overall. To figure the number owed, you have to multiply the number here who have posted here by at least 10, but probably closer to 50!
The people who post here are a small portion of MSers overall. To figure the number owed, you have to multiply the number here who have posted here by at least 10, but probably closer to 50!
I just received both an email and phone call from Kelly Jensen, who works for Harris. He said they think they found Adam and hope to confirm something prior to talking with him. He is going to let us know the outcome soon.
(adam, if you are on this message board, WATCH OUT--we are coming for our money!!!)
FYI
sue h.
(adam, if you are on this message board, WATCH OUT--we are coming for our money!!!)
FYI
sue h.
Thanks for the info! I sure hope this pans into something--even if they found him, it may not be easy to get him to pay. Keeping fingers crossed!!
konopelski Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I just received both an email and phone call from
> Kelly Jensen, who works for Harris. He said they
> think they found Adam and hope to confirm
> something prior to talking with him. He is going
> to let us know the outcome soon.
>
> (adam, if you are on this message board, WATCH
> OUT--we are coming for our money!!!)
>
> FYI
>
> sue h.
konopelski Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I just received both an email and phone call from
> Kelly Jensen, who works for Harris. He said they
> think they found Adam and hope to confirm
> something prior to talking with him. He is going
> to let us know the outcome soon.
>
> (adam, if you are on this message board, WATCH
> OUT--we are coming for our money!!!)
>
> FYI
>
> sue h.
Anyone else on Linked In? (update - I see this is also posted in another thread)
I found these guys there...
Steve Guthrie - Director of Audits, Franchise Compliance (and formerly with Harris Research)
[www.linkedin.com]
Adam Valdez, CEO Franchise Compliance
[www.linkedin.com]
Jody Halvorsen
Sales Consultant at Franchise Compliance, Inc.
[www.linkedin.com]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/14/2012 04:04AM by POhlott.
I found these guys there...
Steve Guthrie - Director of Audits, Franchise Compliance (and formerly with Harris Research)
[www.linkedin.com]
Adam Valdez, CEO Franchise Compliance
[www.linkedin.com]
Jody Halvorsen
Sales Consultant at Franchise Compliance, Inc.
[www.linkedin.com]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/14/2012 04:04AM by POhlott.
I asked to be linked in to all 3 of these people. no one has accepted. I like even how the one male has his picture on the linked in page. He obviosuly is comfortable being associated with this horrible company!
I did my carpet cleaning job in late January. Still mo pay.I have seen these jobs still popping up on my email. A friend of mine recently called to ask about one in Brooklyn. I quickly said STAY AWAY but I'm sure that they got some unaware soul to do it. Plese keep me advised about your attempts to collect pay. This is a crime. In the "Real World" a business could never stay opened if it didn't pay its employees. If I told the police someone robbed me of $200 plus ,they would investigate too. I am willing to help work on a solution.I just called Garry Griffin and left him a message. I guess I won't get a callback.but it doesn't hurt to try.
Two months and shop has not even been graded. Anyone else have this happen?
From previous BBB contact I know it is a delicate matter. Some got help and some were told they need to contact the labor board. I sent the BBB a complaint that services rendered were not reimbursed/paid. They submitted to the company but at this point I have not gotten a response. This isn't my first complaint on a company so I know its talking awhile. Our options I think are small claims or class action lawsuit. But we really need to get organized and start pulling our stuff together. I'm just worried a class action suit will only bring the lawyer(s) money and not us.
Yes, BBB will send you an email soon informing you that they have closed the case, as it is an employee/employer issue and they cannot help. That's what happened all of the rest of us. Their advice to contact the labor board was not helpful. I did that. A claim was opened, but then the claims investigator looked into it further but it was deemed out of their realm since I was an independent contractor. If they can't find Adam, we aren't going to get money and the lawyers won't either.
shortysgirl Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> From previous BBB contact I know it is a delicate
> matter. Some got help and some were told they need
> to contact the labor board. I sent the BBB a
> complaint that services rendered were not
> reimbursed/paid. They submitted to the company but
> at this point I have not gotten a response. This
> isn't my first complaint on a company so I know
> its talking awhile. Our options I think are small
> claims or class action lawsuit. But we really need
> to get organized and start pulling our stuff
> together. I'm just worried a class action suit
> will only bring the lawyer(s) money and not us.
shortysgirl Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> From previous BBB contact I know it is a delicate
> matter. Some got help and some were told they need
> to contact the labor board. I sent the BBB a
> complaint that services rendered were not
> reimbursed/paid. They submitted to the company but
> at this point I have not gotten a response. This
> isn't my first complaint on a company so I know
> its talking awhile. Our options I think are small
> claims or class action lawsuit. But we really need
> to get organized and start pulling our stuff
> together. I'm just worried a class action suit
> will only bring the lawyer(s) money and not us.
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