A few years ago, Val Pak and Money clip were the way to go. Each company had a good product and direct mail was a great way to reach potential customers. 2 years ago I figured I'd try money clip again.
It failed miserably..unfortunately, their rep had told me that I could ""lock in"" at the current price by signing the contract early. I tried to get out of it saying that the other ads didn't work, I normally get a return on investment, this time it did not happen at all. I mean I didn't even break even at the very least. Now, I was subject to paying this exorbitant amount every other month just to get nothing in return. Which is what happened.
They basically told me that it would be breach of contract to not advertise with them again and that there would be repercussions for this, so why not dig myself an even bigger hole by going forward with the contract and not being able to pay them. Business was just slow and we were having a hard time maintaining operations as it was. We were getting creative and tapping into our former customers and etc..however, the economy was just terrible.
Let me just say, that as a single mom and a Christian, there are times when I thought that being a business owner you have to extend Grace as grace has been extended us. There are times when you have to be firm as God is firm with us. There are times when you are just blessed and you bless others. With that in mind, I have tried to maintain paying my debts and being paid what has been owed me (collecting debts) with as much grace and understanding as possible.
When it looked like I was in over my head with bills, trying to keep the business afloat, and etc Money Clip came after me with a vengeance. Their collection company is very cruel and heartless not really wanting to work with me. They went so far as to freeze my personal accounts as well. When I finally figured out what company had placed this lien on my personal AND business account (that took quite some time) They dragged their feet in releasing my business account but waited a LONG TIME before they released my personal one. My house payment, auto loan, my daughter's tuition as well as utility payments were all affected by this very horrible company. It's bad enough that I was in this position where I could not come to an agreement with Money Clip magazine and their collections company, but they came after me to ""make their point"" that no matter what, there is no negotiating, there is no mercy, there is nothing but coldness and taking everything from a person to get their job done. Imagine going to the grocery store and getting to the check out line at the very busy Walmart only to have your sharecheck card denied. How embarrassing!
Well..well done Money Clip and well done Stallings and Bischoff you really know how to milk a mom of her last dime and affect everything in her life so you can get your money.
Keep that American Dream Alive!
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