Acai Berry company ordered to pay $10 million in refunds - WickedFire - Affiliate Marketing Forum

pocketrockets · 06-25-2009, 07:43 PM

Ouch.

Quote:

Boca-based company ordered to pay $10 million in refunds
Florida Attorney General's Office launched investigation in December

By Erika Pesantes | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
7:02 PM EDT, June 25, 2009

PALM BEACH COUNTY - A Boca Raton-based, non-prescription dietary and health supplement Internet company reached a settlement Thursday with Attorney General Bill McCollum's office that has resulted in $10 million in customer refunds nationwide.

The company, Aton Solutions, and its subsidiaries, GIC LLC, SFL Nutrition LLC, Globalnet Pharmacies LLC and Glades Distribution Services LLC, allegedly offered free 15-day product trials, including Acai berry supplements, that triggered an automatic subscription that customers would have to cancel before the end of the trial period so as to not be billed for the products.

But thousands of customers complained that they could not reach the company by phone, e-mail or through the website to cancel future orders. The company continuously billed customers an $80 monthly fee.

The Attorney General's Economic Crimes Division started investigating the company in December. Under the settlement, Aton Solutions has agreed to disclose the conditions of any trial, how products may be returned and offer customer service personnel to field cancellation requests. The company has also agreed to pay $250,000 in attorney's fees.

Boca-based company ordered to pay $10 million in refunds -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

nachoninja · 06-25-2009, 07:48 PM

owned

Shaqsquash · 06-25-2009, 07:48 PM

LOL So that gives you a rough idea of how much these acai companies are making.

machinecontrol · 06-25-2009, 07:54 PM

So which acai advertiser is this

Spliffic · 06-25-2009, 07:54 PM

And that's a drop in the bucket in terms of what they actually made.

zeroglory · 06-25-2009, 08:10 PM

ouch

Dr_Ngo · 06-25-2009, 08:11 PM

cost of doing business

johu · 06-25-2009, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by machinecontrol

So which acai advertiser is this

South Florida Nutrition, LLC

thunderlips · 06-25-2009, 09:04 PM

fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuck

Refrozen · 06-25-2009, 09:21 PM

Sweet. F

Dullspace · 06-25-2009, 09:25 PM

Berries in a bottle and I'll sling 'em till the day ends.

gerMAN · 06-25-2009, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr_Ngo

cost of doing business

chump change.

HookUPcom · 06-25-2009, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dullspace

Berries in a bottle and I'll sling 'em till the day ends.

Nice... That product would be nothing without affiliates.

kimboslice · 06-25-2009, 11:45 PM

10 milly?

Whatever... no problem...

rfss4 · 06-26-2009, 12:08 AM

dayyyyum this seems to be pretty common practice with some of these companies though. I tried canceling within legal limitations of 3 days using certified mail, they just rejected the mail piece. Lol it's funny when you get a scam company b/c they act like everytime is the first time they are hearing something

CPAPIMP · 06-26-2009, 12:54 AM

just the beginning, it's going to hit every one of them

memaily · 06-26-2009, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPAPIMP

just the beginning, it's going to hit every one of them

"But thousands of customers complained that they could not reach the company by phone, e-mail or through the website to cancel future orders."

That's the problem. There's nothing wrong with Acai, or rebills - only the greedy/illegal companies are going to go down.

majorbta · 06-26-2009, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPAPIMP

just the beginning, it's going to hit every one of them

Unlikely. Acai, just like bizop is getting hit for fulfillment/customer issues, not the billing model or product itself. The issue at hand here was that the company was not allowing customers to get refund and cancel. Regardless of your product or billing model, if you do not provide the appropriate service you will get in trouble one way or another.

Not every acai, colon, rebill company does this.

nvanprooyen · 06-26-2009, 01:12 AM

^^^ That. At least I hope they all don't do it.

canucksfan19 · 06-26-2009, 01:34 AM

anyone see a dip in convertions with this released?

lemon116 · 06-26-2009, 02:32 AM

hell yeah bitches

Spades · 06-26-2009, 05:16 AM

Like you all have said... 10 mil. is a drop in the bucket for these guys. Agree with Majorbta, if you offer exactly what your terms intimate to your customers you should be fine. The problem with these rebill advertisers is that avoiding customers cancellations and the rest of the shady tricks have unfortunately become part of the actual business model. Adapt or get overrun but other advertisers willing to push the envelope further than you.

Oh, and here's a few reasons why this company in particular CAN afford $10 mil. in fees.

Phentremine Civ-xR, Total Cleanse, Colon xR, White Tea with Acai, Body Trim, Acai Berry Supreme, Acai Berry Ultimate, Total Pomegranate, POM 500, and MyColonRemedy.

SpamHat · 06-26-2009, 07:46 AM

tough shit for them

majorbta · 06-26-2009, 09:14 AM

On a side note about SFL, I actually ordered Acai Supreme last fall as a test, called in within the free trial allotment and cancelled without problems. My card was never even billed the shipping and the product came without issues.

pocketrockets · 06-26-2009, 11:23 AM

Another one-

Acai-pure.com just reached a settlement with the Arizona Attorney General for $1.3 million

Acai Berry Lawsuit Settlement - Pure Acai to Issue Refunds

wristcore · 06-27-2009, 10:39 AM

So Acai actually worked for anyone?

gerMAN · 06-27-2009, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wristcore

So Acai actually worked for anyone?

No.Unfortunately acai didn't work for anybody. *sad face*

mediastar100 · 06-27-2009, 11:26 AM

yes you can read my blog on how i lost 40lbs by using acai and colon cleanse. I even live in {your city name}

Bombastic · 06-27-2009, 11:29 AM

This is good news. The longevity of rebill offers depends on getting rid of those dodgy companies.

medium pie · 06-27-2009, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nachoninja

owned

LOL well put.

turbolapp · 06-27-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bombastic

This is good news. The longevity of dodgy rebill offers depends on having scapegoat companies.

fixed.

majorbta · 06-27-2009, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerMAN

No.Unfortunately acai didn't work for anybody. *sad face*

I legitimately met a guy the other week that told me he lost 85lbs over the course of 6 months from eating right, working out, and using acai berry. In fact, he said he attributed a lot of his results to taking acai berry.

cardine · 06-27-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majorbta

I legitimately met a guy the other week that told me he lost 85lbs over the course of 6 months from eating right, working out, and using acai berry. In fact, he said he attributed a lot of his results to taking acai berry.

Placebo works wonders.

robfantasy · 06-27-2009, 06:40 PM

lol acai pure 1 mil fine, they make that in 1 day

hannahmcintyre · 06-27-2009, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majorbta

I legitimately met a guy the other week that told me he lost 85lbs over the course of 6 months from eating right, working out, and using acai berry. In fact, he said he attributed a lot of his results to taking acai berry.

You mean when people diet and exercise they lose weight????

InternetAuthor · 06-28-2009, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hannahmcintyre

You mean when people diet and exercise they lose weight????

I've been thinking of trying that. Then I can create the very first site about A Houston Mom's Single Rule to Losing Weight!

tacoX · 06-28-2009, 02:32 AM

mo' money
mo' problems

gerMAN · 06-28-2009, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InternetAuthor

I've been thinking of trying that. Then I can create the very first site about A Houston Mom's Single Rule to Losing Weight!

oh, i think we got 2 now.

envision · 06-28-2009, 03:54 PM

I have a related question. Affiliates usually advertise that stuff with fake "reviews", fake "blog comments", fake and unsubstantiated success claims, pretty much fake everything. Would it be possible for someone to go after an affiliate for false advertising? If so, what could the consequences be?

I know this happening is unlikely and you can hide your identity, bla bla bla; but that's besides the point. In theory, could we be held responsible?

majorbta · 06-28-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by envision

I have a related question. Affiliates usually advertise that stuff with fake "reviews", fake "blog comments", fake and unsubstantiated success claims, pretty much fake everything. Would it be possible for someone to go after an affiliate for false advertising? If so, what could the consequences be?

I know this happening is unlikely and you can hide your identity, bla bla bla; but that's besides the point. In theory, could we be held responsible?

Yes it is possible

DreamMachine · 06-28-2009, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majorbta

I legitimately met a guy the other week that told me he lost 85lbs over the course of 6 months from eating right, working out, and using acai berry. In fact, he said he attributed a lot of his results to taking acai berry.

Did you get his written testimonial??

I actually heard from a fairly reputable source that they don't have the money to pay the fine.

So much for 'drop in the bucket', 'cost of doing business', etc.

CTRate · 06-30-2009, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamMachine

Did you get his written testimonial??

I actually heard from a fairly reputable source that they don't have the money to pay the fine.

So much for 'drop in the bucket', 'cost of doing business', etc.

Right.

Somehow I doubt these people are amateurs. "They" don't have the money as in the "company" the LLC, etc.. doesn't have the money. Keep in mind it's the "company" that is being sued/ordered. Not the individuals.

shazer · 06-30-2009, 10:27 AM

Cost of running an ethical business.

Moldingbox · 06-30-2009, 06:14 PM

Anyone know who it is behind the scene, funny as hell they got fined for being stupid but kind of serves them right

zlatan · 06-30-2009, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeroglory

ouch

dubble ouch

googli · 07-02-2009, 02:52 AM

Most people now know that acai berries have something special to them, and they are really good for you, but most do not know exactly what something is.

illmill · 07-02-2009, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majorbta

I legitimately met a guy the other week that told me he lost 85lbs over the course of 6 months from eating right, working out, and using acai berry. In fact, he said he attributed a lot of his results to taking acai berry.

LOL. How fat was this fucker? 85 pounds is a lot. If he starts moving and eats right, then I can see that happening. The marketing worked on him, not the acai.

06-25-2009, 07:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
nachoninja Love the dog Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Fleshlightville Posts: 4,065 iTrader: 2 / 100%	owned Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ Copeac Affiliate Network + Liquid Web VPS = $$$$$

06-25-2009, 07:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
machinecontrol юзверь Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Francisco Posts: 943 iTrader: 3 / 100%	So which acai advertiser is this Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ I'm giving away insanely profitable campaigns for $1

06-25-2009, 07:54 PM	#5 (permalink)
Spliffic Loves Cron Jobs Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: VanCity Posts: 1,210 iTrader: 1 / 100%	And that's a drop in the bucket in terms of what they actually made. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

06-25-2009, 08:10 PM	#6 (permalink)
zeroglory Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 120 iTrader: 1 / 100%	ouch Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

06-25-2009, 08:11 PM	#7 (permalink)
Dr_Ngo The MVP of PPC Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Atlanta Posts: 724 iTrader: 0 / 0%	cost of doing business Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ www.twitter.com/dr_ngo

06-25-2009, 09:04 PM	#9 (permalink)
thunderlips Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,723 iTrader: 0 / 0%	fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuck Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

06-25-2009, 09:21 PM	#10 (permalink)
Refrozen 123456789 123456789 (123) Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Houses Posts: 1,615 iTrader: 11 / 100%	Sweet. F Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ WordPress makes you more money. WP Smart Tools-(you need this) WP Link Engine Please use [email protected] and not the PM system if you need product support.

06-25-2009, 09:25 PM	#11 (permalink)
Dullspace Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,238 iTrader: 0 / 50%	Berries in a bottle and I'll sling 'em till the day ends. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________

06-25-2009, 11:45 PM	#14 (permalink)
kimboslice Gimmie My Bread. Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,671 iTrader: 6 / 100%	10 milly? Whatever... no problem... Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

06-26-2009, 12:08 AM	#15 (permalink)
rfss4 Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 80 iTrader: 3 / 100%	dayyyyum this seems to be pretty common practice with some of these companies though. I tried canceling within legal limitations of 3 days using certified mail, they just rejected the mail piece. Lol it's funny when you get a scam company b/c they act like everytime is the first time they are hearing something Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

06-26-2009, 12:54 AM	#16 (permalink)
CPAPIMP Holding it Down Join Date: May 2007 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 498 iTrader: 0 / 0%	just the beginning, it's going to hit every one of them Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________

06-26-2009, 01:12 AM	#19 (permalink)
nvanprooyen Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 3,178 iTrader: 5 / 100%	^^^ That. At least I hope they all don't do it. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

06-26-2009, 01:34 AM	#20 (permalink)
canucksfan19 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Kelowna, BC Posts: 389 iTrader: 9 / 100%	anyone see a dip in convertions with this released? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

06-26-2009, 02:32 AM	#21 (permalink)
lemon116 Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Israel Posts: 260 iTrader: 0 / 0%	hell yeah bitches Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

06-26-2009, 05:16 AM	#22 (permalink)
Spades Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 624 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Like you all have said... 10 mil. is a drop in the bucket for these guys. Agree with Majorbta, if you offer exactly what your terms intimate to your customers you should be fine. The problem with these rebill advertisers is that avoiding customers cancellations and the rest of the shady tricks have unfortunately become part of the actual business model. Adapt or get overrun but other advertisers willing to push the envelope further than you. Oh, and here's a few reasons why this company in particular CAN afford $10 mil. in fees. Phentremine Civ-xR, Total Cleanse, Colon xR, White Tea with Acai, Body Trim, Acai Berry Supreme, Acai Berry Ultimate, Total Pomegranate, POM 500, and MyColonRemedy. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________

06-26-2009, 07:46 AM	#23 (permalink)
SpamHat instant automation Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: UK Posts: 504 iTrader: 7 / 100%	tough shit for them Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

06-26-2009, 09:14 AM	#24 (permalink)
majorbta Makin Paper Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 567 iTrader: 7 / 100%	On a side note about SFL, I actually ordered Acai Supreme last fall as a test, called in within the free trial allotment and cancelled without problems. My card was never even billed the shipping and the product came without issues. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ Follow me on Twitter

06-26-2009, 11:23 AM	#25 (permalink)
pocketrockets Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,727 iTrader: 75 / 100%	Another one- Acai-pure.com just reached a settlement with the Arizona Attorney General for $1.3 million Acai Berry Lawsuit Settlement - Pure Acai to Issue Refunds Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ Private Network of 34, aged sites (oldest 1996!) 1 x PR5, 10 x PR4, 10 x PR3, 9 x PR2, 4 x PR1 = $35/month Status: SOLD-OUT [see thread] But Re-Opening Soon! >>Join the waiting list here for instant notification when we open!

06-27-2009, 10:39 AM	#26 (permalink)
wristcore Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 29 iTrader: 0 / 0%	So Acai actually worked for anyone? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

06-27-2009, 11:26 AM	#28 (permalink)
mediastar100 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,348 iTrader: 11 / 92%	yes you can read my blog on how i lost 40lbs by using acai and colon cleanse. I even live in {your city name} Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ You Bank Manager Thinks You Should Join $$ IMGRIND $$ ->> JOIN NOW

06-27-2009, 11:29 AM	#29 (permalink)
Bombastic Panda Killer Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1,336 iTrader: 18 / 100%	This is good news. The longevity of rebill offers depends on getting rid of those dodgy companies. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

06-27-2009, 06:40 PM	#34 (permalink)
robfantasy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 222 iTrader: 0 / 0%	lol acai pure 1 mil fine, they make that in 1 day Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ Want to know how I jumped conversions by 20% and saved $100,000 in potentially wasted marketing dollars?????

06-28-2009, 02:32 AM	#37 (permalink)
tacoX is RYAN EAGLE Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,697 iTrader: 0 / 0%	mo' money mo' problems Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ Weekly Pay, 3200 Offers, and Affiliate Guides with EWA Network

06-28-2009, 03:54 PM	#39 (permalink)
envision Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 211 iTrader: 0 / 0%	I have a related question. Affiliates usually advertise that stuff with fake "reviews", fake "blog comments", fake and unsubstantiated success claims, pretty much fake everything. Would it be possible for someone to go after an affiliate for false advertising? If so, what could the consequences be? I know this happening is unlikely and you can hide your identity, bla bla bla; but that's besides the point. In theory, could we be held responsible? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

06-30-2009, 10:27 AM	#43 (permalink)
shazer Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 9 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Cost of running an ethical business. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

06-30-2009, 06:14 PM	#44 (permalink)
Moldingbox Thats Right Bitches!!! Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Draper UT Posts: 221 iTrader: 5 / 100%	Anyone know who it is behind the scene, funny as hell they got fined for being stupid but kind of serves them right Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

07-02-2009, 02:52 AM	#46 (permalink)
googli Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 4 iTrader: 0 / 0%	weight loss Most people now know that acai berries have something special to them, and they are really good for you, but most do not know exactly what something is. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

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