MWI Connections Complaint webpage

[JuJuJasmine]

Hi - I was all ready to join Connections and take advantage of the vouchers but then I found this website of ALL of these unhappy people. Is this the same Connections program? If it is, I can understand why Mary took it off MouseSavers.

I have to warn you if you read some of the posts on this site - the language is pretty salty - people were angry and they really let it rip. The complaints start in 2001 and keep going all the way through to this month.

Can this really be the same program other DISers rave about?

JuJu

http://kadyellebee.com/mt/past/2001/10/000971.php

 

[~Sparkly~Zoe]

I can't get the link to work.

 

[JuJuJasmine]

Try again, i always seem to get double http://'s when i try to insert a link.
JuJu

 

[DMRick]

When you figure the thousands who have ordered over the years, I'm not sure if this would be considered a large amount of people. I've been a member several times, and have had just a small problem, easily fixable in all that time. I'm very happy with my service. I've had several company's charge my account incorrect (Sears, Penny's Lowe's). The place it seems to happen the most is not connections, but when I buy from WDW while there. They do catch it themselves, but the first CC bill when I come home from a trip always has several duplicate charges removed..and once it was not removed and I had to call long distance to deal with them. I bet that happens more than connections. I have a great cc, and when companies dupicate charge me, they very easily take it off.

 

[ceecee]

Is MWI Connections the same place?? I thought it was just called Connections?? They do have a lot of non English people answering the phones. I was about to cancel, then I thought I could really use gift cards for Christmas gifts!

 

[LIFERBABE]

Yes MWI and Connections is the same company.

MWI is Memberworks Inc. and you will see their name on correspondence you receive if you are a member. Connections is just one of the programs they offer. All the programs on dealpass.com are part of MWI.

No major problems here and have I been a member for over a year. My vouchers and gift cards arrive in a timely manner and work flawlessly. I have not been over/double charged and that is an easy fix if it should occur with a CC.

I like my membership and I like saving money on things I would purchase anyway.

I read the consumer complaint boards too, but if you notice, no company is immune. When I was purchasing my minivan I read every complaint I could find for the make I wanted. I still purchased that make but pay extra attention to areas that were complained about. We have made 2 2400 mile trips to WDW and I drive my van every day and I don't share the same complaints. I use the information to be informed and aware and realize I am in control of my money ultimately. The day I don't like the way Connections handles my membership is the day I will no longer be a member. Until then I'm enjoying my benefits.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by DMRick
When you figure the thousands who have ordered over the years, I'm not sure if this would be considered a large amount of people.

If it were just a small percentage Mary wouldn't have stopped suggesting them. They have a horrible record with the BBB and the attorney generals of several states of had to take action against them.

Go to BBB.ORG and look them up.

 

[DMRick]

Go to BBB.ORG and look them up.

I've followed it..and I still believe it's a small amount compared to those who are happy with the service. Have you had a problem with them Lewis? I haven't, so I'll make my own decisions based on my experience as I do on other things.

It's different when someone like Mary is suggesting you use something..she then feels responsibility...even if it's a small percentage. I understand why she didn't want to take a chance of recommending the site..however I still recommend it to all who would like to save a few dollars or more each meal. I do suggest you not pay with debit card, as that seems to be where the most problems are.

As an aside, I know people who will not fly because of "all" the plane accidents...and most of us know that is a small percentage. I know people who won't sell on eBay because of "all" the non payers..again..a small percentage of the overall. I think we can each make these decisions for ourselves, once we have all the facts...

 

[Lewisc]

Rick--I agree each person has to make their own decision. The state attorney general doesn't get involved if the problem is only a small percentage. Unfortunately the search function is usually disabled here. Otherwise my advise would be for people to do a search and look at the problems people have had. I agree that for some people the savings may be worth it. As long as you keep records and use a cc you can eventually solve problems, but there really isn't any doubt that connections isn't one of the better companies to do business with..

At one point Connections wouldn't sign you up if you were a NY resident. Too many problems with NY regulators.

I don't agree with your analagy. If the FAA said an airline was unsafe I think I'd consider avoiding them. If the BBB and several state attorney generals says a company has questionable practices I'd think twice about using them.

People using connections have to be alert for problems and unauthorized charges.

 

[DMRick]

At one point Connections wouldn't sign you up if you were a NY resident. Too many problems with NY regulators.

For some reason some people had problems signing up in NY..I'm not one of them. Even when the people posted they had a problem on this board from NY..I signed up that same day.

If the BBB and several state attorney generals says a company has questionable practices I'd think twice about using them.

I guess I can only go by my experience..and I've not seen that the NY Attorney Genereal has had a big problem with them...I've seen CA has..what other states have? Also to remember, when a company is on the BB board of complaints, they seldom have checked into it. It reminds me of an eBay board where anyone can put their complaints..it's full of them for this company that has more positive feedback than anyone else I've seen..and their negs are under 2%..yet they have a ton of complaints on this website. Complainers complain, and happy people usually don't even realize there was a problem. So each person, as you said, has to do their own research. Some people on this board don't even think you save money with Connections and so would rather not take any chances..we've saved a lot, and don't feel we are taking chances.

 

[vhoffman]

I signed up for the Connections $1 trial membership offer. After reading all the problems people have had with them, I'm leary of dealing with them. One thing I noted in the link posted here--many people were falsely charged for $96. That figure comes up in many complaints. Now, I'm not a lawyer, (nor do I play one on TV!), but I seem to recall reading that consumer fraud under $100 is considered a misdomeanor and as such your legal recourses are limited. If that's true, these people know what they're doing! I plan to cancel my membership and watch my cc closely for any improper charges. BTW, we use AMEX for everything, partly for their Membership Rewards program, but also because they are very helpful in dealing with disputes. About 5 years ago, we went to Mexico through a travel agency. We booked a 5 star hotel. When we got there, it was more like a run-down Motel 6. We checked out and booked ourselves into another hotel at our expense. Of course, both charges showed up on AMEX. We protested the charge for the original hotel to AMEX. We backed up our complaint with pictures of the hotel and broucheres, etc. from the travel agency. They (AMEX) agreed we didn't get what we paid for and took the charge off our bill.

This is too bad, because I was really looking forward to saving some money with the vouchers. However, I just don't think its worth the hassle and anxiety. I guess its true, there's no free lunch!

 

[summerrluvv]

I checked out that site, and I have to say, I think that 50% of the people are at fault for not reading the fine print when signing up for the "$1 trial". Some of them claim to say they had no idea they would be charged the whole membership amount, but if they read the fine print, they would have realized this.

The other half I think purchased something on the phone and the rep. automatically signed them up for the membership without a. telling them or b. rewording it so the consumer thought they were only paying $1 for it.

I have never had a problem with connections. My only problem was I used my paypal account and it appeared that I was billed twice, but I wasn't....the first charge was just a pending authorization which dropped off after about a week.

 

[vhoffman]

What fine print? I signed up online, and there was no fineprint. It clearly stated that the trial membership was $1 and could be cancelled in the first month. Has this not been your experience? The complaints I read were not so much about not cancelling a membership, but about filing false charges on one's cc. There seemed to be too many of then to think it was just a random mistake or misunderstanding. Also, supposedly there have been many complaints against them with the BBB. However, as another poster pointed out,there were many complaints about a type of minivan she wished to buy but I believe she bought it anyways and is happy with it. We recently bought a car and wanted to be a smart consumer, so we researched the car dealerships in our area. Well, they all had negative reports filed with the BBB. Numerous ones. So if we let that be our guide we never would have bought a car. So go figure!

 

[summerrluvv]

Taken from the www.dealpass.com website: (note connections and simple escapes are the same company)


To activate your trial membership you will be charged just $1.00 for your 30-day trial period and you can immediately take advantage of the great savings Simple Escapes has to offer!

After 30 days, if you'd like to continue Simple Escapes, it's just $139.95 for a full year of savings, automatically charged to the credit card you use today. Remember, you can call us toll-free at 1-877-836-6903 within the first 30 days to cancel, and you will not be charged the annual fee. To ensure continuous service, your membership will be renewed and charged each year at our then-current renewal fee, unless you call us to cancel. If for any reason you are dissatisfied, you can cancel and receive a refund of the unused portion of the current year's fee. The Free $25 Kmart® Gift Card is yours to claim as our way of saying "thanks" for being an active member of Simple Escapes!

 

[Lewisc]

On September 18, 2000, the New York Attorney General announced MemberWorks settled allegations of telemarketing abuses. Using information provided by Citibank, its largest client, and other major financial institutions, MemberWorks offered ""free 30-day trial memberships=94 in one of its many clubs. Many consumers who accepted the initial free trial did not realize the firm had access to their credit card account numbers. MemberWorks agreed to rewrite their telemarketing script, provide refunds, and to prove consumer consent by recording. On April 27, 2001, the California Attorney General announced that MemberWorks had settled charges of misleading telemarketing practices. The sale of a 30-day free trail membership with a ""negative option"" cancellation resulted in complaints from consumers who were upset to find charges of $49 and $89 on their credit card accounts. Without admitting liability, MemberWorks agreed to pay $1.5 million in civil penalties and costs. The firm also agreed to change its' business practices and improve notice to purchasers.

Other states took similar actions. This company has a history of abuse. Mary took the information off her website because there were enough current complaints to concern her.

If they ripped off 100% of the customers they'd be out of business. I'm sure many (most) of the customers haven't had problems but when the search function is working do a look on these boards. There are number of people who've had problems.

 

[DMRick]

I understand what you are saying..but do you understand how many companies, have "allegations" against them and do settling up? It's easier. Big companies settle. It tells you right on the website that you will be charged automatically..just like my insurance company, McAfee, etc. Record clubs and other companies do. It is not unusual. The search does work for me (they turn it off part of the day, but I have searched several times today). I know some people have had problems..but I also read about all the people who don't. So it's good the government keeps people on the up and up...but the problem you cited is not alone to this company. If you pay with a regular cc and have a problem, it's easy enough to fix. IF you have a problem. Just like with many other companies.

I've met Mary, I think her and her site is wonderful..however, just because she is no longer suggesting them on her site, doesn't mean it's a bad deal. It means she's not comfortable recommendign them. She also doesn't care for some hotels I've been happy in. I don't care for a couple she has highly suggested. It's been a good deal for lots of us..and while it's nice for you to keep posting warnings so people can be aware...a lot of people haven't had problems.

Many consumers who accepted the initial free trial did not realize the firm had access to their credit card account numbers.

How could you not know this..since you give them your cc when you join? Again, it does take some common sense as well...I read the contract when I joined..I guess not everyone did. Hopefully, since 2000, the date you mentioned in NY, when this happened, they have improved. I wasn't able ot find any Attorney General recent (within the past year) for NY on this company..and i have no idea who even owns it at this date in time.

Obviously, you have had a bad experience with them, so I don't blame you for letting others know...but again, remember, if someone has a problem, they are more apt to complain than if they didn't. It's always good for people to see both sides.

 

[JuJuJasmine]

I guess it all comes down to this - be a careful, smart shopper and chances are, you'll come out ahead.

I've saved a lot of money on our upcoming first trip because of these boards...I can't wait to tally it up but I'm easily looking at savings in the $750-1,000 range for our 7 day trip.

Vouchers seem to be a smart, sensible way to help control meal costs but I must admit, I am a little nervous to do it this way. I may take a pass on this opportunity.

I'd love a PM from someone who just LOVES this and has nothing but good things to tell me about it.
JuJu

 

[disneyjunkie]

I've joined connections several times. I've never had a problem when I canceled my memberships or with any of my orders. I've used a debit card for all of my orders. I think the $4.50 movie tickets are a better deal than the disney vouchers

I plan to join connections again in September and cancel in December,however this time I'll use LV. If we take a trip next summer, I'll join again in May.

I like the idea of prepaying most of our meals.

 

[Lewisc]

Rick: CONNECTIONS HAS A BAD HISTORY:
1) I understand some companies may settle up rather than fight BUT THAT'S NOT WHAT HAPPENED HERE. Connections settled up with some states (including NY and CA) after already losing in court in other states.
http://www.ag.state.mn.us/consumer/Privacy/PR/mbwkscomplaint.html The facts are the company was bad in the past. Don't know why you won't accept the facts?

2) People were charged WITHOUT giving their credit card numbers. Most people assume that if you don't give a telemarketer your credit card number they won't be able to charge you. Not true in this case.


Not clear how much they cleaned up their act.

I never bothered using Connections. The few dollars saved isn't worth the potential problem of being on hold, credit card dispute and the like.


Connections past history isn't really open to debate, not sure why you're defending it. Don't want to sound rude but I'll take Mary's opinion (based on the number of people she gets information from) over yours.

Originally posted by DMRick
I understand what you are saying..but do you understand how many companies, have "allegations" against them and do settling up? It's easier. Big companies settle.
I've met Mary, I think her and her site is wonderful..however, just because she is no longer suggesting them on her site, doesn't mean it's a bad deal. It means she's not comfortable recommendign them. She also doesn't care for some hotels I've been happy in. I don't care for a couple she has highly suggested. It's been a good deal for lots of us..and while it's nice for you to keep posting warnings so people can be aware...a lot of people haven't had problems.


How could you not know this..since you give them your cc when you join? .

 

[DMRick]

Connections past history isn't really open to debate, not sure why you're defending it. Don't want to sound rude but I'll take Mary's opinion (based on the number of people she gets information from) over yours.

Doesn't bother me whose opinion you take LOL! I'm not defending them, since I don't care enough either way if you or others decide to use them. ..I'm saying I and many others have not had problems..any more than with many other compaies. As long as I don't have a problem and I save a lot of money..I'm OK with it. Will you share your bad experience with them? It may help me see where you are coming from. I know talking with a few people who have posted on line that they were charged twice, I do also realize that some of the people who where charged twice thought their original sign up didn't "take" and signed up a second time..so that's something to remember..if you sign up one way..give it the three to four days to take affect before you think it didn't "take". Otherwise you will be charged twice.

I know that Mary decided not to refer people to them. That's her choice and if you decide to go along with her decision, that's fine too. I certainly believe Mary has done her homework. Lillian Vernon (unless you know something I don't know) has been a good company..and they have decided to team up with them..so maybe that will be an improvement.

I've been happy with them, others have too..so it's buyer beware I guess. The items you posted were a few years old..I've only been dealing with them for a few years..so maybe they have cleaned up their act. I save money, and that's why I use them. If I had a problem I might feel differently, but I havent' had any problems.