The Bender Method
Tonight I’m going to break my own rule. My intention was to only review those products that I liked and would recommend. I am going to deviate from this for a second because I feel that I need to warn the unaware of a great wrong that was done to me which I hope I can save you from.
In November of 2008 I ordered and received the bender method of core training and buns and thigh. I placed my order directly with the company on line and the DVD was shipped out to me. I will say, it was a passable workout especially for beginners, however I do not want to talk about the workout.
Here is my story, the product was advertised for $7.99 but when they were finished with the add on the product ended up costing $20.91, this included shipping to Florida. Ok I thought, false advertising, immoral, unethical, but not criminal and I was hooked one the claims so I decided to go ahead and try it.
approximately one month later I received, in the mail, two more DVDs from the Bender people. The bender method of advanced core training and the Bender method of Pilate’s. I was confused, I had not ordered anything else as I did not think the first DVD was worth my $20.91. Then I thought they may have sent these new complementary DVDs in order to encourage me to buy other products.
This gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling and I thought “OK, let me use these new products and if I am happy with them I would go back to the site to see what else they had to offer”. To my chagrin, on searching the packaging I realized that these products were not complementary at all, as there was a note advising me that my credit card would be charged for $19.99 for the two DVDs.
I was angry and speechless. I immediately fired off an email to the company asking for an explanation. I was advised that the products were sent out to me automatically as I was enrolled in their auto shipment program after I placed my original order.
Maybe I’m missing something, and maybe someone can enlighten me, but I’ve been shopping on the net for a few years and I have never had this experience nor have I heard of anything similar. Correct me if I’m wrong but when I go to a company, I think it is reasonable to expect that they will give me value for money, treat me with respect and not abuse me.
However, when you shop online, the reality is your credit card details are out there and if you are unfortunate you will encounter some unscrupulous person or company sooner or later. This was my first experience and it was the most blatant misuse of trust that I’ve encountered for a while. I’ve asked for a refund and I’m awaiting a reply.
I would like to reiterate that at no time was I advised that ordering the first product would obligate me to purchase further products. I was not advised, nor is it anywhere on the site that I would be enrolled in an automatic shipment program.
This is my story, I’ve tried to leave nothing out and I certainly added no embellishment. Please be aware that this is the practice of the Bender Company. Don’t allow yourself to be caught. I cannot even speak about the products as the experience has left me with a very bitter taste. If you are really interested in trying the program I would suggest you purchase it through Amazon. I’ve been a customer for over two years and I’ve never had any complaint. The one time I had a problem it was dealt with immediately and satisfactorily.
Tags: Bender ball, DVD