Should you bite at the offer of a free meal from eComTrainers?
In 2004 we warned about the Utah-based company StoresOnline. It was selling overpriced website development and hosting, mainly to small New Zealand businesses.
A similar scheme is currently being promoted by eComTrainers and Internet Marketing Conference around the North Island. It appears that the company behind StoresOnline is also behind the latest seminars.
The pitch is the well worn offer of a free lunch and bag of goodies if you attend a presentation.
Don't be swayed by a free lunch. Things to watch:
- The cost of the purchase of a website. If the price is above $2,000 forget it - you're likely to be able to get a better deal from a local web developer.
- The cost of the ongoing support and its availability. Ask the hard questions and insist on unambiguous responses.
- The annual hosting fee. You don't have to pay thousands to an overseas company - there is an excellent range of home grown web hosting companies charging moderate fees that are in line with the service you are buying.
Because of the close association with StoresOnline, a company that has disappointed many New Zealand consumers in the past, we strongly recommend you have nothing to do with eComTrainers and Internet Marketing Conference.
Similar schemes may also be offered under other names. We urge caution.
Member Comments
Got a question or comment on this topic? Share your views and experiences with other Consumer members...
To add a comment you need to be a member of consumer.org.nz. Login or Join.
Read what our members have to say close
To save money on essentials and make buying decisions easy, you can't go past Consumer. We're proud to have over 65,000 members all enjoying our independent information online or in Consumer magazine.
Here's what some of them say...
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your site excellent! Easy to find my way around, everything at my fingertips - just a click away.
I only took out a 3 month membership as I wasn't sure but it is actually really easy to use and if I want it on paper I can print the
reports. Thanks again".
Denise Watkinson - Waitakere
"My mother (74) got a renewal letter from her insurance company for her car insurance, wanting $570. After reading
your article on car insurance, I contacted one of the companies you recommended, who quoted her $318 for the same
level of cover. I just wanted to stay thank you very much for your article, as it has saved my mother a substantial amount of money".
Adrian Lane - Kapiti Coast
"I've been a member to the magazine since 1997 and enjoy reading it a lot. I've found lots of helpful information on different issues...
Thank you for being so helpful".
Peter Kovalenko - Porirua
"I have been a member of the Consumer NZ for 20 or more years and have enjoyed much reliable advice.
I turn to their tests before making significant purchases".
Lyndal Print – Auckland
Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services
- Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
from just $25
