Press Release Summary = Heritage Web Solutions discusses complaints and complaint websites. It is important to understand how Heritage Web Solutions handles its complaints, and why complaint websites are not what they appear to be.
Press Release Body = Don\'t always take someone elses complaint at face value. There are a lot of Complaint Websites, such as Rip Off Reports and Complaints Board, that allow individuals to post anything they want, whether it is factual or not. There are even some competitors of Heritage Web Solutions that have gone so far as posting defamatory and fictitious information on the Internet under fake names, in an effort to give them an edge with Heritage Web Solutions. Beware of doing business with a company that is quick to point you to one of these complaint sites.
Of course Heritage Web Solutions does have some customer complaints, all companies do. Complaints are a part of doing business. No matter how superior a company is with service to their customer, there are always some customers that are just not satisfied, or situations arise with their service that cause customer dissatisfaction. Most large companies realize that complaints are a part of their business.
To illustrate this point, think of a national company that you love to do business with (Wal-Mart, Sports Authority, Costco, Home Depot), and do a search on Google for complaints on this company by typing in the company name and then the word "complaints.\" You'll see that even with the best companies, there are pages and pages of complaints. Sometimes it is just very difficult to please everyone. And some people you can never please.
The Better Business Bureau states, "The finest businesses get complaints. When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.\"
It is always a wise practice to do your homework on a company before doing business with them. There are many unscrupulous companies in today's world that you want to avoid. How can you tell? What avenues are there in determining what company is best for you?
A good place to look is the Better Business Bureau. You can find them at www.bbb.org. Some things to consider when looking up a company report:
Is the Company Listed? - If not, that should be a big red flag. They are either too new, are flying under the radar so as not be noticed, or they aren't a registered company.
Complaints Ratio - Compare the number of complaints to the company\'s customer-base they are servicing. If the company has a high rate of complaints, more than 5% of its customer base, then they have a customer service problem. Less than 2% to 3% is an acceptable range. There will always be customers, for some reason or another, that are never satisfied. You've probably dealt with some.
Resolution of Complaints - How many complaints have not been resolved? This indicates if a company makes an effort to resolve customer issues.
Rating - What type of rating has the BBB given this company? An unsatisfactory record means that the company has demonstrated practices that are misleading or deceptive, or it has failed to cooperate in efforts to resolve consumer disputes. A satisfactory record means the company has cooperated with the BBB to resolve consumer disputes and is not involved in practices that could be considered misleading or deceptive. The company must also be free from an unusual volume or pattern of complaints, as well as any law enforcement action involving its marketplace conduct.
Bottom line - Do your homework. Give the company a fair review. Make sure you feel good about doing business with them.
As mentioned at the beginning of this report, beware of Complaint Websites. They are not always what they appear to be.
A prime example of this is the follow postings on Rip Off Report.com by one customer who has had a vendetta against Heritage Web Solutions. Heritage first of all did everything in its power to satisfy this customer, even giving a full refund. At one point the customer was totally satisfied and said so in writing. But for some reason snapped and started a smear campaign against the company. If you review the postings below, you will see what appears to be multiple people who have posted negative things about Heritage Web Solutions. All of those postings were copied or fabricated by this vindictive customer.
Postings from Rip Off Report.com:
Report: Heritage Web Solutions
Category: Web Hosting Heritage Web Solutions ripoff Provo Utah *UPDATE *UPDATE ..HERITAGE WEB SOLUTIONS COMPLAINTS KEEP POURING IN Respond to this report!
Are you an owner, employee or ex-employee with either negative or positive information about the company or can you provide \"insider information\" on this company? Victim of this person/company? Are you also a victim of the same company or person? Want Justice? File a Ripoff Report and donīt let them get away with it! Print Email Heritage Web Solutions Phone: Fax:
1460 Moon River Dr, Provo, Utah, 328604 U.S.A. Submitted: 8/14/2006 4:27:55 PM Modified: 4/19/2007 11:23:54 AM Reported By Richard Palm Bay, Florida
How to get Rip-off Revenge
Stop the Fraud. If your looking for a web site development and hosting company stay away from Heritage web solutions.Since we started this blog over 100 complaints have come in ranging from out and out fraud to just plain old disgust with this company.There are numerious complaints claiming that Heritage was paid to develope a site and never did, as well as charge for Hosting services that were never delivered Their site editor does not support most modern applications,like google adsence,adwords ect. stat counters and applications of this nature are problematic with their editor also. The company is aware of these problems however they fail to disclose these problems when you hire them to develope your site. once they get your money and the problems surface they pretend to be surprised and concerned,if you get your site at all. they keep your money and tell you to purchase your own editor which they do not support.
Bottom line this company is a fraud ,they are in process of being brought to court under a class action litigation and investigations have begun under the fraud statutes.Stop the fraud and report any problems. Mark Strong is the owner of Heritage and pretends to not know what is going on within his company.(((ROR redacted email address for security purposes))). If you have more information about this company or if you know of anty attorney who might be interested in bringing class action litigation against this company
Some additional Information , since I started my campaign of e-mails and blogs about Heritage I have recieved numerious E-mails about the rip-off practices of this company. I recieved severl bothersome e-mails from an attorney representing Heritage. One of these letters threatens legal action if I continue to have contact with past,present or future customers of Heritage or have contact with criminal authorities. Next and even more troubling is the letter explaining how Heritage will go after my (wife and 8 year old girl)after my demise. ( I am a hospice patient) They explain in detail how they will take any money in my estate away from them. Here is an excerpt from that letter ( It should be noted that I did not get a free web site from Heritage) James T. Dunn, PC Attorney at Law (((ROR redacted address and phone number for security purposes)))
August 9, 2006
Via e-mail: and US Mail
(((ROR redacted name and address for security purposes))) Re: Heritage Web Solutions, LLC
Dear Mr. A:
I have reviewed your most recent e-mail dated August 8, 2006 at 8:13AM.
Although I realize the service of a lawsuit upon you may not be much of a threat since you have a terminal illness; however, there are economic consequences of your conduct that spill over to your estate.
It appears reasonably certain from past communications that it was your desire to setup the Internet business to provide an income stream to your wife and daughter. Your continued lies, defamation and intentional interference with my client\'s business are claims that can be brought against your estate. If you are leaving behind a Will, any funds that you leave could be subject to the claims of Heritage.
You asked me to inform you in a way that you can understand what I can do to you. It is not what can be done to you, but what can be done to your estate and the funds you leave behind. You have been given every reasonable attempt to resolve this without that happening, but you continue to spew your hatred over a $700 issue. This suggests that you have some type of mental problem as well.
Your rambling e-mail continues to suggest that I cannot stop you from telling the truth. The truth is whatever the judge says at the end of the day regardless of what the parties may feel. The truth in this case is that you got your website designed for free and your money back. Where is the fraud in that? If anything, you stole services for which you should pay, and have paid nothing for the service provided to you - consider it a gift to a dying man. However, your continued ranting and raving cannot be tolerated.
August 9, 2006 Page 2
Can I hurt you? Probably not. Can I hurt your heirs? Probably. I am giving you the opportunity to do the right thing without being compelled to do that. If you don\'t see the fairness or goodness in that, that is your problem - not mine. We are prepared to have a judge tell you or your heirs that what you have done is wrong.
Very truly yours,
James T. Dunn
Encl. cc: Heritage Web Solutions
WHAT KIND OF COMPANY THREATENS A DYING MAN AND HIS FAMILY LIKE THIS.THREATENS TO TAKE AWAY A CHILDS INCOME IF THE FATHER CONTINUES TO ASSERT A LEGAL CLAIM AGAINST A COMPANY WHO IS STEALING PEOPLES HARD EARNED MONEY.
Richard Palm Bay, Florida U.S.A.
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Updates & Rebuttals: Updates & Rebuttals
* Rebuttal to Heritage Web Solutions ripoff report Mark [8/18/2006 2:02:08 PM] * Answer to Mark Strong Richard [8/18/2006 5:18:01 PM] * THE MISSING E-MAILS THAT TELL THE REST OF THE STORY Richard [8/18/2006 7:51:55 PM] * REST IN PEACE Richard [8/19/2006 10:34:44 PM] * Take Heritage Down Richard [10/14/2006 7:37:55 PM] * More Heritage complaints Richard [10/17/2006 4:38:55 PM] * My Problem too ! Richard [10/21/2006 3:48:53 PM] * Richard Burton wrote Richard [10/21/2006 8:32:58 PM] * Heritage employees speak out Richard [12/1/2006 12:43:05 PM] * Heritage Web Polutions (Hide your wallet) Richard [2/20/2007 7:26:34 AM] * Recent e-mails on Heritage Richard [2/20/2007 7:27:51 AM] * More rip offs reported Richard [2/25/2007 12:49:56 PM] * More rip offs reported Richard [3/19/2007 4:52:46 AM] * Web site design Fraude(Heritage web solutions,Mark Strong Provo Utah) Employees and customers speak out to stop this company from ripping off the public Richard [3/24/2007 6:25:52 PM] * UPDATE Richard [3/24/2007 6:36:03 PM] * HERITAGE WEB SOLUTIONS COMPLAINTS KEEP POURING IN Richard [4/19/2007 8:19:30 AM]
How to get Rip-off Revenge CompanyOwner Submitted: 8/18/2006 2:02:08 PM Modified: 8/18/2006 2:02:08 PM CompanyOwner Mark Provo, Utah U.S.A. Rebuttal to Heritage Web Solutions ripoff report
On Jan 27, 2006 Richard contracted with Heritage Web Solutions to design a custom website for him. After multiple designs, revisions, and changes the site went live in early May. Then, on May 11, Richard complained that Heritage\'s tech support was not what he needed. He had found another host who could meet his needs and he requested that Heritage release the site to him and also give him a refund.
On May 12, Heritage responded by suggesting the fair thing to do would be release the website without the refund, but also to release Richard of his contract to host with Heritage for 1 year. Richard agreed to this on May 12.
Richard subsequently reneged on his promise. On July 12 Richard informed Heritage of his efforts to discredit Heritage on the Internet and demanded a full refund.
In a concession to preserve its good name, Heritage communicated to Richard that Heritage would issue a full refund in exchange for his discontinuing all negativity directed at Heritage. On July 12 Richard agreed. Heritage refunded his money in full. On July 18 Richard thanked Heritage for "making things right.\" and "I will pray for the success of your company, your family and friends.\"
Three days later Richard resumed his negativity on the Internet. His practices are nothing more than a transparent attempt to extort money from Heritage.
The following are emails received from and sent to Richard substantiating all of the above. The readers can draw their own conclusions:
(Richard\'s May 11 request for release of his site and a refund) Mark Thank you for ll you help with this site. I wish I could say everything has worked out the way I needed it to but It hasn\'t. My problem is I am not computer literate and to keep trying to figure out how to make this site work for me the way I need it to combined with the editor compatibility problems has proved to much for me at this time. As I explained to you in earlier communications I was admitted to Hospice recently and have time constraints and I need this site fully functional with minimal problems so I can hand this over to my wife and little girl for future income.
I had asked you in earlier e-mails if you would consider refunding all or some portion of the dollars I expended on the development of this site and as of yet I have had no response to this request. I would appreciate your releasing the stocksearchers.net domain name to me so I can seek another company who has the ability to host and maintain the site without the editor problems. ( I HAVE FOUND ONE WHO CAN DO THIS FOR ME AND WHOSE EDITOR PROGRAM IS COMPATIBLE) in fact when they reviewed my site they new exactly what the problem was and why it was happening and assured me that their editor has no problems in that area..
I have no ill feeling about this and hope your sense of right and wrong will prompt you to refund some portion of my investment in this site. Someone at your company should have said something about the editor not being compatible with the items I needed on my site prior to accepting the task of designing and hosting the site. There is no way I can force you to refund anything and even if there were I cannot afford the time or money to do so. Money is very precious to me and my family Right now and under the circumstances I urge you to be as kind as you can.
Thank you and God bless, Please advise me as to the release of my domain and your intent as to any refund
Rick \'n\' Ann
(Heritage\'s response on May 12) Rick,
I am sorry you feel this can\'t work for you. On our end, I hope you know we worked diligently to design your site and then host it and provide technical support. All of the sites we design are done at below cost. We depend on future hosting to break even and then make a profit. To try to meet your needs, I will release the domain and our work to you without enforcing the 1 years hosting requirement. This is a 12 X $39.99 value. I hope you will find this to be fair.
I will ask Tim Longwell to release everything to you.
Tim, please release the domain and all of our work to Rick.
Jen, please cancel this account. (keep it live until the transfer is complete.)
Rick, best wishes to you and your family.
Thanks to all.
Mark Strong
(Richard\'s May 12 acceptance of the Heritage offer) Mark yes I think this is fair,and I appreciate all you and your staff has done. I do know how hrd your staff has worked to make this work,However it is your staff that advised me that the problems could not be worked out. They advised me that the eidtor compatability problem would be an on going problem and that changes to the site would always require the asistance of tech support. Thank you for all your help
(Richard\'s July 12 agreement to discontinue all negativity directed at Heritage, on the basis that he (Richard) receive a full refund.) Mark
Upon receipt of a check in the amount of $701.71 by certified mail, I will agree to refrain from any contact with future,past or present clients of Heritage Web solutions. This includes non disclosure of our agreement. As for the Web site, You have my permission to shut the site down once the check has been sent. There will be no future blogs and any and all current blogs will be withdrawn once the check has been received. Once the check has been received I have no problem authoring a public satisfaction on your site saying I am a satisfied customer.
(Richard\'s July 18 email thanking Heritage for the refund) Mark, . once again let me congratulate you on your commitment to make things right with people who have had problems with your company. I will pray for the success of your company, your family and friends.
Three days later Mr. Austin reneged on his agreement and began again his attack on Heritage. The readers can now decide for themselves who has acted with integrity and fairness.
Mark Strong Partner/Heritage Web Solutions Update Submitted: 8/18/2006 5:18:01 PM Modified: 8/18/2006 5:18:01 PM Update Richard Palm Bay, Florida U.S.A. Answer to Mark Strong
Mark Strongs Rebuttal is interesting but not very factual,in his statement he fails to mention that They shut the site down 3 hrs after the agreement to keep it live until transfer.(Infact a transfer never took place). My letter(e-mail does state that the problem was always editor compatibility and that problem was never solved,in fact that issue was the major problem .(The site did not ever work from day 1 and their techs said they new it could never work from day 1.
The real Question is why did they contract to do a site that they new according to their own personel could not be done.And why did it take so long in order to get some results.You will note there was no refund agreed to even after my request until I told them I would go public. I was also told by Mark that he was unaware of the problems with my site and Heritages problems with other and only until I reviewed my prior e-mails did I realise that Mark was a big part of the problem and in fact did know Heritage was having problems with other.His pretence of Ignorance about what went on in his company was false.
Most importantly is the fact that Mark states I am trying to get more money from Heritage now. In fact the only thing I have asked Heritage to do is appoint an independant entity to oversee the customer complaints and handle them appropriatly.
To sum it up, I contracted with them in Jan 05 to develope a site that would be a source of income for my family upon my demise, I took the blame for the problems encountered with the site for 5 months because I did not understand the workings of the computor(they kept telling me it was not their problem but mine) until a tech in finaly admitted that the problem was with the editor they use and not something I was doingwrong.
It took from Jan 05 until July 06 7 months to finaly under threat of public exposure to refund my money. After Mark Agreed to refund my money I thanked him for his integrity and good sence only to realise that He was part of the deciet all along. E-mail after e-mail kept comming telling me how Heritage has ripped them off.
I have asked for nothing from Heritage except their commitment to give people what they pay for. There are many e-mails missing but enough has been said. Update Submitted: 8/18/2006 7:51:55 PM Modified: 8/18/2006 7:51:55 PM Update Richard Palm Bay, Florida U.S.A. THE MISSING E-MAILS THAT TELL THE REST OF THE STORY
These e-mails show that although My site was to remain live until transfer,The transfer never took place and the site was shut down,note the dates and wasn\'t is very generous of Mark to offer to cancel the 1 year hosting agreement on a site that never worked at all. I have also added a few more e-mails from Mark and several others at Heritage showing just how long and how PATIENT I HAVE BEEN WITH HERITAGE THESE E-MAILS CLEARLY DISPUTE EVERYTHING MARK HAS STATED IN HIS REBUTTALS.
I CHALLENGE HERITAGE AND MARK STRONG TO SHOW ANYTHING THAT RESEMBLES A REQUEST FOR ANY MORE MONEY FROM THEM OTHER THAN THE INTIIAL REFUND THAT WAS MADE.
Thu, 18 May 2006 22:39:59 -0700 (PDT) From: \'Rick\' Subject: Fwd: Web site To: \'Mark Strong\'
Mark I just received a call from your after hours support and it was nasty and rude from start to finish. Yes I sent quite a few messages for support because there was no comment box, so I tried to send pieces of a message in the Name box to alert support as to what the problem might be( not even sure if the message was going through because i did not know if the message being sent was through your system or my system) so I sent it several times through several different methods.
It may have been a bit annoying but not anything that would result in a nasty rude phone message being sent to me. Mark no one has contacted me in any form to work out a transfer and your message to jen was to cancel the account but keep it live until a transfer was complete. Mark this has now cost me my reputation with my vendors and again with my credit card processing company here is a copy of the message ( little pieces were sent at a time in the name box)
After hours support
Here is the message from Mr strong stateing that site was to kept live until transfer was complete. Site transfer has not taken place as of yet here is mr. Strongs message From: \'Mark Strong\' View Contact Details Add Mobile Alert To: \'Rick\', \'t longwell\' CC: \'j yorgensen\' , \'t longwell\' Subject: Re: stocksearchers Date: Fri, 12 May 2006 09:13:46 -0600
Rick,
I am sorry you feel this can\'t work for you. On our end, I hope you know we worked diligently to design your site and then host it and provide technical support. All of the sites we design are done at below cost. We depend on future hosting to break even and then make a profit. To try to meet your needs, I will release the domain and our work to you without enforcing the 1 years hosting requirement. This is a 12 X $39.99 value. I hope you will find this to be fair.
I will ask Tim Longwell to release everything to you.
Tim, please release the domain and all of our work to Rick.
Jen, please cancel this account. (keep it live until the transfer is complete.)
Rick, best wishes to you and your family.
Thanks to all.
Mark Strong
Note: forwarded message attached.
Rick \'n\' Ann
Date: Thu, 18 May 2006 17:43:20 -0700 (PDT) From: \'Rick\' Subject: Web site To: \'Mark Strong\'
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Mark Now I am totaly confused The ownership of the site is still listed to Heritage so your company never did release thew company to me in the first place,So why is everything shut down. It can\'t be because of money because if you remember I paid for this,plus I was overcharged for the set-up If you remmeber and also had 2 free months of hosting service to compensate for the overcharges, and site problems.
WHOIS information for stocksearchers.net:
[whois.enom.com]
Web Site = http://heritagewebdesign.com
Contact Details = Heritage Web Solutions www.heritagewebdesign.com 1-866-754-1474 list@heritageusa.net