Absolte Air Industries

Revdex.com: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] , and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved Regards, [redacted]

I submitted a complaint against Appstar on 12/11/2015, (ID# 10991897) on 01/08/I received what I considered an acceptable resolution from AppstarAs it turns out Appstar has not followed through with reimbursing my account $which they owe me for a faulty credit card reader and they continue to charge me $a month for a wireless terminal that I no longer have an their sister company called [redacted] Lease continues to charge me $a month for a credit card reader that was rendered useless in November due to the new chip readersI call [redacted] they tell me they are a sister company of Appstar and will give me no other information other than I need to call Appstar, Appstar says they have no control over [redacted] I sent my letter to discontinue service with Appstar when my contract was up which fortunately is April, I realized they were charging me for a wireless terminal that I returned in December 2015,because I failed to submit a deactivation form, which I would have no way of knowing such a form even existed as no one @Appstar ever bothered to send me a form to accomplish said taskOn 03/01/I spoke with an Account Specialist who supposedly is an account specialist for Appstar who " I can't do anything to help you, I have to switch you over to Appstar" I have been given nothing but a run around from this company since October and I continue to have to deal with them today because of their shady ways.Desired Outcome: I want a total reimbursement from this company for every penny they have stole from my companyI want $back for the faulty credit card reader, I want x $for the bogus wireless terminal fee they hit my account for and I want x $which Appstars sister company continues to debit my account for every month and I want [redacted] to cease taking money from my account for NOTHING

As I stated I did call to cancel prior to the most recent call and I don't have the date and it was probably some time in and that is when the said something about early termination and I was still using the service once in a while so I thought perhaps we could stick it out until the early termination they spoke of wouldn't be an issueThen our use went to zero and the cost was obviously high for something we weren't using so when they wouldn't give on the early termination I started investigating the contract because that was Harry's answer to all my arguments even though there was no mention of early termination in my conversations with the repand the conversation as I recall was along the lines of only a small monthly fee of $and then the small percentage on charges of % Once I started digging I realized they changed the monthly fees early on and Harry has an answer for everything, but his answer to this one was I was supposed to log on to their web site and there I would've gotten notice of fee changes and that the contract that I was told was only a simple agreement I was signing so they could access my bank to deposit funds and pull out their feesSo as you can see on this "agreement" Contract Mr [redacted] conveniently mark the spots for me to sign but the vast majority of what is in this contract was not discussed with me verbally and their own recordings prove thisI think that if you are buying something from someone and the charges are going to be adjusted after the fact and there are any additional charges it must be discussed verbally if it is part of an agreement or contract you are asking them to signthere are more pages I will need to send additionally

? AppStar Financial is in the business of selling credit card and other electronic processing services to businesses who accept cards as a form of payment from their customersFor this reason we are only interested in calling businesses and purchase our leads of business-only telephone numbers from a [redacted] vendorWe were provided with Ms [redacted] number [redacted] as being owned by a business by the name of [redacted] which is why we called it ? AppStar Financial offers merchant’s multiple ways to be removed from our call list including but not limited to: verbal requests to the agent during the call, email requests, requests through a third party such as a Consumer Affairs agency as well as by calling AppStar at 877-549-***.? A merchant calling that number is directed to enter their ten digit phone number followed by the # sign.? This automatically removes them from our callable database ? A message has been left for Ms [redacted] to ensure that we have blocked all applicable numbers in our system as well as to advise her on how she can prevent these calls from other companies by contacting [redacted] ? We hope this adequately addresses yours and Mr***’s concerns.? Please do not hesitate to contact me directly should require additional assistance ? ? Harry Mort AppStar Financial

Thank you for forwarding [redacted] complaint.? In response, I have provided a copy of the following: 1.? ? ? ? ? ? Merchant Application & Agreement ?" pages and 4; 2.? ? ? ? ? ? Terms & Conditions Acknowledgement; 3.? ? ? ? ? ? A printout of [redacted] Management page 4.? ? ? ? ? ? Page of the merchant’s March and April statements 5.? ? ? ? ? ? Blog Posting regarding [redacted] ability to manage compliance issues for it’s clients First, It should be noted what services [redacted] business, provides.? [redacted] on their website lobdock.com, states: DOT compliance regulations can be confusionand they are often a "moving target." We can help you navigate through the sea of Federal red tape In short, they bill their service as including the interpretation of DOT regulations and “Managing Contractor Compliance Guidelines[:]” they specialize in reading the fine print for their clients While speaking with [redacted] and in her complaint, Ms Lobsinger stated that “there were tons of hidden and confusing fees that I still don’t understand.”? AppStar would like to contest that.? In our conversations [redacted] focused on three items: the Breach Protection Program, the Merchant Benefits Package and the term of the contract These items are not listed in the “fine print.”? AppStar Financial designs its Agreement for readability.? Unlike other processors we group our fees together so that merchants are not left to dig through “the fine print” in an attempt to locate the fees.? All fees related to credit card processing are explicitly listed on page of the Agreement The Breach Protection Program, which was announced March and implemented in May 2014, is the exception.? As the program had not been launched yet, it was announced on page of the March and April statements.? After the program was launched, it was added to page of the Agreement.? The announcement read: Data breach protection programIn an effort to protect our customers from the over data breaches of million records in and the breaches at Target, Neiman Marcus and hundreds of other businesses, we have negotiated and secured a data breach protection program for our customers starting April 1, at a monthly cost of five dollars thirty two centsThis product is specifically designed to help cover the significant costs that would result from a breach at your locationFrom the data and reports that we have reviewed we believe that data security issues will become increasingly importantPlease note that this does not replace the need to become and remain PCI compliant pursuant to the PCI program we have set up for youFor questions on this program, please call 1-866-565- The announcement included a number for merchants to call with questions about the program and, if they chose, to opt out.? Additionally all statements advise the merchant to reconcile their charges monthly and advise us within ninety days if they wish to dispute the charges.? Ms Lobsinger has stated that she had neither accessed nor read her statement with us during the twenty four months she actively processed [redacted] also stated that she did not know she had signed up for the Merchant Benefits Package.? This package is explicitly listed on page of the Agreement along with the Rates and the Other Fees.? It should be noted that the rates were adjusted on this page so it is implied that a review of this page was conducted In regards to the termination fee and the term of the Agreement:? [redacted] expressed that we should include paragraph in its entirety on page of the Agreement, space precludes us from doing this.? Additionally, it would go against our intent to do so.? The page is designed to draw the signer’s eye to the termination fee and direct them to the Terms and Conditions for the full explanation.? If AppStar were to include paragraph in its entirety it would actually serve to hide this information in the “fine print” making it less likely not more so that merchant would read that paragraph.? We instead decided to section off the termination statement in its own bolded sqaure and include it on the signature page in an attempt to draw the merchant’s eye to this.? This is the opposite of hiding items in the fine print Finally, [redacted] complaint that the three year term is in the “fine print” asks us to ignore that her business advertises that they read and interpret this type of material for their clients, so while we disagree with her characterization that the term is hidden, [redacted] states that she specializes in reading this type of material We have reviewed this material with [redacted] and have advised her to approach her new processor about picking up the fee, something which is standard in the Merchant Services industry and which AppStar regularly offers merchants.? [redacted] stated that her new processor has refused to assist her with the termination fee Based on the above, the merchant’s request to refund the fees charged and waive the termination fee is declined.?

AppStar Financial contacted Swipe for [redacted] From the response, it was clear that they docover these fees based on a merchant’s volume.? We have attempted to contact the merchant to assist her further, but have been told she was too busy and have not received a call back.? The language that [redacted] stated she was “clueless” about reads as follows: The first bolded setoff paragraph on page above the merchant’s signature: Early termination of this Agreement shall result in an Early Termination Fee of no less than four hundred ninety-five dollars ($495.00).? Also, see paragraph of the Merchant Processing Terms & Conditions This second bolded section of paragraph reads as follows: Merchant shall pay on demand, an early termination fee of no less than four hundred ninety-five dollars ($495.00) for each MERCHANT location Rather than being hidden in the fine print as the merchant attests, AppStar makes every effort to highlight that the merchant will be charged a termination fee if they do not fulfil the terms of the contract Given that, and again, given [redacted] specialty in reading DOT regulations as well as the fact that she is familiar with the use of Terms and Conditions as evidenced again by her website (http://www.lobdock.com/terms-conditions/), we stand by our earlier response.? The offer to refund fees was made in an effort to resolve this matter and was made prior to AppStar having a full understanding of the merchant’s expertise A copy of [redacted] Terms and Condition, referenced above has been included To date, this account remains open as we have not received a signed closed letter.? This may be faxed to 866-336-9173.? If [redacted] has any additional questions, I can be reached at 858-712-

How did this case get closed? I responded immediately after the last update from Appstar (the business I’m filing the complaint from) I included the contract they had me signed, I pointed out where in the contract the information I was needing was buried in the contract I sent you email correspondence from my new credit card processing company stating that they would not cover the cancellation fee, even though AppStar believes they will Since I sent that message through your system, I have not received any updated information from you or any questions for clarification No email notifications, nothing Can someone please call me at [redacted] ? I’d like this file re-opened I see in the email correspondence that you sent me an email on 4/15/asking when I was notified of the termination fee I either never received notification in my email of that question, or I completely missed it somehow, but the answer is that I was notified of the termination fees when I called them to cancel my contract with them in the beginning of March I discovered the other ancillary fees that they added on my account without my notification in near the end of February when I started reviewing my credit card processing fees Those additional fees are what prompted me to change processors I made the change without contacting AppStar Reviewing AppStars fees is incredibly cumbersome because they charge me monthly fees and they take money out of credit card deposits, so many reports have to be pulled in order to figure out what they are actually taking from me This is another way AppStar is a bit shady with their business practices [redacted]

AppStar Financial has contacted this merchant to review this matter This merchant purchased [redacted] ***, a proprietary system which requires that the merchant process credit cards through a sales office for FirstData As the system is proprietary and the merchant is unable to use a standalone credit card terminal, we have agreed to waive the termination fee upon receipt of a signed closed letter This may be faxed to [redacted] The merchant will need to ship the terminals he received to AppStar Financial to avoid being charged non-returned equipment fees These can be sent to AppStar Financial Viewridge Avenue Suite C San Diego, CA Attn: MID We’d like to thank the merchant for his assistance in addressing this issue

Revdex.com: I have reviewed the? response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] , and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.? For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below When I called Appstar customer service, the representative himself told me that Appstar charged the for the transaction regardless if it was posted to my account or not.? This is in the words of an employee of Appstar.? I encourage Appstar to review the recorded conversation as everything is monitored and recorded.? The actual processor (First Merchant?) that called me for the reversal stated that there will be no fees on their end because of the reversal.? Being charged for a transaction that has not been completed is not a proper business practice.? Analyze the situation on my end, I never received the $4,000, why would I even forward this to the Revdex.com if I had received it? I have two accounts with Appstar; [redacted] ***is my other account where my monthly bill is always over $and not once have I made it an issue.? I have other merchants calling me everyday for my business but I like to stay loyal and with one company? Appstar, I am giving you a chance to resolve this issue that involves my original disputed amount.? If we cannot come to a resolution I am certain that my business will be wanted elsewhere as all the other merchants are willing to forward cancellation fees.? If you're looking forward to a long term relationship (as I am) then I am certain this can be resolved.? It's not only the matter of the money but more of the principle behind this, as I would have still made it an issue if $was deducted unjustly I look forward to your response Regards, [redacted] ***

Good evening, This email is to confirm the acceptance of the proposed resolution for case # [redacted] between [redacted] and Appstar financialIn the resolution, Appstar has agreed to forward the disputed amount in exchange for my acceptance and understanding that an exception is being madeBest regards, [redacted] *** Revdex.com: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] , and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved

AppStar Financial believes this issue was resolved on October 20, 2015.? We were contacted by [redacted] ***, [redacted] partner, in August regarding a prior processor reimbursement (PPR).? We explained at that time that the deal was submitted without this paperwork.? [redacted] submitted this on September 1, and the PPR was approved as an exception.? The PPR was sent to [redacted] via ACH on October 20, via ACH to account ending the [redacted] account ending in [redacted] While AppStar Financial strives to handle all PPR’s in a timely manner in this case the reimbursement was delayed by AppStar being a) unaware of the offer and b) by the merchant submitting unsigned reimbursement paperwork after the deadline for submission.? In the end, exceptions for the late submission and the unsigned reimbursement paperwork were made and the reimbursement was issued We ask that [redacted] check the October bank statement for the account ending in [redacted] to verify that she sees the deposit.? In the event that she does not, AppStar will request a trace on the deposit In regards to the savings, AppStar has only partial copies of the October and November statements to compare to, but these show that the merchant was paying 2.55% on average per month with the previous.? With AppStar, they are paying 2.42% based on the October statement.? We hope this answers [redacted] concern

Revdex.com: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] , and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.Appstar REFUSES to give their rate UNLESS the client signs a contractThis prevents the customer from shopping around or getting a lower rate from their current providerIt does not matter if the rates are or are not lower! The stated savings might have been based off a HIGH charge month and is not reflective of the true over all "savings"My business REQUIRES the need to charge OVER $10,By not providing a high daily amount, limits my ability to sell to my customerAppstar should have stated to me that they are unable to provide that requestMy years in business, lack of a charge back history and credit rating all should have indicated that I was a safe customer for their serviceIF THEY can not provide this to my company, they need to say soIt does not matter how much they can "save" my businessproviding only a $limit would KILL my businessHaving to get ADDITIONAL approval for purchases over $is a waste of my time and resourcesMy current provider happily provides as much as my customer requires Regards, [redacted]

AppStar Financial has reviewed this complaint as well as the calls between the merchant and our corporate officeThis review has shown that the merchant was provided proper closing instructions on multiple occasions, dating back to when she called in to close her son’s account and continuing through this year, when she quoted part of the closing procedure to the rep she was speaking with.? This rep was asked to call her back and left several messages for her which were not returned.? In addition, after the initial contact, messages left for the merchant with her staff were not returned.? AppStar aims to work with every merchant to address their issues as they arise, but relies on the merchant responding to our calls to do so.? It should be noted that the merchant faxed in a statement from her current processor showing she had paid them $on $5,in sales volume.? To put that in perspective, the merchant paid AppStar $on $10,in sales, almost twice the volume.? If she had processed that volume with her current processor, she would have paid $or 167% more than AppStar charged During our one contact, the merchant stated she was unwilling to return to AppStar as she had paid $for a terminal to the new processor, the same model that AppStar loans to merchants We look forward to working with the merchant but ask that she contact us at 858-712-so that this matter can be resolved

AppStar would like to apologize for the delay in this reimbursement being issued.? The paperwork was sent to the independent sales consultant and not received in our office until February 6, 2017.? The payment was requested that same day and issued February 17, 2017.? We have confirmed with Ms [redacted] - [redacted] that she has received the depositWe’d like to thank Ms [redacted] - [redacted] for her assistance in resolving this matter as well as the additional information she provided during our call

Based on his complaint and conversations with [redacted] ***, we reviewed all calls between the merchant and the corporate rep who set up the account [redacted] believed that there had been a conversation regarding the termination fee as well as a call back in which he was asked to review the account and commit verbally to it The second point is typical of lease verification callsAs [redacted] did not have a lease with AppStar Financial or Merimac Capital, the leasing company we use, this would not have taken place Regarding the fees and [redacted] belief that the rep misrepresented them: AppStar Financial has intentionally grouped all fees on page of the Merchant Application and Agreement This is different than most other processors and was done with the specific intent to make our application easy to read The only fee for credit card processing not listed on this page is the termination fee, which is square off, bolded and set apart on the signature page so as to draw the signor’s attention In reviewing the conversation, the rep was very clear as to what markup the merchant would see on his transactions and even advised the merchant on how to get a comparative quite from his bank to ensure he was getting the best possible rate Over multiple follow up calls with the merchant, nine in total, there was no further questions regarding the rates and fees The merchant did inquire as to how quickly after submitting the paperwork he could begin running transactions The calls took place over a twenty day period from October 1, through October 22nd Regarding the final billing, we have reviewed with [redacted] that that was billing for his final month and could not be billed until the month had closed In reviewing the calls with [redacted] ***, it appears he may have mixed up conversations he had with AppStar Financial with those he had with other companies Barring any additional information provided by [redacted] ***, the fees will stand as charged as there was no misrepresentation we could find We have scheduled a follow up call with [redacted] for October 3rd, so that he can review the calls as well

Revdex.com:I have reviewed the? response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] , and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.? For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.I do believe a $termination fee should have been topic of discussion and was not Appstars own phone log will show thatAnd as for the contract I was not made aware of it being anything more than permission to access my bank accounts leading me to believe I just had to sign and that was thatAnd I noticed in the Appstar response there was no mention of me having to log on and check for updates to the account and they certainly didn't mention automatic fee increases As I said before even if we agree I should've read the contract and known then about the early termination I was still over charged based on said agreement as I was told not a contract and the minimum over charge was $nothe counting annual fee of $that I'm fairly certain was not mentioned verbally or in the agreement plus the PCI charge of as I recall $The only way to make this right is pay back at minimum the over charges of $Appstare made their money and has been over charging and I only caught it because I did a check of the contract they want to go by These funds were taken from our checking account count electronically and the increase didn't get caught until I audited the account detailThe contract clearly states the fees and they charged more than the agreement by probably more than doubleI am not in the office so I can't currently give exact numbers on the fees charged but the bottom line is on the agreed fees alone they over charged $plus and I am willing to forget it for that amount otherwise I would like to take this as far as possible to get it reconciled including legal council if need.Regards, [redacted] ***

AppStar provides a match or beat guarantee for our merchants.? We ask that Mr [redacted] submit his November and December processing statements for review? ? If AppStar is unable to match or beat what his previous processor was charging him, the termination fee will be waived

Revdex.com: I have reviewed the? response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] , and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.? For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below The responder to my complaint says that my business is to interpret DOT regulations? That is indeed true...for DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING!!! ? I have very specialized knowledge in DOT compliance for interpreting how the government wants certain people drug tested for the purpose of public safety? If you ever need to know anything pertaining to that, I'm your person to ask? I do interpret the fine print for my clients? The fine print on ONE page document that has remained the same for the past years? And, any change that is made to that document, I am personally informed by phone call from my agent at the DOT? The REASON I'm in business is because people are not able to do this with every government regulation? The same is true with credit card processing? As for disclaimers and terms of contracts that are written in point font and pages long and contain jargon about banking and other types of compliance...I'm clueless? All I know is that if I were to expect a certain term length of a contract for a client of mine, I would make it CRYSTAL CLEAR what those expectations were? I would not hide that term deep into the outrageously long contract? The agent at Appstar asked me to settle my compliant by refunding me the upcharges they added after my contract went into effect? I believe I'm also owed those upcharges? I have NEVER received any statements from Appstar and never received any notice that he claims I was given? Apparently, I was expected to log into some secret portal to view this information? I was never notified of this? AND...in order for them to collect this money, they encouraged me to ask my new processing company to pay it? I asked them, they said "no"? Which is good with me because I don't see why anyone should have to pay this silly fee? You can close this case as me being completely unhappy to have worked with Appstar? They are going to autodraft the $from my account? I would call that embezzlement, except it won't be secretive or hidden? Appstar is a crappy company who will go down on my list of bad companies...for whatever that is worth? Regards, [redacted]

I have been unable to reach this merchant at the number provided to address this complaint We request that he call me at ***-***- [redacted] so we can address this complaint

AppStar Financial contacted [redacted] to determine what occurred here.? During these calls [redacted] mixed up our Merchant Application and Agreement with another contract he had signed at the same time.? This included stating that we had called him to do a verbal verification of the Agreement during which the termination fee was not mentioned.? No verbal verification of the agreement was done beyond his initial contacts with the rep as he did not lease equipment from us.? This type of verbal review of a contract is typical of lease agreements involving equipment purchases as opposed to processing agreements Additionally [redacted] stated that he was sure he had raised the issue during the calls as he would not sign an agreement without raising this.? This prompted a review of every call between [redacted] and the rep.? The majority of these calls were [redacted] stating that he had not read the agreement nor had he gotten a counter offer from his bank, an action the rep had advised him to do so that he could put the savings provided by AppStar in perspective to what the bank could do [redacted] stated several times that he was being pressured by his partner to complete this as he had transactions pending:? even going so far as to ask if he could authorize transactions prior to the application being submitted.? The rep correctly told him this was not an option After reviewing half of the calls, we offered to reduce the termination fee as a means to resolve this as there was nothing in the calls to support [redacted] version of events [redacted] declined this offer.? We explained that if after a full review nothing supported his story, the full termination fee would apply.? He again declined this offer A full review was done and there was no discussion of the termination fee being altered.? [redacted] then asked why it was not specifically pointed out to him, we explained that the majority of our merchants process the full term and do not need to have an exit clause pointed out to them.? Furthermore, we designed the application for readability, by grouping all of our fees together below the rates on page two (other processors bury them in the agreement).? Additionally we set our fees apart and bold them in a squared off section titled: Other Fees ? in a visual attempt to highlight them to the merchant.? We find by doing so we avoid the majority of these types of issues as the Agreement is very readable The one exception is the Early Termination Fee, which is on the signature page of the Agreement and is set apart and bolded in an intentional design decision to draw the merchant’s eye to it.? We do this intentionally as, in the event that a merchant chose not to review the rates page, there is no way for them to complete the Agreement without looking at the signature page [redacted] had ample time to review the Agreement and ask questions:? he was prompted by the rep to ask his bank for a comparison, which he tells us he did during the week he had it in his possession prior to signing and returning it to AppStar All of the above was reviewed with [redacted] ***He then raised a new issue: the change in fees? ? On October 24, a Welcome Letter was sent to [redacted] detailing the terms of his approval and providing him logon information for him to access his statements.? Additional mailings were sent prior to his termination providing him information for completing the PCI program [redacted] has stated that he did not receive any of these mailings despite them being mailed to the address he provided On November 21, a welcome call was made to [redacted] was made asking how the service was going and directing him to call our corporate office in the event that he had any issues.? On April 7, [redacted] called in and requested a reduction of the early termination fee stating this his clients no longer paid by credit card.? We reviewed the Agreement with him and said he would try to get them to pay with credit card.? At no time did [redacted] say that he could not access his statements nor raise any issues with the service other than his clients paying on terms rather than via credit card Regarding [redacted] statement that we breached the Agreement when the monthly service fees were increased, merchants were notified of these increases in the monthly statements three months prior to them taking effectThe Card Issuing Banks (***, [redacted] , [redacted] and [redacted] ) raise their rates every April and October.? AppStar Financial reviews these increases and in the majority of times has chosen not to pass these increases on to our merchants.? Over time as these accumulate, we adjust our fees to reflect these changes in pricing.? This is covered in the Terms & Conditions paragraph Rates; Fees Adjustments.? [redacted] on page of the Agreement has signed that he received this page.? Without the ability to adjust rates to adjust costs based on expenses no business, regardless of whether they manufacture steel or process credit card transactions would be viable.? In AppStar’s case, we take a very conservative approach to these increases and only pass them on when they are unavoidable [redacted] request to have the termination fee waived has been declined.? An offer was made to reduce the termination fee in an attempt to resolve this swiftly, which [redacted] declined and a full review of his statements and hos conversation with the rep have shown no basis for reducing the termination fee.? Furthermore, later conversations show he was aware of the termination fee and tried to negotiate it [redacted] has stated that he no longer has use for the service as his clients no longer pay by credit card, so our standard offer of a rate review to provide him additional savings, would not be of benefit to his business Finally, [redacted] in his response has stated that does not believe he was played every conversation between the rep and himself.? A log of their calls has been attached.? [redacted] has not provided us information to believe there were any calls beyond those listed We’d like to thank [redacted] for his time in addressing these issues but are unable to approve his request.? In the event that he is able to provide additional information, we would be open to reviewing this matter again ?