Vocus Inc

Review: I hired this company to do a press release for my business relocating across the country. To let people know where we were and what we were going to do to help the animal rescue community. I got a report of how many thousands of impressions and media outlets saw or even picked up the release. All of which was untrue because I did not even receive one e mail or phone call regarding it. If the public had in fact seen this article, there would have been a huge response. I received a call from someone from [redacted] asking how satisfied I was, I told her not at all and that I thought the numbers in the report were all made up. She told me she would get back to me the next day to see what could be done. I never heard from them again. I tried calling the customer service number, the sales department, and they all advised me that they could not locate my account and have no record of the transaction.Desired Settlement: I would like a full refund.

Business

Response:

July 18, 2014Dear **. [redacted] did distribute a press release through [redacted] on Monday, November 25, 2013. The URL of the press release is [redacted]. **. [redacted] paid $119.25, using a coupon which discounted the original press release [redacted] by $39.75.Analytics regarding impressions and deliveries for the press release were in a normal range for [redacted] press releases. This was the only press release in [redacted]’s [redacted] account.A Vocus salesperson, [redacted], did contact **. [redacted] to discuss a Vocus subscription, but we do not have any documented contact regarding any other interactions with **. [redacted] related to any discussions regarding her experience with [redacted].Often, first time customers have a preconceived notion about what a press release will accomplish, expecting “millions of pickups”, which is not realistic. While [redacted] distributes its customers’ press releases to a broad range of outlets [redacted] cannot control which outlets republish or further distribute a press release. Nor is [redacted] responsible for creating a “buzz” or getting journalists to talk about an press release author’s content.[redacted] provide its service and fulfilled its obligations under the terms of service.If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact me at ###-###-#### or via email at [redacted].Sincerely,?

Review: Re: Unprofessional Behavior Complaint

I wanted to share my concern on how I was mislead during the hiring process for the Company “Vocus”. I had a phone interview with a Recruiter on October 9, 2013 from the company Vocus who advertised a Receptionist vacancy and then a few days later, I had a scheduled interview to come in for a face to face interview with the HR Manager . I was told that the company will make their decision by Monday. A few days later, I sent a follow up email regarding the open vacancy; I have not yet received a response to that email and was surprised to learn that the position was filled on Friday October 18, 2013 when I call to follow up by the new front desk Receptionist who responded. Although I congratulate “Vocus” the company on choosing the right candidate. I felt that that there was a lack of communication during the hiring process. I wanted to share my concerns about the hiring process. The breaking point of this is that I had a job offer with a registered temp agency to fulfill a temp assignment and I had turn it away cause the Recruiter told me that I will know the company decision by Monday October 14, 2013 as far as the decision is made whether if the vacancy is open or close and that the company wants to make their decision right away. My lively hood was involved with the job offer that I had from the temp agency and now I remain unemployed cause of lack of communication from the company “Vocus”and my willingness to sacrifice to put off a temp assignment that could of lead to a full time permanent employment by not responding to my inquiry . I am emotional distress about this situation and I hope in the near future that HR will handle their Recruiting criteria more proficient to the public cause it’s a burden being unemployed and that I was mislead and the lack of communication that occurred that lead to this point . My time, vehicle, and dedication of reviewing the company “Vocus” was a sacrifice that I took and as a result this is what it lead too.

Business

Response:

We attempted to call the applicant on Monday, October 14th to inform her that we were hiring another candidate; however, no one answered her phone and there was no voicemail machine to leave a message. The applicant sent an email on Thursday, October 17th asking us for information about the position. We responded to her email within 3 hours informing her that we had chosen another candidate.

Review: I was promised 5 news releases a month for 1 yr for $7,200. I paid the first $4,200 within a few days of our agreement. During this time, I submitted 3 press releases with no problem. As soon as the checks cleared, my next news release submission was rejected. After many attempts to find out what happened and how to fix it, I have been unsuccessful in receiving a legitimate reason why. Customer Service was absolutely no help and refused to discuss it. In fact, she hung up on me. When I would call back, she would hang up on me again. I finally reached the Sales Office but instead of receiving an answer and help, it became apparent that he only wanted to bait and switch. Everything the sales rep told me was a trick to get my money and trust. It is not consistent with the written agreement (or Vocus' interpretation of it.) She assured me that everything I was doing was definitely acceptable and would have no problems. Vocus' solution is to offer me other services for the money I have already paid. Services which I made clear from day one with the rep that I do not want or need. It is what she wanted to sell me from the beginning and I made clear I did not want. It was then that she continued to come back to me with lower pricing and the promise of a "special package" that would include just the 5 news releases a month. After much persuasion and pressure, because they wanted to finish the paperwork by the end of the month, I agreed.Desired Settlement: I wrote to them over a month ago to terminate the agreement because they had failed to perform its obligations. The agreement states "If the breaching party does not cure or begin to cure the material failure within 30 calendar days after receiving such written notice, then the non-breaching party may terminate this Agreement by written notice to the breaching party. Termination of this Agreement will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, other remedies available to the terminating party. Upon such termination by Subscriber, Vocus agrees to promptly refund to Subscriber a prorated portion of any prepaid annual subscription fees paid hereunder." I want a refund of the $4,200 I have paid to date and confirmation that the agreement is terminated. Vocus has failed to perform as promised and most disturbing is the unethical practices they engaged in to reel me in and then attempt to bait and switch to pacify me. At this time, I am not asking for compensation for my time, embarrassment and inconvenience Vocus' actions have caused me.

Business

Response:

Please provide the Customer Name, Cr, and the Sales Order Number that is listed on the signed Subscription Agreement. If this information is not available, please provide the full name of the sales representative.

Consumer

Response:

Hello,

Review: October 31, 2013

To

Chase

Subject – Reason for Dispute of charge $5172.75 with Vocus, Inc. on card # ending in [redacted] for [redacted]

Vocus promised us on their sales call that their consulting services that we were hiring for 4 hours a month, along with their marketing package for creating newsletters and email blasts for social media marketing, was going to help us create our newsletters and email content with minimal help from us. We needed to provide just the technical content. But:

1. After signing up, we waited for almost a month before they would even assign any consultant to work with us. A consultant was assigned only after repeated emails and escalating the issue. We lost one month out of 12 months waiting for their team to act.

2. Once we got a consultant assigned, he simply disagreed to create newsletters and email blasts, saying we have multiple clients, and that it is not his job to do so.

3. The consultant informed us that creating newsletters is not what he does. He will show us the tools and we are supposed to create the newsletter. That is totally opposite of what their sales team sold us. The main reason we signed up for this service was the fact that they were going to create newsletters/email blasts for us. We had informed the sales person very clearly that we do not have the expertise or the time to do this. And that’s why we are signing up for this service.

Upon bringing this matter to the sales person who sold us the services, they are now saying that there is a disconnect between the 2 parties. They are now acting like they will try and help us. We simply do not trust them anymore. They seem to be now promising us things, but since this a 12 month contract we are afraid they will not follow thru and we will be stuck with it, and lose our money and valuable time. We have a complete loss of confidence in what they sell and what they will be delivering.

Now they are trying to bully us in to keeping services by not refunding our money. This amounts to fraud.

We would like to get a full refund for these services, as we did not use any of it.

Thank youDesired Settlement: We would like to get refund of $4,950 as this is the amount we paid but have not been able to use it.

Business

Response:

Once a consultant was assigned, a meeting was scheduled with [redacted] and [redacted] where one or both of them were to speak with our consultant; however, [redacted] did not join the meeting.

The expectations of [redacted] were inflated. Vocus employees kept reminding [redacted]that there are many services that Vocus can offer, however, that there were confinements of how many hours a month a consultant would work on their marketing campaigns.

Vocus consultants did not say that we were unable to create a newsletter. Vocus can provide a template newsletter, and write the content of a newsletter, as long as it is within the monthly time constraints and information is provided to the consultants in order for them to draft a newsletter. Vocus said it was unable to provide a custom template to [redacted] given the few amount of consulting hours/month that were purchased.

Vocus contends that it has not breached the terms and conditions, as such, it will not refund the subscription fees. The Service will be made available until the term automatically expires in September 2014. Until the expiration, [redacted] and [redacted] can use the Vocus Service to assist in their marketing efforts.

Consumer

Response:

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because:

Review: I hired Vocus, Inc., to help increase my social media traffic, create press releases, blogs and in general increase traffic to my web site. My #1 concern I expressed to them was that I did not have the time as a small business owner to monitor and run a social media / marketing campaign. They assured me I would not have to spend time with their system, that they would give me a consultant who would create posts, blogs, press releases and blogs for me.

I truly feel like this company has pulled a bait and switch on me. Their system is incredibly user intensive, which was my #1 concern and my consultant doesn't get back to me in a timely manner, I have no idea what their plan is. I hired them and they want me to come up with the ideas!!!!

I have asked about cancellation and got the run around constantly, I have expressed my concerns about all of the time I have to put in to make this work and was told I knew about that!!!!!

They will do anything to put the blame on me, but bottom line is that what they promised is very different from what is being delivered.Desired Settlement: Put me in the place I was before the injury occurred. I just want my money back and for them to cancel the year long contract as there was no other option but a year long!

Business

Response:

Vocus was aware of the time constraints **. [redacted] had in managing his Vocus platform, which is why Vocus gave **. [redacted] 6 additional Consulting hours a month to assist him in his marketing efforts. Vocus informed **. [redacted] that it would be able to provide 8 total hours a month for consulting, but that Vocus was not a marketing agency, and he would still have to spend time utilizing the Vocus platform.

Vocus only refunds contracts if it has materially breached the contract and it does not cure the material breach within 30 days of receiving written notice of such breach. Because Vocus has not materially breached the contract, it will not provide a refund. The contract will remain in place for the subscription term, and the Vocus consultants will be available to **. [redacted].

Consumer

Response:

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because:

Voucs representatives called every day for over a month, maybe 2, essentially pressuring me into purchasing their services.

My number one concern was time. Don't worry they said, you have the consultant to do everything for you. Well it turns out that the consultant can't post to my social media sites. Instead they copied and pasted articles for me to then copy and paste. I have been doing that for over a year and that does not increase facebook likes. I was lead to believe that they are experts in this type of media, utilizing their special software. Their special software is essentially spamming people that type something about the key words you select. Which requires my day to day activity to scroll through and determine what are good leads, bad leads, etc. I DON'T HAVE TIME and that's why I hired them, "the experts"

Review: I showed some interest in a SEO Software product and the sales person ([redacted]) became relentless and even though I explained that I did not yet have a business but was in the early planning stages of start up she insisted that I could

put the plan on hold until I could fund the service they were going to provide. She would not take no for an answer and wanted to "sweeten the deal" by "locking in" a special discount. To use the sales person's own words "Nothing will happen until you can fund the service and the program would begin then" and again " The services will not be launched until you fund the program. I let the sales person know that I would consider taking another look once I had established my business. She would not settle for that and really wanted me agree to something.

I was left with the understanding that the proposed plan would be on hold until I actually had a business in place to promote. I further explained that it would be late 2012; November or December or early 2013 until I could work with a local business development firm that was going to find investors

and provide start up services for a business opportunity I was considering. She insisted on moving that date up and kept asking me if we could do something now but I wouldn't have to pay for it until later. I don't actually have a company, customers, capital or cashflow yet!

I don't even completely understand what it is I supposedly ordered from the company and was continually coaxed to commit to something that I clearly explained I couldn't pay for.

I was later invoiced for the entire cost of the plan $9600.00. When I ignored the request for funding I was contacted directly by the original sales person ([redacted]) who threatened to turn it over to collections and threatened to damage my personal credit; she said there was no cancels allowed!

I felt bullied, threatened and taken advantage of. I believe these are fraudulent and at least unethical practices and would like to just have the order cancelled. The sales person never mentioned a three day cancellation period either. I learned about the cancellation

period by reading other complaints about this company; of which there are many.Desired Settlement: I would like a complete cancellation of the program (Order) and not have any further financial agreement with this company.

Business

Response:

Vocus will not cancel or terminate the contract that **. [redacted] signed. Vocus will not terminate a contract unless it has materially breached the agreement, and fails to cure such breach within 30 days or notice of the breach. Section 9B of Vocus' Subscription Agreement Terms and Conditions details this process.

**. [redacted] and Vocus' initial discussions resulted in Vocus suggesting that he purchase a less complicated service because he was concerned about funding. He exclaimed that he wanted the more expensive service because it had more options he was interested in. Before signing the contract, **. [redacted] did mention to Vocus that he was going to have funding in the near future, which is why Vocus suggested that if he were to sign a contract, the Subscription Term start date could begin at some time in the future. Further, Vocus also explained that if he chose to sign a contract early, he could benefit from discounts we were offering at that time. Additionally, Vocus permitted **. [redacted] to split payment into three separate payments as opposed to paying the entire amount upfront. Vocus does not typically permit split payments, but was able to make an exception for **. Specht. In order to obtain **. Specht's business, Vocus accomodated him to the fullest extent. **. [redacted] has missed each of his payment obligations, $3,200 due on 10/1/2013, $3,200 due on 10/31/2013, $3,200 due on 11/30/2013, and therefore, it is Vocus' contention that **. [redacted] is in breach. As such, Vocus may send this valid, binding contract to its collections agency as it is Vocus' normal process to do so when a customer fails to pay the subscription fees under the Subscription Agreement.

Consumer

Response:

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because:

Review: I signed up with vocus in about Jan 2013 and there salesman convinced me it would be a good thing for my website to be doing press releases to gain visibility , and traffic and improve sales and rankings. When I signed up then, I was going through numerous website changes and was not ready to begin actual press releases. When I finally was ready months later, I asked them for help and assistance and they said I should watch a bunch of videos and those they would not be helping me to upload the press releases or do anything with it. I paid $1995 for an annual subscription which allowed 2 releases per month. To date I have a total of 3 press releases. And I am allowed 24 for this contract. Based on 2 per month. I found the platform overwhelming and confusing and did not personally have time to learn more things about website stuff. I was going through some personal health issues experiencing dizzy spells for several months from about July until into late October. I could not concentrate or do anything mentally strenuous. So I called in to their office sometime in late November and asked for a refund or an extension to my contract which expires May 2014 for unused press releases. They did not agree to extend the service agreement and allowed on extra press release to be used in Dec. which would expire dec.31/ 2013. As it was late November when I got this concession made it was not until Nov 30 that we got 2 press releases uploaded into system, which would be released Dec. 2 and Dec 9. I was under the impression that as long as the release was uploaded in that month they could be used in upcoming weeks. When I called today to talk my sales rep about it has informed me that is not the case, and that they are only available for the month that they are uploaded in. so my 2 releases I was entitled to in November they tell me now are not eligible as the release came out in Dec. using up my Dec releases. After calling in the rep said he would contact me back, but said chances would not be likely for a favorable response. It was not clear to me about these conditions that they place on these things, and I asked for some consideration. It seems Vocus does not care to consider much of anything anybody asks of them in the name of making and keeping a customer happy, and more interested in making money and not providing services that are promised to people, even if it means upsetting people or companies. They are a large company traded on the stock exchange , and so far in my dealing with them I am now on my 3rd customer service rep , which I would question why the high turnover rate. If they are not willing to extend my membership to use the unused press releases to the number I paid for regardless of the date my membership expires then I would like a pro-rated refund for undelivered services and failure to co-operate with a customer on an issue which to me would be so easy and simple to accomplish, IF THEY REALLY CARED ABOUT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION .Desired Settlement: I would like to have use all of my remaining 21 press releases that I paid $1995 for and the expiration of the contract to be changed from May 2014 until Dec 31 2014 . if this is not acceptable then a refund for the unused press releases for a total refund of $1745 which is based on the unused press releases of the contract.

Business

Response:

Vocus will not return any of the prepaid fees or extend the subscription term because Vocus did not breach the contract. Under the Vocus terms and conditions, we will only refund a customer's fees if Vocus has materially breached the contract, and failed to cure that breach within thirty days notice. Because Vocus did not breach the contract, we will not provide a refund.

Consumer

Response:

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because: I am asking for the amount of press releases that I paid for be made available for me to use . which so many I have not. I do not think this an unreasonable thing to ask for allow me to use the unused press releases until the subscription expires in May and I will make sure never to use Vocus again in my life , AS they see things only from there eyes and viewpoint , not taking into account the number of press releases that were promised and so many that have been undelivered .

Regards,

Business

Response:

Vocus has made the service available to **. [redacted] throughout the subscription term in compliance with our up-time guarantee. **. [redacted]'s failure to use the service is not due to the breach of Vocus. Therefore, Vocus, will not return any prepaid fees. However, Vocus managers and directors are trying to discuss this issue with **. [redacted] through phone and email, but **. [redacted] has been largely unresponsive in our attempts to reach out to

him over the last few weeks.

Consumer

Response:

I see they have tried to call me, but I have been busy. if they wanted to e-mail me an offer to allow me to use all of the unused press releases I would accept that , and I would want it in writing anyways. my reason for the refund request was meant that if they dont allow me to use the unused press releases, then refund my money. I have had an arm surgery and been home for seveal months,as well I was suffering in the summer time with other illness of dizziness and sickness from being overwhelmed with all of the things I was trying to do for the website, as well before they that I was going through website modifications and was not ready to begin the press releases. . [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because:

Regards,

Business

Response:

Review: VOCUS INC, has try to offer me a service, what unfortunately for the large number of activities we handle in our multiple companies and affiliates, was complete difficult for me to take a look of they services, and of course pay for something I WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO USE.

Today I have receive an email from [redacted] saying this:

================================================================================...⇄ />
Hi, [redacted]

Our accounting team reached out to notify me that VIP Support currently has an outstanding invoice of $10,200 that is past due. Is this something you can assist with or can you pass me to the correct person?

If we have not reached a resolution this week, we will be sending this off to a third party collection agency. I am willing to bend as far as I can to keep this in house. However, without a payment this week, this is out of my hands.

Please provide an update either way.

Thank you,

================================================================================...⇄ />
I never have use or recieve the service for what they are trying to collect 10000 + dollars,

I will appreciate some one take a look of this practice.Desired Settlement: Stop contacting and dont keep telling me they will use my info to send it to collection when they have never provide me a service

Business

Response:

VIP Support Inc. signed a subscription agreement with Vocus for Vocus' Marketing Suite in June 2013 for a subscription term starting 8/1/13. The contract specifies payment terms with amounts due on 7/1/13, 8/1/13 and 8/31/13. **. [redacted] was contacted by Vocus mutliple times in relation to payments that were due but not paid. **. [redacted] responded in various emails to Vocus regarding calls to discuss using a credit card for the payments. But the payments were never received.

The contract (a copy is attached with the terms referenced on the Subscription Agreement) is for a one year term and can only be terminated for a material, uncured breach. There was no material, uncured breach of the agreement by Vocus, nor was any such breach alleged. The payments remain due to Vocus, and Vocus has followed its standard accounts receivable process of sending such unpaid, overdue balance to collections after numerous attempts have been made to collect directly with the customer.

Consumer

Response:

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because:

I never use any of they services they are trying to collect money for a service what I never use

Regards,

Business

Response:

Our subscription agreements are not dependent on actual usuage nor volume of usage. Customers sign up for a subscription and the term begins. Whether or not a customer then uses the system's functionality is not relevant to the contractual obligations, including payment obligations. Those obligations still exist even if the customer chooses not to use the system.

Consumer

Response:

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because:

wll is fine then I will move forward with a court date to discuss the damage this have cause to my business best regards

Regards,