GroProject Scam – The Opinions & Views of Past & Present Users

A while back (8/6/2009) we put together a post about why Auto accessory Store & Mimousa do not use their own “as they say” great design and seo ranking shopping cart that they are selling off  like hot cakes to people (life span is 3 months when you join and pay them btw). Here is the post we did please read it. Why they dont use there own technology?

The point of this post is to make you aware as of today 11/24/2009 they still are not using there own shopping cart, but that they are converting you to use it… so what we see going on now besides the obvious scam is that mimousa is running the brand “mimousa” under the new name   YARKUZA? This may be due to the negative actions of the brand name mimousa? or they just do not have any confidence in their shopping cart to switch it over?

This site has the same phone number, address and of course the same cookie cutter design thats out there 1000 times over. But this is just our observation.

JUST AN OPINION HERE BUT WE THINK THAT THE MIMOUSA BRAND, MANUFACTURING IS ALL ABOUT  TRADE MARK INFRINGEMENT, DESIGN HI-JACKING AND COPYWRITE THEFT TO SELL OTHER COMPANY ITEMS  UNDER THEIR BRAND NAME AND PROFIT FROM IT….. PUT A STICKER ON IT AND IN A NEW BOX AND ITS OURS?

The above statement “life span is 3 months when you join and pay them” read this post for more details then calculate how much $$$ MONEY $$$$ you want to waste on this…..THEN JOIN OUR FORUM.

THANKS

You had a long day at work?  Sit in traffic on the way home?  Worry  about life and money? You finally make it home to the family and sit down for dinner going over everyones day and have a nice time. Then during this precious time the telephone rings and you get up to answer this interuption……………..to find out it is some IDIOT Pitching a Business proposition that you can not pass up on “one time only” “today only” yata yata yata….and all the other promises proposed for only?????? $$$$$$$

This is the present ongoing problem that setuno inc, shopping cart elite and gro project venture have become… “TELEMARKETERS”  — yes, those annoying never ending losers that got your home number or cell and always know the wrong time to call you.  BEWARE OF THIS SCAM – FRAUD – RIPOFF being offered to you.

Telemarketing has been negatively associated with various scams and frauds, such as pyramid schemes, and with deceptively overpriced products and services. Fraudulent telemarketing companies are frequently referred to as “telemarketing boiler rooms” or simply “boiler rooms.” Telemarketing is often criticized as an unethical business practice due to the perception of high-pressure sales techniques during unsolicited calls. Telemarketers marketing telephone companies may participate in telephone slamming, the practice of switching a customer’s telephone service without their knowledge or authorization.

Telemarketing calls are often considered an annoyance, especially when they occur during the dinner hour, early in the morning, or late in the evening.

A recent trend in telemarketing is to use automated messages in a sales pitch. These often include intentionally deceptive tactics, with computer recorded messages saying things like “Don’t panic but this is your final notice” or “We have already attempted to contact you through the mail.” These messages are often outright lies, intended to incite concern or fear in the potential customer.

Work-at-home and telecommuting scams are common. Some of these job offers are scams appealing to a “get rich quick” audience but in fact require an investment up front with no pay off at the end. The problem is so pervasive that in 2006 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) established Project False Hopes, a federal and state law enforcement sweep that targets bogus business opportunity and work at home scams. The crackdown involved more than 100 law enforcement actions by the FTC, the Department of Justice, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and law enforcement agencies in 11 states. In four of the new FTC cases alone, consumers lost more than $30 million. “Bogus business opportunities trample on Americans’ dreams of financial independence,” said FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras. “If a business opportunity promises no risk, little effort, and big profits, it almost certainly is a scam. These scams offer only a money pit, where no matter how much time and money is invested, consumers never achieve the riches and financial freedom promised.

The FBI warned of such scams on February of 2009, as well.

Of the 3 million+ web entries that surface from a search on the terms “work at home,” over 95% of the results are scams, links to scams, or other dead ends. Work at home scams earn over $500 million a year. Home business scams account for another $250 million/year. Even the sites that claim to be scam-free, often feature ads that link to scams.

According to Christine Durst, there is a 48-to-1 scam ratio among work at home job leads on the internet. This statistic has been used in coverage by Good Morning America, CNN, Business Week, and The Wall Street Journal.

Thanks Gro-Pro

Double Click image to Enlarge

We see that the management (kids) of shopping cart elite and gro project venture are still learning things. Mostly how to not protect their servers from crashing or just blowing up. Take a thought about “customer” information, What is going on there? Identity Theft?

Makes you wonder?

As we look at our email inbox of the same questions from past and current mimousa, setuno, shopping cart elite, gro project venture, members we see how big this scam, ripoff, fraud, mlm has grown. They are just stealing money from you…….

Stay tuned for more……….. 

Ecommerce Shopping Cart Fraud ALERT BEWARE of your Email inbox with offers, GET RICH QUICK Scam, visit http://www.groprojectscam.com Stay Updated

As we look around at many Ecommerce shopping carts and different types of businesses on the web, it is funny that usually the companies that develop technology usually use it for themselves as a marketing point and to display it to the potential customers that they are confident in their technology or products.

Far from this in the case of Mimousa and Auto Accessory Store. In some recent post’s in our FORUM we have noticed a particular thread that discusses them NOT USING the Shopping Cart Elite technology. Their reason is “everyone else will suffer”. This seems to be an excuse as they do not have enough confidence in what they offer to their potential customers. It may be good enough for the general public (you) they are selling this turnkey business too and take money from but not use it themselves?. This would be like the Owners & developers from CRE Loaded, Magento and OScommerce not using their own Shopping Cart Technology that they spend countless hours developing. We have linked to the above Ecommerce Shopping Carts to their FORUMS for your own Analysis, Questions and Views.

There is much hype from the sales and marketing team from the company (setuno inc) about what this cart can do, how supposedly great it is, perfect for conversions, seo, the data, the back office tools, functions, automation, design, how much money your going to make from it and the rest of the technology, (plus how they state they figured the perfect algorithms  for ranking from google, yahoo and bing)  the problem is most of these ideas are just ideas and not even a stable built reality yet, and the company themselves do not have confidence in it to use for their own retail website (autoaccessorystore.com) or their wholesale distribution website (mimousa.com) where they offer Wholesale Drop Ship Auto Parts & products. People mostly fail from their customer service, Manufacturing and shipping. Read this post

As of 08/05/09 these sites are as you see them in the images, on another platform and not on the shopping cart technology they are trying to develop and profit from. On or about May 2009 this issue was challenged by Gro project users (Business Owners) and the answer from a shopping cart elite owner had gotten redirected with an excuse that was copied and can be read extensively in our FORUM.

If you sell Aftermarket Car Accessories, Performance Car Parts, Marine & Boating Equipment or are just looking for a Wholesale Parts Distributor or Shopping Cart Platforms for your new or existing Business then sign up on our FORUM. We are putting together Industry contacts lists and information for your business to further succeed.

Now we are not completely knocking down the above company or information but from a business management standpoint this company has a “get them in and out”  reputation and thinking process with no control and a cloudy business plan. Like most MLM and Ponzi schemes there is a sense of hope being sold to people with only Projected large returns back as long as you invest now.

You can use many shopping carts and have certain aspects changed for conversions and optimization. CRE Loaded has a great shopping cart and is PCI Compliant, it also has the ability to make these changes with ease. Join our FORUM to find out more or add your own ideas and experiences for others to learn from.

Comments on this article can be done if our FORUM.

Gro-Pro

Keystone has a great reputation, #1 wholesale aftermarket auto parts distributor with live inventory from your account user panel, Fast shipping & great pricing. They handle things like a business should be. No Gimmicks, Delays or Lies. (mimo) We have provided some information for your use. commenting is in our forum

About Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc., based in Exeter, Pennsylvania is the leading distributor and marketer of specialty automotive equipment and accessories in North America. During Keystone’s 38-year history, we have grown from a single auto parts store to a $600MM warehouse distributor.

Service and Reach… Keystone serves the diverse interests and needs of auto enthusiasts and their installers across North America. We have 25 locations serving over 17,000 customers in North America. Keystone offers the largest assortment of specialty products in the automotive aftermarket industry including 250,000+ SKUs from over 600 suppliers.

The Company operates four distribution centers and 21 non-inventory stocking cross-docks in the United States and Canada.  Our fulfillment network utilizes 300 trucks/trailers providing next-day or two day delivery to customers in 47 states and Canada, as well as exporting to more than 40 countries.

Keystone warehouse operations pick, pull, and pack around the clock to ensure timely product delivery. Our truck drivers cover 30 million miles per year in order to see those orders delivered on time to our customers.

Customers and Vendors… Both customers and vendors are integral to Keystone’s success. We are a critical link between a highly fragmented group of vendors and an even more fragmented base of customers. Our geographic reach and unique distribution model allow us to offer customers and vendors substantial scale, the most comprehensive inventory selection in our industry, high levels of customer service, and innovative marketing support.

Wholesale Drop Ship Auto Parts Solution:

Providing Solutions to Grow Your Business. Keystone Automotive Operations offers drop shipping as a service via eKeystone.com.  With this program, select jobbers (credit approval and a minimum monthly commitment are required) can place orders online using eKeystone.com and have the product delivered directly to the Consumer.

This service has the following features:

• A customized packing slip with the jobber’s name, address, phone number and logo
• Itemized billing detailing each shipment separately
• FedEx shipping history including tracking numbers
• Shipment notification via e-mail to both the jobber and end consumer
• A choice of FedEx shipping options including shipping rates
• A return form in every shipment to facilitate the return process
• A cancellation notification to the jobber via e-mail
Frequently Asked Questions

How does the program work?
A Keystone Automotive Jobber goes online with eKeystone.com and places an order online, entering the Consumers shipping information.  Keystone then processes the order and ships it via FedEx to the Consumer and bills the Jobber for the cost of the part and shipping.

How does a Jobber sign up for the program?
Your web site must be approved by Keystone. Requirements include: Keystone product prominently displayed, a shopping cart and checkout process. Non-Keystone Jobbers must fill out an application for an account with Keystone. Existing Jobbers with an application on file will be fast tracked and set up with a “Drop Ship Only” account number. 
A Keystone Drop Shipping sales representative will then contact you to obtain account information and/or graphics for your customize packing slip. We’ll then set up or copy discounts for your newly activated account and then e-mail you your new Drop Ship account number, user name, password, as well as pertinent Keystone contact information.  You then be assigned a Drop Shipping sales representative who will contact you within 24 hours of the aforementioned email to review the program, discounts and product.

 Does a Jobber require a Weekly or Monthly payment term to Qualify?
Qualifying Jobbers must have one of the following Payment Terms for Drop Shipping: Monthly charge – weekly Charge – credit card.
Is there a commitment for the Drop shipping program?
A qualifying Jobber must agree to a minimum monthly transaction agreement of $3,000 or more.  Effective January 15th 2008 you will incur a $49.00 monthly Ekeystone maintenance fee if you do not meet the $3,000 monthly commitment in net Dropship sales.

Is there a daily order minimum the Jobber must meet?
Drop Ship Jobbers are not required to meet a daily order minimum. Every order will be processed and shipped as long as it is in stock and is FedEx-able or able to ship via Truck Freight (standard truck freight fees apply).

What paperwork is contained in a package?
Every package contains custom packing slip (not including pricing) and a return form that is printed on the reverse side of the packing slip for a possible return.

Does Keystone’s name appear on any of the documents or labels?
Keystone’s name does not appear on the packing slip, the package label, or the return form.  The return forms only lists an anonymous ‘Product Returns’ address.  The packing slip only has the Drop Ship Jobbers information on it.

What shipping options are available?
Currently FedEx 3-Day Express Saver, Ground, Priority Overnight, Standard Overnight, 2nd Day, Saturday and LTL delivery are all available online for Drop Ship Jobbers only. 

Are there products that will not ship via FedEx?
Oversized items (such as one-piece grill guards) may be too large to ship via FedEx and we also will not ship any chemical items in accordance with Keystone’s current policy.

How does the Jobber obtain FedEx tracking information?
FedEx tracking information is available online with eKeystone.com in the Jobbers Order History approx 24-48 hrs after the order is placed.

How does the Jobber know when an item is not shipped?
The Drop Ship Jobber is emailed a cancellation file if the order is cancelled at the warehouse level.  On orders shipping from Kansas City, the order will show up on the daily freight manifest with no associated tracking information.

How does the Jobber process a return?
There is an email box specifically used for drop ship returns. This mailbox is monitored daily by a member of our team, who coordinates the return with the jobber.

When are orders processed and shipped?
All orders are picked and shipped the same day as long as they are placed by 3pm, warehouse local time.

Can I ship products to Canada?
Yes, we are pleased to announce effective November 6, 2006 that Keystone Automotive will begin our exclusive Canadian Shipping program for Drop Ship customers. Ask your Keystone sales representative for specific terms and conditions or log onto eKeystone.com for additional details.

For more information or to have an account setup, please call: 800.272.4247

e-Commerce New Business Development 
Keystone Automotive Operations
800.272.4247

Note: If you are currently in Gro Project Venture or using Shopping Cart Elite you are required to use ONLY the Certified Distributors Within.The problem in that is their are to many hands in it ($$$) and your discounts are not that great. This will effect your overall NET Profit. See this post where it explains some Gross/Net numbers.

This makes me crack up when it comes to the GRO Project & Mimousa, so we figured it would be a good post now.  They have a forum (groprojectforum.com) dedicated to members only (after payment of course).  This forum has been deleted a few times most likely due to the negative posts by members who are frustrated about the user agreements, pricing, major shopping cart bugs, credit card services, distributor and data imformation, confusion, miscommunication,last minute changes and finally what their net profit will actually be at the end of their journey (small of course with all the blind fee’s involved). As a result, get their posts deleted then they get banned from it all. LOL funny! But hey, they got your money already so who cares?

Mimousa has a forum as well with about 8-10k active members. Well, not really active, they visit and leave sometimes never to return. The mimousa forum was dedicated to the Aftermarket Car Accessories and Performance Car parts Sellers with FREE SEO LESSONS, DATA FEEDS, & Helpful Information for the website owners who are not part of GRO Project. (this is not helpful for GRO anymore, no $$$). These people have been abandoned by mimousa now. They had a LOAD of posts in it about the negative aspects of GRO Project and who really thought what of it. Once GRO Project started up the mimousa forum just about died out. Today when you look at it both mimousa and gro project forums have a clean slate with just a few posts in it.  groprojectforum.com was redirected to mimousa.com/forum and will be the new home of mimousa & gro project. This is the funny part of controlling members & business, When there is some negative activity it gets hidden from other members. Isn’t this the whole point of a forum? A place to have balanced opinions? Discussions? Get results & answers? Well not when it comes to GRO Project & mimousa.

This has to make you think of what is really going on with gro project, shopping cart elite, mimousa, and whatever else related to this. WILL YOU BE ABANDONED AS WELL?

Automotive Wholesale Distributors, Aftermarket Car Accessories Manufacturers & Performance Car parts sellers have to be aware of what they are getting into when entering GRO Project or mimousa wholesale distributor network. The reality is it is not as easy as it seems or is sold to you as. Join our GRO PROJECT REPORT FORUM and benefit for FREE with others. Plus Comment on this Blog-post.

Thanks From Gro-Pro

Below is the consistant stories from people we come accross that have been down this path or are still trying to do so…ENJOY Reading.  :)

You are in search of the “next big thing” correct? You stumble upon in your Google search “gro project” online business opportunity, instant success, turnkey website, automated income etc. I could go on and on….. or  you are already involved in the aftermarket car accessories and performance car parts sales on ebay, amazon, or your own website. You are looking for a distributor to buy from. A search on google gives you mimousa. Wholesale dropshipper of car parts. WOW what a score, that’s what I need. Poof you call and sign up. You think, your in, got it good now. Based on a conversation with a representative you got you think Let me list a load of products up on ebay now…….tic toc tic toc. You may make some sales but of course now comes the ordering and shipping. Tic toc tic toc the ebay customer emailing you relentlessly “where is my item” you call multiple times “your score” and woooops 10, 15 or maybe 20 days later after the arguments, the negative feed back, the paypal chargeback and you are fully aggravated. What do you do? Naturally you get back on the phone again with the “score” and explain what happened. This all sound familiar yet? If not your lying!

Now you get offered more hope on what is called “GROProject” you get shown a few sites, some seo, etc, sounds like a dream WOW first page of google, my own site, discounted distributors that cant be beat, and only if I join this now, today for limited time only just for me? Wow.  (the dream) You Shell Out $1200.00 – $8000.00 and stop ebay, amazon, maybe your half built website and whatever other ventures and hopes you may have had.

You now join the GROPROJECT, get setup in a class, rearrange your whole life, start some training, ask a million questions to the mentor you get, not realizing how much time you will actually spend doing this until later, maybe 30 days and – BAM!!!! here comes the agreement. You read 30 plus pages and of course being more confused and disillusioned then before,  you sit back and wonder whats going on? What did I get into? Its going to take me a year to learn this stuff. You naturally question all 30 plus pages of the agreement (a well paid attourney wrote it) to your mentor who has diffused the same questions 100 times and is trained to keep you motivated and stay in the program. You ponder this whole thing and You sign the agreement (without your lawyer reading it because your still hoping) and mail it. You then wonder a few months into this venture where is my agreement? What am I doing? I have not made any money yet. I spend 10 hrs a day on this. I should have kept my website, ebay, amazon etc. but now its to late. Eventually you just give up on all the “online” activities and walk away losing your money, time and drive. Hopefully you are not so behind with your bills to have to go bankrupt from the vision you got sold on.

Now maybe all of the above didn’t happened as stated to you, it is related to you in some way. It is 13 months since the gro project classess started. A lot of good people have left and gotten burned from this and in noway want to return. The sites are currently 50% functional; The data is a year old and out of date and never has been completed to date (thanks to overseas india cheap help). The shopping cart has a million issues,  is pre beta testing and not pci compliant. The servers are sitting in a backroom in staten island n.y. in on a shelf. Not in a data center secured as promised. All located on the same ip address sharing the same ssl certificate. Plus 100 other issues we can post later.

 What are you looking for? You can pickup the pieces and vent here in our FORUM, you are not alone. We can all help out and give advice. GRO PROJECT reality is a year away from now. Theres no need on waiting for “THE WHEEL” to be reinvented here.

Thanks, There is More To Come. From Gro-Pro