shackcrack
United States of America#2UPDATE Employee
Sat, May 12, 2012
I just came across a record of a woman in Maryland named Ms Thomas who tried to get her money returned alleging violations of Marylands franchise law. Breach of contract, misrepresentation etc. Scott forces the arbitration clause and the arbitrator awards the franchises, Ms Thomas her fee of $29,000 plus $10,000 additional fees. Scott must have been beside himself! Good for you Ms Thomas!
Most don't have the funds to follow through. Not to mention the arbitration usually is set in Birmingham. I would estimate 95% of the Inches A Weigh licencees either let Scott resell their center for a small amount of money to quietly move on or attempted legal recourse. He knows his business model was a dog and had the clauses in his agreements well written because he knew everyone would realize the fraud and consult an attorney. He was actually shocked when the Arizona location was able to tread for a few years. They also quietly closed with regrets.
Circuit Court Montgomery County Maryland case 229473-V December 2002.
If he put the same effort in designing a business model that he paid attorneys to "iron clad " his lisence agreement he might have been successful.
Bill
Tampa,#3Consumer Comment
Wed, May 21, 2003
My name is Bill Porter and I feel I have been ripped off by Scott Simsik, also. I have invested roughly $100,000.00 into an Inches-A-Weigh and am about to lose the business. I was sold the same story as the gentleman before, only to find out later, that most of the businesses were failing. I am ashamed to say that I did not do enough homework on Mr. Simsik before I bought into the business. I was told there were over 60 centers nationwide, only to find out after I had bought into the system that most were struggling or going out of business. I have not talked to corporate for a few months, as I have become so discusted in them, I do not want to have anything to do with them. I have found out that many centers are going to file suit against Mr. Simsik and his business. It is a shame that someone can continue to do this to people. I have talked to Mr. Simsik about selling the business, but how can you sell a business that is failing. I also do not want to take part in selling a business that will take the new owners down the same road. I am going to try to get ahold of the former owners who have all been taken advantage of and see what kind of legal action there is to take, if any. This man has to be punished for what he is doing. How can you continue to sell an idea that continually fails? This is America, where the people's rights have to be protected. In this case, this man has been simply slapped on the wrist and he just continues to do business. If you have any suggestions as to the steps that can be taken to stop this from going on, be let me know. I have poured alot of money into this concept, only to find out, as others have, that the majority of people that have entered this business have failed.I would appreciate your comments. Thank you.