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Nicky B
May 4, 2011
Ripped off
If you're thinking about working with Ray Edwards, the "million dollar copywriter, " I urge you to read every single word of this document. Ray Edwards has ripped me off. I paid him $6000 to create a website, and he refuses to finish the job or refund my money. Ray Edwards is a bully, and uses force and intimidation to get his way. With Ray Edwards, it's his-way-or-no-way. His favorite expressions are "I don't give refunds" and "Your problems are not my problems." I have filed complaints against Ray Edwards with the (1) BBB of Washington State; (2) Spokane Consumer Affairs at the Attorney General Rob McKenna; (3) FBI Internet Fraud Division; and (4) Department of Consumer Affairs. I paid Ray Edwards $6000 to re-write the content of my existing website. He has not completed the job and he refuses to refund my money. $6000 is a lot of money to me. I am a stay-at-home mother with a low income, living paycheck to paycheck, with two young children to support. I couldn't afford Ray's services in the first place, but I assumed his services could increase my 'sales conversion rate' and that my investment would eventually pay for itself. Initially, Ray promised to create a completely revised website for me. It would include a 'squeeze page, ' sales letter, thank you page and auto responders. As mentioned, I already have a website in place. Ray Edwards was going to completely revamp my website so that I'd convert more people into buyers. I paid Ray Edwards $6000 upfront. What a HUGE mistake! Initially, when I got the rough draft back from Ray (text only, ) I was disappointed. Ray's business associate had changed a few sentences here and there, and added a new introduction paragraph-- but the revision was not substantial enough. It was not that much different from what I had before. It certainly wasn't worth $6000. I was not pleased with the work, and asked Ray for a refund. He said that he didn't give refunds. However, Ray offered to create a new sales letter for a new product. Ray agreed that I could get back to him when I was ready. Up until this point, he had only given me a rough draft. It was a Word document, text only, and not a finished website. Three months later, I contacted Ray to give him an update. I needed six months to get my product ready. I was in the middle of writing a book about the product, and the manufacturer wanted to proofread my book for accuracy before I published it. That's why I needed six months, to get everything ready. Ray wrote me back, and demanded that I give him everything in two weeks, or he would keep my money and have no further communication with me. In response, I respectfully asked Ray for an extension. There was no way that I could wrap everything up in two weeks. Ray rejected my written requests many times, but when I threatened to post to the Ripoff Report, he telephoned and apologized. On the telephone, Ray suggested that he prepare a new "Work Agreement" so we would both know what was expected. To my surprise, Ray's "agreement" was a one-sided proposition, only benefiting Ray. The agreement stated that the materials had to be delivered to him by March 31 or he would not complete the work and keep 100% of my money. The agreement also stated he would charge me $350 per hour, if any changes to the assignment or its scope were made. Nothing was mentioned requiring my signed authorization before charging me more money. Basically, the "agreement" is a trap—it authorizes him to charge me $350 per hour, plus percentages and interest to my credit card. It would be very easy for Ray Edwards to drum up a bunch of extra fees that I would be liable to pay. I asked Ray if we could revise the agreement so that it was mutually beneficial, and fair to both of us. Ray said the 'agreement' was non-negotiable and any further emails to him would not be acknowledged. I feel like Ray Edwards can't be trusted. Ray seems to thrive on my distress, as if it's an adrenaline rush to be in control. He has no empathy for me as a customer, and could care less about my feelings. Ray doesn't have the slightest remorse over keeping my money, and not finishing the job. Ray acts like a bully, and uses abusive, caustic and manipulative language. I've given Ray Edwards $6000 and have nothing to show for it. He stubbornly refuses to complete the assignment or give me a refund. What's ironic is that Ray Edwards has a blog entry called "Don't Do This To Your Customers." He talks about being charged $10 a day to use the Hilton's internet connection, and how the hotel clerk was rude to him. Here is the link: http://rayedwards.com/dont-do-this-to-your-customers/ Ray complains about the $10 but doesn't think twice about keeping my $6000. Ray Edwards tries to distance himself by drawing up an elaborate contract, insisting that I sign before my work is done. My lawyer-friend reviewed his contract and confirmed that it was a trap designed to sucker me out of more money. Ray Edwards is a one-man show, and is not accountable to a supervisor or Board of Directors. He runs his organization like a tyrannical king, and customers are second-class citizens who must submit to his authority, or suffer the consequences. Ray claims to be friendly and trustworthy. On his "Freedom Lifestyle Formula, " Ray says, "If you knew me, you'd trust me with your spouse, children and grandchildren." Nothing could be farther from the truth. You definitely can't trust Ray Edwards with your money.
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