I signed up for $100/month lead service. SM deducts money as lead is sent. I have received 8 out of 10 leads that were not genuine leads.
Some were disconnected numbers, some had hired people already and one said I could come out but didn't answer the door or phone again and I got one small paint job from the 10th lead. SM charged me for 8 leads. I could not get my money back because they say they "cannot control the customer's final decision." Right now I am fighting with them because I had shut off all leads 2 months ago due to fraudulant charges.
I received a call mid Feb. 2011 from Brandon at SM. He told me I had a credit of $42. He said they had an overabundance of leads and could I take a few. I agreed to only one lead to help them out but it better be a genuine lead. He said it wouldn't really cost me anything because of the credit. I was sent one paint lead. I called. The guy said he had already had a couple SM guys out a few days ago and he had already hired one. They were already starting!! This cost me another $38. I immediately called Brandon. He said he would check into it.
February 24th I received a FAX telling me SM wanted to send me a lead ($38) but if they did it would exceed my $100 limit. hmmmmm
I just got off the phone with them. My lead of $38 from previously had been denied !! They took my money. The apparent $42 credit that Brandon had told me existed...was a previous credit to my account that left it at a plus $6. This still doesn't add up to not having enough $ in my lead bank for a new $38 lead! hmm
The guy had to go because of a fire drill... hmmmm
SM has historically pulled this crap with me and then they call back and promise some new leads to get us on board again. The problem is, they have access to your business account and drain money off before you even realize they have sent you a lead. They don't like to return any misleads.
The people I spoke with both times are trained well to pacify your responses and questions with statements like, "I completely understand your problem, but..."
Double check your account and desire to work with a company that could cause you more problems than you really need.
Rebecca Rae