Jan 2007 I entered a 3 year contract after verbally discussing the contract and services with a RipNet Sales Rep -all terms were discussed - so I thought - as I wanted to make an informed decision before I signed the contract. There was however complete omission of an auto-renewal clause - that the contract would automatically renew to a full new 3 year contract if not terminated in writing 30 days prior to this renewal date. On the Contract there is no clear heading stating the terms or if you are in acceptance of this auto-renewal clause it is however listed under term - under - term definition.
I find it astounding that an omission of this gravity and a clause of this magnitude was not clearly explained when I made the inquiry. The cancellation fees are extremely large and will force most any consumer to be bound due to the large fees. While this is an effective way to ensure continued business - it will not be long term business - at least in our case. This is in my opinion a deceitful way to conduct ones business. Now that the contract time is up, and I have found their services not competitive I inquired about cancellation (since I had served my contract in full) and was told by the company that they need not have told me anything - they could choose what parts of the contract they so pleased to disclose upon inquiry. The company in addition offers no upfront warning to customers that this 3 year period is approaching and do they wish to renew?? You would think they would offer this courtesy considering they absolutely must know that many customers are unaware of this clause. They make no effort to make the consumer aware in any clear form and as a result I was informed that the contract was automatically renewed without any warning. I was not given any visibility to this from the sales rep although every other aspect was explained thoroughly.
I went to the Company with this information and the reply was simply ''a lawyer wrote the contract'' and we take no responsibility. So in essence I am now in a lifetime contract that has a precise 3 year termination window. I feel taken advantaged of and that my rights as a respected consumer were completely disregarded. RipNET has a Better Business Bureau rating of - F - not surprised.