Pros
Income Potential Great People Flexible Lunch Breaks Some clients lives are better because of this debt settlement program. Some people need to be saved.
Cons
1) Bait and switch structure- As many have read. Strategic operates under a bait and switch model in which clients apply for a loan based on a check they receive in the mail with amazing payment options... You speak with client to "qualify them" for the loan. The irony is, over time you learn something about the clients you are trying to qualify. 95% of clients get declined for it. As a result, the "sales executive" warrants the chance to pitch the REAL PRODUCT...a debt settlement program. Companies like Freedom Debt Relief are transparent about the program they offer but this company back doors it to get a bigger diversity of clients. The ones who should never do something like this. For those who don't know what a bait and switch is... The advertisement of a product or service with the intention of switching for something different. Usually of inferior or less of quality. The company sends out checks to clients with low payment options of getting out of debt. Clients call to where the "Sales Executive" is qualifying them for a loan (Bait). The irony is over 95% of clients are declined. (Switch)Now the real job is for the "Sales Executive" to sell a debt relief program. This position is ONLY compensated on commission of these sold debt relief programs. Sure, some people need this type of relief and need to be saved from themselves using more credit cards but there are honest ways to help, aside from knowingly misleading over 95% of individuals who inquire. If you want further proof, during your interview, ask how the leads are acquired. 2. Client Experience- Clients are consistently calling throughout the office after enrolling with questions on why their credit is getting crushed and why they are getting harassed with calls from creditors because of missed payments. It goes as far as clients bank accounts getting levied. I personally had a clients who's bank accounts were frozen and didn't have money to buy groceries. We were NEVER. EVER told in training about levies or holds. Many clients do not know what they are being signed up for because of how the product is sold. Many clients cancel once they figure it out but the damage is done. Even if they don't cancel and call to complain... once they make 3 payments, the company made money, rep is paid and you stop answering calls. Their credit is ruined and their credit cards are closed and it's difficult for them to move forward. I can't believe I've used what I was taught to enroll most clients. I was employed and had no choice if I wanted to put food on the table. Imagine if someone close to me enrolled. I was ashamed. 3. Ambiguity- Clients called the office everyday. The reason these types of calls are received everyday is because clients aren't 100% sure of what they sign up for. Yes, we are told not to lie. However we are also trained to not be 100% honest and forthright. The word "should" is the most popular in the office when telling clients what there financial outlook will be during the program to protect the company and sales reps. Sure, you can tell the clients exactly what happens and if you do...you will see all the Sales Reps at the top do better than you. You will most likely have an empty conscious... and empty wallet. Before you apply, ask yourself if your willing to do what's necessary to climb to the top. Sure they have a compliance department to ensure everyone is "in compliance" but remember who they're employer is. This is where the "should" "could" and "might"words protect the company. If you don't believe me, look at google or trust pilot reviews of the company. Want further proof. Ask to speak to a Sales Consultant during your interview. 4) Marketing company cover up- You may see that the company is A rated but the marketing companies they use are different than the debt settlement company. All the clients know are the names of the marketing companies they inquire with and trash those companies reviews. However the company is always switching marketing company names so the negative reviews don't get out of control. Sneaky but effective. 5) Overall- Again some people need this type of program. No doubt about it. However the approach and how consultants are trained to offer this program is misleading and unethical. Everyone isn't a victim but if the company had a straight forward approach it wouldn't be growing at the rate it is. If your willing to do whatever it takes to make money... this may be for you. BE WARNED: Do your research before you do. I wish I had.
