Walking through Century City Shopping Center, I was stopped by a smiling woman who said, “Do you have a minute to come in? I’d love to show you something.” Certainly a line I’ve heard before from cosmetic salespeople; however, since the enticement was a brand named Oro Gold (skin care products made with 24-karat Italian gold?) I considered it. Noticing the Oro Gold boutique looked beautifully high-end, I agreed to walk in.
The instant I sat down, the smiling woman applied the eye serum and eye cream to my right eye area. Admittedly, there was a huge difference and I was impressed (it later occurred to me that after a long day of shopping, she could have smeared Vaseline under my eye and I would have looked better). She then started her hard sales pitch, and it was impossible to get out of there. I kept trying to leave, but the salesperson was unrelenting. She would literally push me back on my chair, offering to lower the price, and then offering me a free bottle of a vitamin peel priced at $148 and both the eye serum and eye cream for only $199 (supposed retail of $298 each, but I believe the padded prices on their website – as shown on the iPads all of the salespeople carry – are for them to use as a sales pitch). Since she told me there was a money-back guarantee in fourteen days, I agreed to make a purchase. Just as I was paying, another woman magically appeared and the sales associate said, “Oh, look, our specialist is in town for one day only and she’d like to show you something crazy.”
This woman was even more aggressive, and frankly, scared me. She showed me the thermal mask bionic series kit for $1,088. I have to say, my skin looked great after she wiped the mask off, but that doesn’t speak for long-term use effects. Again, I tried to make an exit and she said, ”Okay, what if I tell you I will give you the entire $1,088 kit for $600, deducting the $199 you just spent, PLUS, I’ll throw in a free moisturizer worth $138. You will pay another $400, totaling $600, but you will have a total of seven products.” By that point I was properly confused and actually believed I was getting $2,000-plus worth of the most luxurious skincare products for only $600.
When I finally arrived home, I decided look the brand up online and what I found was beyond disturbing (read it here). Apparently, hundreds of women across the U.S. have been bullied into buying these products with the promise of a refund, only to find that they are unable to return the products (stamping “no refunds” on a receipt after paying? Unacceptable.).
The ridiculous prices are also a full-fledge scam. That ultra-expensive Thermal Mask? Just $40 on Amazon
Astronomical prices and blatant lies. I returned to the store the very next day and asked for a refund as promised. The two salesgirls were no longer there. A rude guy with a heavy accent told me I must have misunderstood, they don’t do returns. When I asked about the prices in Amazon and at kiosks at different malls he claimed they were all fakes. When I asked about the salesgirl who told me she was a part owner he said she was only a manager. He then printed out some number for me to call and proceeded to kick me out of the store. I am so appalled! How a brand can have hundreds of complaints with the BBB yet still continue to be in business with very unethical practices is beyond me!
Beware of Oro Gold!
What a nightmare!! =O Thanks for the warning. Sorry it came at the cost of your money and experience =(
Wow, they definitely scammed the wrong person! So sorry it had to happen to you, but I’m so glad I didn’t end up buying this! They sell this at Sears in Canada and I thought all the same things as you, but the price point (even with their special ‘deals’) was way too high for something called “Gold Gold”.
Someone who lives close to that seller should print this out and be like, how have your sales been since this was published? LOL.
The man last night was blatantly lying to my face. And he kept contradicting himself. They all use the same buzzwords “can I show you something crazy? Let me show you how to take 15 years off in one minute”. It was like a live infomercial!
The same thing just happened to me 2 weeks ago in London. They have a very nice store set up at South Molton Street (just across from Browns, near Space NK). The store is located in Bond street which is filled with luxury brand name stores so who would have thought it would be a scam. I got a ‘x-mas’ promotion of buy this scrub that costs 100 pounds each for buying 3 for the price of 2. It seemed to work very well because I could see all the dead skin coming of.(But who knows, it could be some kind of silly gimmick) I thought it was a great deal and paid, but after that they were forcing me to try this and that and were offering me a 1000 pound mask set for the price of 700. I thought it was too expensive so I said no, then the sales said she’ll give me another 100 off because the box was damaged. Immediately I felt something was wrong, and tried to leave, but she still wouldn’t let me and forced me to try more products until finally I was able to leave. I felt something was wrong and searched in the internet and found out exactly what you found Tina, the prices were like 30 dollars.
Absolutely horrible experience. Someone should take action towards this company!!
I’m sickened by this whole thing. The two girls who tagged team me were like bullies, when I first tried to leave SA said “DO YOU NOT SEE YOU NEED THIS, LOOK AT YOUR WRINKLES. Ok, I’ll give you this peel for free because you really need it”. After 30 minutes of berating and beating down I caved. OMG, so angry with myself for being so stupid! I am out $600 and have called Amex but who knows what they’ll do.
Amex is great at refunding those charges! How awful that sounds like you were shopping on the streets in China not in the US! Can you complain to the mall? Surely they know how shady they are!
The crazy thing is there were already dozens of complaints on the BBB complaint board about that particular store! Yet the mall allows them to continue because they pay rent. With money stolen from people like me! I better call Amex again, just landed and have been unpacking and cooking all day. Ugh, so annoyed.
Amex is usually pretty good about things like this, particularly if you are a long term cardmember. I hope you prevail, this sounds horrible. I hate the hard sell..honestly, those women deserve to be fined for not letting you leave…I’d file a wrongful imprisonment claim against the store in addition to demanding a refund!
I had a really similar experience at Westfield Mall in Arcadia, CA. Thank God there was only one sales associate in the store. I got away after buying “only” a $400 peel for $100. She kept trying to convince me if I bought more it would be free. How is another product for $200 free I asked? She looked confused and admitted she was new and alone in the store and that she wasn’t sure how it worked. She tried to convince me to come back in an hour when someone was back from lunch by giving me a bunch of free samples. No way. I won’t even walk by the store now.
It’s crazy how aggressive they are. I think of myself as a savvy shopper, especially when it comes to beauty products (I mean, hello). But when two people are beating you down you kind of get confused and start to believe you do look like shit and need what they are selling. By the way, whatever they put in the products to make your skin look good while you are at the store (It’s almost a clay like mask layer to make your skin appear white and smooth) does not last beyond the first washing of your face. This is why they tell you to wipe off with cotton and to not wash it off! The layer of product left on the face gives a mask like appearance.
I am so sorry about your experience. Thank you for warning the rest of us. Glad that you posted your horrible experience. Let’s spread the words to warn everyone.
I have heard about them and saw them at Sears too, sure I was intrigue but the way they do the sales pitch just absolutely pushy and down right irritating, I just play it cool and walk away, but am sorry to hear about how they scam you Tina, hope you get your money back!
And I agree, this company should be shut down!
Hi Tina, a very similiar thing just happened to my dad at the mall, except it was a hand treatment system. 2 step system for $100 each jar, my dad said no, same high pressure sale we will throw in a extra jar for free, then 2 extra jars for free. He walked away! He said his hands were very soft though! I think we have to be careful of these kiosks and high pressure sales, sounds like alot of scams.
Hi Tina. I am sorry to hear about this. Something similar happened to me…I wound up paying $87.00 for a $6.00 tooth whitening pen!
Maybe you could try contacting your local State Attorney’s office.
If it were me, I contact an attorney…most consultations are free. Perhaps it would take nothing more than a letter from him to get you the refund you were promised.
Good luck, Pam
I called Amex again, they are taking it over from here. The agent on phone was appalled to hear the story!
I too was like a magnet for all these aggressive sales personnel in Vegas. I tried a different approach and told them that wrinkles were a natural aging process and I liked the character they added to my face. One woman asked how it felt around my eyes now that I looked 10 years younger and I replied “Awful, I just want to wash my face”. They asked my husband if he noticed a difference. He replied “Not one bit”. They left us alone. Remember as soon as you wash your face you wash away all the lotions. Save your money. This company is selling a scam.
I totally agree, the “mask” they put on me is made of thermal clay– they wouldn’t rinse it off, they take it off with a cotton ball (dry) so a layer of clay is on your skin, giving the appearance of a faux flawless skin. I am such a sucker! Glad you got away!
How can this company show proof that they use ingredients from the Dead Sea?. Their tactics are totally aimed at getting a sale at any cost. In Las Vegas there was a strong Israeli sales force, which seemed like all part of the persuasion technique. I am planning my next step, the fact that so many people have been conned is criminal.
I to had the same experience as all the others who have complained about the high pressure, high prices, and unethical practices. I believe all the stores should be shut down.
I had the same thing happen and I NEVER buy stuff like this, especially at such an expensive price. The salesman kept throwing in “free gifts” and talking about spoiling me. He even had the nerve to say that he wants to help and he has good karma for giving people such a discount!
No refund from them, so I tried Amex and I was told that they cannot take in any creams or toiletries! Did you get your refund Tina? If so, how did you go about it? Any help would be greatly appreciated. this whole thing makes me sick to my stomach.
I am still waiting to hear back from Amex but they didn’t say that creams or toiletries would not be taken back. In fact the agent who took down my story was appalled and had something similar happen to her so she was determined to solve it for me! Call Amex again- refer this blog entry and all the other complaints about these crooks! xo Tina
i just brought this product today @ Glendale Calif. I was so Stupid i really believe the sales person promo.buy one get one FREE…….
When i got home i check price @ amazon. its was SHOCK the prices 75% different.then i look at my receipt its NO RETURN….I don’t know how this products ?
I’m so sorry you got duped as well! This is awful. No idea what to do…
I work in an upscale mall in Boston as a Beauty Advisor for a enviornmentally fit botanical lifestyle brand. An oro gold shop is located on the first floor and on over 15 occasions Ive had women come in either crying or crazed over thier horrible products and “bullies”. Well today I had just had enough. A 20 year old girl who attends college nearby came into my shop crying hysterically. She had been bullied by two men into buying an 8 piece mask system and a 24k milk creme moisturizer at Oro Gold. She was shaking and had to return every single item she had purchased that day just to make up for the money she had spent at Oro Gold. She is a loyal customer at the store I work at and she wanted my opinion because I know how her problematic skin can react to non-organic or botanical ingredients. I advised her ( without trash talking another brand) that she probably shouldnt use a milk creme moisturizer because she has oily skin and is acne prone. Also the mask sold to her was for wrinkles and fine lines… SHE IS 20 YEARS OLD!!! I told her she was beautiful and she may want to protect her skin in the future,but she does not need to worry about fine/deep lines or wrinkles. She said she was going downstairs to return it because she didnt want it in the first place and she was intimidated by two european men. About 20 minutes later she came back in with mascara running down her face and what looked like and allergic reaction. She said they claimed she needed to address her horrible skin and even if they could they wouldnt return the product because she was in such need of it. During this false “consultation” she was told if she wasnt satisfied with the product they would refund her 100% and 20 mins later they told her EVEN IF THEY COULD THEY WOULDNT! They also gave her 2 free items or “gifts” as they called them that she DID NOT want. All she wanted was her money back.. Thats disgusting behavior. The product also started creating a rash on her problematic skin. I gave her a mini facial and told her not to let those bogus products touch her face again and to file a police report. I am so outraged by that company. I went in the store and acted like a customer just to see thier outrageous behavior first hand and they tried to get me for 2000 dollars. I expressed that it looked like the products werent doing anything as they assured me I needed it I pulled up amazon.com and laughed at them and said ” Hope you like prison because the rate you are going you will be there soon for this HARASSMENT you bestow on others!” Sorry to everyone who fell victimized by this ridiculous scam! A real company should be able to stand by thier product.
I just got a letter from Amex that OroGold won my case against them. I have to pay the $600 for the products. I can not believe this scam of a company is winning! But I don’t know what to do…
I want to cry, just by how tupid I was toda y. I got ” stucked” with $200 of products at Avenura Mall, fl
Being uses you can return what you don’t like at a store. I thought, Wellington if I don’t like them, go back and return them next day.
OMG, I feel terrible. But I am definately gong to say everything to averyone at the Mall, near the Orogold stand. At the end at least are they any good?
Never again Williams I buy from peolple at a kiosk. I was oñ my wat to Lancome. Cojos haber but something cheaper….. Bubububububu…..
Lets sordas the word, about Orogold.
I did the same mistake like you. I just brought three 24K Oro Gold peels and day cream for $250 @ Fiarfax Virginia Mall. I was so Stupid to believe other customers’ words at the kious saying the products are good and I wonder if that is a set up. I ended up by the seacretspa recover for 3 year supply spending over $1500 When i got home I did not feel comfortable and researched the web site realizing most reviews are negative. What can I do now? I don’t think I can return them either. Based on your experience, I won’t be able to return the merchandize. I hope they improve my skin, otherwise I do waste all that money for unethical sale. I am not smart in this case should never believe these non inspected products from other countries. I don’t know what else to do either.
It’s an outrage that they are getting away with this. My next step is reporting them to the Better Business Bureau… Tina
I’m in Las Vegas and purchased the products at the Paris Hotel. Yes, the sales people were a little pushy, but both my spouse and I immediately saw reduction in lines and dark circles. We both purchased and tried their peel too. It worked great on my spouse, but I couldn’t get it off part of my face. It stuck to the peach fuzz! I got very upset and worried. After lots of water, scrubbing, and just picking it off – it all went away. (No rash or redness remain; the skin is smooth.)After reading your blog, I was prepared for trouble today when I went back to the store to return this one item. I spoke with the sales woman from whom I purchased the products. She offered me alternative products, but gave me no trouble getting a refund. In fact, because I purchased all the products under the “Gold Package”, I wasn’t sure how much of a refund I would get. The store was very fair and refunded an amount I wanted, but didn’t expect to get.
I am glad to read a positive story about Oro’s Gold!
I have an idea. Why don’t all of the women on here and have been scammed by this company go out and save some other women from the same mistake they made. Suggestion, print off these comments and stick in your purse. Instead of avoiding this kiosk, find it the next time you are out shopping. If there is someone in the booth, go up to the customer and interupt the sales shark and expose them with the truth. Nothing will get them to quit until the truth gets out there. Evil prevails when good men do nothing.
Debra
I LOVE this idea! So print these comments and tape it to their door? haha, I love it!!! xoxo Tina
I am completely disgusted by this company. I received a gift set from my mother for xmas and really liked it. Then I went to her house this past week and she has a huge box full of products. She started crying when I asked her about it. She was completely bullied at a kiosk in the mall in Cerritos, Ca. She was conned into spending over $2,500 which she cant afford. She tried to return the unopened products and they were rude with here and the man at the kiosk took her receipt and said he would talk to his partners. Its so disturbing how they are still in business. I am doing research on the Better Business Bureau and what I can do to try and get her money back. I am happy that you are blogging about this. I just hope it prevents some people from buying their products.
I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s experience! Let me know what you come up with. xo Tina
I recently had the same experience with the sales people at the mall. I was suckered in to it, but I fought back. Did a little research on the internet regarding the California law “no refunds, only exchanges”. It turns out all merchants who sell this way, must post a sign where it is visible for customers informing them of such a policy. Stating the policy on the receipt does not satisfied the law. I went to the kiosk and took pictures of proof that no sign was posted and informed them about the California law. The next day I went back again and they had placed a small sign posted by the cash register. By then I had talked to the owner over the phone and he promised me that I would be taken care of. They did not and were rude to me. I hate feeling powerless. So I decided to stand by the kiosk and let potential customers know that there are no refunds, only exchanges. They ran off quickly. The sales people were angry and told me that what I was doing was illegal. I DON’T THINK SO. I also told them I would come everyday and keep informing customers. I wanted to hit them back at their pockets. It worked. He called his boss. We negotiated and I received 50 percent back of my charges. It was more or so reasonable to what I would pay for the products on-line (not from their website) However, I am not going to stop. Each time I go to any mall, and see an Orogold or a Premier Products Kiosk,I will devote sometime to inform potential customers about the refund policy. I am angry that consumers are being robbed. We need to do something to stop their sale tatics.
I had the experience in San Francisco. It was in a big shopping mall and the sales men look very professional. After 20minutes selling talking, I decided to consider before buying them.finalin the sales man was angry because I wasted his time without buying his products. I just realize he was a faker.
At least I’m not the only one who feels like a fool. And what a fool….I’m out $2000.00. I got almost yanked walking down strip in Las Vegas. Unfortunately I had been gambling and drinking and not thinking like a sane person. They kept avoiding stating price and the next thing I’m handing over charge, which they rang up and it didn’t sink in I just charged $2000.00. I was so pissed I allowed these people to snow me it ruined my vacation. What made me even madder is I let this happen, and I could not afford their junk. I havent used the junk at all. BEWARE!!!!!!!!!
I wish I had seen all your comments before I just got suckered into buying products from the Oro gold store on the Las Vegas strip. I came back to my hotel and immediately looked up the products and almost got sick when I realized how much I have over paid. I got about 12 products for $1800….OMG how is it that this type of sales scam can occur right out in the open. The gentleman who attended to me was a great salesman. And….the product did show immediate results so how could I argue. Every time I tried to leave he said let me just show you one more thing. Of course everything he showed me had results and of course he was giving me a “great deal.” I am such an idiot for falling for this scam. I will definitely use every ounce of product given the price I just paid. I will never again be entertained by anyone giving out free samples of anything. I should have known better but I got up at 3:30 this morning to head to the airport to come to Vegas from the East coast so being overtired left me vulnerable. If anyone comes up with a way to put an end to this scam let me know and I will pitch in….you can bet I won’t hesitate to say something to others if I see them getting pulled into the stores…
Another sucker taken for a ride…I should have bought stock in the company as I’m sure they must have incredible profits.
Nancy
Unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
I also got caught up while visiting Las Vegas. I only lost $35 on the Gold Facial/Peel. Of course the offer started much higher and for other products. But, when the saleswoman offered the facial for $35 I though it was a good deal. Especially when I had seen and felt the difference on the top of my hand when she showed me how it worked.
How come it does not work like that on my face now that I am home? It is a shame how these “carnival barkers” act to tourists; it left a bad taste in my mouth about Las Vegas in general.
It is a shame about
I wish I had found your site earlier. I just sent the following e-mail to BBB Online:
“Today I purchased $53.12 product from Oro Gold, after being pushed into purchasing what the sales representative Idan said was originally 100+ dollars but that day, he was selling it for $79. He said he would throw in a sample of foot moisturizer. I said I wouldn’t buy it, it was too expensive, and he looked over his shoulder to see if his colleague were in the room, and told me he’d sell it to me for $53 dollars. He told me to zip my lips, as he threw in a full-sized bottle of foot moisturizer.When I got home, I looked at my receipt, and, at the bottom, it said, “We will be happy to exchange your products at any time so long it has not been opened. However, WE DO NOT ISSUE REFUNDS!” I have never purchased a cosmetic product that would not offer refunds, so i was surprised to find it at the bottom of my receipt.When I looked up the product online, I was surprised to find at least a hundred women complaining about being scammed in a similar way (e.g. the looking over the shoulder, being given inflated prices and then giving a huge discount, and the unsettling “No refunds” at the bottom.)Because the store was at Copley, I did not expect this kind of scam. There are so many complaints, I cannot believe the company is still in business. Please help me. Though I know that $53.12 is a relatively small amount, I feel scammed and tricked. For more examples of these complaints, please see http://www.yelp.com or http://www.beautysnob.com/2011/11/oro-gold-cosmetics-fools-gold.html . My credit card said that it cannot help me in getting a refund [because it does not count as fraud since I met the merchant and signed the receipt].”
Ugh. If anyone in Boston has had success getting her money back, I’d love a response. Mostly, I’m embarrassed that I fell for this. I always skip kiosks but because it was a store in Copley, I thought I was safe.
-Tina
Well, i do have to agree with the sales tactics being wrong. However, i love the prodcuts. My mom and I have been using them for the past year and have seen magic on our skins. The problem is the people selling the prodcut but it has nothing to do with the people making the product. They just wholesale and distribute to people who make the product look horrible but its technically nothing to do with the manufactures. Also, i have noticed that all the kiosks are exaclty the same. I have seen nail carts, hair iron carts, dead sea carts and for some reason, alllllll of them have horrible pushy sales people. I guess the sales people are the face of the products but i dont believe this is a scam. I buy my products directly off orogoldcosmetics webite and purchase directly from the manufactures so i dont have to deal with those rude people pushing to buy. That way i can shop calmly and choose what i want on my own and not let anyone talk me into buying what they think works for me. I dont think the manuifactrues of this prodcut is necessarily affiliated with these rude sales people. My point is, i still love their prodcuts eventhough the people selling it SUCK!
Don’t you think you people are exaggerating? I mean really, how can someone get “suckered” into making you buy something you don’t even want?! The truth is that, yeah the salespeople are pushy, ALL SALESMEN are pushy, it’s their job…. TO SELL!!! They didn’t force you to take out your wallet, you chose to buy what you did. I’ve never been pushed into buying anything i did not want, no matter what sales tactics they use. I mean yeah, the products are pricey but you pay for the quality, not the sales pitch. The products are NOT rip offs because they actually work. Bottom line, the product works. That’s why I bought them and that’s probably why you did too, and that’s the truth.
Lisa, I don’t think its a question of the product itself but when you realize after the fact that these kiosks or stores selling the product have marked the price up beyond belief it’s not exaggerating…it’s truly a rip off. Some people find it easier to walk away from pushy salespeople… unfortunately this is not the case for all of us. I had no idea how inexpensive these products are online until after I had already been mislead by the salesman and had purchased $1800 worth of product. I now know I could have paid a few hundred online for all products I walked out with (some of which he said he was giving to me as a gift)…he claimed I was getting such a “great deal”….what a bunch of BS…it is a scam.
The exact same thing happened to me. They made a false promise to consumer, like ” money back guarantee ” and they even lied to me who was the manager. The lady said because she likes me nd she is the manager, so she can give me a deep discount. But when I came back to return the products within an hour, the guy worked there said he was the manager.
We should report to Attorney General Consumer Protection Division of MA, and TV channel 5 for investigation. Also, we should contact the Simon mall to let them know. One of the reason we spent so much money was because we trusted the stores inside the Copley Place. This kind of deceptive sale has to be stopped.
The same exact thing happened to me @ Century city mall.It is crazy how they lie
And get away with it.They are crooks from israel.The Unfortunate Thing is that I am alergic to the product too, so my $1100 is Gone and I can not even use the product. My eyes were the size Of 2 eggs the next day and my face was swellen.
They are bunch of thieves & I hate them.
Omg, total crooks, I agree! I’m glad so many people are sharing their horror stories. xoxo tina
I’m glad you blogged about your experience with Oro Gold. I was walking along the mall today and an Oro Gold sales staff stopped me and asked if she could show me something amazing too. I’ve never heard of the brand till today so I thought I’d hear the lady out. After trying a few products on my hands, I told her I have sensitive skin and will try the moisturiser at home first to see if it’s suitable for me. I thanked her, stood up and proceeded to leave when her male colleague appeared and started hard selling more of their products. This man was a lot more pushy and would not let me leave despite having told him I was hard pressed for time (I ended up being “kept” in the store for half hour despite wanting to leave within the first 10min!). In the end, I told him point blank that I didn’t have the habit to buy new skincare products without doing some research first then I thanked him and quickly walked away.
Thanks for the heads up!
Oh you got away, I’m so glad! xoxo Tina
Hi, the same thing hapened to me and I never fall for these things, but these sales people are amazing they could just read me and knew what buttons to push “you work hard and deserve to spoil yourself”, etc, etc. I am also really angry, mostly about being over charged. I did get a receipt though and it is not stamped no refund but I also purchased it at a kiosk and don’t know who to contact as I was promised my money back if I wasn’t happy and I honestly am not seeing any difference and the day cream is a nightmare for my acne. I live in Gauteng in SA – if anyone knows where I can go or who to call, please let me know.
OMG… I just got taken today too… I went to the Mall and got stopped by a VERY good salesman… I ended up paying $300 for 6 products…So I came home and went on line, only to find that I paid probably triple the price from Amazon… These products better do everything he promised !!!!!!!!!!! I am just another Sucker….. Live and learn… Seeing as everyone is saying they will not give refunds… UGH !!!
Unreal!!! How ironic….I just had the same exact experience with my Mom on Monday at the South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach…..The guy was RELENTLESS.. they started making tons of claims and then throwing Oprah’s name in the mix and how she uses this product , etc. They applied the serum around my laugh lines around the mouth area , ON ONE SIDE of course and honestly, I couldn’t see much difference. I’m an RN who has been using botox for 10 years plus I’m pretty skin savvy interms of peels, creams and I know the mechanics of fillers and how they work. This salesman told us he was the “owner” of the shop and this deal he was offering us, on his Ipod of course, was for TODAY ONLY!! He told me how botox actually damages the muscle and causes muscle destructionwhich i know is a blatant lie because its administered subcutaneously; just causing temporary paralysis. I knew we wouldn’t buy any products but the relentless hard sell of this guy was unbelievable. My mom also informed him that as the wife of a retired salesman, she knows that there’s no such thing as “this deal is for today only”. …..I’m glad we were able to resist the temptation to buy as we told him we have “real bills to pay like mortgages, property taxes and groceries” but this guy would not let up! Finally we said we would be on our way and left. His whole demeanor changed when he realized he wasn’t making his sale and I see how they get away with this gimmick. They serve champagne and the store is very high end in appearance but i’m so glad I checked this site to see the product is nothing but bunk!!!
Oro Gold scam!!!
I was suckered and bought $300 worth of this product at the Southbay galleria because of a high pressure salesperson. He lied and said it was all natural, and also lied and said the products were on Oprah. I got the products home only to find that they were not on Oprah and not all natural, but contained the chemical benozyl peroxide, which I am allergic to. After 10 calls and two trips to the store I was finally able to return the product and get a refund, only because I was allergic!!!!
It’s really a nightmare! I just spent $650.00 on their products couple days ago at the stonestown mall. Of course, all the bad things happened to me. I don’t know why I’m so stupid. Can I sue them?
I just had an experience with Orogold today at the Main Place Mall in Orange, CA. Lucky for me, I spotted right away the “this weekend only” scam like sales pitch (buy 2 bottles of eye serum and cream for $400.00 and get the facial cream and peel free) and a few other bully tactic giveaways, the Israeli girl mentioned Dr. Oz, too, so I said because this products were expensive, I wanted to do some research before I buy, the girl walked.
I don’t know if the fact that my husband was there with me had anything to do with this seemingly easier outcome than what some of you experienced? I wouldn’t pay that kind of money for eye creams anyway in the first place unless it’s really proven by Dr. Oz (in lieu of having Botox done or a facelift). Maybe that’s what saved me.
But, for the sake of reminding ourselves…
Ladies, don’t spend hundreds of dollars without doing some research. But most of all, trust your instinct. If something doesn’t feel right, walk away. Hold on to your hard earn money. Don’t give in…ever…to anybody, under any circumstances. Don’t feel obligated because you are not. Tell yourself you don’t know these people and you don’t owe them a thing. They don’t know who you are neither and they would be careless who you are. They only want your money. That’s it. Once you have that knowledge imprinted in your brain, you’ll always do the right thing for yourself and no one else.
Good luck.
I usually pride myself in being able to spot a conman/woman a mile away, and usually walk away quite easily but these sales persons are the absolute BEST at what they do. Granted my interest was piqued …….which was probably my biggest down fall here. Ok my bad!!!
Granted, the beautiful faces, young bodies, and slick talk really gushes and oozes honey!!!! They still managed to take a fair wack off me!!! I was quite angry with myself ….. but decided that I needed to take action on this.
I got mine back on them just yesterday. Told that because I had dropped a large amount Rands into their laps, I would be given (free of charge …. of course) a facial worth just over R1000.00. Of course it would have to be taken up within the same month.
So I waited until near the end of the month, phoned and got this way out,….. non committal …..voice on the other end,….. until I explained that I wanted to take up my free Facial.
Well the honey started dripping once again!!!!
I also was fully aware that the “Facial” I was about to receive was probably a make shift, either half face or just the use of one product, and not the entire shebang that one would normally get on a proper facial treatment!! After all ….. it was a freebee!!
None the less, this was payback time for me, and I was about to take them on and walk out with naught more than I had already dropped at their feet!! The bonus would be that I was about to become a stronger person than that of Sales talk.
Of course the appointment went a little like their normal reeling in of sales, with more talk of how you look and what could be done for you, and just how much you deserve to treat yourself…. a pat on the back for the sales person.
With the makeshift treatment over, and a definite immediate improvement on the skin (yes bonus points for that one too)I was now being told about their most expensive product in the range – the Gold Mask which retails at a whopping R25 000.00!!!
Great…. this was my big chance!! Yip, really got them going.
They interested me in being able to give me this amazing deal which ….. together with the Facial stretching mask (I had just received as the free “facial”), and because they had already sold Gold Mask set at FULL PRICE today,……. would allow me to purchase the entire 2 sets at the amazing deal of just R2500.00!!!! Wow!!!
Oh the best for last!!!!!! LOL…….the very best – by taking this deal I would be ONE of just SEVEN people in South Africa, to have this very very very expensive Gold Mask product!!!!
Well long story short, I looked them directly in the eyes, and told her that if they was able to give me this great deal today, then when I am ready to take my existing product to the next level – after using them up, and seeing any long term benefits, that have been promised to me…. by them and Orogold…. then the exact same deal would be offered to me at the time I would like to buy it.
It took some doing, but needless to say, attitude changed,….. BUT I left feeling much more empowered!!!!
Oh, and by the way, it helps if you leave your bag in the car whilst you do this!!! They can’t lean in and wiggle your credit card out of your bag this way!!!
Yay to me!!!!
So Girls, don’t just get caught and get Angry, get even!!
Even if you just go in and take them for the hour’s ride to walk out without giving them the sale!!
It’s up to us to learn to be stronger in economic crunch times and become more savvy. The hunters out there are getting hungrier and more cunning!
Oh …………and if you think they will feel badly about making them loose the sale, ……… believe me they were fake in the beginning, and didn’t care about anything other than the sale in the first place!!
Go Girls go….. become more savvy, and empowered!!!
THIEVES!!!!! STAY AWAY FROM THEM!!!!!I was suckered into buying Orogold products from Main Place Mall in Santa Ana, CA. After doing some research at home, the $2500 I spent was an overcharge of 75% from what I could have bought the items for on the internet. I can go on and on about the sales pitch,but if you have read the previous stories, it is the same. Basically convincing a 65year old lady that OroGold is the fountain of youth. BS!!! No returns or refunds. Has anyone else had success in receiving their money back????? Please spread the word so that others don’t lose out on their money too.
I just got home from the Westfield Galleria in Roseville, Ca and was also suckered into buying these products. Luckily, I got out of there with only spending 160$ but I was also assured that I could return the products and when I came home to do some researching on the product I just purchased and my “free gifts” I came across this website. I am so glad to hear that I’m not the only one who fell for this! I also have an appointment for a free facial and although a free facial sounds fantastic, I have no desire to ever go back into that store. I’m only out 160$ and sadly, I feel like I am one of the lucky ones for making it out of that store without spending hundreds of dollars. Thank you for blogging this and thank you everyone for sharing your stories. I wont fall for this ever again!
Well, I had the same experience at the Irvine Spectrum Mall. Just walking by going to my car, a salesgirl called me in and stupidly I entered. I bought the eye cream & serum for $400 with a 2 added gifts. Then unfortunately for me I had time to do a facial. With two women working on you telling you how great the product works on you, I got sucked into buying more product and so many gifts included. They reassured me over and over I could return the product. I felt overwhelmed, I am so angry at myself for letting these sharks talk me into the product. I did the same as everyone else, went home researched it on the internet found out I did not get any gifts at all, I really paid for everything. I took it back the next day and of course like everyone was told no returns. I called customer service, they told me they would look into this and get back to me. That never happened. I am out a lot of money I could not afford. They are sharp, even though I new in my gut I should not buy it, I felt pressured and went with it. What a disaster.
Gosh, I have done well then. They cornered me at their Bond St store in London today. Again the guy was charming and told me that they had a special offer that was ending today – shocker!!!He wanted to test some eye cream on me but as I was wearing a full face of make-up there was no way I was letting him near me!Although he was a very skilled sales person I never purchase skin care without researching it. I think I became wary once he told me the cost of the stuff. I had no intention of buying a thing especially when he told me how much he was charging. He then proceeded to better the price offered to me and used his sales techniques to try to pursuade me by making crazier promises. It was very full on and I couldnt wait to leave. Wow, having just googled the brand I am so glad I walked with just a crummy free sample. I really feel for some of you and thank you for sharing it all. This Londoner had a lucky escape from Jonathan and his “gold” promise today. Just awful.
I’m a guy and I got tricked into a purchase as well. They are VERY aggressive and the woman would lie and say “listen, don’t tell my boss but I will give you my own employee discount.”…but I’m sure it’s still considered overpriced and/or NOT even a discount at all. The more you are resistant, they will most likely bring up the “don’t tell my boss I’ll give you my employee discount” shpeel, and just might throw in something else “for free”. Luckily I escaped and just ended up getting the nail kit (hand lotion, tea tree (supposedly) cuticle oil, nail smoothing block, and nail filer). They usually ask what skin care I use and bash whatever it is (Chanel, Bvlgari, YSL, L’Occitane, etc.), in comparison to their “exquisite, top of the line” skin care products. They won’t even care if you’re in a hurry, they are confident you’ll thank them in the end. They brag about how others have recently purchased “thousands of dollars worth of their products” and how it’s “a secret weapon for respected A-List celebs in Hollywood”. The first time I was pulled into their sales trap, I was insistent that I was not interested and you know what the sales lady told me?? She said this to me: “YOU HAVE UGLY SKIN… YOU NEED OUR PRODUCTS!” I’m surprised I was tricked into buying their nail kit several months later. They aren’t worth it, if you’re going to spend $$$ for skin care, try a reliable source such as Neiman Marcus/Barneys/Saks, etc.
I feel so stupid now. My husband and I went in the store….same stories with everyone here of how the sale person trick you to buy their products. My husband pay for the stuffs worth amout $1000. This is terrible.
OMG I can’t believe all these stories, or yes I can. They nabbed me as I was on my way to a Lingerie store. in Century City, C> I kept saying I need to go to an appointment I’ll be late. The Sales Person was very aggressive and said let me show you the difference with your eyes. She put eye serum on the left eye and held a mirror up at an angel for me to see the difference.
I did see some difference, but then again I was really tired.
Next thing I know I’m getting. I’m trying to get out of there again and the sales Woman is going if you get this and that. I so stupid I buy the Eye serum, eye cream, and deep peeling is says a discount of $49.83% total came to $328.25.
Then she says I like you so much your so sweet I want to give you a facial. I was thinking that she wanted to sell me more product. I go back at 3pm the same day and get the 24 k Bionic Complex Thermal Mask. She puts it on one side of my face and we wait 20 minutes it was warm and it felt Ok. She wiped my face off with cotton balls. She held the mirror up on an angel and says what do you think can you tell a difference. I could tell a difference, so we proceed to do the otherside. I walk out buying the mask for 34.78% off. putting it at a grand total of $163.12.
By the time night time came around my face was really uncomfortable. I must be allergic to God knows what in this product, my left eye was bugging me. All night long I was up putting cool wash cloths on my face. I was so uncomfortable. By 11:30 I called Citibank to cancel the transaction they said it was pending and see what I could do at the store tomorrow. I called Citibank again at 6:30 and told them the product was causing some kind of allergic reaction. They said it is up to the Store since there is a no return policy. I went to the store at 10:30 this Morning and said I want my money back whatever was in the mask is not agreeing with my face and I am was uncomfortable all night. I also said my left eye was bugging me, that some product must of gotten in it. The song and dance went you know we can only exchange, what can we do for you etc etc. I said I understand your no return policy, but at the same time I did not know that I was going to have a reaction to your product like this, and I do not want to use any of your product. I called Citibank, again they said it was up to the Merchant. The Sales Woman, which was not the same one. knew I was upset and obviously she has no authority or at least that’s what she told me. I said I don’t want other product I was just going to walk out I was so upset. She traded out all the product on supposedly gentlier product. She let me put some moisturizer on my face to calm it down. It is 1:27pm Sat is still uncomfortable, and I don’t want this product. It has almost become the principal is someone walks in says Wow I’m sorry but I am having an allergic reaction to this. Usually the store doesn’t even hesitate and will just refund your money. I hate this hard sell kind of selling, and I know better for heaven sakes I am 55 years old, why on Earth did I let this happend. I just don’t want the product and I am taking it back. I will not use it. I’m upset with Citibank they will not help me.
I was on a business trip to vegas and did not get conned! The sales pitch and lotions seem real but I didn’t buy anything since I said I only had hand luggage. Thought about returning to buy something the next day but after reading all these blogs I’m glad I didn’t. Thank you all