This is going to be a fairly long post, so I apologize before-hand. I have to apologize to the people that started to order Nautilus Lifelines from me based on a promotional post I put up. I really believed in the Nautilus Lifeline when I first saw the product and began researching it and everything about it. As I reviewed their website I noticed that they encouraged those that wanted to become a dealer for the product to contact them, which I did. Nautilus sent me an email with dealer pricing on it and I went out and advertised on here and other websites for a promotional deal I felt would get me some quick sales and establish myself as a dealer of this new product. NOWHERE on their website did it state that they ONLY want to deal with brick-and-morter establishments so even though I have a business that I run from a virtual office, I don't qualify. This information was not related to me until AFTER I got my first four orders (from some of you) and tried to call them in and find out how quickly I could get the product out to the customers. After all, those of you who tried ordering from me waited about a week for this promotional deal.
When I called in, I got the feeling immediately that something was wrong. The person I spoke to knew who I was because I had just sent them a copy of a paper I had written for my managerial marketing class (I am halfway finished with my MBA degree in marketing) that critiqued the effectiveness of Nautilus' promotional video they have online. I sent it to them because I believed that constructive feedback would help improve their image, positioning in the market and sales. I DID ALL OF THIS WITHOUT ASKING FOR A DIME. The promotional price I offered the units for didn't rake in any profits for me. I was basically doing all this because I believed in the product and wanted to see it succeed and after I made some inroads and established myself as a representative for the product it would have been nice to make a small profit as a dealer. After all......I already have a job......
The person I spoke to at Nautilus explained to me that I could not get the deal I promised because they only deal with brick and morter establishments. "Hold on a minute" says I. "I already made some sales promises out there based on the information YOU sent me! I'm going to look pretty stupid now! That's not fair to me" "Too bad" says Nautilus. They don't want to deal with independant dealers. I ask to speak to the owner and went round and round with him about the benefits of at least allowing me to fill the orders I promised. After all, I made it clear in my advertisement that this pricing was temporary and was only for the first 4 orders. "NOPE" says Nautilus leader....."but I tell you what...you can BUY one unit for yourself from me at a discount"........wow.....! I passed on the offer.
I'm writing this because 1) I hate looking like a liar and a fool. 2) the way a company deals with small situations and small people like me indicates how they will deal with you and larger situations. 3) I needed to get this off my chest.
Again. To all those that tried to order a Nautilus Lifeline from me...I apologize for wasting your time.
