I have bought quite a few big ticket items on Internet Marketing, and I have also purchased some big ticket monthly memberships for various services, forums, topics, and software.  For the most part, I’ve been satisfied with what I’ve purchased.

However, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend lately with what I call the “tier two” gurus who are selling big ticket items or memberships.

Here’s an example.  I became aware of an Internet Marketing related monthly membership site that promised to provide training and techniques about a certain aspect of website building.  The site charged a 3-figure sum PER MONTH to belong to this membership.  The sales letter was a usual hype-fest, and used the “scarcity” trick (”only 75 member slots left!!!”).

The site also had a companion online video that did more pitching and explaining of the service……………and at the very end of the video (as well as on the sales letter) an e-mail address appeared.  The guru earnestly asked viewers to send in their questions, and he would answer them personally.

And you’re damned right I had some questions…………after all, he was asking for a handsome membership fee.  So I took him up on his offer and e-mailed him.  I waited for one day, two days, three days………no answer.  Ok, he might be overwhelmed with new members and new questions.  So I thought I’d cut him some slack, and e-mailed him again.  Then, one day goes by……..two days, three……you get the idea.  So now 6 days after my second e-mail, I’m a bit pissy……..and out of SHEER CURIOSITY, I try to e-mail him a THIRD TIME.  That was 4 weeks ago.

Needless to say, I was more than a bit pissed about this entire episode, and here I am, your DIRECT demographic………with spendable funds, willing to part with 3-figures monthly to belong to your little club.  And because of your disingenuine offer to field and reply “personally” to all e-mails:

  • You’ve forever lost me (and my considerable disposable monthly income) as a cash-spinning customer.
  • I will express my displeasure at this experience, every chance I get to my similarly well-funded peers and associates.
  • And for the guru who introduced you to me in one of your e-mails, I will always regard any further recommendations and introduction you make with suspicion, if not outright cynicism.

All because you made a big deal about your “personal” service and presumed “interest” in your customer’s needs.

And guess what, weeks later I revisited the sales page site, and guess what I saw - “only 75 member slots left!!!”.  So much for scarcity.

Stay far, far away from me, sonny……………you’re now radioactive.

Mr. P