Oro Gold Cosmetics - wolfish salesmanship

dehydrogenated

Dear Moneysavers,

Was recently browsing Oxford Street when I passed this shop and was hoiked in by a man at the door. I thought I'd escape the rain and try the free sample, but had no intention of buying.

The salesman was extremely charming and touchy-feely - and insistent; I ended up buying a £50 pot of cream (way more than I would normally spend) with the promise that I would get a 1 hour facial for free.

I asked if I could return the product if I was unsatisfied and he said "Of course", but when I looked at the receipt later, refunds are not allowed.

The internet is full of similar stories about this company's wolfish sales tactics and people have not been able to book the facials they were promised.

I accept I'm a sucker and probably can't get my money back, but I'm still livid that they lied to me and so many others. I was wondering if there was any way of complaining or reporting this company, or warning other people not to go near it with a barge pole. Any ideas?

Thanks!

boris73

I experienced the same two days ago and within an hour of visiting the store near Covent garden my credit card was used for fraudulent online activity. Coincidence? I think not! Feeling very daft, annoyed and light in the wallet. Please anyone reading this do not buy oro gold or
Go In a store :-(

bcl999

Maybe complain to Westminster Trading Standards? On a practica level, it will likely not result in getting your money back but might make you feel a bit better that you had at least done something about this company.

JacqChel

Following on with the sales practice of Oro Gold.
This company is deceitful and should not be trading in the UK or anywhere else.
I had same experience, the eye gel burned my skin and caused terrible irritation. Even though the guy ASSURED me (lies) that the product was natural. I looked up the ingredients after getting duped and there are such strong chemicals. Dangerous some of them. And they are charging the earth.
I have gone to Action Fraud, branch of the police, who have opened a case.
Anyone who is caught out must go to Consumer Advice Bureau (08454 04 05 06 ) and Action Fraud (call them on 0300 123 2040). The more people complain , the quicker Trading Standards will CLOSE THEM DOWN.
DO IT NOW.

vuvuzela

Which of the chemicals in the ingredients are actually dangerous ? Have you contacted Trading Standards ?

honestcat

This is not a review on the products: this is a review of the aggressive marketing strategy and tactics used by sales staff. If you really want to buy the Products, buy them online or through Amazon where you are covered by a returns policy. I have done a week of not sleeping after my experience on 28 July 2014 in 155 High Street Kensington, trawling the internet in all the citizens advice, WHICH.com, TRADING STANDARDS, Consumer Association, and contacted them all. I was completely taken in. When I left the shop I was euphoric, in a heightened state of excitement and had a feeling of tremendous gratitude to the sales Lady Jessica who had pursuaded me to purchase a product package. This feeling dissolved within 30 minutes and I was left feeling sick as though I had come out of trance, wondering what the hell had just happened. It is testament to how many times I refused that it took an hour, while she kept me there, she had performed 3 demonstrations, and offered FOR FREE another 3 product package, a 2 product package, 2 free facials, and a day cream. She flattered me, professed to want to help me, do me a favour, give me gifts that would go on her personal account, all while chatting away as though she was my friend and I was the luckiest person alive. Last night I sat up researching brainwashing/ mind control & manipulation techniques and am so ashamed that I fell for them. In my defence, Jessica is a master, they use her to train their staff!. According to the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 Schedule 1, Orogold use use BANNED TACTICS described under aggressive marketing techniques, including Lure & Switch, Limited Offer, and Free Offer subject to purchase. I have registered this complaint with the Citizens Advice Bureau and The Kensington & Chelsea trading Standards office, who are very familiar with Orogold and customer complaints. I have discovered 2 closed shops in Covent Garden, 2 dissolved Orogold named companies on Companies House register. They currently operate as ISOD Ltd on their website but are registered as ISODI Ltd on Companies House, same adress as the reply on their customer services email reply. ANY OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN TAKEN IN: CONTACT K&C TRADING STANDARDS 02073415645. According to their receipts which state, underneath the ‘ no refunds if you change your mind’ disclaimer, that ‘Redress will only be offered in accordance to your statutory rights’. The sales tactics are unlawful and a breach of your statutory rights. We have rights and there are regulators paid to protect us. The more people who register their complaints, the greater case can be made against them. Do NOT be ashamed. Act

LuckyL

I was accosted today in the Kings Road, Chelsea. The initial offer was for a free sample of face cream but before I knew it I was whisked inside for a skincare demo. It was high pressure selling in its purest form: total flattery about my skin and how it could be improved even further etc. When the price list came out I nearly fell off the chair nearly £200 for an eye cream and £200 for a serum but then the freebies and deals started being offered. Free products, facials etc. At this point I tried to leave and was almost locked into the shop. I politely left saying I would think about it. I went straight onto Google and saw all the bad reviews about this company and it's sales tactics. A lucky escape for me, but the sales tactics amounted to brainwashing and high high pressure. Avoid like the plague.

Tiptaker

Yesterday I had a bizarre experience in New Bond Street - I was given a free sample of Orogold and before I knew it I was being led into the shop like a lamb to the slaughter! Let me say that however much I would want a product I NEVER agree to free demonstrations and the like and the more an unrequested salesman tries to sell me something the quicker I walk away, I've always been like that and have probably done myself out of many a bargain in consequence! However, back to yesterday's experience: I was subjected to an intense sales pitch and stuff plonked on my face without my consent. I'd been walking around London for 5 hours on a very hot day and therefore my face was pretty red and sweaty (sorry, ladies perspire not sweat!) but the saleswoman professed my skin dry (I have oily skin). She put a mirror in my face and said 'look how much better that area looks already'. It didn't look any different to me, but to be fair I didn't have my glasses on! She then said that the peeling stuff worked after a shower when the pores are open and proceeded to spray my inner lower arm with cold water - not sure how that equates to a shower, I don't often take cold showers and it certainly wouldn't open my pores! she then rubbed something on which came off in lumps which she said was dead skin - I think it more likely it was the lotion reacting with the water to congeal. By this time I was getting pretty !!!!ed off but she never stopped talking and then gave me the price of the stuff - £300 for one plus more for the other two. I laughed - I can't imagine anyone paying that and even if I had that sort of money I wouldn't spend it on skin cream! She kept reducing the price and I kept saying no. Eventually I said no firmly picked up my bags and walked out leaving a very disgruntled saleswoman behind. When I got home I googled Orogold and discovered reams of complaints about their sales techniques. I also discovered the product on Amazon at a fraction (actually a fraction of a fraction) of the price. I can well believe that people get conned into buying - the sales pressure was intense to put it mildly and even I, who is well practised at saying no, began to wonder how I was going to get out of the shop, I wondered if I might have to resort to violence to make my escape as I was pinned into a corner on a high stool with my bags on the floor. I didn't look back so don't know her reaction but I'm guessing it wasn't professional. So my advice is, if you are accosted by Orogold with a sample, walk quickly away.

fridge_raider

Seems like just aggressive sales to me, not a serious cause for alarm - they can't force you to buy it!

Flopsy

The same store seem to sell the brand "Tresor Rare" now. Just adding this so people will be aware.

Same hard sell techniques

Flopsy

This would tend to make me think that Orogold and now Tresor Rare are linked to the Dead Sea product kiosks that are being discussed on other internet websites

Sorry I cannot post links as a new user but have a search on the internet, Tresor Rare are using the same premises and appear to have the same sales techniques.