ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues in ViaTalk

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:26:41 EDT

said by rolande :

That is amazing. I can't even remember how long it has been since I was expecting a check. I'll bet it is close to a year now. Yep. Waiting since November 2007. I have even had more referrals in that timeframe that I still have not gotten credit for either. :mad:

As I mentioned above, your best bet is to contact Brendan directly and he'll get your payment squared away.
--
---------------------------------
VoIPMonitor.net & TVover.net

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:59:19 EDT

rolande : That is amazing. I can't even remember how long it has been since I was expecting a check. I'll bet it is close to a year now. Yep. Waiting since November 2007. I have even had more referrals in that timeframe that I still have not gotten credit for either. :mad:

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 22:00:34 EDT

wpugh949 : deleted

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:02:39 EDT

unknvoip : Stop the presses! This is only 23 months old. Now Brendan is 27 and probably driving a Cadillac. :D

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:35:17 EDT

wpugh949 : deleted

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:30:09 EDT

walletless : Nope. No such letter here.
I am surprised that Brendan would do that with dmolavi though, given how many referrals he was probably generating. Isn't it a good thing for VT that he is sending new customers for them?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:15:37 EDT

anon : did your $$$ come with a "dear john letter" asking you to partner with another company???

Remember that happened to dmolavi - viatalk asked him to take a long walk off a short pier....

but the good news is... YOU GOT YOUR MONEY!!!!

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:02:26 EDT

Judson :

said by walletless :

Got Paypal $$ from Brendan :)

Received my payment as well. Thanks Brendan.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:13:37 EDT

walletless : Got Paypal $$ from Brendan :)

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:46:52 EDT

Judson :

said by walletless :

Same issue here. Have pending commissions for a LONG time. I opened a ticket on nov.5 and VT closed it WITHOUT ANY COMMENTS! Not even an email to notify me that the case was closed! WOW!

Crooks, seriously. Next steps:
1) Sue in small claims
2) Trash the already trashy BBB reports
3) Blog endlessly about this scam
4) PM Brendan hoping for a reply within one year

Best experience I've had claiming commissions is contacting Brendan directly. I too tried sending tickets which went unanswered and I finally closed them (this was last years shenanigans which since have been resolved).

All I can suggest is simply send a polite PM to Brendan and wait for him to get back to you. Hopefully this will help resolve your overdue earned commissions.
--
---------------------------------
VoIPMonitor.net & TVover.net

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:20:54 EDT

dmolavi :

feel free to post your adventure here:
»cheatedvtaffiliates.blogspot.com/
--
Compare how Obama and McCain have voted on issues that matter to you.
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:10:25 EDT

walletless : Same issue here. Have pending commissions for a LONG time. I opened a ticket on nov.5 and VT closed it WITHOUT ANY COMMENTS! Not even an email to notify me that the case was closed! WOW!

Crooks, seriously. Next steps:
1) Sue in small claims
2) Trash the already trashy BBB reports
3) Blog endlessly about this scam
4) PM Brendan hoping for a reply within one year

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:15:05 EDT

Judson :

said by dmolavi :

said by Judson :

Still waiting six days later...

is this the same stuff that's owed to you from months ago? if so, take them to small claims court. it's fun and educational :)

Nah, I just have a few sales dating back to the end of this past July - Sept that need paying out. Other than ViaTalk and I are on good terms :)
--
---------------------------------
VoIPMonitor.net & TVover.net

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:54:59 EDT

schipperke :

said by dmolavi :

said by Judson :

Still waiting six days later...

is this the same stuff that's owed to you from months ago? if so, take them to small claims court. it's fun and educational :)

Fun? Educational? You are warped indeed ;)
Good luck serving the right entity, and if you do win,
good luck collecting...

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:08:48 EDT

dmolavi :

said by Judson :

Still waiting six days later...

is this the same stuff that's owed to you from months ago? if so, take them to small claims court. it's fun and educational :)
--
Compare how Obama and McCain have voted on issues that matter to you.
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:20:49 EDT

jester121 : He's busy hassling other VOIP CEOs in the VOIP Tech forum.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:58:48 EDT

Judson : Still waiting six days later...

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:44:15 EDT

Judson :

said by VTBrendan :

Hi,

I forwarded your message along to the person who deals with its contents directly earlier this afternoon, you should hear from her within a day or so.

-Brendan

Great news. I wish you would tell me who's in charge of commission payments since Brandi Solomon isn't with ViaTalk anymore. It would help save both of us time in the future by dealing with the direct source. Thanks
--
---------------------------------
VoIPMonitor.net & TVover.net

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:44:12 EDT

VTBrendan : Hi,

I forwarded your message along to the person who deals with its contents directly earlier this afternoon, you should hear from her within a day or so.

-Brendan

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:11:27 EDT

Judson : Ohhh... Brendan I've sent you some IM's the past couple of days and an email. I see you're trolling these boards at a spectacular pace and have yet to respond. Please get back to me.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:02:11 EDT

Judson :

said by Roberttt :

I understand what you mean because for all most 3 month's, Commission Junction has been telling me that I would get my money. Now there telling me that I would get my money on 08/18/08 then then they turn a round and start telling me that I'm going to get my money on 08/25/08 and when I try to send them an email it ends up on dead ears also some times then I would call them on the phone I would get hung up on so I'm not sure what there problem is.

Robert Atlanta GA

I received this email from CJ on 9-19-2008

"Dear ------------,
We wanted to let you know that ViaTalk, one of the advertisers you are joined with in the Commission Junction network, has been reactivated.
If you removed ViaTalk links from your Web site(s) when you received notice of the advertiser's deactivation, please get links at the Advertiser Detail Page.
If you have further questions regarding the status of ViaTalk, please contact Commission Junction your account representative or Client Support.
Best regards,
Commission Junction"

Sounds like they paid CJ some money inorder to be reactivated. This is the second time I've seen them reactivated within pry the past 6-9 months.
--
---------------------------------
VoIPMonitor.net & TVover.net

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:24:58 EDT

dmolavi :

commission junction won't pay you until VT pays them.
--
Compare how Obama and McCain have voted on issues that matter to you.
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:32:35 EDT

Roberttt : I understand what you mean because for all most 3 month's, Commission Junction has been telling me that I would get my money. Now there telling me that I would get my money on 08/18/08 then then they turn a round and start telling me that I'm going to get my money on 08/25/08 and when I try to send them an email it ends up on dead ears also some times then I would call them on the phone I would get hung up on so I'm not sure what there problem is.

Robert Atlanta GA

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:30:16 EDT

dishusa : I actually don't recall how I navigated to the order page. I'm an experienced affiliate so I probably cleared cookies and used the link generated from ViaTalk. Do you know which method of ordering is more reliable? Link or referrer ID? I want to start signing up customers and then go the the hell that is described on this thread trying to get paid.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:47:39 EDT

CyberSultan :

said by dishusa :

It was an actual sale I did and entered in my affiliate ID in the appropriate field. I did it as my first affiliate sale to see if it would track and I would get credit for it.

Just so I understand, are you signed up as an affiliate through the affiliatecenter.viatalk.com website? If so, then you need to either use the affiliate link that is generated from that affiliate website to place an order...or use agent.viatalk.com (if you want to manually input your affiliate id instead of using your affiliate link to order).

The "Referrer ID" field on the order page was only used for those that were getting account % credit for sales (which was a completely different type of referral id/program).

This is where the problem, I believe, occurred for you.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:45:26 EDT

N9MD : And if and when you get a PM response, a flashing small "file folder" icon will appear near the upper left side of the page (when you are logged in), just to the right of the BroadBand title. Clicking on the "folder" will bring up the PM response.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:39:27 EDT

B : Yup. Just click his user name under his avatar icon in his any of his posts

»/profile/1225374

or click on the little stickie under a particular message of his to autoquote the post you're replying to, in this case

»/instant/12253···OTgwNTQ0

And welcome to the site!

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:34:55 EDT

dishusa : Thank you, I did see that. I'm new to this forum. Can you tell me what a PM is? (private message?) and is it done through this site?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:30:04 EDT

B : Brendan himself started to respond to you at »ViaTalk Ignores Affiliats and Tickets

You might want to PM him here...

Good luck.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:10:03 EDT

dishusa : It was an actual sale I did and entered in my affiliate ID in the appropriate field. I did it as my first affiliate sale to see if it would track and I would get credit for it.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:37:25 EDT

druber : I don't know what a test sale is either. It's possible the OP has seen the pattern of not paying affiliates until forced by gun aimed at head and wanted to see if the issue has been resolved by VT. If so, it appears not.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:55:58 EDT

CyberSultan : I'm still curious what a "test" sale is. First, the sale has to be valid and second, you don't get credit for buying yourself service.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:53:42 EDT

ptrowski : Of course it's not a new issue. But doing test sales that are not valid only makes someone else move one place back in line I would imagine.

Never mind complaining about not getting paid for a sale that never happened is a bit over the top.

There is no excuse if it was a valid sale for not getting payment.
--
"A religious war is like children fighting over who has the strongest imaginary friend."

Have you been touched by his noodly appendage? »www.venganza.org

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:46:45 EDT

druber : Why does it matter (unless VT somehow magically knew it was only a test and ignored it?) This isn't exactly a new issue, you know...

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:13:37 EDT

ptrowski : A test sale? Was it an actual sale or just a "test"?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:55:22 EDT

dishusa : ViaTalk Ignores Affiliats and Tickets

Has anybody had this experience? I signed up as a new affiliate and did a test sale to see if it tracked. I got no credit for the sale and submitted a ticket to the affiliate manager two weeks ago. I have been ignored on this ticket and keep contacting them via email and still no response. Since I track my emails is shows they were never even opened. Sent emails to Brandi Solomon and Brendan Brader.

Anybody know how to get these people to respond? I find it quite interesting that they don't take phone calls and don't respond to email.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:44:12 EDT

Judson :

said by namenotathing :

Would love feedback from brendan and others. Good luck

In the past I've had appoved affiliate sales take months to receive payment. However, by using this site to contact Brendan directly he's always made good on getting out a quick payment to me.

And yes having an actual ViaTalk affiliate contact would be great via this website or phone number.
--
---------------------------------
VoIPMonitor.net & TVover.net

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:34 EDT

anon : I've been an affiliate with viatalk for a couple years now, they started off paying every month until about last year when I stopped receiving payments. I constantly asked them to make the payments, which they said they would do, yet they somehow did not make the subsequent payments.

I talked to my friend about it and said that I should just threaten them with a lawsuit in small claims, plus that I would give them a bad rap online that would cost them more in lost sales than what my affiliate account was worth at the time.

Following this they missed my payment the next month. I emailed them again saying that I was beginning to file the paperwork for court and would stop short as long as I received the payment immediately.

Low and behold I received my payment in my paypal account: $750 - paypal's commission just a day later.

I love viatalk's phone service, nothing much to complain about except some issues with 3-way calling and call waiting sometimes.

Their service is worth reselling, and now that I have made over 21 sales, i can get paid over $60 per sale. Very good I think, but not good if I can't get paid on time. Advertising costs MONEY, so aside from being unethical to hold payments, it simply isn't fair because I have to make payments for past ads that I FRONTED.

Anyways, it seems as if they will pay in the future, and I will probably continue selling their service. They simply offer the most money in the affiliate game and I think their product is the best on the market.

Can anyone update their problems with the affiliate department?

If i can suggest 2 things for viatalk: 1. setup a telephone number so the affiliates can speak to someone in the office instead of email. 2. Go to a bank and get a line of credit so you can afford to pay your affiliates on time, everytime. If you don't want to do that, then the affiliates are probably not very profitable for you, and Viatalk should just shut off the affiliate program.

Would love feedback from brendan and others. Good luck

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:40:38 EDT

DECONNEX : I'm an actual reseller and still havn't gotten a check....

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:41:06 EDT

dmolavi : poll here:
»cheatedvtaffiliates.blogspot.com/

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:54:57 EDT

Jodokast96 :

said by Shehzada :

I wish there was a way to poll on BB.

You can »Site FAQ »How do I make a POLL?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:10:09 EDT

Shehzada : I wish there was a way to poll on BB. It would be nice to find out actually how many people have been stiffed by VT.

I was about to sign up as a reseller.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:54:03 EDT

jduffy : You should have a trial date set pretty soon. Keep us informed. I hate when companies rip off the people who sell for them so the only way to get your money is through the courts. They usually side with the little guy, especially when the big guy is cheating the little guy. Good Luck! It worked for me twice.
--
Atheists swear there is no Heaven, but pray there isn't a Hell.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:53:09 EDT

dmolavi : i think in small claims no show == contempt == default judgment in favor of plaintiff. a==b==c, so a==c :)

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:35:55 EDT

jester121 : Don't they just normally enter a default judgement in favor of the plaintiff? I'm sure it varies widely by jurisdiction but contempt in small claims court seems unusual.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:40:44 EDT

dmolavi :

said by VTAGENT 5099 :

Its june 11th,Its over a year I have not been paid a Penny.. I am owed $1,350.00

I filed a lawsuit in Small Claims..

when did you file in small claims? generally, they've got 30 days (varies based on location) to respond to the complaint before they're held in contempt.
--
Compare how Obama and McCain have voted on issues that matter to you.
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:11:08 EDT

VTAGENT 5099 : Nothing Yet.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:10:11 EDT

VTAGENT 5099 : Its june 11th,Its over a year I have not been paid a Penny.. I am owed $1,350.00

I filed a lawsuit in Small Claims..

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:19:06 EDT

dmolavi :

said by justDave :

Why would it matter? VT won't pay anyone who doesn't make enough noise. A class-action might cost them enough to make them change their ways, but the most they'll need to pay in small-claims is what they owed you in the first place.

exactly, that's all the affiliates want, is to get what's owed to them. so far, that's only been done via threatening small claims action. i think that the affiliates need to skip the threats, and just file the paperwork, and see what VT does. posting here is like the warning shot over their bow. IMHO, they've had enough warnings when it comes to this.
--
Compare how Obama and McCain have voted on issues that matter to you.
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:05:58 EDT

justDave :

said by dmolavi :

the trick is to not post anything here until after you've filed in court. don't give VT the warning, just file and get your cash, then post the results here.

Why would it matter? VT won't pay anyone who doesn't make enough noise. A class-action might cost them enough to make them change their ways, but the most they'll need to pay in small-claims is what they owed you in the first place.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:54:53 EDT

dmolavi :

said by jduffy :

If you are not owed over about $2,000, in most states just file a small claims lawsuit. You'll spend more money than it is worth with an attorney. In addition, the typical lawyer involved lawsuit will cost you over $10K and VT knows this and why they aren't going to pay attention to useless threats on the Internet. File it in small claims court. I have done this and won against two corporations and collected my money from them. Once you have won, you can go after assets if they do not pay. This is the best route. Make sure you have their proper legal name. Get this from the secretary of states office in the state where VT is based.

the trick is to not post anything here until after you've filed in court. don't give VT the warning, just file and get your cash, then post the results here.
--
Compare how Obama and McCain have voted on issues that matter to you.
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 07:42:09 EDT

jduffy : If you are not owed over about $2,000, in most states just file a small claims lawsuit. You'll spend more money than it is worth with an attorney. In addition, the typical lawyer involved lawsuit will cost you over $10K and VT knows this and why they aren't going to pay attention to useless threats on the Internet. File it in small claims court. I have done this and won against two corporations and collected my money from them. Once you have won, you can go after assets if they do not pay. This is the best route. Make sure you have their proper legal name. Get this from the secretary of states office in the state where VT is based.
--
Atheists swear there is no Heaven, but pray there isn't a Hell.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:42:19 EDT

dmolavi :

said by burris :

Only those who aren't aware to contact them and fight for what's theirs....394 posts going back to Dec 2007 on this go-round.. :(

makes you wonder how many others are out there that don't know about VT's own forums, these forums, or methods of recourse they have to collect what's rightfully theirs. maybe VT is hoping that people will just forget they signed up.
--
Compare how Obama and McCain have voted on issues that matter to you.
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:51:51 EDT

burris :

said by dmolavi :

said by justDave :

said by dmolavi :

crap, six months after they claimed that all was good and they're still having payment issues? sigh....

It's the first time swest posted in this thread.

that doesn't matter. what matters is that 6 months after VT claimed to have all their affiliate payment issues squared away, they're obviously still stiffing their affiliates.

Only those who aren't aware to contact them and fight for what's theirs....394 posts going back to Dec 2007 on this go-round.. :(

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:15:59 EDT

dmolavi :

said by justDave :

said by dmolavi :

crap, six months after they claimed that all was good and they're still having payment issues? sigh....

It's the first time swest posted in this thread.

that doesn't matter. what matters is that 6 months after VT claimed to have all their affiliate payment issues squared away, they're obviously still stiffing their affiliates.
--
Cut through the crap, see how the candidates really voted.
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:39:16 EDT

Jodokast96 :

said by justDave :

said by dmolavi :

crap, six months after they claimed that all was good and they're still having payment issues? sigh....

It's the first time swest posted in this thread.

Like that matters. So, what, their only paying people who post here? That's about as f***ing ridiculous as it gets if true. Viatalk - We came, We saw, We f***ed you over!

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:10:30 EDT

justDave :

said by dmolavi :

crap, six months after they claimed that all was good and they're still having payment issues? sigh....

It's the first time swest posted in this thread.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:29:11 EDT

dmolavi :

said by swest :

Dear Brendan,

In case you ever read this forum thread please PM me. We have now been waiting for months for a response to any of our tickets and would really appreciate a comment to our outstanding approved commission of $1630 for referrals.

crap, six months after they claimed that all was good and they're still having payment issues? sigh....
--
Cut through the crap, see how the candidates really voted.
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 21:22:28 EDT

VTBrendan : Hi,

Can you please PM me the ticket ID's you are referring to so I can see what is up with them? Thanks.

-Brendan

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:28:29 EDT

swest : Dear Brendan,

In case you ever read this forum thread please PM me. We have now been waiting for months for a response to any of our tickets and would really appreciate a comment to our outstanding approved commission of $1630 for referrals.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 22 May 2008 16:28:37 EDT

Judson :

said by AGENT5099 :

didnt get paid yet... its may 2nd 2008

Any resolution to this yet AGENT5099? It's now 20 days later since your last post and I have an additional 4 sales that have been approved recently by ViaTalk.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 02 May 2008 14:02:19 EDT

anon : well Brendan was on here responding to other topics this morning... hopefully he sent you a private message.

»You say "Tomato"...

»Any interest in a rock solid, reliable phone service?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 02 May 2008 01:11:25 EDT

AGENT5099 : didnt get paid yet... its may 2nd 2008

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 02 May 2008 01:10:23 EDT

AGENT5099 : TONY,

Please e mail me if you hear from brenden.

levi@talkspan.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 02 May 2008 01:03:54 EDT

AGENT5099 : IF BRENDEN PMS ME, AND PAYS ME MY MONEY , I WILL NOT FILE A SUIT , THIS IS THE LAST TIME I AM ASKING HIM TO PAY ME.

I AM SICK AND TIRED OF THIS..

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 02 May 2008 01:02:41 EDT

AGENT5099 : I did not get paid a penny..

I am waiting and waiting.. I guess I will have to follow in everyone elses footsteps.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 02 May 2008 01:01:52 EDT

AGENT5099 : I still did not get paid a penny,

I guess I will have to follow what every one else did.. I didnt want to do this, but I am left with no choice.

brenden please message me, lets take care of business please.

I waited over 11 months already...

e mail me at levi@talkspan.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:50:08 EDT

dmolavi :

said by Tony_voip :

FYI we have still not been paid or received any responses.

Unfortunately it looks like we will have to follow a similar course of action as others on this thread and retain an attorney.

Brendan please respond ASAP

please post if he pays you following this notification.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:45:07 EDT

Tony_voip : FYI we have still not been paid or received any responses.

Unfortunately it looks like we will have to follow a similar course of action as others on this thread and retain an attorney.

Brendan please respond ASAP

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:45:04 EDT

Russell_ :

said by arturse :

I was the first in our office to get viatalk and ended up signing up a few coworkers. I referred the last two earning a commission of $100. Little did I know that it would take seven months to get it... I sent repeated tickets to be completely ignored and made multiple calls only to be be told rudely that the affiliate program is not viatalk... unbelievable. After bringing so much business to viatalk I was treated like trash. So, the service is great; the referral payment borderlines a scam.

I've been watching this with a great deal of interest. With SunRocket I referred several people. With VT, I've yet to attempt a single referral and this thread is not in the least encouraging. VT, if you ever want insights into a referral model for your average customer to be excited about feel free to PM me.
--
Russell

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:17:06 EDT

arturse : I was the first in our office to get viatalk and ended up signing up a few coworkers. I referred the last two earning a commission of $100. Little did I know that it would take seven months to get it... I sent repeated tickets to be completely ignored and made multiple calls only to be be told rudely that the affiliate program is not viatalk... unbelievable. After bringing so much business to viatalk I was treated like trash. So, the service is great; the referral payment borderlines a scam.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:07:45 EDT

Judson :

said by dmolavi :

nah, i'm committed to making this longer than the infamous 3000+ post sunrocket thread ;)

We're on our way to page 20! Here we goooooooo.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:02:11 EDT

dmolavi :

said by B :

Dude I thought you were sitting the rest of this out. ;)

It would be nice to see nothing but "I'm all squared up now" messages from here on in (particularly from lurker creditors). Then the thread can abandoned and we can go on with our happy existences...

-- B

nah, i'm committed to making this longer than the infamous 3000+ post sunrocket thread ;)
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:51:39 EDT

B : Dude I thought you were sitting the rest of this out. ;)

It would be nice to see nothing but "I'm all squared up now" messages from here on in (particularly from lurker creditors). Then the thread can abandoned and we can go on with our happy existences...

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:45:05 EDT

dmolavi :

said by farmer9282 :

I did receive a check for the full amount after Brendan PM'ed me and he sent me a check.

Thank you Brendan!!

another squeaky wheel gets greased.

agent5099 has yet to say he's filing suit, so i doubt he'll see money any time soon (unless brendan is reading this and pays him just to prove the squeaky wheel theory wrong).
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:42:52 EDT

farmer9282 : I did receive a check for the full amount after Brendan PM'ed me and he sent me a check.

Thank you Brendan!!

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:29:15 EDT

anon : Now maybe what needs to happen is for those who still are not paid to post....

Did AGENT5099 get paid? What about Farmer?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:47:47 EDT

dmolavi :

said by RockyBB :

and that the damage that this thread causes them is less than the damage to pay them off.

that, more or less, is the conclusion i reached at the end of this post.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:20:04 EDT

RockyBB :

said by B :

It really is strange to see this kind of thing played out publicly.

When making business decisions, one always considers the consequences. Certainly VT understood that a consequence of not paying due balances and not responding to inquiries would be upset agents. One could say that an unintended consequence would be these publicly played out debt collection techniques. The fact that this thread continues to find new creditors is testimony to the fact that VT has not paid off all its agents ... and that the damage that this thread causes them is less than the damage to pay them off. That is VT's choice ... or, perhaps they don't have a choice.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:16:30 EDT

dmolavi :

said by B :

As an innocent observer I'm torn between two conflicting impressions here:

1. dmolavi using the thread as an effective means to get paid but kinda sorta monopolizing it with posts, versus

2. the apparent truth that there are many others still waiting plus the strange rather petty "punishment" VT laid down for dmolavi's impertinence (canceling his account before he had the chance to)

When I hoped that VT would "make this thread irrelevant" that's not quite what I had in mind. :(

(I don't know that apologies are in order, merely regular full payments.)

Good luck to the remaining creditors... It really is strange to see this kind of thing played out publicly.

-- B

i had no intention to monopolize this thread. however, it is the sad truth that some companies use silence and ignore creditors (or customers) in the hopes that they'll just go away once their pleading gets ignored. bringing it to a public forum raises the stakes, and increases publicity for the company in question.

if VT had paid on time the first time, i wouldn't have had any reason to post. if they paid on time the second time after screwing up the first time, i'd post to give them a public pat on the back. if they responded to my PMs regarding shorting me payments in a professional manner, i'd have given them a public pat on the back, and privately, canceled my account.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:39:45 EDT

B : As an innocent observer I'm torn between two conflicting impressions here:

1. dmolavi using the thread as an effective means to get paid but kinda sorta monopolizing it with posts, versus

2. the apparent truth that there are many others still waiting plus the strange rather petty "punishment" VT laid down for dmolavi's impertinence (canceling his account before he had the chance to)

When I hoped that VT would "make this thread irrelevant" that's not quite what I had in mind. :(

(I don't know that apologies are in order, merely regular full payments.)

Good luck to the remaining creditors... It really is strange to see this kind of thing played out publicly.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:13:17 EDT

dmolavi :

said by voiplover :

Excuse me. I wasn't laughing at you, just at considering the situation going forward after the problems affiliates are experiencing with VT. I get the feeling VT's program doesn't allow them to recoup the expense quick enough to pay out in a timely manner.
If you can afford to wait for extended periods and take the highest risk of not getting paid then maybe it is a good deal???
If on the other hand you didn't do the affiliate deal and didn't follow through then that money wouldn't be in your hand.

Best of luck.

no worries, i didn't mean for my post to come out as lashing out or anything. my apologies if it did.

it's not a matter of being able to afford to wait (none of my sites are high-profile enough to make them my primary source of income, unfortunately). it's a matter of principle and upholding a contract.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:01:35 EDT

voiplover : Excuse me. I wasn't laughing at you, just at considering the situation going forward after the problems affiliates are experiencing with VT. I get the feeling VT's program doesn't allow them to recoup the expense quick enough to pay out in a timely manner.
If you can afford to wait for extended periods and take the highest risk of not getting paid then maybe it is a good deal???
If on the other hand you didn't do the affiliate deal and didn't follow through then that money wouldn't be in your hand.

Best of luck.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:31:28 EDT

dmolavi :

said by voiplover :

:D :D :D :D They actually paid you. Now honestly, what do you expect them to do???

1. apologize for their shoddy payment practices
2. admit accountability and responsibility for #1, and make the needed changes in the organization to prevent it from happening again.
3. actually follow through on the promises made, in this case the "all future payments will be on time" line they fed us.

these are standard "what's good for your business" things that you need to do when you've screwed a customer (or in this case, a contractor).
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:34:32 EDT

voiplover :

said by dmolavi :

I got a PM from Brendan stating that they are closing my affiliate account. Guess that answers when I will reinstate my links...NEVER.

So they're booting my account for keeping them honest. Guess I cost them too much money (around $5k all told). I can't even log into my account now.

Anyone know if it's legal for them to cancel my account just for trying to get them to own up to their own contract?

:D :D :D :D They actually paid you. Now honestly, what do you expect them to do???

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:27:33 EDT

dmolavi :

said by CyberSultan :

said by dmolavi :

i just want my money so i can get the hell out.

From your own post, isn't this what you wanted? :o

yeah, and they figured since they weren't giong to make more from me, to cut me off. problem is, there are others on here that are owed far more than myself, and that are preparing suits as well. cutting off your affiliates won't silence them, and it only hurts your business, as we bring in new (and ideally, repeat) customers to the company.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:25:21 EDT

CyberSultan :

said by dmolavi :

i just want my money so i can get the hell out.

From your own post, isn't this what you wanted? :o

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:07:01 EDT

dmolavi :

said by Judson :

said by dmolavi :

I got a PM from Brendan stating that they are closing my affiliate account. Guess that answers when I will reinstate my links...NEVER.

So they're booting my account for keeping them honest. Guess I cost them too much money (around $5k all told). I can't even log into my account now.

Anyone know if it's legal for them to cancel my account just for trying to get them to own up to their own contract?

Interesting... Brendan sent me the $280 they owed me for sales that weren't paid at the correct commission level.

All in all ViaTalk is now squared away with me and I can still login to my affiliate account.

i probably made too much noise for them to handle. whatever. i'd rather not be affiliated with a company that doesn't pay when they say they will pay, and when they do pay, shorts you money.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:02:01 EDT

Judson :

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:51:20 EDT

dmolavi :

said by CyberSultan :

I would imagine threatening them publicly to sue them was not very helpful in them wanting to keep a relationship with you.

It is legal for a company to not do business with someone if they choose. Since they have paid you all outstanding monies as your post indicated, they can close your account.

regardless, it still isn't good PR for them.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:49:24 EDT

CyberSultan : I would imagine threatening them publicly to sue them was not very helpful in them wanting to keep a relationship with you.

It is legal for a company to not do business with someone if they choose. Since they have paid you all outstanding monies as your post indicated, they can close your account.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:45:34 EDT

dmolavi : I got a PM from Brendan stating that they are closing my affiliate account. Guess that answers when I will reinstate my links...NEVER.

So they're booting my account for keeping them honest. Guess I cost them too much money (around $5k all told). I can't even log into my account now.

Anyone know if it's legal for them to cancel my account just for trying to get them to own up to their own contract?
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:42:55 EDT

dmolavi :

said by dmolavi :

said by ptrowski :

You guys have probably removed all the links to the service, right?

early last week all mine got pulled, yep. i notified brendan of that, as well, and that i will not reinstate them until i see that they are reliably paying affiliates.

Brendan paid me the $490 back pay, plus all outstanding commissions that were in my account. VT has now squared up with me. I will monitor this thread to see if/when i will reinstate my links.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:32:00 EDT

unknvoip : Don't forget the nearly $3.50/mo a subscriber pays for the E911 and Regulatory Recovery fees.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:39:33 EDT

CyberSultan :

said by llast08 :

Can someone walk me through the math of the Viatalk business model again?

$200 for 1 year of service
-$60 affiliate payout
-$40 upfront PAP2 device cost
= $100/year = $8/month

$8/month
- $1/month E911 costs per DID
- $3-5/month toll charges for calls you make/receive
= $2/month left

So with the remaining $2/month/customer they have to waste time answering a thousand emails from you guys asking for money? Unlikely. Your referred customers have to sign up for another year before Viatalk has enough cash to payout the affiliate!

They'd pay you your affiliate earnings if they could. Sounds to me like someone's going back to the web hosting business soon.

Don't have time at the moment to hit every point. A couple things that come immediately to mind:

1. VT does not pay $60 for every customer they get. A customer obtained by an affiliate ($50-$60 payout) can translate into a lot of word-of-mouth that they don't pay additional affiliate fees for.
2. You forgot to add in the fees that VT collects, including the setup fee ($29.95) if you get a provisioned adapter.
3. VT collects back the adapters if you leave...or you pay $50 for that device.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:26:15 EDT

llast08 : Can someone walk me through the math of the Viatalk business model again?

$200 for 1 year of service
-$60 affiliate payout
-$40 upfront PAP2 device cost
= $100/year = $8/month

$8/month
- $1/month E911 costs per DID
- $3-5/month toll charges for calls you make/receive
= $2/month left

So with the remaining $2/month/customer they have to waste time answering a thousand emails from you guys asking for money? Unlikely. Your referred customers have to sign up for another year before Viatalk has enough cash to payout the affiliate!

They'd pay you your affiliate earnings if they could. Sounds to me like someone's going back to the web hosting business soon.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:18:12 EDT

dmolavi :

said by ptrowski :

You guys have probably removed all the links to the service, right?

early last week all mine got pulled, yep. i notified brendan of that, as well, and that i will not reinstate them until i see that they are reliably paying affiliates.

--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:16:54 EDT

ptrowski : You guys have probably removed all the links to the service, right?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:14:52 EDT

dmolavi :

said by VTBrendan :

Hey,

I had someone take a look at your affiliate accounts and both of you are at the level you are supposed to be at ($60 per). Is what you're referring to a bit older? The software handles the level increases automatically without human intervention, and this is the first we've heard of it not tracking properly. Either way, if you PM me the details I will have someone look into this further for you.

-Brendan

bueller? bueller?

what's the word, brendan?
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:50:43 EDT

druber : don't forget to leave the tooth under your pillow for the tooth fairy. maybe he will leave your payment in exchange...

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:07:01 EDT

dmolavi :

said by CyberSultan :

said by dmolavi :

Anyway, if I don't get payment by 2PM Eastern time tomorrow, hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to court I go....

:uhh:

roll your eyes all you want. without sounding like a commercial, it's my money and i want it now! ;)

seriously, this is fuckup number 3 for VT's affiliate program. i just want my money so i can get the hell out.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:06:02 EDT

CyberSultan :

said by dmolavi :

Anyway, if I don't get payment by 2PM Eastern time tomorrow, hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to court I go....

:uhh:

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:05:31 EDT

anon : Never give up hope.

Brendon if your reading this, please find a place in your heart to reply and let me know my situation.
AGENT 5099

YOU CAN E MAIL ME AT LEVI@TALKSPAN.COM

Thanks.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:22:32 EDT

dmolavi :

said by AGENT 5099 :

I Am owed $1,350.00, Its over 9 months I have not recieved an e mail or any payments on this.. this is not fair, I worked so hard to get the customers, it took time and energy, please pay me what I am owed.

please send me an e mail, a reply to

levi@talkspan.com

thanks.

this plea won't work.
follow the steps i posted above (and register here so you can PM Brendan and notify him of your intentions).

I just realized I can make it to the courthouse tomorrow afternoon to file a claim for the $490 they shorted me. I'm still pondering the whole added interest bit, since over the long term, it would be another several hundred dollars (they owed me over $4000 in affiliate payments).

Anyway, if I don't get payment by 2PM Eastern time tomorrow, hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to court I go....
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:53:12 EDT

Judson : Never mind

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:42:38 EDT

RockyBB : Shakedown Street, Kiss it Goodbye ... maybe someone will look up some Pink Floyd Money

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:21:57 EDT

Judson :

said by RockyBB :

said by AGENT 5099 :

I Am owed $1,350.00

kiss it goodbye!
(youtube clip)

Nice.... add a little more entertainment to the 3 ring circus we've already got going on :)
--
---------------------------------
VoIPMonitor.net & TVover.net

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:18:28 EDT

RockyBB :

said by AGENT 5099 :

I Am owed $1,350.00

kiss it goodbye!

»www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwnqqj5Q1BU

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:35:46 EDT

anon : I Am owed $1,350.00, Its over 9 months I have not recieved an e mail or any payments on this.. this is not fair, I worked so hard to get the customers, it took time and energy, please pay me what I am owed.

please send me an e mail, a reply to

levi@talkspan.com

thanks.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:00:27 EDT

Judson : Brendan's online now... lets hear what the verdict is please.

Edit: Looks like it was just a hit and run visit.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:17:05 EDT

dmolavi :

said by Judson :

Still waiting on word from Brendan, dealing with commissions not paying out at the right commission levels for older sales.

same here. he read my PM on the issue, and was online 18 minutes ago (as of this posting). hopefully he's crafting a response.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:10:38 EDT

Judson : Still waiting on word from Brendan, dealing with commissions not paying out at the right commission levels for older sales.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:23:06 EDT

dmolavi :

said by Tony_voip :

First post on this subject, but I am in a similar boat to most others. Have not been paid for a number of months and am owed fairly large amount. No replies have been received from Viatalk despite numerous attempts at contact.

Currently considering next steps.

Appreciate the info on this forum.

Brendan, please reply to my PM if you view this.

Thanks

This formula tends to work:
1. Complain here.
2. If you don't get a response after a week, prepare small claims (if yours is eligible), or prepare to retain an attorney.
3. Post here that you've prepared the paperwork and you're going to file suit in a week if payment isn't received.

Usually, you'll get paid before it goes to court. But make sure they don't short you on your payments (see some of our comments above).

Or, you could just file the suit. Maybe by giving VT time to honor their commitment which should have been honored months ago, we're not sending the right message.

Either way, I've amended my small claims filing to reflect the shortfall on my account. Luckily for VT, I won't be able to make it to the courthouse before Monday, so they've got until then.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 02:23:56 EDT

Tony_voip : First post on this subject, but I am in a similar boat to most others. Have not been paid for a number of months and am owed fairly large amount. No replies have been received from Viatalk despite numerous attempts at contact.

Currently considering next steps.

Appreciate the info on this forum.

Brendan, please reply to my PM if you view this.

Thanks

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:16:58 EDT

terryturbo :

said by dmolavi :

said by terryturbo :

Still no payment from VT here as well. It's been 7-8 months since my last payment and I'm owed in the XX,XXX.

All my messages and PM's have gone unanswered.

Please answer my messages Brendan.

I hate to say it, but he probably won't. Not until you've notified them of your intentions to file suit against them. That was the only way I got my payment on my most recent occasion (before that, a drawn out BBB complaint solved the problem).

Got a response today. That's actually good news considering I haven't received any response in ages. I'm still not sure when payment can be made to me personally, but it seems like they're making an effort to pay everyone. Or just the squeeky wheels who posts on this board?

I hope I don't have to go thru the litigation route, but if it comes down to that. I guess I know what I have to do.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 21:08:00 EDT

Judson :

said by Jodokast96 :

How very funny that of all the comments from those still not seeing a dime, he only responds to yours about being shorted. Of course I'm sure it didn't have anything to do with the court papers you were on the verge of filing now, could it?

Actually, I believe he responded to both of us. Guess dmolavi and I are just lucky enough to be able to read these boards daily. Oh and working from home helps :)
--
---------------------------------
VoIPMonitor.net & TVover.net

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:39:50 EDT

Jodokast96 : How very funny that of all the comments from those still not seeing a dime, he only responds to yours about being shorted. Of course I'm sure it didn't have anything to do with the court papers you were on the verge of filing now, could it?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:53:26 EDT

Judson :

said by dmolavi :

$490 short vs. no money at all. I'll take the shortage, and then square up later.

My feelings as well and I'm still wondering about the other folks on here who speak of not receiving a dime yet. I don't want to seems like a cashmonger, when I have received a good portion of what's owed.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:50:33 EDT

dmolavi :

said by CyberSultan :

See what happens when you try to force the process? :D ;) :p

$490 short vs. no money at all. I'll take the shortage, and then square up later.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:46:27 EDT

CyberSultan :

said by dmolavi :

said by Judson :

said by dmolavi :

"hopefully"...we'll see what happens. sounds like their anti-fraud solution resulted in fraud of their own.

Well I could see this being a problem say... If Brandi all of a sudden one day approves multiple months worth of pending commissions. Like what happened to my account twice previously, the last being around Jan 4th, 2008. It could throw the auto-adjusting payout level to not register some of these sales at a new level.

that's what happened to me...she approved something like 70 sales at once, so none of them got bumped to the next payout level.

See what happens when you try to force the process? :D ;) :p

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:33:53 EDT

Judson :

said by dmolavi :

that's what happened to me...she approved something like 70 sales at once, so none of them got bumped to the next payout level.

Yep, exactly the problem is my guess.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:30:01 EDT

dmolavi :

said by Judson :

said by dmolavi :

"hopefully"...we'll see what happens. sounds like their anti-fraud solution resulted in fraud of their own.

that's what happened to me...she approved something like 70 sales at once, so none of them got bumped to the next payout level.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:20:24 EDT

Judson :

said by dmolavi :

"hopefully"...we'll see what happens. sounds like their anti-fraud solution resulted in fraud of their own.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:06:43 EDT

dmolavi :

said by Judson :

said by dmolavi :

I'm owed $490 in missed payments from their accounting screwup.

I've been informed that this is "not an intentional thing", but has to do with delays in processing new referrals to avoid fraudulent activity. Causing a delay in the adjustments to a new affiliate payout level.

Anyways Brendan is on the case and will give us an update tomorrow hopefully.

"hopefully"...we'll see what happens. sounds like their anti-fraud solution resulted in fraud of their own.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:05:23 EDT

Judson :

said by dmolavi :

I'm owed $490 in missed payments from their accounting screwup.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:57:46 EDT

dmolavi :

said by Judson :

PM sent and Brendan already responded, its being looked into with details coming hopefully sooner than later.

Edit: Won't be hearing anything till tomorrow morning, but it turns out my 'fuzzy math' isn't looking so fuzzy anymore.

I'm owed $490 in missed payments from their accounting screwup.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:25:51 EDT

Judson :

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:01:33 EDT

Judson :

Yippie, incoming PM to you sir.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:00:41 EDT

VTBrendan : Hey,

I had someone take a look at your affiliate accounts and both of you are at the level you are supposed to be at ($60 per). Is what you're referring to a bit older? The software handles the level increases automatically without human intervention, and this is the first we've heard of it not tracking properly. Either way, if you PM me the details I will have someone look into this further for you.

-Brendan

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:59:44 EDT

Judson :

said by dmolavi :

brendan has read my PMs on this issue. but, as usual, no response.

He's online now replying to April fools jokes about ViaTalk. I don't want to disturb him with this kind of information :)

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:57:16 EDT

dmolavi : brendan has read my PMs on this issue. but, as usual, no response.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:56:36 EDT

dmolavi :

said by Judson :

said by dmolavi :

ack, wait a minute....i'm looking back and they DID f*ck me over. %^$(*^%#&^%%$(*%)($*&#@^$(*#^%

that's the last straw.

So not only is backed interest in question, but also backed earnings on commission levels that weren't adjusted accordingly :P

Mind me asking how much they owe you with incorrect commission levels dmolavi?

i'm about to head out of the office, so i'll tally it up at home.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:55:50 EDT

Judson :

said by dmolavi :

ack, wait a minute....i'm looking back and they DID f*ck me over. %^$(*^%#&^%%$(*%)($*&#@^$(*#^%

that's the last straw.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:51:32 EDT

dmolavi :

said by Judson :

said by dmolavi :

thankfully, they didn't screw me over that way. i kept a pretty close eye on my payout level. i PMed Brendan letting him know that he's lost my business as an affiliate, and that i'm recommending against anyone becoming an affiliate for VT.

I didn't have a choice since many of my pending commissions were around the demise of SunRocket and the orders came in fast. I doubt I'll ever see this money unless Brendan wants to make good on what is truly owed to me.

Also, having received anything is better than nothing. As there seems to be many others who are still waiting on their share.

ack, wait a minute....i'm looking back and they DID f*ck me over. %^$(*^%#&^%%$(*%)($*&#@^$(*#^%

that's the last straw.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:49:27 EDT

Judson :

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:45:10 EDT

dmolavi :

said by Judson :

said by dmolavi :

it's obvious that VT doesn't care. they don't care that they are potentially scaring away renewals. they don't care that affiliates have yanked all their links. they don't care that they're going to get their asses handed to them in a court when people start filing suits. all they do care about is they've got new customers from the affiliates, with money coming in the door.

i'm also wondering about the tax liabilities incurred here. the affiliates, while they have earned the money in 2007, haven't been paid. but, did they get 1099s from VT? If so, that's most likely illegal on VT's part to declare commissions paid if they in fact haven't been.

I'd also just like to point out that whoever in charge of adjusting the affiliate payout level (probably Brandi "shoelady" Solomon) has caused me to lose $280 in commissions.

Let me explain, just as their website suggests.
Sales: 1-10 = $50/sale
Sales: 11-20 = $55/sale
Sales: 21+ = $60/sale

This number could be much larger for those who were also delayed in being moved to a higher level of payout for the number of sales you've created for ViaTalk.

Check your payout levels and what you are truly owed for previous pending sales. Pending sales might have been abruptly changed to approved sales in one huge clump without an increase in payout level!

thankfully, they didn't screw me over that way. i kept a pretty close eye on my payout level. i PMed Brendan letting him know that he's lost my business as an affiliate, and that i'm recommending against anyone becoming an affiliate for VT.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:39:27 EDT

Judson :

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:24:55 EDT

dmolavi :

said by unknvoip :

I'm with you on this one B, as just a customer. I've been watching this thread for quite some time.

It is very unsettling that they either can't or won't pay the people who helped bring them business.

VT, this looks really bad and you need to fix it.

it's obvious that VT doesn't care. they don't care that they are potentially scaring away renewals. they don't care that affiliates have yanked all their links. they don't care that they're going to get their asses handed to them in a court when people start filing suits. all they do care about is they've got new customers from the affiliates, with money coming in the door.

i'm also wondering about the tax liabilities incurred here. the affiliates, while they have earned the money in 2007, haven't been paid. but, did they get 1099s from VT? If so, that's most likely illegal on VT's part to declare commissions paid if they in fact haven't been.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:23:26 EDT

burris : It absolutely boggles my mind to see a company totally ignoring the very people who brought them the business.

Why this has persisted for so long is also strange.

I really feel for those who did all this work on their time and at their expense and can't get what was promised.

To bail out, or not to bail out: that is the question. :p

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:19:19 EDT
unknvoip : I'm with you on this one B, as just a customer. I've been watching this thread for quite some time.

It is very unsettling that they either can't or won't pay the people who helped bring them business.

VT, this looks really bad and you need to fix it.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:00:13 EDT
druber : technically they are being accurate. there IS no wondering where your affiliate check is, since 'wondering' implies uncertainty :)

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:45:27 EDT
B : Can so many squeaky wheels be wrong?

As a customer with nothing to lose or gain but my phone number (and the safety of my family!) I can only infer that Viatalk has either (a) serious cash flow problems or (b) incompetent Accounts Payable handling. Neither is heartwarming.

Don't mind me; I just can't turn away from this thread.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:33:55 EDT
Judson : Brendan was just on here within the last 10 minutes replying to other peoples problems again. Any luck getting a response from him?

Other than that I've pulled all but one ViaTalk ad throughout my website. I am now debating on removing them entirely from my VoIP providers list with the ad. Which in essence would just hurt visitors of my website looking for a reliable VoIP provider. However, if they aren't paying affiliates or taking forever to do so O'WELL.

It would seem many are still wondering where their affiliate checks are every month. Which makes the comments below on the ViaTalk website laughable.

"Monthly VoIP Affiliate Program Payouts -

Payouts will be paid on the 15th of each month for balances of $100.00 or more. No more waiting and wondering where your affiliate check is every month."

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:50:32 EDT
dmolavi :
said by terryturbo :

Still no payment from VT here as well. It's been 7-8 months since my last payment and I'm owed in the XX,XXX.

All my messages and PM's have gone unanswered.

Please answer my messages Brendan.

I hate to say it, but he probably won't. Not until you've notified them of your intentions to file suit against them. That was the only way I got my payment on my most recent occasion (before that, a drawn out BBB complaint solved the problem).
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:06:39 EDT
terryturbo : Still no payment from VT here as well. It's been 7-8 months since my last payment and I'm owed in the XX,XXX.

All my messages and PM's have gone unanswered.

Please answer my messages Brendan.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:20:48 EDT
farmer9282 : still no response from VT. I have sent a PM to Brendan stating my intentions to hire an attorney on April 3 if I am not paid by then. If I have to retain an attorney to get paid the moneys due me, I will also be asking for back interest and attorney's fees as well. My attorney states there is plenty of case law stating I am due these extra monies.

I will keep you all posted.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:11:16 EDT
dmolavi :
said by B :

Man this sucks. VTPeople please make this thread irrelevant.
that's all we're asking :)
they know what they have to do to make it irrelevant.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:04:06 EDT
B : Man this sucks. VTPeople please make this thread irrelevant. I'm really tired of reading it. :) (But somehow not enough to stop following it.)

Good luck to you guys.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:02:15 EDT
RockyBB :
said by dmolavi :

It seemed that, for me at least, when I set a date and made it known here, I magically got paid about 30 minutes before I was going to take the papers to the courthouse.

Which reminds me of the Grateful Dead song, Shakedown Street ...
»www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-EI-yid1NY

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:20:48 EDT
dmolavi :
said by farmer9282 :

I have contacted an attorney and will be filing a lawsuit by mid next week if I do not get paid by then. I don't want to do this by they have left me no other options than to file a law suit.
Brendan, please make good on this so we can avoid this avenue.

if it is indeed the squeaky wheels that get paid, make a deadline for payment (9AM Eastern on 2 April, for example), at which point you will submit the papers if not paid in full, and post it here for Brendan and company to see. It seemed that, for me at least, when I set a date and made it known here, I magically got paid about 30 minutes before I was going to take the papers to the courthouse.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 10:55:12 EDT
dmolavi : i'd be interested (no pun intended) in what the amount would be? how does your attorney intend to calculate the amount owed? if that's the case, i would be entitled to a substantial amount of interest.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 10:39:24 EDT
farmer9282 : My attorney stated that I will be entitled to back interest on this money.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:43:09 EDT
dmolavi :
said by farmer9282 :

I have contacted an attorney and will be filing a lawsuit by mid next week if I do not get paid by then. I don't want to do this by they have left me no other options than to file a law suit.
Brendan, please make good on this so we can avoid this avenue.

unless you're owed more than what your state's small claim court will allow, just file there and save the attorney fees.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:02:00 EDT
farmer9282 : I have contacted an attorney and will be filing a lawsuit by mid next week if I do not get paid by then. I don't want to do this by they have left me no other options than to file a law suit.
Brendan, please make good on this so we can avoid this avenue.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:40:18 EDT
druber : they probably paid as many people as they could afford to (only half kidding here.)

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:27:01 EDT
farmer9282 : I still haven't heard from Brendan. :(

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:02:38 EDT
rolande :
said by Jodokast96 :

Glad you guys got paid, but I've got to wonder, did everyone or was it just hush money to those making the most noise?

Seeing that I still haven't been paid quite a few months later and I haven't made any noise at all, that sounds plausible.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:49:41 EDT
dmolavi :
said by moosei :

dmolavi, are you going to update your blog to show that you were paid?

yes, when i get a free moment, hopefully this evening :)
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:11:38 EDT
cvoip : Brendan,

I have yet to hear from you via PM nor have I received payment.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:33:10 EDT
anon : dmolavi, are you going to update your blog to show that you were paid?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:20:17 EDT
dmolavi :
said by Jodokast96 :

Glad you guys got paid, but I've got to wonder, did everyone or was it just hush money to those making the most noise?

excellent point. we'll see if i get paid again next month or not.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:47:54 EDT
Judson :
said by Jodokast96 :

Glad you guys got paid, but I've got to wonder, did everyone or was it just hush money to those making the most noise?

Good question. I'd have to say since they've been reinstated with Commission Junction that all affiliates there have or will be paid in full. However, ViaTalks in-house affiliate program is another story. Only a handful of us can share our first hand accounts of receiving payment.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:46:15 EDT
Jodokast96 : Glad you guys got paid, but I've got to wonder, did everyone or was it just hush money to those making the most noise?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:20:17 EDT
Judson :
said by farmer9282 :

said by VTBrendan :

Hi,

The CJ issue was related to a CC issue on our end which has been resolved. As soon as CJ flips the switch it will be back online, most likely within an hour or two.

Users of our internal affiliate programs whom have contacted me will be hearing back from me by days end via PM. I know some payments are going out this week (today even I believe), I will attempt to give everyone an update.

VT is positioned to have a very good year this year. Service and support related issues have been on the decline, and our affiliate program is following that same path.

-Brendan

Has anyone received a PM from Brendan? I haven't.

No pm here.. just cash via paypal.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:08:55 EDT
ptrowski :
said by farmer9282 :

said by VTBrendan :

Hi,

The CJ issue was related to a CC issue on our end which has been resolved. As soon as CJ flips the switch it will be back online, most likely within an hour or two.

Users of our internal affiliate programs whom have contacted me will be hearing back from me by days end via PM. I know some payments are going out this week (today even I believe), I will attempt to give everyone an update.

VT is positioned to have a very good year this year. Service and support related issues have been on the decline, and our affiliate program is following that same path.

-Brendan

Has anyone received a PM from Brendan? I haven't.

Would you rather have a PM or cash?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:07:53 EDT
dmolavi :
said by farmer9282 :

said by VTBrendan :

Hi,

The CJ issue was related to a CC issue on our end which has been resolved. As soon as CJ flips the switch it will be back online, most likely within an hour or two.

Users of our internal affiliate programs whom have contacted me will be hearing back from me by days end via PM. I know some payments are going out this week (today even I believe), I will attempt to give everyone an update.

VT is positioned to have a very good year this year. Service and support related issues have been on the decline, and our affiliate program is following that same path.

-Brendan

Has anyone received a PM from Brendan? I haven't.

i never got a PM, but i got my payment.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:57:51 EDT
farmer9282 :
said by VTBrendan :

Hi,

The CJ issue was related to a CC issue on our end which has been resolved. As soon as CJ flips the switch it will be back online, most likely within an hour or two.

Users of our internal affiliate programs whom have contacted me will be hearing back from me by days end via PM. I know some payments are going out this week (today even I believe), I will attempt to give everyone an update.

VT is positioned to have a very good year this year. Service and support related issues have been on the decline, and our affiliate program is following that same path.

-Brendan

Has anyone received a PM from Brendan? I haven't.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:39:13 EDT
Russell_ :
said by dmolavi :

the crux of this issue is VT's financial stability. how intertwined VT and HostRocket are on the financial side is anyone's guess (so we'll never know if they rob peter to pay paul).

Excellent point. It helps not to lose sight of the big picture.
--
Russell

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:35:39 EDT
Russell_ :
said by burris :

So what's the answer?

How does obfuscation develop any measure of trust? Again, we're talking about telephone service and not buying a hamburger. I suppose the main issue of wanting to keep a number and not go through the risk of porting is the glue that holds this entire operation together.

The cell industry was in charge for many years before LNP. Now they port within 24 hours. Would be a different story if the VOIP world did the same...

I take the question to be rhetorical ...

I must admit that I'm not a disinterested observer here - I am paid up to the middle of next year. I wonder how many us would feel if we were month to month and portability was 24 hours of less.
--
Russell

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:20:30 EDT
burris :
said by Russell_ :

said by burris :

If you look back at my posts, I have expressed exactly this thought, with one caveat.

If done up front with no obfuscation, I can handle it.

That's a tough one. From the standpoint of inspiring confidence in new and existing customers / not divulging your financial predicament to competitors and suppliers being honest about this particular issue may be business suicide. Remember a very tiny fraction of your existing customer base reads these forums and you don't want the real reasons broadcast to all your customers - when the time comes you want them to renew with confidence.

So what's the answer?

How does obfuscation develop any measure of trust? Again, we're talking about telephone service and not buying a hamburger. I suppose the main issue of wanting to keep a number and not go through the risk of porting is the glue that holds this entire operation together.

The cell industry was in charge for many years before LNP. Now they port within 24 hours. Would be a different story if the VOIP world did the same...

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:16:59 EDT
dmolavi :
said by Russell_ :

said by burris :

If you look back at my posts, I have expressed exactly this thought, with one caveat.

If done up front with no obfuscation, I can handle it.

That's a tough one. From the standpoint of inspiring confidence in new and existing customers / not divulging your financial predicament to competitors and suppliers being honest about this particular issue may be business suicide. Remember a very tiny fraction of your existing customer base reads these forums and you don't want the real reasons broadcast to all your customers - when the time comes you want them to renew with confidence.

the crux of this issue is VT's financial stability. how intertwined VT and HostRocket are on the financial side is anyone's guess (so we'll never know if they rob peter to pay paul). however, this recurring issue with nonpayment of affiliates would suggest that they are in tough times. and while a small percentage of VTs users read these forums, similar topics have surfaced in the viatalk hosted forums, as well, and the feedback there is anything but positive.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:56:02 EDT
Russell_ :
said by burris :

If you look back at my posts, I have expressed exactly this thought, with one caveat.

If done up front with no obfuscation, I can handle it.

That's a tough one. From the standpoint of inspiring confidence in new and existing customers / not divulging your financial predicament to competitors and suppliers being honest about this particular issue may be business suicide. Remember a very tiny fraction of your existing customer base reads these forums and you don't want the real reasons broadcast to all your customers - when the time comes you want them to renew with confidence.
--
Russell

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:31:23 EDT
burris :
said by Russell_ :

said by Judson :

ViaTalk is now showing up in Commission Junction advertisers list again. Figured since I was so quick to blow the whistle on their removal it's only fair to pass along this update.

Nice to hear this. I'd encourage ViaTalk to bump up those fees again if cash is short. Another dollar from (say) 60000 customers is another $60000 per month. I'm sure the creative marketing folk will be able to come up with suitable obfuscatory gobbledegook to justify it. Considering, I'm paid up to the middle of next year, I'd rather pay another buck a month than have VT go broke.

If you look back at my posts, I have expressed exactly this thought, with one caveat.

If done up front with no obfuscation, I can handle it. As I also said, the thought of going through another SR is not pleasant.
For me, VT service works very well and I would be content to remain...comfortably, that is. :)

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:17:52 EDT
dmolavi :
said by Russell_ :

said by Judson :

ViaTalk is now showing up in Commission Junction advertisers list again. Figured since I was so quick to blow the whistle on their removal it's only fair to pass along this update.

Nice to hear this. I'd encourage ViaTalk to bump up those fees again if cash is short. Another dollar from (say) 60000 customers is another $60000 per month. I'm sure the creative marketing folk will be able to come up with suitable obfuscatory gobbledegook to justify it. Considering, I'm paid up to the middle of next year, I'd rather pay another buck a month than have VT go broke.

as strange as it sounds, i agree as well. i got the buyout deal from SR, so I got a free year. $199 for 24 months plus $3.change a month is still about $40 a month less than what I would pay for POTS. I'm cool with an extra buck a month.

Note to Brendan: I'm only cool with it if VT needs it to stay afloat. Don't bump it up because Russell_ and I said anything about it :)
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 06:54:27 EDT
Russell_ :
said by Judson :

ViaTalk is now showing up in Commission Junction advertisers list again. Figured since I was so quick to blow the whistle on their removal it's only fair to pass along this update.

Nice to hear this. I'd encourage ViaTalk to bump up those fees again if cash is short. Another dollar from (say) 60000 customers is another $60000 per month. I'm sure the creative marketing folk will be able to come up with suitable obfuscatory gobbledegook to justify it. Considering, I'm paid up to the middle of next year, I'd rather pay another buck a month than have VT go broke.
--
Russell

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 21:57:32 EDT
Judson : ViaTalk is now showing up in Commission Junction advertisers list again. Figured since I was so quick to blow the whistle on their removal it's only fair to pass along this update.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:56:45 EDT
cvoip : No payment here yet but I'm glad that he responded and things are not as bad as they were appearing. I hope to finally make an update to this thread with good news when I get paid.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:43:30 EDT
Judson :
said by dmolavi :

well i just got my payment. good think i didn't lick the stamp on my small claims filing. i'll put it aside for next time, once more of my now pending sales go through and i'm not paid.

btw, it's been more than 30 days for 1/2 of my pending sales, and they're still listed as pending...

No payment here yet, but I'm off to see my Tax man now so maybe when I return it'll be a better day.

Edit:
Just returned home... low and behold a paypal payment from ViaTalk.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:39:25 EDT
druber : "Haha.. on another note it's good to see Brendan has responded."

why? this is the same BS as before, no?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:31:28 EDT
racer510 : I just received my payment, Thanks Brendan.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:30:32 EDT
dmolavi : well i just got my payment. good think i didn't lick the stamp on my small claims filing. i'll put it aside for next time, once more of my now pending sales go through and i'm not paid.

btw, it's been more than 30 days for 1/2 of my pending sales, and they're still listed as pending...
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:23:09 EDT
Judson :
said by dmolavi :

btw, you stated that your affiliate program is following the same path. would that path be the aforementioned "decline" in your post? if so, you're spot on.

Haha.. on another note it's good to see Brendan has responded.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:21:02 EDT
Aveamantium : Thank you Brendan!

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:20:05 EDT
dmolavi :
said by VTBrendan :

Hi,

The CJ issue was related to a CC issue on our end which has been resolved. As soon as CJ flips the switch it will be back online, most likely within an hour or two.

Users of our internal affiliate programs whom have contacted me will be hearing back from me by days end via PM. I know some payments are going out this week (today even I believe), I will attempt to give everyone an update.

VT is positioned to have a very good year this year. Service and support related issues have been on the decline, and our affiliate program is following that same path.

-Brendan

see, if this were the first time this has happened, i'd have a warm fuzzy and would go on my merry way. unfortunately, it isn't, and i don't.

either way, i will not re-add my affiliate code to my sites, not until i've seen a track record of VT actually sticking to it's promises.

btw, you stated that your affiliate program is following the same path. would that path be the aforementioned "decline" in your post? if so, you're spot on.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:17:45 EDT
jester121 :
said by VTBrendan :

Service and support related issues have been on the decline, and our affiliate program is following that same path.

-Brendan

Yeah, the affiliate program seems to be declining for sure. :D

(couldn't resist).

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:15:41 EDT
VTBrendan : Hi,

The CJ issue was related to a CC issue on our end which has been resolved. As soon as CJ flips the switch it will be back online, most likely within an hour or two.

Users of our internal affiliate programs whom have contacted me will be hearing back from me by days end via PM. I know some payments are going out this week (today even I believe), I will attempt to give everyone an update.

VT is positioned to have a very good year this year. Service and support related issues have been on the decline, and our affiliate program is following that same path.

-Brendan

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:13:39 EDT
dmolavi :
said by Judson :

I think he's too busy playing owner of Quizno's at (518)-432-xxxx
25 North Pearl St
Albany NY 12207

You can read about it here: »r00tshell.com/archives/2005/02/1···-rocket/

btw, it's the only location he owns so maybe stop in and ask to have your commissions turned into free subs

crap...
1. i don't live near albany.
2. quizno's subs are ass, gimme a south philly sub (or better, a cheesesteak) any day.
3. what he does on his free time shouldn't impact brandi's job. unless he can't pay her, either.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:07:09 EDT
Judson : I think he's too busy playing owner of Quizno's at (518)-432-xxxx
25 North Pearl St
Albany NY 12207

You can read about it here: »r00tshell.com/archives/2005/02/1···-rocket/

btw, it's the only location he owns so maybe stop in and ask to have your commissions turned into free subs

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:02:38 EDT
dmolavi :
said by dmolavi :

edit: i sent my PM 10 minutes ago, he was online 3 minutes ago, and has not read my PM. thus continues the pattern.

*thud* ... he's actually read the PMs now (even ones from several weeks ago). now to see if he replies...
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:02:16 EDT
jester121 : *Sigh*

I'm getting REALLY tired of shopping for a new phone service every 9 months. Maybe this is somehow a big scheme by Comcast to reel me in: "Come back to us, you know we were meant to be together.........."

Thank goodness for American Express -- their proration policy got back half of my money from Sunrocket. The question is whether to request the RMA for the PAP2 now or wait a bit.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:01:16 EDT
dmolavi :
said by Judson :

Actually a little birdie told me #4, but who listens to the birds!

see, why would a merger/buyout effect payment of affiliates. until the merger/buyout is complete, the affiliate program should go on without interruption.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:00:02 EDT
Judson :
said by dmolavi :

said by RockyBB :

said by dmolavi :

i've asked him to do just that probably a dozen times. each time, i'm ignored. i doubt peppering him w/ PMs and emails will work, since he'll just ignore/filter them.

edit: i sent my PM 10 minutes ago, he was online 3 minutes ago, and has not read my PM. thus continues the pattern.

sometimes silence is golden, sometimes it's telling. a heavy duty marketer and self promoter is silent for several reasons: 1)arrogance, 2)nothing good to say, 3)litigation, 4)merger or buyout activity, 5)liquidation.

i'll pick 1 and 2

Actually a little birdie told me #4, but who listens to the birds!

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:58:53 EDT
dmolavi :
said by RockyBB :

said by dmolavi :

i've asked him to do just that probably a dozen times. each time, i'm ignored. i doubt peppering him w/ PMs and emails will work, since he'll just ignore/filter them.

edit: i sent my PM 10 minutes ago, he was online 3 minutes ago, and has not read my PM. thus continues the pattern.

sometimes silence is golden, sometimes it's telling. a heavy duty marketer and self promoter is silent for several reasons: 1)arrogance, 2)nothing good to say, 3)litigation, 4)merger or buyout activity, 5)liquidation.

i'll pick 1 and 2
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:55:28 EDT
RockyBB :
said by dmolavi :

i've asked him to do just that probably a dozen times. each time, i'm ignored. i doubt peppering him w/ PMs and emails will work, since he'll just ignore/filter them.

edit: i sent my PM 10 minutes ago, he was online 3 minutes ago, and has not read my PM. thus continues the pattern.

sometimes silence is golden, sometimes it's telling. a heavy duty marketer and self promoter is silent for one or several reasons: 1)arrogance, 2)nothing good to say, 3)litigation, 4)merger or buyout activity, 5)liquidation.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:31:40 EDT
dmolavi :
said by Aveamantium :

If this keeps up, and VTBrendan doesn't chime in soon I will be thinking of looking elsewhere. I'm not about to go down with a sinking ship (I bailed on SR a while before they sunk).

I'm on my free year but I also extended for another year so it looks like I'd have to fight to get my $150 back. Hopefully, it won't come to that since I've been exceptionally happy with VT lately. Brendan, please chime in here!

i've asked him to do just that probably a dozen times. each time, i'm ignored. i doubt peppering him w/ PMs and emails will work, since he'll just ignore/filter them.

edit: i sent my PM 10 minutes ago, he was online 3 minutes ago, and has not read my PM. thus continues the pattern.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:30:35 EDT
Aveamantium : If this keeps up, and VTBrendan doesn't chime in soon I will be thinking of looking elsewhere. I'm not about to go down with a sinking ship (I bailed on SR awhile before they sunk).

I'm on my free year, but I also extended for another year so it looks like I'd have to fight to get my $150 back. Hopefully, it won't come to that since I've been exceptionally happy with VT lately. Brendan, please chime in here!

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:26:43 EDT
B :
said by dmolavi :

i wonder if brandi "shoe woman" solomon is really Imelda Marcos in disguise. :)

Well that's interesting -- the next Google hit down is a nursery rhyme that mentions shoes too. Is BS from Kalamazoo?

»www.iparentingstories.com/storie···eia-5731

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:24:51 EDT
dmolavi :
said by Judson :

said by dmolavi :

maybe they figure bad publicity is better than no publicity. i wonder what brendan is buying himself for his birthday with our affiliate earnings....

I guess Brendan doesn't want to tell us.

Instant Message VTBrendan
message:
(last visit: 2m)

i just sent him another email (via DSLR) and PM. i expect both to be ignored, but maybe the easter beagle will bring me a belated gift ;)
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:21:56 EDT
Judson :
said by dmolavi :

maybe they figure bad publicity is better than no publicity. i wonder what brendan is buying himself for his birthday with our affiliate earnings....

I guess Brendan doesn't want to tell us.

Instant Message VTBrendan
message:
(last visit: 2m)

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:18:43 EDT
dmolavi :
said by Judson :

Oh the power of Google... This thread is now the #5 return when you search Brandi Solomon & #8 when you search Brendan Brader. You'd think someone would want to put an end this thread simply because its a terrible search result of your own name.

Edit:
I couldn't help but see this "HostRocket & ViaTalk CEO Brendan Brader's Birthday" is only 2 days away!

»forums.hostrocket.com/showthread.php?t=17982

maybe they figure bad publicity is better than no publicity. i wonder what brendan is buying himself for his birthday with our affiliate earnings....
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:14:24 EDT
Judson : Oh the power of Google... This thread is now the #5 return when you search Brandi Solomon & #8 when you search Brendan Brader. You'd think someone would want to put an end this thread simply because its a terrible search result of your own name.

Edit:
I couldn't help but see this "HostRocket & ViaTalk CEO Brendan Brader's Birthday" is only 2 days away!

»forums.hostrocket.com/showthread.php?t=17982

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:51:51 EDT
dmolavi :
said by Judson :

This just hit my inbox from Commission Junction, I guess patience is a virtue. :P

Dear Judson,

Thank you for your inquiry. Upon reviewing ViaTalk's account, I see that they have been temporarily deactivated because their account has not been brought current. Once the advertiser deposits sufficient funds into their account, they will be reactivated. If the advertiser fails to do so, they will be permanently deactivated and removed from the network. They are required to pay any commissions that were generated by their publishers even if they are deactivated. If you have further questions regarding the advertiser’s status, you will need to contact them directly through the Mail tab in your account. We hope this answers your question. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,
Commission Junction Client Support

they're no more required to pay CJ affiliates than their in-house affiliates. with CJ, they entered a contract, with their in-house, they did the same. i doubt that the CJ affiliates will be getting paid, either.
i wonder if brandi "shoe woman" solomon is really Imelda Marcos in disguise. :)
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:50:11 EDT
Judson :
said by B :

Fooey; I really don't want to lose another good VoIP service!
I really don't want to lose $X,XXX amount of dollars in earned commissions!

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:48:07 EDT
B : I was really going the "benefit of the doubt" route until now -- I mean, the various VTPeople's silence on the thread could easily have been attributed to a policy of "don't comment on a few impatient malcontents floating rumors and threatening litigation"... but now maybe this does seem more in line with the BBB delisting and the impromptu baloney fee hike after all. :(

Fooey; I really don't want to lose another good VoIP service!

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:47:46 EDT
Judson : This just hit my inbox from Commission Junction, I guess patience is a virtue. :P

Dear Judson,

Thank you for your inquiry. Upon reviewing ViaTalk's account, I see that they have been temporarily deactivated because their account has not been brought current. Once the advertiser deposits sufficient funds into their account, they will be reactivated. If the advertiser fails to do so, they will be permanently deactivated and removed from the network. They are required to pay any commissions that were generated by their publishers even if they are deactivated. If you have further questions regarding the advertiser’s status, you will need to contact them directly through the Mail tab in your account. We hope this answers your question. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,
Commission Junction Client Support

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:23:18 EDT
Fisamo : Thanks for the update. I'm interested, even though I'm not an affiliate (and never have been). After all, this issue does provide an indication of VT's financial status...

The more info we get, the fewer rumors that we can keep alive... :D For better or worse, the info provided (that CJ pulled the plug on VT) supports the wilder and juicier rumors! :huh: :D

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:08:09 EDT
Judson :
said by Fisamo :

To Judson --please update the thread with the response you get from CJ. I presume you also asked about how unpaid commissions will be handled now that VT's account has been deactivated, and I'm sure there are several who would like to know what you hear.

(BTW, I have nothing financial in this--I just want to see what unfolds.)

I just got off the phone with CJ representative Scott. He reported to me that they (Commission Junction) pulled the plug on ViaTalk for not having paid their affiliates last month. He also mentioned that ViaTalk will not be reinstated until they do so (if they do) or bring their finances back to a positive level to allow for payments.

Scott wasn't able to share just how much ViaTalk was in the negative to affiliates, but I thought I'd try asking anyways hehe.

Also, I forgot to ask how unpaid commissions will be handled unfortunately. :( If you are interested in contacting CJ yourself simply go to »www.cj.com/about/contact.html and give them a call.

They are very friendly and helpful people, hats off to Scott for answering my questions faster than their mail system could get back to me.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:30:53 EDT
voiplover : VT's affiliate page still works.
Get yours now!
»affiliates.viatalk.com/

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:20:13 EDT
dmolavi :
said by dmolavi :

said by cvoip :

By the way, if you decide to take them to small claims court I think you have to file suit in the state their business resides.
hmm..that's a matter of interpretation. according to my county's website:

"The plaintiff files suit in the county where the defendant lives, where the business is located or where the problem occurred."

Did the problem occur in my county, or up in New York?

w00t..just got off the phone w/ my county courthouse, i can proceed to file in my county :)
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:17:42 EDT
dmolavi :
said by cvoip :

By the way, if you decide to take them to small claims court I think you have to file suit in the state their business resides.
hmm..that's a matter of interpretation. according to my county's website:

"The plaintiff files suit in the county where the defendant lives, where the business is located or where the problem occurred."

Did the problem occur in my county, or up in New York?
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:10:53 EDT
cvoip : Brendan gave me his word my commission payment would arrive Feb or March at the latest. They obviously have not yet paid me and he responded to my latest PM.

It really is a SHAME because until they send our payments they are basically STEALING from us (in my opinion) and are in breach of contract. They owe affiliate tens of thousands of dollars.

Those BBB reports are not going to do you any good at this point. I removed all ViaTalk links yesterday and it now seems like we will never be paid. I've been very patient but that is soon to run out. By the way, if you decide to take them to small claims court I think you have to file suit in the state their business resides.

Brendan could also just be planning on selling the company with no intentions of paying us at this point. I'll be very surprised if they stay in business more than another month or two.

By the way Brendan, get some freakin balls and respond here honestly telling everyone what the heck is going on.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:13:53 EDT
ptrowski :
said by dmolavi :

As promised, since my commission payments weren't received by today, I've pulled all affiliate links from all my sites, including GizmoPasswords.

That's probably a very wise thing to do.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:04:19 EDT
dmolavi : As promised, since my commission payments weren't received by today, I've pulled all affiliate links from all my sites, including GizmoPasswords.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 16:58:24 EDT
ptrowski :
said by dmolavi :

»cheatedvtaffiliates.blogspot.com/

details of my specific case won't be discussed any further, however, I will still offer (non-legal) advice and my opinion (whether you want it or not ;) ) in this thread concerning this matter.

Looks good! The only issue is I could not get the back button to take me back here. :-)

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 11:23:16 EDT
dmolavi : »cheatedvtaffiliates.blogspot.com/

details of my specific case won't be discussed any further, however, I will still offer (non-legal) advice and my opinion (whether you want it or not ;) ) in this thread concerning this matter.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 10:15:17 EDT
burris : Although I was happy with SR, obviously I waited too long..

And although I am happy with VT, I begin to wonder if I will again be the last one out and have to bring the flag.

I know this entire experience is tenuous, but I marvel at the lack of pro-activity on the part of the CEO of VT.

If this were my business and I read all the conjecture being posted, I would be at the fore trying to stabilize the situation and maintain peace and calm. I would do so even if the company was in a turmoil.
Who knows? Maybe Brendan's ego doesn't allow for that.

As I sit here contemplating the situation, I have the feeling that I would not prefer not to re-live the SR debacle. In effect, if I were to bail now, I would be doing VT a favor, as I have pre-paid and would not be using the circuits going forward. The few $$ are not an issue, but the WAF would be.

By the way, this is not paranoia, just the effects of a possible major inconvenience intruding, being somewhat age related, of course. :p

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 10:01:03 EDT
dmolavi : needless to say, after being caught in SR's implosion, news of them being dropped from CJ doesn't sit well with me. I will log into my account and see if their links are still active or not. If I get a similar email, I'll be very worried, as SRs fall happened quite rapidly after being booted.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 01:36:28 EDT
anon :
said by BlueEasterBunny :

said by Fisamo :

I call BS.

Not to say that VT is or is not going to fold any time soon. I would have no clue. But consider the source--an anonymous person (no way to verify history of truthful/useful posts) saying that they heard it from a 'friend of a friend' (third-hand from CJ, not direct from someone at VT)...

Please understand that I'm saying this could be true, but we have no way of knowing one way or the other. So, there's no point in talking about VT's demise now.

As VT has a poor record regarding paying their affiliates, everyone has good reason to be concerned. But that's also a very good reason for a commission house to discontinue VT's account. VT could also have pulled the account so they can exclusively run the affiliate program in-house. (I think that one unlikely, though--they can't seem to pay their affiliates with CJ doing much of the behind-the-scenes work, so them bringing it all in-house doesn't sit right, either.)

To Judson --please update the thread with the response you get from CJ. I presume you also asked about how unpaid commissions will be handled now that VT's account has been deactivated, and I'm sure there are several who would like to know what you hear.

(BTW, I have nothing financial in this--I just want to see what unfolds.)

You sound like you are in denial. What is occurring with ViaTalk is exactly the same scenario which occurred with SunRocket prior to its demise. If you will remember LinkShare was managing SunRocket's affiliate program at the time and they made a proactive decision to deactivate SunRockets account.

If Commission Junction knew that ViaTalk was not paying commissions and or if they knew that they were planning to cease operations then it would be proper for Commission Junction to deactivate their account. After all, if ViaTalk was not paying Commission Junction so that they could in turn pay the affiliates, then Commission Junction was not being paid. Commission Junction as the manager of the program receives an over ride commission on top of the commissions earned by the affiliates.

We know from Judson that Commission Junction has deactivated ViaTalk's account, if you are comfortable with that, so be it. On the other hand, it may be prudent to start making contingency plans if you value keeping your telephone number.

I would not shoot the messenger. If it is true then it will be quite entertaining to read the thread. I wonder if it will exceed the SunRocket demise thread? :D

To a point it makes me feel beter. CJ does not seem like the most cost effective way to gain subscribers.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 21:39:10 EDT
voiplover : Hey Bugs, you can't place SR's longevity in the same basket as VT's longevity. The business plans and financing are too different.
VT can stop taking new subscribers and survive. SR couldn't. They were living on venture capital, not on subscriber fees. When the venture capital dried up, the last one left at the table got stuck with the bill.
SR's demise was set in place 6 to 12 months before the collapse.

My guess is that VT isn't seeing profits from the deal with CJ, and now the affiliates are going to get stuck with the bill. :(

Check your contract. I highly doubt the VT is accountable. :(

Edit: This is actually a reply to a post that has been put on hold... but I'l leave it here...

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 21:02:57 EDT
Fisamo : I'm not in denial. I've posted many times (and since I'm signed in to the site and not posting as anonymous, everyone can verify that it's ME) regarding troubling signs I've seen around ViaTalk. Yes, this thread is a major red flag, but since I'm no longer a VT customer, I'll feel no direct effect of VT's closing, whenever (if) they do.

HOWEVER, I know NOTHING about the person who posted the comment about a CJ rep saying VT would fold at the end of the month. I'm not shooting the messenger, I'm saying that we should take his comments with a grain of salt (if not a dumptruck full), because we have no basis on which to believe OR disbelieve him.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 20:58:11 EDT
ptrowski : Never mind....

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 20:04:38 EDT
anon :
said by Fisamo :

I call BS.

Not to say that VT is or is not going to fold any time soon. I would have no clue. But consider the source--an anonymous person (no way to verify history of truthful/useful posts) saying that they heard it from a 'friend of a friend' (third-hand from CJ, not direct from someone at VT)...

Please understand that I'm saying this could be true, but we have no way of knowing one way or the other. So, there's no point in talking about VT's demise now.

As VT has a poor record regarding paying their affiliates, everyone has good reason to be concerned. But that's also a very good reason for a commission house to discontinue VT's account. VT could also have pulled the account so they can exclusively run the affiliate program in-house. (I think that one unlikely, though--they can't seem to pay their affiliates with CJ doing much of the behind-the-scenes work, so them bringing it all in-house doesn't sit right, either.)

To Judson --please update the thread with the response you get from CJ. I presume you also asked about how unpaid commissions will be handled now that VT's account has been deactivated, and I'm sure there are several who would like to know what you hear.

(BTW, I have nothing financial in this--I just want to see what unfolds.)

You sound like you are in denial. What is occurring with ViaTalk is exactly the same scenario which occurred with SunRocket prior to its demise. If you will remember LinkShare was managing SunRocket's affiliate program at the time and they made a proactive decision to deactivate SunRockets account.

If Commission Junction knew that ViaTalk was not paying commissions and or if they knew that they were planning to cease operations then it would be proper for Commission Junction to deactivate their account. After all, if ViaTalk was not paying Commission Junction so that they could in turn pay the affiliates, then Commission Junction was not being paid. Commission Junction as the manager of the program receives an over ride commission on top of the commissions earned by the affiliates.

We know from Judson that Commission Junction has deactivated ViaTalk's account, if you are comfortable with that, so be it. On the other hand, it may be prudent to start making contingency plans if you value keeping your telephone number.

I would not shoot the messenger. If it is true then it will be quite entertaining to read the thread. I wonder if it will exceed the SunRocket demise thread? :D

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 19:35:42 EDT
Fisamo : I call BS.

Not to say that VT is or is not going to fold any time soon. I would have no clue. But consider the source--an anonymous person (no way to verify history of truthful/useful posts) saying that they heard it from a 'friend of a friend' (third-hand from CJ, not direct from someone at VT)...

Please understand that I'm saying this could be true, but we have no way of knowing one way or the other. So, there's no point in talking about VT's demise now.

As VT has a poor record regarding paying their affiliates, everyone has good reason to be concerned. But that's also a very good reason for a commission house to discontinue VT's account. VT could also have pulled the account so they can exclusively run the affiliate program in-house. (I think that one unlikely, though--they can't seem to pay their affiliates with CJ doing much of the behind-the-scenes work, so them bringing it all in-house doesn't sit right, either.)

To Judson --please update the thread with the response you get from CJ. I presume you also asked about how unpaid commissions will be handled now that VT's account has been deactivated, and I'm sure there are several who would like to know what you hear.

(BTW, I have nothing financial in this--I just want to see what unfolds.)

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 18:24:18 EDT
voiplover :
said by BlueEasterBunny :

said by voiplover :

Is VT liable to 3rd party affiliates that signed up through CJ? :hmm:

Yes. CJ is just a middleman. However, "if" they go under then the affiliates are just unsecured creditors. Good luck collecting your commissions. ;)

I don't think you get the question.
Did anyone get a binding contract with VT when they signed up with CJ? or is VT just backing out on CJ and leaving all of you in the dust?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 18:17:31 EDT
anon :
said by voiplover :

Is VT liable to 3rd party affiliates that signed up through CJ? :hmm:

Yes. CJ is just a middleman. However, "if" they go under then the affiliates are just unsecured creditors. Good luck collecting your commissions. ;)

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 18:15:01 EDT
Judson :
said by BlueEasterBunny :

If it is true, hey, where there is smoke there is fire, you are SOL. No lawyer in his or her right mind would take your case as it would not be profitable. You could sue in small claims court in New York state, however that is problematic since you live in Nebraska. Even if you won, you would have to collect the judgment.

The bigger question is, if it is true, where would ex ViaTalk subscribers migrate? Would they really want to move to Vonage or Packet8? As for me I am perfectly happy with magicJack and Skype. :D

This is true... perhaps Judge Judy would be more appropriate. Not to mention 10 million viewers would see it on TV.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 18:12:07 EDT
voiplover : Is VT liable to 3rd party affiliates that signed up through CJ? :hmm:

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 17:58:16 EDT
anon :
said by Judson :

said by ptrowski :

Very true as we saw it happen with SR. But I have a feeling I know that poster....

I feel it's time to circle the wagons and possibly see what kind of action could be taken by getting lawyers involved.

If I'm just one small fish in a big pond it really makes me wonder how many others out there haven't seen any payments. The only reason some of us got paid because we decided to speak up here; what about all the others who haven't found their voice?

If it is true, hey, where there is smoke there is fire, you are SOL. No lawyer in his or her right mind would take your case as it would not be profitable. You could sue in small claims court in New York state, however that is problematic since you live in Nebraska. Even if you won, you would have to collect the judgment.

The bigger question is, if it is true, where would ex ViaTalk subscribers migrate? Would they really want to move to Vonage or Packet8? As for me I am perfectly happy with magicJack and Skype. :D

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 17:20:02 EDT
Judson :
said by ptrowski :

Very true as we saw it happen with SR. But I have a feeling I know that poster....

I feel it's time to circle the wagons and possibly see what kind of action could be taken by getting lawyers involved.

If I'm just one small fish in a big pond it really makes me wonder how many others out there haven't seen any payments. The only reason some of us got paid because we decided to speak up here; what about all the others who haven't found their voice?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 17:07:30 EDT
ptrowski :
said by Judson :

said by ptrowski :

Oh really? Could you tell us the name of the rep? It would be interesting to confirm that. I highly doubt a "rep" at CJ would know if VT would be folding.

I agree, but that's why I've already sent CJ an email asking for more details on why ViaTalk was deactivated. If ViaTalk got booted from CJ for not paying affiliates then it could be a sign of things to come.

Very true as we saw it happen with SR. But I have a feeling I know that poster....

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:59:50 EDT
Judson :
said by ptrowski :

Oh really? Could you tell us the name of the rep? It would be interesting to confirm that. I highly doubt a "rep" at CJ would know if VT would be folding.

I agree, but that's why I've already sent CJ an email asking for more details on why ViaTalk was deactivated. If ViaTalk got booted from CJ for not paying affiliates then it could be a sign of things to come.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:45:48 EDT
ptrowski :
said by JasonM :

A Commission Junction rep told me that they deactivated their account due to non payment of commissions. He also said that he understood that ViaTalk was going out of business at the end of the month.

Oh really? Could you tell us the name of the rep? It would be interesting to confirm that. I highly doubt a "rep" at CJ would know if VT would be folding.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 15:28:42 EDT
Judson :
said by tommy13v :

said by JasonM :

A Commission Junction rep told me that they deactivated their account due to non payment of commissions. He also said that he understood that ViaTalk was going out of business at the end of the month.

Who was the rep? I would like to talk to him as well.

I was wondering the same thing. So, I just emailed Commission Junction for a better detailed reason as to why ViaTalk was deactivated from the advertisers list.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 15:26:15 EDT
tommy13v :
said by JasonM :

A Commission Junction rep told me that they deactivated their account due to non payment of commissions. He also said that he understood that ViaTalk was going out of business at the end of the month.

Who was the rep? I would like to talk to him as well.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 15:26:03 EDT
Judson :
said by JasonM :

A Commission Junction rep told me that they deactivated their account due to non payment of commissions. He also said that he understood that ViaTalk was going out of business at the end of the month.

Would explain why Brendan Brader's been ignoring emails, pm's and the people asking payment related questions on this thread.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 15:15:38 EDT
anon : A Commission Junction rep told me that they deactivated their account due to non payment of commissions. He also said that he understood that ViaTalk was going out of business at the end of the month.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 14:52:36 EDT
Judson : Uh oh, I just received an email from Commission Junction alerting me that I had a newly deactivated advertiser. So low and behold, I login to check and see whose no longer an advertiser on Commission Junction and it's ViaTalk!

Could this be a sign of something big that's about to happen (ie SunRocket)? Or is ViaTalk just planning on offering their in-house affiliate program that pays people basically never?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:03:39 EDT
dmolavi :
said by druber :

disagree. so, say, you dmolavi sue them and win. and they pay you what they owe you. the other N-1 people they are stiffing still haven't gotten their money (unless you try to class-action this, which would likely be expensive...)

it may not be immediate, but it might work. say i do sue them and win. i'd post here. i'd post on my blog, i'd post everywhere to get maximum exposure. hopefully that would encourage enough other affiliates who were cheated to do the same, spend 15 minutes filling out the form and mailing it in, and then get their money.

if VT starts to see a flurry of small (or not-so-small in come cases) claims suits come in against them, it would be cheaper to pay them out (in most cases) then to send a representative to the plaintiff's location.

at least i can count on google to pay me on time :)
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:59:31 EDT
druber : disagree. so, say, you dmolavi sue them and win. and they pay you what they owe you. the other N-1 people they are stiffing still haven't gotten their money (unless you try to class-action this, which would likely be expensive...)

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:57:18 EDT
dmolavi :
said by druber :

depends on the definition of 'keep the program running'. if that means: you get people to give referrals and keep advertising for them but not pay them, and ignore any requests for information, i'd say the answer is yes, wouldn't you? :)

from their business standpoint, it's a catch22. it might work in the short term, but pretty soon, word will get out, and not only will people avoid the affiliate program, but their service as well.

besides, it only works as long as someone hasn't hauled you into court over it.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:56:11 EDT
dmolavi :
said by voiplover :

Me thinks maybe making a living being an affiliate is not always such a good way to go. :uhh:

good thing i'm not :)
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:55:56 EDT
druber : depends on the definition of 'keep the program running'. if that means: you get people to give referrals and keep advertising for them but not pay them, and ignore any requests for information, i'd say the answer is yes, wouldn't you? :)

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:53:58 EDT
voiplover : Me thinks maybe making a living being an affiliate is not always such a good way to go. :uhh:

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:24:48 EDT
dmolavi :
said by voiplover :

Did they give you any kind of answer?

based on their responsiveness to this topic here, what do you think? :)
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:23:17 EDT
voiplover : Did they give you any kind of answer?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:12:31 EDT
dmolavi :
said by voiplover :

I'm not an affiliate of any voip provider, but I'm just wondering if anyone has asked VT if they intend to keep this program running???

i asked if they have any intentions of paying out their existing affiliates, which is almost the same question, since if the answer is 'no', then there is no sense in maintaining the program.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:08:17 EDT
voiplover : I'm not an affiliate of any voip provider, but I'm just wondering if anyone has asked VT if they intend to keep this program running???

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:54:36 EDT
dmolavi :
said by ptrowski :

said by dmolavi :

said by ptrowski :

I would assume none of you are advertising for them now, correct?

i've given them till monday (in an email sent to brandi, brendan and michael) to make good, after which point i will pull all links.

This may sound pretty bad, but with all the issues why would you possibly still be keeping the links up?

I sent the email last night, and since i am not sure if today is a bank holiday, i'd give them the benefit of the doubt.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:13:48 EDT
ptrowski :
said by dmolavi :

said by ptrowski :

I would assume none of you are advertising for them now, correct?

i've given them till monday (in an email sent to brandi, brendan and michael) to make good, after which point i will pull all links.

This may sound pretty bad, but with all the issues why would you possibly still be keeping the links up?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:51:18 EDT
dmolavi :
said by ptrowski :

I would assume none of you are advertising for them now, correct?

i've given them till monday (in an email sent to brandi, brendan and michael) to make good, after which point i will pull all links.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:44:25 EDT
ptrowski : I would assume none of you are advertising for them now, correct?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:17:55 EDT
dmolavi : i've filed another BBB complaint. I don't know whether they can/will respond to it, but it's a start.

It should be noted that since they lost their accreditation, there are now 15 complaints to which they didn't respond.

looks like they're giving their customers and affiliates the middle finger on this.
--
TheMolavis.com

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:20:48 EDT
dmolavi :
said by Judson :

Oh Brendan... where are you?

It shows you are online now and you are responding to other peoples problems except affiliates :(

PM ignored, email ignored, message here ignored... and now he's in hiding again.

Instant Message VTBrendan
message:
(last visit: 1m)

i've emailed brendan, brandi, and vtmichael. all have ignored me.

hey guys, IF YOU PAY US, WE'LL SHUT UP.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:48:06 EDT
Jodokast96 :
said by gtojim :

I am also sick of this thread. The lack of payment on VT part is really an eye opener for me.

If I wasn't already a VT customer and read this thread I would give my business to another VoIP provider.

I wonder how many potential customers have been scared away from VT by this thread.

Probably not many, but you can count me as one. I can't believe this crap is still happening. I was pretty close to signing up once things from the SR mess had finally calmed down, but I wanted to check to see how the company was at handling things when they did occur. What were right at the top of the threads when I checked? This and the one about their BBB status being revoked. Not very reassuring for a potential customer. That was a few months ago. I decided to give them another chance and check back again, and this situation still hasn't been resolved. There is no way I could feel confident in giving them my money and hoping they'd still be around to hold up their end of the deal. Brendan, you should flat out be ashamed and embarrassed that something like this still hasn't been resolved and continues in a public forum.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:17:50 EDT
Judson : Oh Brendan... where are you?

It shows you are online now and you are responding to other peoples problems except affiliates :(

PM ignored, email ignored, message here ignored... and now he's in hiding again.

Instant Message VTBrendan
message:
(last visit: 1m)

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 18:45:27 EDT
druber : Sorry, I didn't mean you. More the people who (not naming any specific names) are here every few weeks with the same complaint. Screw me once, shame on you, screw me twice, shame on me. Why there should ever be more than two iterations, I don't get...

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 18:19:05 EDT
ptrowski : I am not cutting them slack, as should their service go south then I will find another provider. I am not an affiliate so to me it is interesting to see how this plays out, but for me it is a non-issue. If I was an affiliate the smart thing would have been to stop advertising for them once they were not paying up. Pretty simple business tranasaction-you provide marketing for them, they pay you. They don't pay you, you don't continue to provide marketing for them.

If I started to get the feeling they were going to implode like SR, then you bet your ass I would be finding someone else ASAP. They have provided me with good service (albeit with some bumps here and there) but it's just that-phone service.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:33:12 EDT
druber : I am not with VT, just mystified at the persistent willingness of some here to cut them slack over and over again. If you are on a free year, I see your point (as long as you don't have a number that can be hostage if they pull a sunrocket...)

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:13:22 EDT
ptrowski :
said by druber :

No offense, but your attitude is a bit short-sighted. So, because your house is not on fire, all is okay? Never mind the smoke in the distance? If I saw the repeated pattern of not paying affiliates for months on end, over and over and over, I'd conclude one of three things:

1. They are crooks. As long as your phone is working, I guess you can live with it?

2. They are incompetent. Granted this doesn't directly affect your dialtone (yet).

3. They are not paying promptly because they can't afford to and have to juggle $$$ (I have seen this in a high-tech company I dealt with for years...) Staying on that particular boat is a little odd.

I am on a free year right now. So for me, yes, I am fine with the dialtone still being on.

1. Yes, I can live with it. For what I paid them to do and entered into an agreement with them to do, they have delivered.

2. They very well may be incompetent when it comes to the affiliate program. I can tell you in my business, someone doesn't pay, they not longer get consulting. If I was an affiliiate and was not getting paid like these people were not, I would no longer advertise for VT. Pretty simple.

3. I have seen that also from high-tech companies and have been bit when they went under and did not receive payment. Unlike SR though, VT in theory has a whole other hosting business to be able pull from if need be. I could be wrong, but in MY situation I am a-ok. You may be in a different situation.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:59:08 EDT
druber : No offense, but your attitude is a bit short-sighted. So, because your house is not on fire, all is okay? Never mind the smoke in the distance? If I saw the repeated pattern of not paying affiliates for months on end, over and over and over, I'd conclude one of three things:

1. They are crooks. As long as your phone is working, I guess you can live with it?

2. They are incompetent. Granted this doesn't directly affect your dialtone (yet).

3. They are not paying promptly because they can't afford to and have to juggle $$$ (I have seen this in a high-tech company I dealt with for years...) Staying on that particular boat is a little odd.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:27:13 EDT
Russell_ :
said by ptrowski :

said by gtojim :

I am also sick of this thread. The lack of payment on VT part is really an eye opener for me.

If I wasn't already a VT customer and read this thread I would give my business to another VoIP provider.

I wonder how many potential customers have been scared away from VT by this thread.

To me it's interesting, but as long as I have a consistent dialtone and can make and receive calls I am a-ok. I personally will not change companies as long as I get what I signed up for, and that is stable VoIP service. Now, if issues start popping up there, it's time to go.

Being formerly a SunRocket customer, to me it's considerably more than interesting if one signs up for a long term contract.
--
Russell

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:17:34 EDT
RockyBB : generally there is a delay between an enrollment and the first payment. In my personal experience, once an agency relationship is established, regular monthly payments, usually postmarked or Direct Deposited on the same day each month, arrive like clockwork.
--
"Teleblend has an agreement with the Assignee to solicit and support former SunRocket customers."

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:16:38 EDT
ptrowski :
said by RockyBB :

If a customer's payment to VT was late (or credit card declines), they would likely disconnect your service within a few days.

In the affiliate world, VT is your customer ... you are providing subscriptions and they are not paying for them. By not treating affiliate payments equivalent to payroll, you are being disrespected. You affiliates with past due balances need to turn off the marketing to get their attention, otherwise your no interest loan to VT will continue to increase in value ... as they have found it acceptable for this thread to continue for so many months, additional postings of dirty laundry here are a pain below their threshold for action.

Sorry, VT staff, but there's just no other way to look at this.

Nothing to be sorry about Rocky as that is a very reasonable point to make.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:06:07 EDT
B : Well put, Rocky. If I recall you are aware of several different affiliate programs. I wonder whether it is common for other programs (including things like web banner advertising networks, Google adwords, Fatwallet, Amazon referrals, etc.) to go 2 or 3 months between disbursements?

While the delay is unpleasant, it still doesn't seem outrageously unreasonable to me, assuming that it's a common practice?

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:56:29 EDT
RockyBB : If a customer's payment to VT was late (or credit card declines), they would likely disconnect your service within a few days.

In the affiliate world, VT is your customer ... you are providing subscriptions and they are not paying for them. By not treating affiliate payments equivalent to payroll, you are being disrespected. You affiliates with past due balances need to turn off the marketing to get their attention, otherwise your no interest loan to VT will continue to increase in value ... as they have found it acceptable for this thread to continue for so many months, additional postings of dirty laundry here are a pain below their threshold for action.

Sorry, VT staff, but there's just no other way to look at this.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:30:58 EDT
farmer9282 : Still no check or response from Brandi or Brendan.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:05:33 EDT
dmolavi :
said by B :

Man I'm sick of this thread. (Just a bystander.)

Has the Shoe Lady gone missing again too?

-- B

i'm sick of it too, but for a different reason: ViaTalk still owes me money.

VTBrendan/VTMichael/VTAnyoneWithAF*ingClueHowToRunAnAffiliateProgram - Please pay me. Payments are supposed to be sent out on the 15th of the month. It's come and gone AGAIN with no payment. Is Brandi out sick again, or is she making up for lost shoe shopping time from her last illness? More importantly, why only one person to handle affiliates when it seems to be a high-dollar/high-volume program? Shit, put me on the payroll and I'll help you get things squared away. Or better yet, AUTOMATE the damned thing, just like your billing system (except make sure it doesn't send out "placeholder" messages).

--
NukedGallery.net

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 08:21:57 EDT
ptrowski :
said by gtojim :

I am also sick of this thread. The lack of payment on VT part is really an eye opener for me.

If I wasn't already a VT customer and read this thread I would give my business to another VoIP provider.

I wonder how many potential customers have been scared away from VT by this thread.

To me it's interesting, but as long as I have a consistent dialtone and can make and receive calls I am a-ok. I personally will not change companies as long as I get what I signed up for, and that is stable VoIP service. Now, if issues start popping up there, it's time to go.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:58:41 EDT
Russell_ : I think there's only a tiny portion of potential customers who view this. Most times when a potential customer ask what one thinks of the service, respondents do not refer to this thread - so I really think the impact is minimal. And remember not many know of the existence of this forum.

The service appears to have finally stabilized and at this point I feel comfortable recommending the basic service despite the dysfunctional control panel. However, I have made no attempt to become an affiliate to earn $$ per referral after hearing these horror stories. Believe me the $$ can be a great motivator to evangelize. The advantage with not becoming an affiliate is one doesn't lose ones objectivity and one doesn't need to call a spade an entrenching tool.
--
Russell

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 01:01:13 EDT
gtojim : I am also sick of this thread. The lack of payment on VT part is really an eye opener for me.

If I wasn't already a VT customer and read this thread I would give my business to another VoIP provider.

I wonder how many potential customers have been scared away from VT by this thread.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:20:45 EDT
Russell_ : Hopefully, the rate hike from Jan will help ... if not, I see another rate hike in the offing (call it the Bear Stearns recovery fee).
--
Russell

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:36:41 EDT
Judson :
said by B :

Has the Shoe Lady gone missing again too?

-- B

I couldn't help but laugh at your comment above. "The Shoe Lady" has been missing in action from the start of this thread.

However, someone at ViaTalk did manage to approve all my sales dating back from July 07 - Jan 08. Although there's no way to tell who actually did this bit of work, but I'm guessing it wasn't Brandi Solomon aka "The Shoe Lady".

So now we sit and wait for ViaTalk to make good on its payments to affiliates YET again.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:31:08 EDT
B : Man I'm sick of this thread. (Just a bystander.)

Has the Shoe Lady gone missing again too?

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:53:49 EDT
dmolavi :
said by farmer9282 :

still no payment here

yep, i've got several hundred dollars in confirmed sales according to the affiliate cp, and no payment received over the weekend.

.sigh...here we go again, except this time, a BBB complaint won't help since they got booted.
--
NukedGallery.net

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:16:19 EDT
Judson :
said by farmer9282 :

A response to this by Brendan would be nice. He seems to be responding to every other thread but this one today..

When I saw Brendan responding to the other threads today, I was sure to send him an email via his profile on here. Still no reply over the past 3+ hours or to the previous 2-3 weeks worth of emails either.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:58:26 EDT
farmer9282 : A response to this by Brendan would be nice. He seems to be responding to every other thread but this one today..

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:57:18 EDT
Judson :
said by farmer9282 :

still no payment here

No payment here either... or response to my emails from Brendan Brader.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:34:27 EDT
farmer9282 : still no payment here

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:30:36 EDT
Judson : Notice how you never see any ViaTalk representatives chiming in on this thread? Makes you wonder....

Edit: This has been such a long on going problem with ViaTalk paying its affiliate advertisers that, I forgot Brendan has provided some feedback in the beginnings of this thread.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:58:20 EDT
racer510 : I was told the same thing on 1/28/08 but have'nt heard anything since, my sales date back to 5/07. Brendan, I would also like an update.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:28:58 EDT
Judson :
said by AGENT 5099 :

I am owed money, and its been over 9 months I have not seen one penny. this is the heart wrenching how i worked hard to get clients for via talk and they used me up and not one payment..

if via talk is reading this, please my agent number is 5099.
please reply.

You could try contacting Brendan Brader CEO of ViaTalk. This has worked for me twice in the past for getting payments squared away.

The last contact I had with Brendan was on Feb. 28th when he said, "I've been told that it will go out at months end. -Brendan" and by that I think he meant the end of February.

However, it's been 2 weeks now without any payment and I haven't heard from him after sending multiple emails. This next payment ViaTalk owes me are for sales dating back to July 2007 - January 2008.

So Brendan if you read this how about a reply to my emails?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:38:43 EDT
anon : I am owed money, and its been over 9 months I have not seen one penny. this is the heart wrenching how i worked hard to get clients for via talk and they used me up and not one payment..

if via talk is reading this, please my agent number is 5099.

please reply.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 10:17:14 EDT
crazyjeremy : They finally paid me. Via check instead of PayPal as I have requested on file. It's rather disturbing that their business model still doesn't seem to answer their own tickets. They wait until someone complains in another forum before they spring to action. I had an open ticket since middle of December. I requested payment several times. I got hung up on by support when I called in. Only after posting to this forum do I get any action.

I can only imagine they get sick of reading the play by play of their screwups on some public third party site. What I can't understand is why they don't get it together and actually FIX things.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 09:03:01 EDT
dmolavi : I had 2 commissions from February that mysteriously disappeared from my "pending" list less than a week after they were posted. It was my understanding that since there is a 30 day lag, it would take at least 30 days for commissions to disappear (and not show as approved). Emails to Brandi have gone unanswered (again..sigh). VTBrendan/Michael/anyone - are you able to explain this?
--
Unlock your old SunRocket Gizmo and take it to a new VoIP provider...only at Sunrocket Gizmo Administrator Passwords (Google for it).
NukedGallery.net

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 23:46:00 EDT
mediamagik :
said by crazyjeremy :

Aren't we perpetuating the beast by posting pm's here to get paid? What good is a company if they can't manage their own forums, ticket system & phone support?

Honestly, it makes me angry when I see that someone gets results by posting to this forum, but they do not get results by entering a ticket with Viatalk. My ticket has been open since the middle of December with no response whatsoever from them.

Thats nothing I have tickets dating back to mid nov. 2007
now that I found this place maybe I can get paid.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:39:37 EDT
farmer9282 : I just realized that I have a corporation on file with ViaTalk. They are not required to send a 1099 to a corp. My bad.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:28:16 EDT
CyberSultan :
said by thelaw :

I would report them to the IRS for failure to file a 1099.

Here is the link »www.irs.gov/individuals/article/···,00.html

The address is:

Internal Revenue Service
Fresno, CA 93888

You would, huh? Nice. :uhh:

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:26:22 EDT
anon : I would report them to the IRS for failure to file a 1099.

Here is the link »www.irs.gov/individuals/article/···,00.html

The address is:

Internal Revenue Service
Fresno, CA 93888

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:30:22 EDT
CyberSultan :
said by farmer9282 :

said by CyberSultan :

said by farmer9282 :

I never received a 1099 from them from last year either.

Did you make over $600 last year with them?

Yes,

Then it sounds like you fell through the cracks somehow. I would contact VT and request they send you out the 1099. Hopefully you are reporting your income in any case.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:07:48 EDT
farmer9282 :
said by CyberSultan :

said by farmer9282 :

I never received a 1099 from them from last year either.

Did you make over $600 last year with them?

Yes,

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:50:37 EDT
crazyjeremy : Perhaps someone could dig up a link to show what the law actually is on this.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:48:41 EDT
CyberSultan :
said by farmer9282 :

I never received a 1099 from them from last year either.

Did you make over $600 last year with them?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:36:46 EDT
farmer9282 : Not only haven't I been paid in 7 months, I never received a 1099 from them from last year either. I don't know who to contact to get one. I think, by law, they were supposed to go out by Jan 31st.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:05:05 EDT
Judson :
said by crazyjeremy :

Honestly, it makes me angry when I see that someone gets results by posting to this forum, but they do not get results by entering a ticket with Viatalk. My ticket has been open since the middle of December with no response whatsoever from them.

I just closed my tickets about a week ago because they were never responded too. However my actions taken here did lead to a payment for 5-6 month old sales.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:58:09 EDT
crazyjeremy : Aren't we perpetuating the beast by posting pm's here to get paid? What good is a company if they can't manage their own forums, ticket system & phone support?

Honestly, it makes me angry when I see that someone gets results by posting to this forum, but they do not get results by entering a ticket with Viatalk. My ticket has been open since the middle of December with no response whatsoever from them.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 01:25:46 EDT
Judson :
said by racer510 :

Well, the 15th of the month came and went, again... Anyone get paid this month?

No payment here. However my last payment came on 01-02-2008 for months of 2007 earnings, so who knows when the next paypal payments will be sent out.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:04:51 EDT
farmer9282 : No payment here yet. However, Brendan did send me an IM that I am scheduled to receive a payment with the Feb. Commission payments. No date was given. I assumed that would be the 15th but I guess that is not the case.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:43:16 EDT
racer510 : Well, the 15th of the month came and went, again... Anyone get paid this month?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:40:17 EDT
farmer9282 : Brendan, I have sent you a PM with my affiliate code and a brief note about my reversal experiences.

Re: D&B?

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:24:15 EDT
VTBrendan : Hi,

Can you please provide me with your affiliate ID? I'd love to look further into you seeing a high volume of transactions reversed. Feel free to register on these forums as well, it's not necessary to hide... people here don't bite.

-Brendan

Re: D&B?

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:57:40 EDT
anon :
said by dmolavi :

if you have a business hinging on affiliate sales from anyone, you're out of your mind, IMHO. especially if the company is private, and not required to disclose financials. hell, even if they're public, it's still risky business (i wonder if enron had an affiliate program...).

Not really. If you know what you are doing, you can make quite a lot of money on the side as an affiliate. I use to net at least gross at least $8,000 to $9,000 per month as a SunRocket affiliate while spending roughly $3,500 per month on Google search advertising. It was a fun little side business for a long time.

You will notice that ViaTalk affiliates rarely use paid search and for good reason. ViaTalk rejects a large percentage of sales and then you have to jump through hoops just to be paid. Nobody in their right mind would front paid search advertising money as a ViaTalk affiliate.

The days of making money via organic search are long gone albeit you may have made a few thousand dollars from your gizmo password site, most of your traffic came from your posts on forums etc.

In any affiliate program roughly 1% of the affiliates earn most of the money.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:43:07 EDT
B :
said by Judson :

I've had quite a few more sales approved in January so Brandi Solomon must be back at work taking care of this.

Scott English
Brandy

Oh, Brandy, well, you came
And you gave without taking
But I sent you away
Oh, Brandy, well, you kissed me
And stopped me from shaking
And I need you today
Oh, Brandy

(original for Manilow's "Mandy")

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function

Re: D&B?

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:54:58 EDT
dmolavi :
said by jester121 :

said by dmolavi :

said by helpful advice :

If I were a ViaTalk affiliate and was owed a substantial sum of money, I would be very interested in perusing their D&B report before extending additional time and or money on continued promotion of ViaTalk. In addition, I would file a negative D&B report if I were not paid. Just the threat of filing a negative report with D&B should be enough to prompt ViaTalk to stand up, salute the flag and send a check.

all your "i would be very interested in their D&B report" lines makes me wonder if you're affiliated w/ D&B. most DSLR users won't spend the $100+ on a report. remember, we use VoIP cuz we're cheap ;)

dm, we're specifically talking about people on this site who have full time businesses based on commissions earned from VT and other companies engaged in "bounty marketing". There was an affiliate who posted in another thread who was owed over $6000 from VT.

if you have a business hinging on affiliate sales from anyone, you're out of your mind, IMHO. especially if the company is private, and not required to disclose financials. hell, even if they're public, it's still risky business (i wonder if enron had an affiliate program...).

Re: D&B?

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:42:22 EDT
jester121 :
said by dmolavi :

said by helpful advice :

If I were a ViaTalk affiliate and was owed a substantial sum of money, I would be very interested in perusing their D&B report before extending additional time and or money on continued promotion of ViaTalk. In addition, I would file a negative D&B report if I were not paid. Just the threat of filing a negative report with D&B should be enough to prompt ViaTalk to stand up, salute the flag and send a check.

all your "i would be very interested in their D&B report" lines makes me wonder if you're affiliated w/ D&B. most DSLR users won't spend the $100+ on a report. remember, we use VoIP cuz we're cheap ;)

dm, we're specifically talking about people on this site who have full time businesses based on commissions earned from VT and other companies engaged in "bounty marketing". There was an affiliate who posted in another thread who was owed over $6000 from VT.

Re: D&B?

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:02:01 EDT
Russell_ :
said by burris :

Personally, and I've said it before, I don't like the way the arbitrary fees were imposed. In my case, the service is working very well and I would rather have been told that "we have growing pains", or something like that, and for us to survive and provide good service, we must impose a fee of $1 or $2. This I could handle, when I had to consider the same scenario I experienced when SR went down.

Just my take on things..

Which to some extent has been my take on things - and my attitude towards the fee increases (if you reading my postings on the subject). Just that I don't expect to see such admissions, much as I would appreciate them. And, I believe, for strategic reasons.
--
Russell

Re: D&B?

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 06:59:01 EDT
burris : After all the postings concerning the payments of commissions to the affiliates, I wonder about how simple the answer might actually be.

I too, came from the world of mercantile and commerce, and the very last thing I would ever want, would be to experience what VT is seeing in this public forum. Nothing is more disconcerting than to read about the company you are subscribed to or contemplating joining, can't pay their bills.

I've been reading about the elusive "Brandi", whomever she may be, and this in itself is silly to publish, as it doesn't mean a whole lot to those waiting for their money.

Typically, and I'm sure most will agree, when a company can't pay its bills on a timely basis, it has no cash flow, and that's pretty basic. OK, a few weeks due to some accounting problems, but as many months as some of the creditors have mentioned, is not a good sign.

Personally, and I've said it before, I don't like the way the arbitrary fees were imposed. In my case, the service is working very well and I would rather have been told that "we have growing pains", or something like that, and for us to survive and provide good service, we must impose a fee of $1 or $2. This I could handle, when I had to consider the same scenario I experienced when SR went down.

Just my take on things..

Re: D&B?

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 06:02:40 EDT
dmolavi :
said by helpful advice :

If I were a ViaTalk affiliate and was owed a substantial sum of money, I would be very interested in perusing their D&B report before extending additional time and or money on continued promotion of ViaTalk. In addition, I would file a negative D&B report if I were not paid. Just the threat of filing a negative report with D&B should be enough to prompt ViaTalk to stand up, salute the flag and send a check.

all your "i would be very interested in their D&B report" lines makes me wonder if you're affiliated w/ D&B. most DSLR users won't spend the $100+ on a report. remember, we use VoIP cuz we're cheap ;)

Re: D&B?

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:12:09 EDT
anon :
said by N9MD :

OK, let's revise my content. D&B can find out just about anything they want from publically traded companies thru Hoover and other sources. Therefore, D&B does not need contributions from the company itself -- but will certainly accept info if it is offered.

D&B can only obtain info regarding privately held companies from the companies themselves, if said companies wish to reveal information. I am not quibling about legality here -- just the fact that a privately held company may elect to keep their business their business and nobody else's business.

The turnkey medical practice software/hardware systems company I began in around 1982 and sold in the late 1990s was continually asked by D&B to send them our financials. We marketed throughout the NorthEast -- sales in the low millions -- and never gave out our data. And we had no problem whatsover getting bank financing. And whenever we used the bank's money, the understanding was that they would not release our financial data to others.

On that basis, VT has every right to decide for itself whether or not to reveal their financials to D&B.

Sure a privately held company does not need to reveal financial information to Dun & Bradstreet however if they if they wish to obtain unsecured trade credit it would be to their advantage to cooperate with D&B. Dun & Bradstreet is essentially a credit bureau for business. If you pay your bills on time you will probably have a high rating, if you are a slow pay or do not pay your bills you will have a low rating.

A vendor uses Dun & Bradstreet as a tool so as to quickly decide if they should extend credit. For instance, if a company called Cisco and wished to place an order for 10,000 ATA's, Cisco would check their D&B report before deciding to ship on credit. Without a positive D&B report, Cisco would probably require a full prepayment of the order and cleared funds prior to shipment.

If I were a ViaTalk affiliate and was owed a substantial sum of money, I would be very interested in perusing their D&B report before extending additional time and or money on continued promotion of ViaTalk. In addition, I would file a negative D&B report if I were not paid. Just the threat of filing a negative report with D&B should be enough to prompt ViaTalk to stand up, salute the flag and send a check.

Re: D&B?

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 20:08:03 EDT
N9MD : OK, let's revise my content. D&B can find out just about anything they want from publically traded companies thru Hoover and other sources. Therefore, D&B does not need contributions from the company itself -- but will certainly accept info if it is offered.

D&B can only obtain info regarding privately held companies from the companies themselves, if said companies wish to reveal information. I am not quibling about legality here -- just the fact that a privately held company may elect to keep their business their business and nobody else's business.

The turnkey medical practice software/hardware systems company I began in around 1982 and sold in the late 1990s was continually asked by D&B to send them our financials. We marketed throughout the NorthEast -- sales in the low millions -- and never gave out our data. And we had no problem whatsover getting bank financing. And whenever we used the bank's money, the understanding was that they would not release our financial data to others.

On that basis, VT has every right to decide for itself whether or not to reveal their financials to D&B.

Re: D&B?

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:10:44 EDT
anon :
said by N9MD :

VT is not a pubically traded company and, as such, is not required to submit any documents or facts & figures to D&B. For privately held corporations, D&B submissions are totally voluntary.

No company public or private is "quired" to submit any information to D&B. In point of fact D&B serves as a credit rating agency for small private companies such as ViaTalk. It is virtually impossible for small private company to be extended trade credit without a D&B rating.

Furthermore, it is not necessary to be a subscriber to D&B so as to purchase a credit rating on any D&B rated company. Reports are available via Dun & Brandstreet's web site.

If I were a ViaTalk affiliate or a potential ViaTalk subscriber I would be very interested in ViaTalk's current D&B rating. »https://smallbusiness.dnb.com/webapp/wcs···untry=US

Re: D&B?

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:08:03 EDT
jester121 :
said by N9MD :

VT is not a pubically traded company and, as such, is not required to submit any documents or facts & figures to D&B. For privately held corporations, D&B submissions are totally voluntary.
What are you talking about? D&B isn't the SEC, they're a private data clearinghouse firm. There's no laws that I know of about any company turning any info over to D&B -- they collect public info about public companies and credit/trade reference data about all companies, at least all that is submitted by their members. Everything submitted to D&B is voluntary.

Re: D&B?

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:34:48 EDT
N9MD : VT is not a pubically traded company and, as such, is not required to submit any documents or facts & figures to D&B. For privately held corporations, D&B submissions are totally voluntary.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:51:40 EDT
Judson :
said by jester121 :

So VT's BBB membership got trashed in the past couple months; wonder what would happen if their affiliates started collections procedures?

Anyone have access to run a D&B report?

That's a good question.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 16:56:46 EDT
jester121 : So VT's BBB membership got trashed in the past couple months; wonder what would happen if their affiliates started collections procedures?

Anyone have access to run a D&B report?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:21:13 EDT
Russell_ :
said by B :

In fairness, Russell_, in your hypothetical scenario the fees weren't increased to generate more cash flow, supposedly, but rather to cover increased costs.
-- B

B, but the hypothetical scenario is MINE as you admit. So, I set the parameters, and according to my assumptions the fees were increased mainly to generate additional cash. :-).
--
Russell

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 09:36:22 EDT
B : In fairness, Russell_, in your hypothetical scenario the fees weren't increased to generate more cash flow, supposedly, but rather to cover increased costs. If anything, the cash shouldn't have been "tight" at all due to all the new prepaid customers rushing in over the last few months. Hypothetically. Not that we can (or should) look at the books anyway, hypothetically. It's been said earlier, perhaps by me, that if they can't "easily" pay bills after such an infusion of capital, when CAN they pay them? (They don't use venture capital as far as I know. Hypothetically.) :)

Edit: Let me add, I don't think there's desperation or malice, but rather that the delays can be attributed to mere incompetence and lack of motivation. I still have the best hopes for me continuing to get good Viatalk service and for you guys to get paid. :)

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:09:46 EDT
anon : If I were an affiliate of ViaTalk and was owed a substantial sum of money I would run a Dun & Bradstreet report. Perhaps several of you can get together and share the cost.

»https://smallbusiness.dnb.com/webapp/wcs···untry=US

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 21:26:54 EDT
Russell_ :
said by racer510 :

Russell_,
You don't think 5 month's is being patient, when it is supposed to take ~2 month's after the sale is made? Im going on 8 month's, still not patient enough? I would agree if we were talking about a shorter time frame but wer'e not. If they had answered tickets that were submitted,(7 months ago for me) this thread may have never been started.

I in no way was saying that 5 months was not being patient enough.

Take this hypothetical scenario: Cash is tight. Intentions are honorable. Fees have been increased. This causes additional revenue. But, all the added money is not going to flow in on day one. Since billing happens every day / every business day as each day goes by the coffers fill up. Hopefully, there are no other needs for this added revenue and so those owed for months can now be paid. But it may take a month or two depending on the amount owed. All purely hypothetical and any resemblance to any actual company in existence or out of business is purely coincidental.
--
Russell

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:49:37 EDT
RockyBB :
said by Judson :

affiliates who are promoting their specials and business.

shame on anyone continuing to promote marketers who do not pay. shame on VT for not making this thread go away.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:29:11 EDT
Judson :
said by B :

Probably goes without saying, but you guys are creditors, while most all the other threads and VT's new "initiative" are about paying customers. It's still no fun to watch you squirm though.

Good luck.

-- B

This is true and I should consider myself lucky. I did receive a payment for all my approved sales for last year. However there are people on this thread still awaiting their payments for 2007. That is why I keep this thread alive in hopes of seeing some sort of resolution or consistent payment plan for all ViaTalk affiliates.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:13:03 EDT
B : Probably goes without saying, but you guys are creditors, while most all the other threads and VT's new "initiative" are about paying customers. It's still no fun to watch you squirm though.

Good luck.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:05:12 EDT
Judson : Anyone else notice how none of the new ViaTalk people have yet to comment on this subject? Perhaps it's a Brendan Brader comment-able issue only but who knows. I also sent Brendan an email 3 days ago about approved sales and payments for January with no response yet. As well as filing a ticket to their affiliate manager Brandi with no response yet. So much for this other thread »Viatalk really on the ball now! Excellent!

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:34:56 EDT
dmolavi :
said by coaster :

said by dmolavi :

said by coaster :

Maybe VT needs to put on a buy 1 year get 2 year free promotion now so they can get some quick cash flow...

i think they do have that right now..look at their homepage. unless you're talking about a 3 for 1 promo...can't tell by how your sentence is worded.

I meant 3 for 1.

yeah, so i don't think that will happen anytime soon. 2for1 is good enough. and even w/o specials, they're still priced better than vonage and your local cable company.
--
Unlock your old SunRocket Gizmo and take it to a new VoIP provider...only at Sunrocket Gizmo Administrator Passwords (Google for it).
NukedGallery.net

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:33:23 EDT
coaster :
said by dmolavi :

said by coaster :

Maybe VT needs to put on a buy 1 year get 2 year free promotion now so they can get some quick cash flow...

i think they do have that right now..look at their homepage. unless you're talking about a 3 for 1 promo...can't tell by how your sentence is worded.

I meant 3 for 1.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:33:16 EDT
dmolavi : agreed. unfortunately, i only have one sale this month (for $60, below the payout amount), so i won't be able to see if they're moving on them.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:30:32 EDT
Judson :
said by dmolavi :

brandi is back, i've chatted w/ her via email on several occasions (and she's been fairly quick to reply if i've emailed her within normal business hours). my guess is that there is just a huge backlog that she has to work through.

I agree with you that Brandi is back and doing a great job clearing up this backlog of sales. I've had lots approved by her in January, which is good to see. However, when it comes to ViaTalk actually paying affiliates I'm wondering who's job it is to write the check.

There are many affiliates here who have been patient for months and are still waiting like you and I were last year dmolavi.

I really wish ViaTalk could take better care of it's affiliates who are promoting their specials and business. Some sort of consistent payment period would be great to see and I don't mean months upon months of holding onto peoples earnings.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:20:03 EDT
dmolavi :
said by coaster :

Maybe VT needs to put on a buy 1 year get 2 year free promotion now so they can get some quick cash flow...

i think they do have that right now..look at their homepage. unless you're talking about a 3 for 1 promo...can't tell by how your sentence is worded.
--
Unlock your old SunRocket Gizmo and take it to a new VoIP provider...only at Sunrocket Gizmo Administrator Passwords (Google for it).
NukedGallery.net

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:18:24 EDT
dmolavi : brandi is back, i've chatted w/ her via email on several occasions (and she's been fairly quick to reply if i've emailed her within normal business hours). my guess is that there is just a huge backlog that she has to work through.
--
Unlock your old SunRocket Gizmo and take it to a new VoIP provider...only at Sunrocket Gizmo Administrator Passwords (Google for it).
NukedGallery.net

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:14:33 EDT
coaster : Maybe VT needs to put on a buy 1 year get 2 year free promotion now so they can get some quick cash flow...

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:05:26 EDT
Judson : I've had quite a few more sales approved in January so Brandi Solomon must be back at work taking care of this. But, what's the holdup when it comes to actually paying affiliates? If the sales have been approved shouldn't checks be sent out on the 15th of the month as the ViaTalk website states?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:05:10 EDT
racer510 : Russell_,
You don't think 5 month's is being patient, when it is supposed to take ~2 month's after the sale is made? Im going on 8 month's, still not patient enough? I would agree if we were talking about a shorter time frame but wer'e not. If they had answered tickets that were submitted,(7 months ago for me) this thread may have never been started.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:16:58 EDT
Russell_ : Perhaps some patience is called for ... compute the hike in fee (about a buck) times estimated number of ViaTalk customers and visualize the extra money flowing into VT coffers as credit cards are charged every day.
--
Russell

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:40:24 EDT
cvoip : I'm another affiliate that has been waiting for payment for like 5 months. I did mail my w-9. Like many of you, all emails regarding this issue have gone completely ignored.

Brendan, I sent you a PM with my info.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:38:19 EDT
racer510 : Not yet! :uhh:

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:03:56 EDT
Judson : Bump... are people receiving their commission payments?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:39:54 EDT
Judson :
said by farmer9282 :

Bump again.. Viatalk is still not paying many of their affiliates.

Hmm... Something needs to be done. I noticed that through Jan. I had lots of sales approved and the commission money is just sitting there again as well. I'm hoping we don't have to wait 4-6 months for another payout. To those of you still waiting for payments from last year it sickens me to hear this is still going on.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:42:52 EDT
farmer9282 : Bump again.. Viatalk is still not paying many of their affiliates.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:28:43 EDT
farmer9282 : Brendan,
I sent you another PM regarding my situation. Please do respond.
Thanks
Chris

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:21:32 EDT
farmer9282 : I guess I will keep bumping this until I get word that I will be paid at some point. I still have had no response to my request for my affiliate payment.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:12:45 EDT
ireviewer : Hi Brendan,

I still have a number of commission payments that have the status "pending approval." Most are over 4 months old, and it has been quite a long time since any were approved. Would you make sure that someone goes through that list and approves/disapproves the commissions by the end of the week? I am using ViaTalk's own affiliate center and my username is ireviewer.

Thanks,

Jordan Smith
ireviewer

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:00:02 EDT
CyberSultan : I emailed the developer of the affiliate software and requested that a section be added to show those sales where the pending commission was declined. That way you have a visual indicator of the pending sales as well as the declined pending sales (which would indicate that they no longer qualify and were therefore declined). That way it is not perceived that they disappeared because of some glitch in the software. This was his reply to my request:

"I can probably get that added for the next release due out Mar/Apr."

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:46:01 EDT
Judson : Great to hear sbradshaw!

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:47:38 EDT
CyberSultan :
said by Judson :

said by RedTag :

I am seeing a high percent volume of reversals from Viatalk in CJ for some reason or the other. I do not see the same with other VoIP merchants and never experienced reversals like this with Sunrocket, for example.

It seems the reversals from Viatalk seem to be very suspicious. Does anyone else here seeing the same trend with Viatalk - unusual reversals compared to other VoIP providers? I have stopped my advertising campaign as I no longer trust ViaTalk.

I stopped using the Commission Junction ViaTalk ads since their in-house affiliate system pays more per sale.

However, I have noticed about 30+ sales just disappear in my pending queue since starting. So, who knows what happened to those sales since their current system doesn't offer them any reason for declining/removing a pending sale. Which in my mind really sucks because it would be comforting to know why these sales are randomly disappearing.

It's an issue with the software. The software they use is, IMO, one of the better ones out there. But even their latest version does not give an explanation to the affiliate as to why a pending commission is not approved. If the customer related to the commission is no longer with ViaTalk (canceled during trial period, etc.) when they go to process the pending commissions, then it simply disappears from your view.

I use the affiliate software myself. I will send a note to the developer with the request to add this feature in for future versions.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 01:41:12 EDT
Judson :
said by RedTag :

I am seeing a high percent volume of reversals from Viatalk in CJ for some reason or the other. I do not see the same with other VoIP merchants and never experienced reversals like this with Sunrocket, for example.

It seems the reversals from Viatalk seem to be very suspicious. Does anyone else here seeing the same trend with Viatalk - unusual reversals compared to other VoIP providers? I have stopped my advertising campaign as I no longer trust ViaTalk.

I stopped using the Commission Junction ViaTalk ads since their in-house affiliate system pays more per sale.

However, I have noticed about 30+ sales just disappear in my pending queue since starting. So, who knows what happened to those sales since their current system doesn't offer them any reason for declining/removing a pending sale. Which in my mind really sucks because it would be comforting to know why these sales are randomly disappearing.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 23:48:49 EDT
anon : I am seeing a high percent volume of reversals from Viatalk in CJ for some reason or the other. I do not see the same with other VoIP merchants and never experienced reversals like this with Sunrocket, for example.

It seems the reversals from Viatalk seem to be very suspicious. Does anyone else here seeing the same trend with Viatalk - unusual reversals compared to other VoIP providers? I have stopped my advertising campaign as I no longer trust ViaTalk.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 23:36:28 EDT
anon : Brenden,

I have not been paid for over 5 months as well. I have commissions of viatalk customers dating back to last july, please take care of me as the commissions are due to me, and its pretty significant amount.

my agent number is 5099. please check into it.

thank you. I hope to be taken care of.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 23:04:01 EDT
rolande :
said by farmer9282 :

Still no resolution for me yet.

I have been waiting on payment for at least 2 months. I think this is the longest that I have seen it take in the past 2 years.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:01:32 EDT
Judson :
said by CyberSultan :

said by Judson :

I know this is nit picky but it still shows payouts will come after $130, nothing about the 3 tiered levels of payout, oh and the all elusive 'pay me' button which I've never been able to find :P

They use to use a different affiliate program/site. The current one does not have a 'pay me' button, there is only 2 Tier levels, and the payouts are after $100. It looks like someone at VT just needs to quickly change this info to properly reflect the current program offering.

You are correct... 2 Tier levels and 3 different payout levels depending on your number of sales.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:57:29 EDT
CyberSultan :
said by Judson :

I know this is nit picky but it still shows payouts will come after $130, nothing about the 3 tiered levels of payout, oh and the all elusive 'pay me' button which I've never been able to find :P

They use to use a different affiliate program/site. The current one does not have a 'pay me' button, there is only 2 Tier levels, and the payouts are after $100. It looks like someone at VT just needs to quickly change this info to properly reflect the current program offering.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:53:33 EDT
Judson : I found some out dated information when logged INTO my affiliate account and click 'affiliates' at the very bottom of the page like so.

home | faq | sitemap | -->affiliates | on tv

I know this is nit picky but it still shows payouts will come after $130, nothing about the 3 tiered levels of payout, oh and the all elusive 'pay me' button which I've never been able to find :P

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:43:47 EDT
coaster : A new customer after reading this thread and the other problems with the BBB has to be feeling nervous...

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:31:45 EDT
farmer9282 : Bump! Still no payment for me

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:35:01 EDT
farmer9282 : Still no resolution for me yet.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:25:02 EDT
Judson :
said by VTBrendan :

Hi,

I think I got my wires crossed somewhere along the lines as I have been following up with the wrong person without realizing it until I just read this.

-Brendan

Well then... it's a good thing to keep this thread alive :P

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:05:46 EDT
VTBrendan : Hi,

I think I got my wires crossed somewhere along the lines as I have been following up with the wrong person without realizing it until I just read this.

-Brendan

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:03:28 EDT
racer510 :
said by Judson :

said by racer510 :

Hi,
Brendan, This is what you told me two weeks ago but I have not heard from you since.

racer510: Any resolution to this yet?

Nope, not a word...

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:17:22 EDT
Judson :
said by racer510 :

Hi,
Brendan, This is what you told me two weeks ago but I have not heard from you since.

racer510: Any resolution to this yet?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 07:11:52 EDT
dmolavi :
said by jduffy :

As I recall the first sign of trouble with CrapRocket was when they stopped paying their affiliates. It wasn't too long after those problems, that CrapRocket went under.

Be careful. When people don't pay their bills, there is a cash flow issue. Those issues are not good.

JMHO

VT came through and eventually paid. Twice.

So, I'm not too worried. There hasn't been a huge shakeup at their office, either (at least, any public one).
--
Get your Gizmo Admin Passwords, Unlock Instructions, and How To use your Gizmo with other providers at Sunrocket Gizmo Administrator Passwords.
NukedGallery.net

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 06:26:13 EDT
jduffy : As I recall the first sign of trouble with CrapRocket was when they stopped paying their affiliates. It wasn't too long after those problems, that CrapRocket went under.

Be careful. When people don't pay their bills, there is a cash flow issue. Those issues are not good.

JMHO
--
Atheists swear there is no Heaven, but pray there isn't a Hell.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:06:47 EDT
Judson :
said by racer510 :

said by VTBrendan :

Hi,

I will look into your particular situation and get back to you within a day or two.

-Brendan

Brendan, This is what you told me two weeks ago but I have not heard from you since.

What's another day or two then? As I mentioned before... patience...

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:03:06 EDT
racer510 :
said by VTBrendan :

Hi,

I will look into your particular situation and get back to you within a day or two.

-Brendan

Brendan, This is what you told me two weeks ago but I have not heard from you since.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:48:13 EDT
Judson :
said by farmer9282 :

I really do not know what the delay is in getting my commission payment. Any suggestions?

Well when I got my commission payment via paypal it actually came at the beginning of Jan. 08. So, maybe you'll see a payment in early February.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:46:38 EDT
VTBrendan : Hi,

I will look into your particular situation and get back to you within a day or two.

-Brendan

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:45:27 EDT
farmer9282 : I really do not know what the delay is in getting my commission payment. Any suggestions?

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:40:11 EDT
Judson :
said by farmer9282 :

I still haven't received money since August '07. All emails and IMs to Brendan and Brandi have gone unanswered numerous times. Also, there has been no response to my BBB complaint.

Chris

Just keep this thread alive and Brendan will get to you eventually. I also had ZERO luck getting in contact with Brandi Solomon via emails. Oh, and your BBB complaint will go unanswered now that they have been removed from the BBB. (Just a heads up).

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:53:25 EDT
farmer9282 : I still haven't received money since August '07. All emails and IMs to Brendan and Brandi have gone unanswered numerous times. Also, there has been no response to my BBB complaint.

Chris

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 08:18:06 EDT
ben14 : My squeaking got me my commission check last week. Only $200 but it helps. Paid for one line!

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 05:50:43 EDT
dmolavi : my begging got me paid TWICE for the same amount (coming to almost $7000 total).

I did the right thing and returned the duplicate payment. Brandi said she's back and working through the backlog.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 02:36:45 EDT
TexasPlus : It is a real shame when people have to BEG to be paid money they have earned. It is an even bigger shame they have to BEG in public through a side channel. :uhh:
--
"The world is a book; those who do not travel read but a single page." -St. Augustine

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 23:43:59 EDT
wheninrome1 : vtbrendan,

I also wanted to follow up my pm with this post. Still have not received ANY accrued commissions in over 4 months.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:13:07 EDT
racer510 :
said by VTBrendan :

Hi,

I'm a bit swamped in the PM department as of late, however I will make an effort to reply to them all within the next day or two.

-Brendan

Brendan, I received a PM from you on 1-4-08 but haven't heard from you since, Any info on this? I know you are trying to catch up on your PM's so i figured I'd ask here. Thanks

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:31:06 EDT
kieranmullen : Is that what the addition of the non governmental fees are covering now?

said by Judson :

said by B :

That's from December 2006 -- »vtinside.com/press/vt_robotics_d···on2.html

-- B

They make this contribution every year. The press release I linked was for their 2007 contribution of $20,000 bring their total to $100,000 towards the robotics team.

--
KieranMullen
»360oregon.com

IP/Website Tools
»ip.drlinky.com

Please place your review on viatalks service here
»Company entry - ViaTalk

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:21:40 EDT
B : A stitch in time saves 95 cents a month.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:18:37 EDT
justDave :
said by Judson :

*Patience is a virtue*

It's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:22:41 EDT
Judson : Brendan took care of my affiliate payment the first week of January as well.

*Patience is a virtue*

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:55:31 EDT
RockyBB :
said by farmer9282 :

Still no Commission payment from ViaTalk.
For the record, my local VT rep tells me that he did get his outstanding due balance first week of January; so from the unscientific sample size of 1 I can speculate that VT is attempting to fulfill their obligations.
--
"Teleblend has an agreement with the Assignee to solicit and support former SunRocket customers."

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:13:53 EDT
VTBrendan : Hi,

I'm a bit swamped in the PM department as of late, however I will make an effort to reply to them all within the next day or two.

-Brendan

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:06:16 EDT
farmer9282 : Still no Commission payment from ViaTalk. I have PM'd Brendan, filed a complaint with the BBB, sent numerous emails to Brendan and Brandi with no response what so ever.

Please share with me any methods that I may be missing so I can get paid. Any advice would help

Thanks.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:47:17 EDT
B : I see -- they've done a bad job "reworking" the release for this year -- they only changed a few words, and the last paragraph of yours still reads "The 2007 FIRST Robotic competition begins on January 6," which is why I thought the whole thing was a mistake.

It's a nice contribution, and worth actually writing a new release for (in my little opinion).

Also, the one you linked isn't even at vtinside.com yet.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:33:25 EDT
ben14 : Well I PMed Brendan as he mentioned hoping to get my commissions from July on. Its January 4th now and no word in any form. Definitely disappointing. In good conscious, I can't bring anyone to VT till some resolution is forth coming.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:38:34 EDT
CyberSultan :
said by Judson :

said by B :

That's from December 2006 -- »vtinside.com/press/vt_robotics_d···on2.html

-- B

They make this contribution every year. The press release I linked was for their 2007 contribution of $20,000 bring their total to $100,000 towards the robotics team.

Do you think this is good or bad? I can't tell from your post. I think it is a good thing. ;)

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:34:42 EDT
Judson :
said by B :

That's from December 2006 -- »vtinside.com/press/vt_robotics_d···on2.html

-- B

They make this contribution every year. The press release I linked was for their 2007 contribution of $20,000 bring their total to $100,000 towards the robotics team.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:28:37 EDT
B : That's from December 2006 -- »vtinside.com/press/vt_robotics_d···on2.html

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:54:43 EDT
Judson : Just a quick side note on some *breaking* ViaTalk news: HostRocket.com and ViaTalk Founders Contribute $20,000 more to the US FIRST Robotics Team at Shenendehowa High School

»www.businesswire.com/portal/site···sLang=en

Follow the money trail :P

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:51:27 EDT
Judson :
said by CyberSultan :

How quickly are people expecting their payouts from the affiliate program (from the time the order is actually fulfilled)? I'm curious as to what the general understanding is of when people should get paid their affiliate commissions. Maybe some people have been lucky with some affiliate programs, but I have had to wait a bit for payments on those that I have participated in (from reputable companies, too).

I've used ViaTalk affiliate ads from Commission Junction and never had any problem receiving payment for sales within a month or two. The reason it sometimes takes two months to receive a payment via Commission Junction for a sale is because advertisers have the option to 'extend' a sale for ONE additional month (probably for fraudulent checks, which is understandable). However you lose a portion of the affiliate sale earnings because of going through Commission Junction.

This is why I was pleased to see that ViaTalk soon offered up their own in-house affiliate program with larger payouts per sale.

»www.viatalk.com/voip_affiliate_program.html states, "Monthly VoIP Affiliate Program Payouts: Payouts will be paid on the 15th of each month for balances of $100.00 or more. No more waiting and wondering where your affiliate check is every month."

With that in mind I wondered where my affiliate check was for 5+ months with the only response (after my BBB complaint) coming from Brendan himself. If ViaTalk can approve sales through Commission Junction within two months what's stopping them from doing the same through their own affiliate system? A one or two month turn around for ViaTalk affiliate sales in their system would be a god send and definitely help solve many of these problems.

Just my 2 cents and thanks again to Brendan making good on his word.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:37:05 EDT
CyberSultan :
said by RockyBB :

said by CyberSultan :

I think a couple factors to consider here are:

that's all nice, BUT, methinks the similar stories of no response, no callbacks, no replies to emails, followed by stalled (if any) payments are the most important factors to consider. If your employer didn't get around to paying you this Friday, how many days would you show up for work next week? Commissions = payroll, and any company that does not respect that does so for only one reason.

How quickly are people expecting their payouts from the affiliate program (from the time the order is actually fulfilled)? I'm curious as to what the general understanding is of when people should get paid their affiliate commissions. Maybe some people have been lucky with some affiliate programs, but I have had to wait a bit for payments on those that I have participated in (from reputable companies, too).

One of the points I made in my previous post is that there is a newer version of the affiliate software in the works that, IIRC, adds some extra functionality into the software so it does not have to be such a manual process to avoid the fraud issues. I just got a response back from the developer of the affiliate software when I asked how the new version was coming. He said:

"If you're talking about 5.2, it will be a few more months. We just finished a few modules and have decided to add a few more features to 5.2 as it will be the last Version 5 created. After 5.2 is released, we'll work on more modules then start working on iDevAffiliate 6 later in the year."

So, VT may want to look into that product when it is ready to see if it can help streamline the affiliate approvals and payouts.

I have never known VT to not make good on their affiliate payouts. Let's let Brendan work on this issue now that he sees there have been some longer outstanding affiliate payouts due.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:19:25 EDT
druber : thank you, rocky, that's kinda what i've been getting at. "the dog ate my homework" excuses are only credible for awhile, then one needs to wonder what the real problem is...

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:07:41 EDT
RockyBB :
said by CyberSultan :

I think a couple factors to consider here are:

that's all nice, BUT, methinks the similar stories of no response, no callbacks, no replies to emails, followed by stalled (if any) payments are the most important factors to consider. If your employer didn't get around to paying you this Friday, how many days would you show up for work next week? Commissions = payroll, and any company that does not respect that does so for only one reason.
--
"Teleblend has an agreement with the Assignee to solicit and support former SunRocket customers."

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 15:47:18 EDT
CyberSultan : I think a couple factors to consider here are:

1. What is the policy from VT as to how long a referral needs to stay in pending status in order to prevent fraud? If they paid out after only 30 days of a sale, then it would be fairly easy for VT to lose tons of money to fraud.

2. Currently, every pending affiliate fee must be reviewed manually (again, to prevent fraud, and may also be a factor of the version of the affiliate web app). I had an affiliate fee for HostGator once, that took MONTHS to finally get. I don't participate in too many affiliate programs, so I can't say what the norm is for getting payments.

3. I believe the next release of the software VT is using for their affiliate program (which, btw, I think is one of the better ones out there with their more recent versions) may have some additional components to help schedule approvals in a way that protects against fraud. I'm going to try to verify this with the developer.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:52:05 EDT
jester121 :
said by RockyBB :

said by Judson :

I can see no one bothering to advertise for them.

it's not just the advertising. the more bitching about not getting paid by VIA TALK the more chances that search engines will find these threads about VIATALK and prospective customers looking for VIA TALK INFORMATION will find that VIA TALK does not meet its obligations and thus will scare off additional sales, especially of prepaid amounts which seems to be important to feed the beast.

Given the amount they pay for referrals I'd say they certainly feed the beast with prepaids. If I'd have known about this crap I'd have certainly had second thoughts about signing up prepaid 5 months ago. Other than Lisa Hook and free Uniden phones, it's like SR deja vu.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:19:41 EDT
RockyBB :
said by Judson :

I can see no one bothering to advertise for them.

it's not just the advertising. the more bitching about not getting paid by VIA TALK the more chances that search engines will find these threads about VIATALK and prospective customers looking for VIA TALK INFORMATION will find that VIA TALK does not meet its obligations and thus will scare off additional sales, especially of prepaid amounts which seems to be important to feed the beast.
--
"Teleblend has an agreement with the Assignee to solicit and support former SunRocket customers."

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 12:39:12 EDT
Judson :
said by druber :

I noticed that too. I find it odd (to say the least) that after all of these contortion, when someone finally *does* get paid, their attitude seems to be "it's all good!", as if this was a one-time thing, or something...

Just because I finally received a payment after 5 months of my initial first payment from ViaTalk doesn't mean I'm satisfied or happy. I still have lots of 'pending approval' sales that date back as early as 7-30-2007. Brandi definitely needs to get well and step up the approval process by clearing legitimate sales from all affiliates.

Now, if I were to get these sales approved and another payment within a reasonable time frame I'd be happy. ViaTalk really needs to get squared away with all its affiliates or I can see no one bothering to advertise for them.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:39:37 EDT
racer510 : I agree and have taken the banners down but most of my clients are willing to take the risk and I just email them a link. Viatalk really is a great value and most of my clients (actually all but the wife) have been very satisfied with the service (they don't have to deal with support,I do). I just wish they would "do the right thing" from the get go rather than requiring the customer to complain and jump through hoops to get action (e-911 fiasco a few months ago for example).

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:09:01 EDT
RockyBB :
said by racer510 :

I agree and have attempted to contact both the affiliate dept. and Brendan about this over the past 4 or 5 months with not one response. The first sale of this batch that I am waiting for goes back to 5-1-2007. It seems that you have to file a complaint with the BBB and or threaten with a lawauit plus publicly complain here to get noticed and responded to..

which is all evidence that you should have shut off your banners and links already.

This discussion is very valuable, especially to those evaluating whether or not to sign up new with VT. Our industry experience with the flame out of SunRocket (professional agents will also remember Worldcom, TouchAmerica, Spring Valley and Global Crossing) teaches that the first warning sign is when the provider does not take care of its obligations. We are not able to know if a carrier doesn't pay its carrier bills, but we can know -- by reading this thread -- if they don't pay their obligations to the sales staff. My view is that any reasonably risk averse person considering VT as a provider should absolutely NOT prepay for a year of service because VT is not able to fulfill its obligations. Not until everyone in VT's food chain has been paid, and is regularly paid without having to complain or make phone calls to get paid, should anyone feel comfortable at all in sending any prepaid amounts, including renewals, to VT.
--
"Teleblend has an agreement with the Assignee to solicit and support former SunRocket customers."

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:00:09 EDT
druber : I noticed that too. I find it odd (to say the least) that after all of these contortion, when someone finally *does* get paid, their attitude seems to be "it's all good!", as if this was a one-time thing, or something...

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:29:43 EDT
racer510 : I agree and have attempted to contact both the affiliate dept. and Brendan about this over the past 4 or 5 months with not one response. The first sale of this batch that I am waiting for goes back to 5-1-2007. It seems that you have to file a complaint with the BBB and or threaten with a lawauit plus publicly complain here to get noticed and responded to..

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:14:19 EDT
B : Yeah, it's really an airing-dirty-laundry situation that I'd rather not be witness to. ;)

I don't know what a normal or acceptable turnaround is for these things, but if it's under a month or two I'd suggest keeping it private -- not that it's any of my concern... :)

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:01:45 EDT
Russell_ :
said by B :

As a point of information, I note that the OP (ireviewer) did get paid - »Re: ViaTalk's BBB record now "unsatisfactory" .

-- B

Yes, it appears to be the squeaky wheel model ... you hear about this forum and how publicizing your status helps, come here and do publicize it, and eventually get paid - note the post ahead of yours from farmer9282 who joined 2008-01-03.
--
Russell

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 08:51:30 EDT
B : As a point of information, I note that the OP (ireviewer) did get paid - »Re: ViaTalk's BBB record now "unsatisfactory" .

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 23:14:23 EDT
farmer9282 : Brendan,
I too have sent you a PM regarding my affiliate payment.
Please advise.

Thanks
Chris

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:43:59 EDT
racer510 : Brendan, can you please confirm if I will receive my commission payment with this "group"? I sent you a PM

Thanks

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 20:59:30 EDT
ireviewer : Well, it's the new year now and I still haven't received any payment from ViaTalk. What's more, besides the one post above, I have had no contact with Brendan or anyone else from ViaTalk, even having sent 8 PMs and countless other emails. A simple response, an explanation, and a set date at which this matter will be resolved is all I'm asking for. If ViaTalk were any other company, I would have expected that they would get around to those things weeks ago without any prompting required. At this point, if I continue to be ignored, I will assume that it is purposeful and may begin taking legal action - the amount of money I'm missing is substantial enough to warrant that.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:07:50 EDT
justDave :
said by Russell_ :

I'm also reassured by the VT CEOs statements that VT is now focussing on such issues and they will be resolved by the end of the year.

You are? You must be new here.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 10:20:58 EDT
ireviewer : Brendan,

It's almost the end of the week as you said, and though I PMed you my account details, I haven't heard any response yet as to whether or not I can expect my commission within the next 2-3 days. In case you didn't get the PMs, my affiliate account name is ireviewer. If you could look into that for me soon, I would appreciate it, as I am starting to get a little nervous about the lack of response...

Thanks.

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 10:09:23 EDT
Russell_ : I don't believe they should be locked or modded. Discussing how to increase your referrals (or promote your referral business) is what, I think, is prohibited. But, considering that SunRocket first stopped paying affiliates before they went out of business, any company having issues paying affiliates is of concern to current and future customers (considering that most people renew / signup for a year or more in advance). And, if DSLR locks such threads and the company subsequently goes out of business, I'd say DSLR would lose credibility.

As a VT customer with a contract through 2009 and having been through the SunRocket experience I'm most interested in such threads. After all when there are bogo or other renewal specials we're allowed to dicuss those. Such threads provide another data point.

I'm also reassured by the VT CEOs statements that VT is now focussing on such issues and they will be resolved by the end of the year.
--
Russell

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 09:41:14 EDT
B : Just an observation, but I'm somewhat surprised that these payment threads aren't being locked or modded. I don't care either way, but with such a strong DSLR stance against referral discussions ( »Forum Rules - Please Read ) I would have thought this was a similar area...

Regardless, good luck to you "affiliates"...

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 22:38:28 EDT
ptrowski :
said by ireviewer :

Hopefully they can get a response out of ViaTalk. I'm writing here to see if anyone else is encountering a similar issue, and what you are doing about it.
Seems like you already had your answer here...
»Re: ViaTalk's BBB record now "unsatisfactory"
--
"A religious war is like children fighting over who has the strongest imaginary friend."

Have you been touched by his noodly appendage? »www.venganza.org

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 10:19:18 EDT
dmolavi : read this thread: »ViaTalk's BBB record now "unsatisfactory"

Re: ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 18:30:44 EDT
VTBrendan : Hi,

The next batch of affiliate payments goes out at the end of the month, so basically the end of this week. If you PM me your details I can confirm for you that you are indeed in that group.

-Brendan

ViaTalk Commission Payment Issues

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 18:05:33 EDT
ireviewer : I am a current ViaTalk affiliate who has not received the commission payment due me for over 3 months. Attempts to contact ViaTalk and their affiliate manager have been met with silence, and the issue continues unresolved about a month later. I have filed with the Better Business Bureau, where ViaTalk's rating is currently "unsatisfactory." Hopefully they can get a response out of ViaTalk. I'm writing here to see if anyone else is encountering a similar issue, and what you are doing about it.

As a side note, this does not bode well for ViaTalk customers as a whole. Often, when a company like this goes under, the affiliate program is the first thing to go. It's what happened with Sunrocket...