Totally unprofessional.administeation.and counselors.
Despite.the process for being required to provide reduced rate fees, by the state, after providing all information.after 1 month had still not reviewed it only takes comparing to poverty guideline
The female counselor, despite providing services in male.dv.class, wore revealed ng clothing. Also did not provide guidance properly, allowing ongoing negative comments about women
DO
Dosa
Beware Before Investing
I deeply regret entering into a business relationship with IdeaPros. Based on my experience, I would advise others to proceed with extreme caution. I paid a substantial amount of money for product development services, including market research, intellectual property guidance, and design. I expected support in developing my idea, something I clearly communicated from the beginning with renderings of the design concept.
Instead, I received a generic product that did not include the core features I had proposed. No functional integration of a product was ever developed. The guidance I received was minimal, and the process felt more like a series of delays and diversions than actual progress toward a marketable product. Emphasis was placed on other design features and a trademark for a product that was never properly developed. Ultimately, even the trademark was abandoned without my knowledge, leaving me with nothing tangible or useful.
Despite multiple attempts to resolve the matter, including having my attorney reach out with a detailed demand, the company denied responsibility and refused to issue a refund. I feel misled, disappointed, and out a significant sum of money.
This review reflects my personal experience and opinion based on what I was promised versus what was actually delivered.
AD
Adam
Fred Cary is a total crook
Fred Cary is a total crook. We gave him 70k for a 8-13 month program. After 4 years he had not done anything.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
DO NOT GIVE HIM ANY MONEY
Response from IdeaProsSep 7, 2024
Whoever you are, Adam, I can assure you that whatever you contracted us to do was done. If you want to really identify yourself and the name of your project I'm happy to put a link up of all your work so people can judge for themselves. With over 90% 5 star reviews is unfortunate they a small group of people have nothing better to do than use defamation to try to get something. If you weren't happy with services, you have a right to express that. But slander and libel us actionable so consider yourself behind placed on notice. For anyone reading, i suggest you look at the huge number of 5 star reviews and see what this company is really about.
ST
Samoria The S.
Services Were Non-Conforming & CEO Will not Perform
Services were non-conforming. Very little good faith action if any was taken to render conforming Services. I was unprofessionally called out by the CEO Fred Cary who told me "personally" to take him to Arbitration when I confronted him with the non-conforming deliverables that I received. Rather then the CEO making any effort at rendering any attempt to rectify performance on Services as contractually required, he instead opted for Arbitration immediately. You don't want to go into business with someone unprofessional who feels no legal obligation to perform fungible services that are bound lawfully by contract.
Response from IdeaProsSep 7, 2024
Happy to share deliverables with everyone if you like. The problem with
some first time founders is that they expect the same look and feel with an MVP that multi-billion dollar companies achieve after spending tens of millions. It doesn't work that way. As the CEO of LinkedIn famously coached founders, " if you aren't embarrassed by V1 of your project you've waited too long to launch." A company is only as good as the founder. Failure to launch will kill you every time. There's nobody to blame for that but the founder
ST
Shelley T.
Idea Pros is not a good company
Hi Fred, How is it going?
Response from IdeaProsSep 7, 2024
This is too much. First of all, this was an amazing project. Shelley felt she could squeeze us out when we were ready for crowdfunding. So they hired a different firm and asked that we give up our equity. We did, and we signed a mutual release asking with a promise theft neither one of us would disparage the other. Obviously going out alone didn't pan out for her so, in violation of our agreement here she is admitedly slandering us. I'm speechless. Thanks for providing the admission. We'd be happy to buy the project from you
SO
Sheri O.
A Real Shame
It’s unfortunate really, I truly believed that Ideapros was going to help propel my business into the next level. But after 4 years, 5 project manager swaps, approximately 100 unproductive meetings, $150,000+ invested, zero accountability, and no final results, I can clearly see that they are incapable of managing their own company, let alone rebranding mine. For 7 years I have been building this dream, my vision was to build up a source of income that I could use to help fund causes that I am passionate about. Because I believe in integrity and honesty, I have decided to let go of my company, Drag Off so that I can freely post a review warning others about my experience. Ideapros and I do not share the same integral values. Fred Cary was willing to give me back the 20% of my business he took, but I believe that would come with a price of signing an agreement to not speak out about my truth in this situation. There have been countless other “partners” (with stories identical to mine) that have had to make this same choice and were forced to take down their honest reviews. In the end, I created Drag Off to ultimately help others, so I guess in a round about way I still get to accomplish that goal by guiding others to make an educated decision regarding a significant investment. While I will not publicly display the four years of almost laughable ineptitude I have had to endure, I do have receipts and I am willing to be available if anyone is needing further details.
Response* Like I said, I have receipts and I will gladly show them to anyone who questions any of the nonsense below. I’m walking out of this with my chin up and a smile on my face, no hard feelings Fred, it’s just not meant to be.
Response from IdeaProsFeb 15, 2024
It is truly unfortunate that you have chosen to give up your company rather than work with Ideapros to find a solution. We have done everything possible to help you launch, including offering to pay for your first inventory run since you could not afford it. Correct? We've had countless branding exercises, brought in a top name in the beauty industry to advise you, and I've recently engaged an Amazon expert with over $1 billion in sales to help you at my expense since you didn't have the wherewithal to launch alone as the CEO, which is your responsibility.
OF COURSE, it's a rough ride. It's rough for every startup, from you to Elon Musk, who endured many failures and ed in the verge of bankruptcyin 2008. The difference between success and failure is whether you quit when times are hard. We've taken your product, first designed for just drag queens, and turned it into a unisex brand that can do really well in today's marketplace. Everything is done. Everything is ready to launch. Everything looks amazing. You recently got upset when our lead branding expert suddenly and tragically died halfway through your 4th complete redesign. And our new designer had a font you thought was too big. I've personally gone to factories with you, tested other products to add to your brand, and, yes, the team has had countless meetings with you. But only you are the CEO. Only you can choose to launch, just as almost 300 of our partners have chosen to do.
Instead, you have chosen to quit. Which is your right. But, blaming it on the people you've privately praised on many occasions is unfortunate. With 400 partners, there will be failures. And, in some cases, those will in to blame others rather than themselves. But in the end, the biggest indicator of success is solely in the hands of the pilot of the ship - the founder.
If you're giving up on your company and closing it down in breach of our agreement, then give it to us instead. We believe in the product, the effort we've put behind it, and our ability to launch without you since we were going to pay for the first inventory anyway. We will take over the company you want to shut down, and we will pay you royalties. We have someone that will run it. Just reach out to us and we'll enter into a standard royalty deal with you. we've spent Countless hours getting this ready to launch - we're ready to take it and run with it, and donate a percentage of our profits to an LGBTQ non-profit of your choice.
SS
Stephen S.
Don’t be the next sucker
We had a functioning app developed and we were seeking out a company who can help us take it to market. We can across IdeaPros and at that time it was all great reviews. We were excited because we went through the onboarding application process and the interview and our idea was accepted. We then sent over the $60k that was required in order for IdeaPros to start working on the app. They reviewed my app and said that we will have to start from scratch because the look and feel along with the functionality was not up to par. I figured they are they experts so fine. A logo was created and some mock ups were rendered. I was genuinely was excited to see and use our new app. But unfortunately that didn’t happen.
Months would go by of meetings with various project managers because the previous ones either quit or were fired. Then the months turned to years with various development firms constantly being changed. They were all over the place. I met with Fred Cary on a few occasions and he was sure that the new development company were the real deal and that all will be great, but still no functioning app. Mid to late 2022, I was told that Crowdbiotics had taken over and that by November 2022 I would be launching my app. But again, nothing. The months went by and my partner and I had a zoom meeting with Mr. Fred Cary and he was telling us how tough it was to get good developers and that he wished he would have never got involved with app development, but our app will get done and delivered. Here we are almost 4 years later and still no app. I have requested a refund from IdeaPros and they actually had the audacity to blame it on Covid and tell me that there won’t be a refund. $60k into this and 4 years of losing potential profits and he’s going to tell me that as a founder I should put more money into this project. Maybe I will but not with IdeaPro. Fool me once shame on you fool me twice shame on me. I had a lot of motivation when we first started this journey but all that has been taken from me because I made a horrible decision.
Everyone should stay away from IdeaPros. It is hilarious how they invest all this time into making business videos and the such and their own house isn’t in order. Don’t be the next sucker that is promised the world and gets absolutely nothing. All I want is our money back.
Response from IdeaProsAug 24, 2023
Starting a company is a very hard, very long process. And it takes a very special and unique person to put up with the pivots, pain, setbacks, and surprises along the way - just as dozens of our partners have successfully done. When we first engaged with Steve we felt we could just build on top of what he already developed. That turned out to be incorrect, and we had to completely start over. And we did - without asking for another penny, even though this was going to cost us a lot more.
And, yes, there have been setbacks - covid, the war in Ukraine- not trivial matters for any of us, especially when you have developers that were fighting for their lives.
But, the app IS complete and is in final testing at Crowdbotics, our 3rd party developer. Now that our work is done, our money and time dedicated to the launch, we have a partner that's not willing to move forward. I'm sorry for the time everything is taking nowadays, but now is the time to push ahead, not give up and blame. "I want my money back", after my team has done hundreds of hours of work and the app is ready to launch is not a viable answer - for any type of business. I'm certainly willing to talk to you, Steve, in the way we have throughout this process - as co-founders with a commitment to launch. And I'm truly sorry you feel this way.
BM
Brad M.
RUN!!!!
In July of 2019, I found Ideapros while looking for a possible strategic partner for my business. I had been successful in a similar project but wanted to modernize my platform to the most current capabilities. I needed a company that had the knowledge and the backing to take my idea to the next level. When I contacted Ideapros, they made me go through a "selection process". That is all part of the game, to make you feel special. Once they find out that you have the MONEY, your idea becomes VERY good to them. They told me I would need $50K for them to start, but that quickly changed to $75K when they found out I had the money. I debated for several days, but they made the proposal sound very attractive. They explained that they had a very talented staff that could really make this happen. They said they would create a name and do a MARKET STUDY. They said they would get the copywrite and do the marketing...including a LAUNCH. They would do all of this for 30% of my company, and have it done in 9 months.
Here's what happened.
They did a Survey Monkey poll (About $100) that didn't really show anything. They came up with a name that I thought was idiotic but would not hear of changing it. (I still hate the name). Not only did they go past the 9 months, but it's now been 3 1/2 YEARS, and I still don't have a product!! Come to find out, they have no STAFF at all that build apps. They have contracted my project out to three different companies, with 8 different "Project managers", ALL that have failed in completing anything of value. The owner quickly blames the companies he contracts for not performing or tries to get me to LIKE the garbage they are putting out. He says they have 300 projects (do the math... 300x $75K … approximately $22.5 MILLION in income). How much has been spent on projects?? They cannot come up with a very long list of apps that have launched!! I've asked!
I've been more than patient. The latest is that he offered to buy me out for $50K but he wants to KEEP my idea and have me sign a NON-COMPETE! He gets $25K of my money, 3 years of my life, and my whole IDEA? What a deal!
In short, RUN!!! I was totally misrepresented. The company tries to protect themselves by being a "Partner" instead of a contractor. Pretty dirty if you ask me. I know they've been sued before, but in my opinion, the company needs to be investigated. I'm sure I will never see my money back, so all I can do is try to warn others. Call it sour grapes, but think how you would feel if you lose $75K and an idea that you've had for 15 years.
Brad M
Response to IdeaPros response.
Let me start by saying, I never called anyone out by name. Obviously IdeaPros could care less about calling me out by FULL name, so FRED CARY here is my response.
I'm a 61 year old Financial Advisor and AVP of a Bank. I've had Sole-Proprietorships, Partnerships, LLC's and Corporations. I've had a Realtor's license and have been landlord for 16 rental houses. I've owned family fun centers, a collectible shop, and an entertainment company for 24 years. I also built the largest, locally run City Guide business in 2003 with over 500 people leasing my website software. I exited that business in 2007 with a VERY good profit. In 40 years of business I have never had to sue ANYONE and I'm very good friends with every business partner I've ever had. I say all of this to show that I'm NOT a young Entrepreneur wannna be. I know when there is a Pole cat in the hen house! Now lets talk about what FRED CARY has said.
He said I've been trying to launch this idea for 15 years. I didn't say that. I said I've had the IDEA for 15 years. Twisting?
He said I have had a website to launch for a LONG TIME. YES, It's been two years because I BUILT IT!! Not IDEAPROS! I had it ready two years ago, hoping I could launch it as soon as I had a product from Ideapros. It never happened. I couldn't have people signing up for something I didn't have.
He says I have a great app "Ready to go in the APP store". What I have is an app that I'm embarrassed to have my name on. I didn't ask them to push it live, because it looks like something from 2005. A VERY basic directory, with no features and no way for my clients to make any income. When I did the walkthrough, the developer was very proud that you could click a button and retrieve your password! WOW! What a breakthrough. He was also proud that you can sell tickets on the app, even though I never said ANYTHING about selling tickets on this app??
Now, lets talk about the anonymous "Developer" that had many things to say about me. First, I have no idea who this is. It's not the guy I've been working with, because I've received too many emails from him and he types in broken English. The person was correct. I was VERY unhappy with it. Remember they didn't get involved until 2 yrs down the road. Now they've had it 16 months! Unfortunately I'm out of space. I have a lot more to say
Response from IdeaProsJan 28, 2023
This is unfortunate. And I've liked
Brad even though I'm completely upside down in this project. And as he said, he's worked on it 15 years before even meeting us. He's in the app stores in 3, despite what's happened in the world.
This is a great product. Amazing app. Ready to launch - in fact, in the app stores already, waiting to be turned on by Mr. Meador. There's also been a website up for months that Mr. Meador was supposed to support to take reservations for territories. Nothing has been done. Here's the website:
https://portfoliocityguides.com/
Rather than me replying line by line, let me just paste what the 3rd party developer who has developed over 22,000 apps has to say about the experience:
This product should neve been launched. "I would like to reiterate, every time I see a response from Brad or talk to him, it feels like he has not seen the PRD (product requirements document), and designs and has not listened to a single word when we walked him through the same. We have not been on the same page with him from day 1 and not sure if anything we do is going to satisfy him. I remember we had three calls with Fred and Brad on there. I walked him through each and every line of the PRD, each and every screen, one by one to make sure that he understands what we are building". We spent over $40,000 just in this build alone, ( not to mention al the other work and consulting ) "I think he has figured out a loophole that, hey, if I threaten Fred with leaving a review, they'll give me more work. And that's my understanding at this point. From my side, I'm not even going to go to my team and ask for additional scope or budget on this app unless Brad wants to pay for it." This is too much. And threatening to leave a review if he doesn't get money is at least a civil violation.
Bottom line the app is done. I have offered to give up my own equity and walk away. Or, I have someone willing to buy him out and take it over. And he has to agree not to compete, just like any seller would do. The offer still stands. And this app has great potential in the hands of the right operator - reach out to ideapros if you're interested in partnering on it.
Of course I'm unhappy if a partnership doesn't work out. Especially when we were trying to find other ways to appease this person. In better news, our Moov app just signed up 3,500 dealerships https://youtu.be/nCH9YjFCT2c , and our Chamber app is raising $2.5 million at a $10 million valuation - all even prior to official launch! Our Exhale app has phenomenal growth joinexhale.com . And Grunt, https://trygrunt.com/ is just launching in two states. Any of those partners would be happy to speak to anyone. Airbnb launched with a couple of air mattresses in one apartment. You could be next. Brad - all you need to do is call, sell your position or take mine. Or you can just continue to reply online and try disparage rather then resolve. We continue to be ready for any reasonable resolution. Fred
Adding to the reviewers reply - entrepreneurship is fraught with unknowns, delays, obstacles, and Neverending challenges. If you saw the first Airbnb app you would be shocked. The reality is this app is ready to launch, built by a company who uses the latest best practices, a company who just raised 10s of millions of dollars from very sophisticated venture capital groups who love their work. Not everyone can be happy. And, when that happens, we try to resolve any issues. But sometimes it's impossible - we've found an alternate buyer, offered a substantial discount, even offered to just give up our equity and hand over all materials. Sometimes we just can fix things for everybody. There are plenty of success stories. Here are a few partners who have worked hard and are seeing the fruits of our joint efforts:
https://fb.me/e/3X3KVj0xk
https://fb.me/e/2kQ2bvNuQ
We remain willing to resolve any issue with any unhappy partner. Fred