Dermitage Out-Bullshits IQ Derma

When I first saw this online ad I thought, "Well, at least no one will ever believe it." The "before" image barely looks human.

After I laughed, I realized this was a totally serious attempt to turn consumers into unwitting providers of a monthly annuity. Like IQ Derma, the entity they're trying so hard to emulate, these characters are concealing an expensive negative option program within a "free trial" offer.

The similarities between the two direct response advertisers go beyond the absurd after/before images. They both hide the most important terms of the offer -- terms all consumers should see before requesting the trial.

In this case the buyer is led to believe she's getting the "Dermitage Anti-Aging System" free, paying just $6.95 postage and processing. But on the next page, in nine-point type hidden within a scroll bar that must be clicked to be read, the customer is told, "...if you decide to keep the Dermitàge Anti-Aging System, you will receive FREE acceptance in Dermitàge Elite and will receive a fresh supply of the Dermitàge Anti–Aging System approximately every 30 days at the same low price of $69.95..." Such a deal! 

Wouldn't it be fascinating to have a Website usability expert see how many people actually see those words before submitting credit card information and pressing "Submit Order?"

What do you think? 

Comments

[Dr. M Black]

What a rip-off That Dermitage is!!! Is there an e-mail for their C.E.O. of someone where I can lodge a formal complaint?? No matter what they rip you off of AT
LEAST $40!!!!!! How are these bandits able to continue in business?!?!?!?

[Bradjward]

I've actually ordered Dermitage within the past month. :) I was doing referral offers to get a free Mac, and this was one of them. I ordered, paid $6.95, and called/shipped back within the 14 days. As long as you read terms and conditions (that's why they are there), you won't get burnt. They were extremely easy to cancel with. 8 'offers' and $47 later, and I have a new shiny Mac on the way. Now who's getting ripped off? :)

[mano]

This is ridiculous ,the first time i saw the ads i was Affraid to try ((((right at the beginning ouchhhhhhhh!!!!!you are 80 years old and you will look like 20 again NOW COME ON*****************

[NONAME]

I tried the free trial 6 months ago because I just had slight puffiness and a bit redness under my eyes due to crying and after wearing contact lenses for 2 weeks and working with computer. After just 1 night application and 1 morning application (I used all 3 products - one for dark circle, one for anti wrinkle, & 1 for eyelashes) with the right amount as directed in the box, my under eye skin got pulled soooo tight and it gave me lines under my eyes. I stopped using it right away. It's been 6 months now as I wait and wait for my skin to go back to normal, but instead my under eye became more and more crepey, wrinkled, puffy, and dark like i have never seen my eyes like this before. My skin had loosen up, but my under eye just became weird looking and very unattractive. My eyes just never gone back to the way it was before. Now I have to wear concealer everywhere.

I am so madd and frustrated. Anybody experience any bad effects after using the eye treatment? On their website, they are out of stocks on this eye product. I wonder why, maybe it has caused harm instead of good to the customers.

I am definitely a victiom of dermitage. They stated on the website saying the cream works for en even very sensitive skin. i don't think so. Can anybody let me know that I'm not the only one experiencing this?

[sheila meritt]

I am usually very careful about locating and readin the fine print terms and conditions. Unfortunely, I missed the continued shipping agreement what a hassle.
I have not been able to locate an email address to cancel all future orders. As a result, I am sending a certified letter to the return address on the shipping label.

[Jennifer Loretto]

I recieved the free sample trial for which I paid $4.95 and then a month later they billed my visa checkcard $90 for this little sample. I tried to call and arrange for a refund and got "disconnected" and now cannot get through on any line they have. More later.

[ted]

You could always get a prepaid visa card so they cant over charge you.

[Bill]

The Dermitage marketing approach goes well beyond deceptive. Why don't we all contact our state's Attorney General's Office and lodge complaints? If anyone can stop these practices, they can. Let's load Dermitage upper management with work. Dermitage is involved with a "survey" that promises a $50 Olive Garden gift certificate. A friend tried the survey, but never received the cert. When she complained to Dermitage, they said, "It's the survey company." Are such practices legal?

[mary]

This company is outrageous. I have a stop payment on my credit card. I returned the mdse. and they said they didn't get the package. I didn't get a chance to use product, it was delivered while I was on vacation. I called company and they wouldn't extend the trial period. So I ret'd it. I would not EVER use their products again.

[James]

I recommend filing calling up the number listed on your credit card statement, asking the product be canceled and if it isn't to file a complaint with the better business bureau.

[Mak]

To you "victims":

If you're stupid enough to fall for this then you got what you deserved you vain pricks.

[RSRAS]

Just wondering whether they sell this product in Malaysia? Which outlet to get it ?

[Connie Roller]

These people STOLE $96.35 from me. I made the mistake of purchasing the $4.95 trial size with my PAY PAL account and the next thing I know PAY PAL has let IQ DERM chage $96.35 from my account. IT has been weeks and no help with PAY PAL. What can I do. The IQ Derma people will not talk to me. ANybody have any suggesstions?

[Lynn MArtin]

I have tried several times to call the customer care 800 number and the phone continually rings there is never an answer, does anyone know why?

[badgirl]

Try 1-800-591-2450.. this is the biggest scam, just like yu I was scammed with $99.00!!! Good luck.

[Rita]

I Just see the promotion on the web page, I was so stupid that I place the free trial order, Days later I was checking my acount balance and I find out that they charge 72 dlls more on top of the 5.95 that they charge me for the free trial, know my acount has a negative balance, i need to pay feeds on my bank , I just find this all comments and i feel so stupid...............I not going to order nothing online again.

[Mimi Murray]

The marketing of this product is outrageously deceptive. When I realized what the scam was about, I tried to cancel using the 800 on the info. sheet enclosed with the product. No one was ever available. I want to thank whoever provided the number 1-800-591-2450. I did get through to someone and hopefully the return of the product will be successful.

[Debby]

"Dermitage's FREE TRIAL is anything but free!" On the web page where they rave about the product's amazing results they offer a FREE TRIAL. There is a very very small astrick between FREE and TRIAL and after closely scanning the page I located an even smaller astrick stating that S/P may apply. When I received product I was surprized at the size of the FREE product, but there was no shipping order or invoice of any type included. I used my debit card to pay the shipping on my FREE TRIAL and then Dermitage without notification or approval removed $41 from my account. The product DOES NOT WORK! I am 52 years old and have been using either Artistry products (Amway) or Anew (Avon) for years. I was beginning to get a few lines, so I thought I'd try it. Those lines, became craters...they are serious wrinkles now that were not there before. I called customer care and she told me to send it back, so I did, PRIORITY MAIL! Another $5, these jerks still debited my account $99.95 for this crap! I went back to the web site and found that if you looked at the bottom of the first page there was a link for terms and conditions. This link is not on the page where you fill out the info for your FREE TRIAL. My financial situation is such that this theft of $141 is causing me financial hardship. I want my money back too! Every dime! I am posting this on every site I can find to do so, including the dozen or so my son operates with his " 1 - 10 of 2,140 for xxxxx xxxxxxx" Yahoo matches!

[kim]

did you REALLY think this stuff was going to make you look 20?? A fool and his money are soon parted. Be proud of how you look at whatever age you are .We are not supposed to have to worry about looking 20 for our entire lives -- who decided this was how it is for women anyway? I am 43 , i have wrinkles I look like I am in my 40's an no amout of advertising is going to make me ashamed of looking my age, none -- I suggest that you guys consider this for yourselves too. Men can be fat and wrinkled and no one expects them to look 20?! Why do we buy into this crap? Just be you.

[Pat Young]

I NEVER order stuff like this off the Internet but one day in a fit of depression at feeling 60+, I ordered the $4.95 plus $1 shipping sample kit. It arrived in a tiny box in a small brown envelope and $5.95 was charged to my credit card. So far so good. There may have been a 4 pt type paper with it explaining that from now on I would be getting more from them for $100 per month charged to my card, but my eyes weren't good enough to read it and I missed it. My fault. My next bill contained a charge for $99.95 plus shipping. I contacted my credit card company and they obligingly followed up and took it off my bill. Two weeks later I got the second shipment, this time in a much larger box that barely fit in my mail box, on the day before Thanksgiving. I marked "refuse, return to second" on it and sent it back, assuming that since the box was so much larger than the sample kit, it must contain much larger sizes. I have to say that the samples did nothing to make me look younger! Today's credit card bill contains the refund from my card company along with a new billing from Dermitage. This time I called the company and got a lady who explained to me all the same things that others have heard. I admit I was furious and I basically told her I will never in a million years pay them one red cent, so sue me, etc. She explained that it was all my fault, of course, I had agreed to their terms and conditions (by just buying the sample kit, I guess, since I never signed anything), I should have just called them, etc. Then she said she had permission from her supervisor to refund my $99.95 (the actual latest charge was $105.60), I should never have involved my credit card company, etc. I was so angry that I am not sure if she is refunding the latest charge or what, but I am contacting my credit card company to block any and all charges from this scam artist company. I may get off lucky, judging from other people's experiences.

[donalisa celeste]

Why would Oprah's people allow a company of this low caliber to advertize on her website? It sullies her brand to be affiliated with such lowlifes.

[Helen Robbins]

I was seconds away from completing the purchasing information. Thank goodness I took the time to look up Dermitage on Google, found this website, and read the accounts of the company's misleading advertising and purchasing information of their "free" product.

As much as we don't like to grow old we should be resigned to age gracefully and as beautifully as we can, instead of bankrolling companies who prey upon our vanity.

[Ruth Barkan]

I too got scammed. After reading all of your comments, I decided that the only way to keep from being continually charged, was to cancel my check card, and get a new one sent to me, asap. I have sent these people a reply email saying "cease and desist or I will contact my lawyer", I haven't heard back, but now they no longer have my check card number, so at least they can't charge me anymore. I haven't received the product yet, will return it unused when it gets here, if it gets here. AAARRRRGGGGHHHHH. You can't even trust Oprah?!

[custom web design]

interesting point when you say to have a web design expert see how many people will read that small text in the agreement box. I dont believe there is ONE person that reads the whole thing.
Even being a website design expert I fell for thatone a couple of years ago in a similar website.
Those websites are designed to make people fall in their trap. However, once you know you can just take advantage of these websites and order the free trials and then cancel the subscription. Only if the product is good :)

[nicole]

all you people really want to sit hear and complain about these websites advertising falsley and how they're ripping people off and don't want to take responsability for your own actions. We are all adults and should have enough common sense to know that if anyone is asking for your credit card number then (RED FLAG) of course you need to try and find and read and fine print before giving something so personal out to anyone especially online. I mean you might aswell give a stranger your social security number in that case, and people wonder how there idenity get stolen. Don't be so gullable just because you see something that says free and besides it does not say get your free sample or that they're going to give you the product for free it simply states FREE TRIAL so for people that don't comprehend that it means it's a trial how in the hell would they make any money just giving out there products to everyone and there momma for free. Then everybody wants to down talk the product just because they were charged for it. If you can't afford to pay for something then don't give out your credit card number, If anyone ever calls me telling me I won something for free but then turns around and asks me for my credit card number or bank account number you better believe im gonna be askin what for. So the moral of this story is it's all common sense.....just use your brain ...be on point about what your getting in to.

[vivian]

i ordered demeritage yesterday on jan 30,2009 and then called to cancel the offer they said they shipped it out already. now i am getting intouch with my credit card company to withold payment.

[Sara Olivia]

This product looked fishy when it popped up on my yahoomail page. I googled it up out of curiosity. By the time you receive the product, you'll have to turn right around and send it back if you don't want to be charged. However, they might claim they never received it, as some customers are saying. Yes, this product needs to be reported to the Better Business Bureau. Furthermore, it seems to make skin conditions worse! I like Reviva alpha lipoic acid, Vitamin C ester, and DMAE firming eye serum (about $16 for 1 oz.). (Not a part of this company in any way). I also like Plantidote products, but Plantidote is very expensive. I'm still a young woman (in my 30s), so I can't vouch for how well these products work for women in their 50s and above.

[Megan]

Horrible scheme! I ordered a "free" trial version last night and paid for shipping with my debit card and then I got the confirmation email that highlighted that if I didn't return the product in 20 days I would get charged $89 and if I didn't cancel after that I would get charged 89 A MONTH! I called my bank to file a fraudulent claim, but they said it's technically not fraudulent, because they will send the product and you can cancel. The problem is that if you call the number THEY DON'T ANSWER THEIR PHONE! There is no way to cancel or to return the product unless you can get them on the phone, so you will get trapped in a $89 a month subscription unless you take other actions. I canceled my card and am getting a new one. Besides this money trap, I heard the product is unsafe and burns people's skin, so I will be throwing my sample away when it comes! I'd return it to be polite, but I can't!

To the people who say we who fell for this are stupid, I agree. I was kicking myself so hard when I found out about this. But, I acted fast, and only am going to pay $4 for my mistake. I encourage others to do the same if they are as stupid as me in the first place!

[cassie]

I, too, need to thank the person who posted that other 800 number (scroll up). I didn't buy this product to look 20; rather, I was looking for a new, proven moisturizer that would make me look better. But I had terrible itching and the same "pulled tight" crepiness under my eyes that was so disturbing that I stopped using both trial prods immediately. I called the number provided by the previous poster right around the 2-week deadline. I told the nice customer care person that I had irritation with one of the two sample products but had heard great things from 2 friends, adding that I might wish to order more after my skin calmed down. That approach seemed to work. The first rep offered to extend my trial period. I took her up on the offer, thanked her and hung up. I promptly reported my credit card missing via the automated number on the back of my card, which put a hold on my acct just in case the co. still tried to put the $90 charge on it. The next day, I called the Dermitage folks back, got a different guy, told him about my minor irritation and sweetly requested a refund. We chatted briefly, then he sent me that RMA number (required for a return) via email and assured me I'd have no hassles. I shipped the trial products back by certified mail (much cheaper than the $90 would have been), followed up the tracking no. 3 days later and saw that my pkg was delivered. The green certified mail card came back signed a day or two later. Whew - I'm counting my blessings on that one. $90 would have sooo ticked me off! Good luck to all-you might wish to try my teaspoon of sugar approach. cassie

[jANE]

I am appalled at this company's bait and switch tactics. I signed up for the free product and did not notice the details. Less than a month later I had a charge of $89.85 on my credit card for the so called "free product". The company is removing the charge, but think about it - can you really trust a company that I think is so devious in getting business. It makes me wonder how they are manufacturing the product since I think they follow unmoral business practices. A good product sells itself! I'd rather have the wrinkles!

[Jill]

Yep, I fell for it. Ordered on a Saturday, it arrived 9 days later. Be aware that your so called free trial begins on the order date, even if it can't be shipped until (Monday holiday)3 days later. I called to cancel after having the product in my possesion for 12 days. Spoke with a customer no-service rep. No acceptable resolution. Spoke with a supervisor who fed me the same company line on terms & conditions. Requested her Manager. I finally got them to agree to refund the full amount charged, but if they don't have the product back in 45 days they will bill again. They can have it. I will return via registerd mail in order to remove one last opportunity for them to take money from me. I don't know what I was thinking............there are many products on the market by reputable companies that don't have to run a SCAM to make money. If this product was effective they would be able to sell openly without using underhanded tactics.

[Addie]

DON'T ORDER>>>DON'T GET INVOLVED......THEY KEEP SENDING CRAP>>>JUST LIKE CHAZ DEAN'S WEN HAIR PRODUCTS...DON'T ORDER THEM EITHER.....THEY NEVER STOP COMING AND IT DRIES YOUR HAIR OUT.

[joeBlow]

HOW MANY DUMB ASS PEOPLE ACTUALLY READ TERMS I USE DERMITAGE... IT WORKS... AND when will people learn to read terms and conditions... NEVER... ofcourse.... YOu cant blame someone else for something you didnt read.

[Sri]

I thought I was the only who is getting ripped-off by this free trial offer and then being charged a $70 on my credit card for past two months. It was supposed to be a free trial and I'm surprised to learn that many people ordering in good faith are being cheated by this company. I work outside of United States and happen to order it to a friend's place beliveing that this product really works! I'm appalled to witness the marketing gimmick of this company to steal money from people in the disguise of terms and conditions in fine print.Is there an agency or consumer protection group that we can approach?

[Lychelle]

I signed up for the free sample today & paid just under $4. I received an e-mail from them where they explained everything including the appropriate phone numbers & instructions.

I appreciated the fact that they were being upfront & honest about. The font size in the e-mail was larger than this & easy to read.

The only thing that I'm unsure of though, is when the 14 day trial period actually starts, as it's going to take a few days for the package to get here.

[Sammy]

I am an unemployed single Mom with a disabled child. I saw the free trial and sent for it. Dermatage charged my debit card $101.96.This is unbelievable. How can this be legal?

[George]

I actually do business with Dermitage and I've spoken with the owner of the company. Many people just do not read what they offer and just buy thinking it is free. News flash: Nothing is free, why would this be?

The company has definitely improved over the past few years and their formula has been improving.

The free offer does confuse some people, but they do have service representatives that are doing more now than before.

[gina]

I ordered, sent it back when I figured out it was really a request for a monthly shipment. got no refund.ccalled. they asked whan they gt it and the shipping #. luckily I had that and 2 mos later got refund. thought all was clear, got email stating I would have to call to get more. then I get another box. do not want and did not order. told I had to return it to get refund even though I did not ask for it. finally, after many calls they said I could keep it and they would refund but not postage, since I made complaint to credit card company. but now I am still getting emails asking to return box. now Im afraid they will keep sending more.

[Bonnie Soleau]

I too fell for their scam. I ordered and when received about 8 days later the bill stated more was ccoming and I would be billed. i immediately called the company and told the rep I thought this was illegal and not properly written in sales pitch. She told me send it back and I agreed and also stated I was calling the Better Business Beau. in CA then she told me to keep product and I was getting a refund. I asked for confirmation of such by email and what I have today is instructions on mailing and also beware you must download the shipping label too. I think another phone call in order to clarify this situation again, NEVER AGAIN will I fall for a scam like this! There is nothing free in this world.

[Lucy]

I went ahead and ordered the free trial and was surprised too by the $96.00 and change my account was billed. I was soooo ticked off. I used the product and it's a Skin Renewal complex plus the Lifting Creme.
I don't know if I'm seeing results I just put it on my face and hope for the best.
Here's the good news- I called their 1800# and told them no more future orders when I saw that $96.00- the customer care rep refunded me $60.00 on that 1st shipment and then set me up with a future order of only $39.95 when I want to get more . At least I'm not having to truck out to Rite Aid or Wal-Mart! It'll come in the mail. If I bought Olay Regenerist it would be about the same price, too. So , I'll keep on using the product.

[VES]

I refused my first shipment of DERMITAGE now I am being told because I did not get a return number I will not be able to get a refund on my $99....WHAT A RIPOFF!!!! I now have a debit to my acct $102 for a 2nd shipment...I called the 1-886-8805 & have now cancelled my membership....will see if this works!

[Kara]

Some of these postings are obviously from people who work for these crooks! I think they should definitely be prosecuted and consumers should be protected from companies who are as shady as Dermitage......maybe our economy wouldn't be in such a state if the people were not constantly getting screwed.

[Tony V]

I tried the product and loved it!
I used it until I ran out, and I got so many compliments from family members who had not seen me in months complimenting me on how good my skin looked.
It took the redness out and made my skin look younger and fresher!

I experimented with so many other products and have not found anything that worked like Dermitage. I recently tried "WrinkleFree Eyes 20 Minute Eye Lift System" and that product right there gave me the worst irritation ever. My skin peeled and it looked horrible.

So Dermitage hopefully you'll lower you're price, but I am definately going back.

[Vicky T.]

Like you Bonnie, when I called to say stop future shipments, they offered me the supposedly "promo price" of $39.95 for both skin renewal and Lifting cream. I guess this is how they keep the business going.

And like you Mano, I bought their eye cream (not got a free trial) like 1 month and a half ago. Now my under-eye looks worse than ever. I asked if there was a way I could return the rest of the eye cream and get a refund, or if not, if they can just send me another product instead. It was a big NO to both requests since they said I "did not do the free trial" of the product.

So I ended up cancelling even their "promo offer." I'll stick to the more proven products that are sold over the counter.

[Mari in Houston]

For those of you having problems with getting your money back here is a bit of info you need.
Send an email to Corri Tanner explaining your situation ctanner@syndero.com she is the VP of customer service or call her directly at 707-864-6194 or 707-292-4434. You can threaten to contact the board of directors and Brad Klaus CEO bklaus@syndero.com. Trust me, they don't even question you so that you don't have to go that far.
BTW...Sydero are the founders of Dermitage.
I sent an email this morning and I kid you not at 2 pm I received a call back saying that I was going to get a full refund going back 3 months and a confirmation email to support it. I had cancelled before the 14 days and it was never noted on my account therefore I was being charged each month. I was fed up after talking to a rep this morning, I kept telling her to transfer me to a supervisor and she kept refusing, SHE REFUSED this was a first for me but she messed with the wrong person because after all the research I did I found this contact info and it worked. My mission will be to post this information everywhere especially since I know it worked for me!!! They didn't even keep the shipping costs...they sent me all my money. These creams don't work and if they truly support the product they would not refuse to refund your money, it should be guaranteed. After you see that contacting this person works,keep passing the info on. Have a great day!

[jackie]

its sick what these people will do to people who are trying to find a product that might actually help.
its a shame.
how are they allowed to trcik consumers like this?

[Kylie Jordan]

Okay. I understand that most people posting here have already been burned but if you havent and you are interested in these products let me school you on how "not" to get burned. Place your order and the day you receive it, empty the bottle into another container. Call the company or go online to cancel that same day!! You will get an email with a shipping label and an RMA#. This number is very important. Print it out. Put the empty bottle back in the box it came in, remove their labels and replace them with the UPS labels they sent via email. In addition to the label, write the RMA# on the box. Take it to a UPS store and ask for a receipt. Now you have covered all your bases. You have proof you cancelled, proof you shipped and with your tracking number, proof it was received. I did this and was only charged the free trial shipping cost and return shipping cost. In all I got a months supply for $10. Of course my husband says that is probably all it is really worth, but you know men.lol They dont get it. Anyway, try this and you should have zero problems!! Enjoy!

[p]

Dermitage should do better with their website. I was completely unhappy with the way they sneak in the terms of your automatic enrollment in the purchasing program on a tiny, little link that you do not have to acknowledge reading (most good websites use a box you must click in or simply state the terms on the page in large print) before entering your credit card information. Very deceptive. When I talked to cust. service, they were completely unresponsive, would not pay for shipping "free" product back to them. They lost a sale for deceptive advertising. There are plenty of competitors. I bought skin care from another company.

[miss fake]

its all fake people they use photoshopping
people wake up its all about the money

[David Brier]

Okay folks. First off, if you want a good cream for your face, try Lubriderm. Get it as Costco. All these creams and potions you see being hawked on the net are a bunch of BS. And to the person that thinks he is going to get a shiny new MAC computer??? LOL... I'll believe it when I see it. What an idiot!! If you want your money back, there is a very easy way to do so. Initiate a chargeback with your credit card company. They will reimburse you the money. In the future, if you must buy something online, I have a wonderful suggestion. Get a prepaid Visa card that you fund yourself. Keep few bucks on it and this way unscrupulous marketers won't be able to double dip.