Harassed by Ignite/Stream

[username18]

Is anyone else constantly getting asked to join Ignite/Stream Energy Multi-Level Marketing Company? I have been asked over 10 times from 10 different people in Manayunk since November 2010 and I am getting frustrated! I am not interested in "selling" your product to my friends in order to "potentially make $8000/month."

Has anyone else had this experience? What is the deal with this company and why is does it seem like everyone on Main Street is jumping on the bandwagon? (seems like a total scam to me!)

[marnamay522]

I have a friend that was so into this company. He thinks the money will be rolling in. He will now have a pension. If he dies he says his wife will still get the checks sent to her. He and his wife were so pushy with doing this. My son told me mom it looks like a scam don;t do it. Told him i want to check out other companies.

[ArcticSplash]

With this thread started with a 1-post new user with such a non-descript handle as "username18" and a follow-up post a couple hours later that looks like it was written by a high school graduate; I'm wondering how authentic either post is. Probably some more SEO spam disguised to look like genuine posts.



Either way, for those of you who are inundated with all this energy-switch spam, let's get some facts straight:

- Nobody is offering a discount rate greater than 1-cent off PECO's generation charge.
- 3 providers are known to be offering a term contract, which means a hefty fee if you decide to change your mind and switch generators before the contract expires. There may be more companies forcing their subscribers into contracts. You will need to ask the company directly if they are signing you into a contract.


If you think you are getting a good deal, ask what the terms of the contract are and how long the contract is in force. Ask to see a copy of the contract before you do anything.

[172nd•2010]

Mayfair Meat is correct. I have researched several of these companies,
Stream Energy does appear to be one of the Better Entities.

I was also pressured by many people to become an Associate for this company or that company. The skepticism is due to the fact that some of the people that are pushing this product are not doing the De-Regulation Process any justice with their lack of information. These Energy Companies provide them with the Tools and Literature to become educated, and they're not opening them, or reading them.

It is an opportunity for most people to save approximately $12-$15 a month on their Electric Bills, based on 700-1000 kWh per month.

PECO's current rate is .0992 per kWh (Kilowatt-Hour), which is the basic unit of electric energy for which most customers are charged in cents per kilowatt-hour. A kilowatt-hour is the equivalent of using ten 100-watt light bulbs for one hour.

Stream Energy's current VARIABLE rate is .0890 per kWh (Month to Month),
while their 12-Month Fixed Rate Plan rate is .0880 per kWh, which includes a $150.00 Early Termination Fee.

There are others that offer Variable Rates as low as .0840 per kWh (Ambit Energy)
and PALMco Power PA, LLC is offering .0849 on a Variable Rate.

PECO is raising their rates to .0999 effective April 1, 2011.

[Malloy]

I've had 3 different companies knock up at my home so far. None of the solicitors were skilled enough to talk me into using a different dish soap. Ive also had a dozen or 2 local Stream spammers join PS with their lame ass pitches....which I deleted immediately.

A friend of a friend from GA is part of the Ignite deal. Great guy, well respected. He is a VERY successful mortgage broker, who decided to invest almost all of his free time in Ignite. Since he took the plunge, and was attending the PA launch, I thought it was worth checking out. After all, why would a guy who makes hundreds of thousands a year already waste free time on this?

I think every somewhat successful Ignite person from TX and GA was at the Philly launch....wearing sport coats, suits etc trying to build hype. Lots of slick talking dudes. Lots of loud rock music, testimonials of wealth, clammy handshakes from millionaires to be, "stick with this guy and you will get rich" type greetings etc etc. Obnoxious Porsche Panamera Turbo on big rims parked out front sporting TX plates and "IGNITE MILLIONAIRE" license plate frame with "NOO JOB" vanity plate etc.

I didn't like it at all..not my scene. I personally think the REAL objective is selling the 'program' to schlubbs who are snookered into the dream of getting rich. Literally, the pitch for Stream Energy goes like this is "hey FRIEND, how about you ditch PECO for Stream? It will be cheaper to start...but it may not stay cheaper....it may be within a penny of PECO in 2 years. Either way, you are doing me a FAVOR by joining AND you are no longer supporting the evil PECO empire.

I have a hard time saying that to friends.

[username18]

Mayfairmeat- I give you total credit for thinking I am a spammer because I am new to the forum. Well, I'm not totally new...I've lived in Manayunk for about 2 years and have been following the scoop on this forum for about 6 months. I have some opinions and would like to begin chiming in! My username is generic because I have a few strong opinions

Anyways, I'm glad to know other people are weary about Stream/Ignite. Maybe its because I am a female that makes me a really great target to approach about switching. I can't sit in Starbucks for 15 minutes alone without someone approaching me...it happened 3 different times. Annoying.

Well, thanks everyone and nice to meet you...!

[Malloy]

I had someone sign up with a Spark (Stream competitor) email and post a similar thread. I assume the intent was to make their competitor look bad. LOL

Mayfairmeat- I give you total credit for thinking I am a spammer because I am new to the forum. Well, I'm not totally new...I've lived in Manayunk for about 2 years and have been following the scoop on this forum for about 6 months. I have some opinions and would like to begin chiming in! My username is generic because I have a few strong opinions

Anyways, I'm glad to know other people are weary about Stream/Ignite. Maybe its because I am a female that makes me a really great target to approach about switching. I can't sit in Starbucks for 15 minutes alone without someone approaching me...it happened 3 different times. Annoying.

Well, thanks everyone and nice to meet you...!

[runinbrynmawr]

Sounds like a useful tool for a guy to come and hit on you, haha. Next time just tell him that it's been done

Stream/Ignite is among the many companies out there trying to capitalize on the energy deregulation (and one of the few that practice network marketing like Ambit and Viridian). Most of these companies do offer a discounted rate vs. PECO and in almost every case, we are just talking a penny or two from PECO's rate. You can check out the PA Power Switch website for authorized companies and rates. I am pretty sure PECO's rate is going up to $.114/Kw this summer where many companies offer yearly fixed rates in the range of .08X/Kw (including Stream that you referenced). All that said, you won't be saving a TON of money but maybe anywhere in the ballpark of $5-15 month depending on your usage. This is a pretty good link from the Commissioner of the Public Utility Commission discussing PECO and energy deregulation:

How to Shop for Lower Electricity Prices | NBC Philadelphia

I will say this, any company that the Public Utility Commission authorizes is legit, whether it is Spark Energy, Ambit, Stream, Direct, MXEnergy, etc. they are authorized, licensed, and insured. Some of these companies practice MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) where many of them are more traditional (i.e. pamphlets in mail, billboards, etc.). These networking MLM companies of course will profit from people "taking the bait" but where it is different than a pyramid scheme is that there really is a product/service...that being energy of course. There is also a real potential to make some money. Not everyone does of course, but some do. Think of it like Mary Kay or Avon, but instead of cosmetics we are talking about energy. Seems like a pretty good market considering everyone pays an energy bill.Many people believe that MLM and network marketing are the ways of the future for big companies. Stream Energy is nearly a one billion dollar company after only 6 years. That goal was achieved faster than Microsoft, Google and Ebay. That has to say something.


You have to give them credit that people are talking about these companies. A typical business model will have these companies spend tons and tons of money on paper advertisements, billboards, etc. They are paying people to do their networking. Is it annoying in some cases--sure it can be. Is it effective--extremely. It is a lot easier to throw a pamphlet away than ignore your buddy talking about how he can save you money each month.

All I would say is this, once you take a fair look at it instead of just calling these companies names that just flat out aren't accurate (i.e. pyramid scheme), then simply tell them you aren't interested and you have done your homework. Quite simply, it's not for you. I am not saying you HAVE to become educated on it, but it will just light the fire under someone's arse thinking they can educate you on the money making potential and switch your mindset. If you demonstrate knowledge, they should back off. If not, kick them in the crotch.

In terms of service, I will say this: it only does NOT make sense to switch from PECO (after doing your homework and research of course) IF you have PECO RH (all electric energy and no gas), on some occasion PECO OP (Off Peak), or are on some sort of budgeted PECO CAP. Anything else, why not change and save a few bucks a month?

These associates may be annoying and it gives people a bad taste in their mouth when they approach you so tactless. Don't let their money making approach mask the money saving opportunities.

[runinbrynmawr]

My username is generic because I have a few strong opinions

We just won't give you any points for creativity

[Malloy]

[Malloy]

runinbrynmawr: Wow, quite a reply!

These associates may be annoying and it gives people a bad taste in their mouth when they approach you so tactless. Don't let their money making approach mask the money saving opportunities.

Remember the time you started the thread to create hype about your store using a different User Name (but same IP address - LOL)
http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/fo...in-street.html

[scottpeezy]

runinbrynmawr: Wow, quite a reply!



Remember the time you started the thread to create hype about your store using a different User Name (but same IP address - LOL)
http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/fo...in-street.html

Burn sizzle burn

[runinbrynmawr]

Haha...I do actually! I sheepishly admit to that one! I still say it was a great thread Me bringing attention to a topic in that manner was in poor taste but I think this one has it beat if it is coming off as it appears

[D-man]

Either way, you are doing me a FAVOR by joining AND you are no longer supporting the evil PECO empire.

Heh. Fact is that PECO couldn't care less if you choose an alternate energy supplier. PECO doesn't make any money on generation charges. They are a distribution company and make their money on the distribution portion of your bill. 100% of PECO customers could choose an alternate supplier, and they'd still be doing fine.

[Malloy]

Heh. Fact is that PECO couldn't care less if you choose an alternate energy supplier. PECO doesn't make any money on generation charges. They are a distribution company and make their money on the distribution portion of your bill. 100% of PECO customers could choose an alternate supplier, and they'd still be doing fine.

Yep!

[Juan]

These networking MLM companies of course will profit from people "taking the bait" but where it is different than a pyramid scheme is that there really is a product/service...that being energy of course. There is also a real potential to make some money. Not everyone does of course, but some do. Think of it like Mary Kay or Avon, but instead of cosmetics we are talking about energy.

Right. MLM or pyramid schemes that I have seem all offer actual products, some very good products. The real money to be made however is highly concentrated to those at the top who got in very early.

The network marketing or multi-level marketing business has become associated with pyramid schemes as "Some schemes may purport to sell a product, but they often simply use the product to hide their pyramid structure."[26] and the fact while some people call MLMs in general "pyramid selling"[27][28][29][30][31] others use the term to denote an illegal pyramid scheme masquerading as an MLM.[32]

Pyramid scheme - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[LUCas]

but where it is different than a pyramid scheme is that there really is a product/service...that being energy of course. There is also a real potential to make some money. Not everyone does of course, but some do. Think of it like Mary Kay or Avon, but instead of cosmetics we are talking about energy.

Or Cutco or Amway. They also have products you sell. In all of these cases, including Stream, you have to PAY THEM to get started. That right there is instant scam alert. If they were really only interested in marketing and selling their product, they wouldn't be charging you to work for them. Yeah, some people are successful with Mary Kay or Avon. But far far more don't make back what it cost them. At least with Avon it's only about $10 to start. With Stream, it's in the hundreds.

The real clue is to look out how you get compensated. If it's primarly based on how much product you sell, like Avon and Mary Kay, with low start up fees reasonable in relation to the supplies you receive, it might be worth looking into. But if they're telling you that the primary means of compensation is through signing on others, and charge you start up fees that overshadow any materials they provide, you're just a mark.

[username18]

Thanks guys for all your input. I was feeling like the odd-man out on main st but apparently I do fit in somewhere, lol.

Now...I must go throw my opinion in other forums (e.g. the people putting chairs on my street to block spaces or the drama that is Saxby's Coffee vs. Main Street Market) so I can prove my worthiness to this forum lol

[PASnow]

runinbrynmawr: Wow, quite a reply!



Remember the time you started the thread to create hype about your store using a different User Name (but same IP address - LOL)
http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/fo...in-street.html

I also noticed the response today was way to rehearsed & concerned about our electrical well being. I was going to call shenanigans on it too.

Is that true people PAY to get into the "marketing"/sales?? Good grief, strange suckers still buy into those things, ashame. "Hey I'm big Tony, I used to be a loser just like you. Then, I got into XXXX Energy. Now, I'm making over $8000 a month, and you can too! All you have to do is sign up for $199. But for today only, you can get in on a special deal of only $99." Meanwhile if he gets 50 suckers to join he made $5000. Yeah, I'm sure they make their money though signing up people for their electricity though, and you can too.

I remember as a kid my brother went to a friends for a Cub Scouts meeting & the parents tried talking all the kids into Amway or something & sent them all home with materials to give their parents. Needless to say several parents were upset & they never hosted another meeting.

[runinbrynmawr]

Whoa whoa whoa...

I completely admit that I started that bulldog thread and took the fault on that, but I'm not going to be blamed as the source of this. I had nothing to do with the original post of this. Check out the other threads on this topic. I happen to be very interested in this topic as well as other topics related to pets/fitness/religion etc.

I may have acted inappropriately before and abused the forum, and I apologize for that, but I had NOTHING to do with this thread post. I happen to know a thing or two about the topic and was just sharing as I have done on other threads.

For whatever my request is worth, I hope that the original poster, whether it be "username18" or whoever it might speak up about this.