This company represents itself as Essential Grocer LTD, an Ontario Corporation. Do not be fooled! My lawyer did some research and discovered that there is no such company registered in Ontario. Their scam is to run ads in newspapers under the "business opportunities" section to find potential investors interested in starting their own beverage and snack distribution business.
Be aware that they will put on a very convincing front: In addition to their glossy brochure, they will imply that they are seeking the "right individual" to be awarded an exclusive distributorship in your area. If you are "selected" as one of the finalists, they will fly you to Toronto - all expenses paid, for a one-on-one interview. They have some very fancy offices in a Toronto skyscraper at 20 Bay St., where you will get the impression that they are a legitimate company.
I was fooled by their elaborate "front" and unfortunately invested $39, 800 U.S. with this company. It was only later that I learned that they cleverly requested that the wire transfer be made out the account of "Essential Grocer" - not "Essential Grocer, LTD". As it turned out, the actual account that was credited belongs to another entity listed as "Edgebaston Group". Once they had my money, the problems started. They repeatedly started delaying the promised business launch date.
The first few weeks delay was understandable, but then weeks became months. In the contract, a sub-contractor, J. Pratt & Associates, was specified to come to my place of business and set up my promised 15 accounts which I had paid for. They repeatedly failed to show up.
Well after the stated contractual limit for start-up within 90 days had passed, they still kept inventing new excuses and wanted "more time" and "another chance". As the delays mounted - eventually to 13 weeks, my phone messages were roundly ignored by Essential Grocer's officers.By this time, I suspected that things were definitely amiss with these people.
I contacted a Toronto lawyer who did some research on this company. That is when I found out that I had been taken by these crooks. I had the lawyer issue a demand letter to return my money for breach of contract, but of course being the thieves they are, they simply ignored the letter.
Some of the names to be wary of at Essential Grocer are: Alan Harrington, President; Eric Brooks, Vice-President; Richard Clark, Product Manager; Eddy Tobak, Marketing Director; George Bida, Account manager. If any of these individuals solicit any business proposals, hang onto your wallets and run the other way. They are all willing participants in this scam.
0 comments