MarketMeTweet Twitter for Business Software
"Take new software for a test run" is on my to do list. This saves the time and money entrepreneurs find very precious. MarketMeTweet is on my list this month.
Since this article was written, the MarketMeTweet business owners have taken care of business and the software has improved dramatically. While you read on, please understand this is history and no longer applies.
Based on a review, I purchased the new tool MarketMeTweet (with hesitation). There are principles to follow when becoming a customer and one of them is "be able to pick up the phone and call for support when needed."
| There are principles to follow when becoming the customer and one of them is "be able to pick up the phone and call for support when needed." |
Even though this was not going to be the case, the rule is broken because of a higher cause: Test, learn and teach. I am not a programmer nor do I want to be. (Nor do you as an entrepreneur or business owner.)
Here is the emails I received from MarketMeTweet and Twitter. I have edited confidential information.
|
Email #1 from MarketMeTweet
Hi Michael,
Thank you so much for registering for Market Me Tweet, the full service Twitter Marketing, Managing, and Branding Application. If you have completed payment and downloaded the app, you can now log in using the details below. If you didn't completely payment, please do so at this link: http://www.marketmetweet.com/marketmetweet-checkout.html.
You will need to keep this e-mail safe.
The e-mail address you registered with is: ask@michaelhartzell.com
The password you chose is XXXXXXX
If you have any questions please post in our forum at marketmetweet.com/forum or fill out a support ticket at support.marketmetweet.com, but first, be sure to watch our tutorial videos.
All our tutorial videos can be found at marketmetweet.com/tutorials
If you had trouble downloading the app please download it here: www.marketmetweet.com/marketmetweet-download.html
Please do not reply to this e-mail as we will not receive it.
Happy Tweeting, Alan and Tammy Co Directors of Market Me Tweet
|
The response above was obviously automatic and was sure to mention not to reply to the email. It states that questions are answered via a forum or support ticket.
Here is what happens the following day:
|
1st Email from Twitter on 03/09/10
This is a notice that your OAuth token for Michael Hartzell has been suspended from interacting with the Twitter API.
Please make sure that your application follows Twitter's policies, including the Twitter rules, the API rules, and the automation rules.
To request for your token to be re-enabled, please write to api@twitter.com
Twitter Support
Please do not reply to this message; it was sent from an unmonitored email address. This message is a service email related to your use of Twitter. For general inquiries or to request support with your Twitter account, please visit us at Twitter Support.
|
Thus, within 24 hours Twitter has revoked the Authorization. The instructions / tutorials were followed and no excess or affiliate links used. Again, no phone number to call for either company so the need for more study / reading and testing?
Since it appeared the instructions were followed and the tool already proved it was neither simple nor easy, I immediately notified MarketMeTweet asking for a refund since the product did not serve its purpose as claimed. (opinion)
Here is the response:
|
Email #2 from MarketMeTweet on 3/10/10
Hi There,
Sorry! But we can't help you here!
Please fill out a support ticket at:
http://support.marketmetweet.com/
On your ticket please indicate if you are using MarketMeTweet or TweetBrand.
Please allow 24 hrs for a response.
Alternatively you can probably find your answer by visiting our tutorials and FAQ's, which you can find here at your support page: http://marketmetweet.com/support.html
If this is is a request to speak directly to Alan or Tammy please email hello@marketmetweet.com
Thanks!
MarketMeTweet Team
OOPS - Well the previous email had said NOT to email them at Support. Sure enough, there is an automated service as a reminder. Try again.
Email #3 from MarketMeTweet on 3/10/10
-- do not edit --
Michael Hartzell,
Our customer support team personnel has replied to your support request #695595
If you app has been made inactive Michael you can contact api@twitter.com to see why it was made inactive.
Tom
We hope this response has sufficiently answered your questions. If not, please do not send another email. Instead, reply to this email or login to your account for a complete archive of all your support request and responses. Please do not reply to this email, we will not see it.
http://support.marketmetweet.com/view.php?e=xxx@michaelhartzell.com&t=695595
|
Thus far my allotment of time to do a test has expired and if the product had proven to be faster, easier, simpler & funner it would have stayed in the arsenal. The aspect of branding your own tweets as a business owner has some appeal. The cost & time of maneuvering through new languages and rules which have very narrowly defined parameters does not.
Sadly, it becomes obvious that MarketMeTweet has plenty of business and is not worried about losing a few unhappy customers. The process in today's time is: Invent a software widget, throw up a forum and an automated support service system. Refer those who have a problem to Twitter and let them figure it out. Obviously it is your problem so why did you bother asking us about our software?
The real lesson is this:
- Don't do business with this type of company:
- Don't do business with companies whose goal is to take and skim along the top of the wave until it gives out.
- Don't do business with companies who do not provide a solid form of interaction and solutions every step of the way.
- Don't do business with companies who don't have warranties or guarantees.
- Don't do business with companies who will pass you off to other companies as their support solution.
- Don't do business with a company who acts as if they were your partner in success instead of simply selling you a gadget.
Yes, I know the old days are gone and everyone is in a hurry to get the next thingy on the market, rake it in, and get out before anyone knows what hit them. Yes, I know technology is moving too fast to have the government or agencies step in and create boundaries such as the 3 day rule for refunds in such cases.
The solution? Don't let your business be reliant on another business that has not yet proven themselves with support and communication along with a guarantee.
On the other hand ... You may be one who is hoping to strike it rich with a gadget and do a similar such thing? Go for it. You may find it works for you. You may also find lawsuits, angry people and people you hurt.
Here are companies I appreciate not because their software or services are perfect but because they prove over and over again that education, services, availability and guaranteed satisfaction is a must:
- Hubspot
- Personal Brain
- EventBrite
- Constant Contact
- DIY Themes
- Grasshopper
- XSitePro
- Getty Images
- 1and1
- Hostgator
I rely on such companies and many more to help me be great at what I do. Think deep and hard before you put your trust in a company that you are unable to connect with personally.
The question that remains? What will be my next steps in regard to MarketMeTweet? Time is money and while some may have time to study such small details for hours; I don't, and neither do you.
Don't break the rule: Don't do business with companies unless they have a phone number and great support (and satisfaction guarantee). You are a reflection of those you trust. How much of your time is spent back-tracking to repair or fix software issues? Vendor incompetence? How many times? When will you stop? How will you give a warning?
MADtv Video Stop IT Bob Newhart might be the answer?
Take-Aways:
- Your identity is linked directly to those you trust.
- Watch for guarantees.
- Don't be a programmer.
- There are more ways to get it done, don't get stuck on this one.
- Free or low cost is not always what it appears.
- Don't buy hype. Pause and Ponder before you grab the wallet.