If you have often seen infomercials on late night television for Specialty Merchandise Corporation (SMC) you're probably aware that they sell website packages to those who are looking to start a business of their own. They also make money when an independent business owner buys merchandise at below wholesale prices to fill their orders.

From the outside, the business appears like a non-risk investment that promises profits of 100-300% or more. They also provide coaching for 60-days, so that you get familiar with how to run your business.

Unfortunately, SMC has a dark side and throughout my research on the company, I've come across hundreds of reviews of former SMC distributors and people who have had bad experiences with them from the get go.

A good marketing strategy that SMC has used throughout the years has been their sponsor Tom Bosley, the all American dad from “Happy Days.” This alone has fooled many into thinking of SMC as a wholesome company with good morals that can only benefit the majority.

In my research I've discovered a common thread in all reviews about SMC. Customers have been deceived and taken for thousands of dollars. At first they offer you a teaser rate of $39.95 to lure you in and once they've establish your membership you're then told that it will cost you an additional $400, which includes; the setup of the website, the advertising, and the sales and tracking of your business transactions. But it doesn't stop there, when all is said and done the estimated cost can range anywhere from $2500 or more for just a template that you have to finish yourself.

There have been many complaints of SMC charging accounts for things that the customer never agreed to or that SMC failed to mention, for example, the annul renewal fee of $44.95. But the majority of the complaints have been about the 30-day money back guarantee free-trial offer which most people assume starts once the kit is delivered, only to find out that it starts the day you purchase the SMC package, which may take up to two weeks to get to your house. So what happens? People pass their trial period and they end up having to pay the full-amount whether they want to continue with SMC or not.

Folks, one thing you must know is that SMC competes with hundreds of other cookie cutter businesses that sell the exact same CHEAP products at a loss. If you don't believe me go to Ebay and check it out for yourself, you'll see hundreds if not thousands of the same products for sale.

You know there are a lot of business scams on the Internet nowadays and you have to be very careful as to who you select to do business with. If you want to be successful you have to be smart. Do your homework. Research every aspect of that business until you feel comfortable with the decision you've made.

There are many things that you can do to protect yourself from opportunity scams. Search the net and check out the amount of complaints versus the amount of praises. Find a common thread within the reviews. This in its self will tell you whether you want to deal with this company or not. If the negative reviews out weigh the positive by a landslide, stay completely away. The risk is too high and more than likely you'll experience the same problems they did. Get information from the BBB, who can also provide you with a list of what to look for. It's simple and it will save you a bunch of heartache at the end.

Throughout the years I've tried out many online opportunities and failed miserably. I always lost my money because I didn't read the reviews and I didn't read the fine print (the terms and conditions of the agreement). Folks, don't make this same mistake. It's crucial when picking the good apples from the bad.