anyone dealt with vanityangels

Hi all,

Has anyone had any dealings with a purported organisation called vanityangels?

I came across them on a UK franchise website regarding becoming a franchisee selling or renting out their ladies cosmetic and personal hygene machines.

They were asking for a considerable amount of money, varying between 12,500 and 50,000 GBP Pounds - yes alot of money!

I asked if they were a registered UK franchise and the lady there Rachel  Bird (business developement manager) said no.  In fact, although they advertise themselves as offering a franchise ( as per their site) they don't but confused me with other jargon. My accountant advised me to ask for certain information, ie a business plan, satisfied customers, clients, a copy of their financial accounts (profit and loss plus balance sheet) and they said they were so new that they didn't have an accountant. This was beacause they had had so much interest that they did not have time to prepare.

Their website concerns be in that they are meant to be a UK company (as disclosed much later on) but there are no contact details whatsoever, only a Spanish mobile number. Isn't this illegal??

Any views on this would be most welcome please, are they genuine or is it a scam?

Thanks

Joan

Hi Joan

If they can't produce a business plan, profit & loss info etc. is to stay well clear unless you can afford to lose £12000-£50000.

The idea of buying into franchise is that it proven concept!

Which would minimise any risks, my advice to you, don't touch with a bargepole, sounds very dodgey to me.

I am from a family of accountants that prepare for small-medium size business, and I am surprised that they have not got an accountant.