Law Office of SaraEllen Hutchison, PLLC
girl boss & Bro Marketer price gouging and gaslighting? You’re not alone. You can fight back.
Did you pay thousands of dollars to a life coach, business coach, or social media influencer, but what they gave you in exchange was different from what was promised?
Maybe you worked really hard in some program, but didn’t get results like what was touted in the marketing.
Or maybe you are wondering if it was an outright scam!
You might be feeling embarrassed, angry, and mistreated.
Many in the personal development industry want you to think that there is nothing wrong with this picture, that it is an “unregulated” industry that can do as it pleases. And not give refunds.
But they’re wrong.
The below hypothetical examples of programs, coaches and influencers are provided for illustration only.
One cannot say whether or not any particular business did anything unlawful without looking at the facts of your situation, the marketing materials that induced you to buy, any communications that occurred between you and the coach or business, and other factors specific to your situation.
Buyer Beware? Not so fast.
Consumers have the right to be treated honestly and fairly, without being pressured or manipulated.
And when a business behaves badly, it could be liable to you under state and/or federal law.
Even if you’re embarrassed that you gave these people your money. Even if you’re still blaming yourself. Even if other people seemed to get results and you didn’t. Even if they say they don’t “do” refunds. Even if you derived some benefit, such as a sense of community.
People who don’t play fair in business can’t hide from consumer protection laws.
"It is impossible to frame definitions which embrace all unfair practices. There is no limit to human inventiveness in this field. Even if all known unfair practices were specifically defined and prohibited, it would be at once necessary to begin over again. If Congress were to adopt the method of definition, it would undertake an endless task."
One of the most insidious ways a business can behave badly is to preach a gaslighting gospel of self-improvement that makes the customer wholly responsible for the business’ lack of strategy.
Bad actors in the industry have done a bang-up job convincing people that they can sell hot air for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, and then blame the customer when the customer doesn’t get the very kinds of outlier results that were paraded in front of the consumer to seduce them to buy.
Many of the businesses selling “mindset,” “empowerment,” or lifestyle — without also delivering an actual product or service — vehemently defend their work as legitimate. They claim they never make any hard and fast promises.
But why then do otherwise intelligent, discerning people give their hard-earned money to girl bosses and bro marketers who give little in return? Especially when the odds are so low that it will work?
Genuine coaching helps you without you going broke in the process.
A legit mastermind isn’t an ad-hoc pyramid scheme, or a money trap that will keep you locked in for months on end.
Real business mentoring gives you support and structure beyond just telling you that your thoughts are the entirety of your problem.
Honest spiritual mentoring helps you become a stronger, more resourceful person! It’s not EVER supposed to leave you more insecure, isolate you from the rest of your life, or exploit you emotionally, financially or sexually in any way.
Here’s what else is real. A lawsuit, where a copy is shared with the state Attorney General. A lawsuit makes most people pay attention and motivates reform in ways that little else can.
If you want a free evaluation of your situation, gather up your paperwork, reach out, and we’ll talk. The consultation is free, and I take many cases on contingency when there’s a statute that provides for the other side to pay my fees.
Want to learn more about what’s wrong with girl bosses and bro marketers, and how to protect yourself from them? Click here.
Want to take the first steps to protect your wallet and possibly even get your money back? Check out my Chargebacks 101 page.
P.S. Outside the United States?
If you or the business that harmed you is in Canada, the UK, the EU, Australia or elsewhere, I probably can’t help you personally.
But, I have some helpful links to non-US resources on my Consumer Rights Basics & FAQ page. It is the second item in the FAQ section. Go check it out before contacting me.