Warning about Eric Graham, the self styled "Conversion Doctor"
Posted on 9 November 2009, updated on 12, 13, 14, 20 November 2009,
and 1 January 2010

Warning: Eric Graham has not been Trustworthy in his dealings with us. He has:

not honoured his guarantee when we asked for a refund of US$4,997 paid to him in advance in August 2009 for consulting services which have not been provided,
not even acknowledged our refund requests, let alone sent the money,
not shown himself to be a man of integrity in his dealings with us, as claimed in his online video,
not responded either in a timely manner or at all to most of our emails, other than ones concerning paying him,
not answered any of our phone messages,
been deceptive in his marketing by claiming on his web site that his special offer to 4 'lucky' people had 'only 1 spot' left nearly three months after we supposedly took the '1 spot left' on 17 August 2009.

Despite having done our due diligence on 'Mr Graham' prior to engaging him, recent research uncovers a shady character indeed. These links show that others have had similar experiences to us:
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/graham-advantage-c200917.html and
http://emarketworks.com/zeroto500-final-update-not-recommended/

Eric Graham’s own blog in his first reason for high refund rates says "If your product or service doesn’t add more value to the lives of your customer than the hard earned money they are paying you for it... You’re a thief! Stop it!". The thief here is Eric Graham.

Eric Graham has had our $4,997 since August 2009, but has not provided the contracted consulting. In part this was because of changes in our circumstances, but the bottom line is that he has neither provided the services nor refunded our money as requested. Thus, as far as we are concerned, he has stolen our money, and that of others too, as the above links show.

Our advice is clear: Do not deal with Eric Graham.

This Page

This page documents the experience of David and Caramia Hartley in dealing with Eric Graham, to substantiate the above claims, and to benefit other people who may be considering a working relationship with him.

You are welcome to contact us by email or phone if you would like to know more. Our contact details are given here: ElanElan Ltd.

Details of our experience with Eric Graham follow.

Order and Payment

We watched Eric Graham’s video offer at http://conversiondoctor.com/videos/519-boost/ on 17 August 2009. The video was still live on 9 November 2009 when this page was posted, and made the same claims as when we viewed it on 17 August 2009. We have kept a copy of the video, and taken screen shots of critical frames. (The video is 63 minutes long. It pauses at minute 44:45 and a few times after that but by clicking the viewer buttons the whole video can be viewed.)

The offer was for an onsite day of coaching plus other benefits:

for a price of US$4,997:

with this guarantee:

After watching the video we decided to go for it. (Our business at that time offered a business improvement system on a subscription basis at US$27.50 per month. The sites were in need of the services of a "Conversion Doctor"!)

So we went to www.ConversionDoctor.com/lucky4 as described in the video, including in its final frame:

www.ConversionDoctor.com/lucky4 maps to: www.conversiondoctor.com/check-pay-full-day.html which was also still live as of 9 November 2009.

On 17 August 2009 the www.conversiondoctor.com/check-pay-full-day.html page said there was 1 spot left. The page still said that there was 1 spot left on 9 November 2009 despite our having taken the supposed "last" spot on 17 August 2009. Click here to see a screen shot of the page taken on 8 November 2009.

The only payment option available to us was wire transfer, so we completed the form (to grab the last spot!) and emailed for the wire transfer details. A reply email with the wire transfer details was received 25 minutes later.

The wire transfer payment of US$4,997 was sent on 18 August 2009, with fees paid. (Cost to us: US$5,022)

After we advised Eric of the wire details he replied with:

"David,

Great. Thanks for letting me know. I'll have my assistant check the account later today.

I'll also have her check and get a few possible dates for me to send you.

What is the best airport for me to fly into when I come visit?

I assume it's ANU... Right?

Eric"

Receipt of the wire transfer was confirmed on 25 August after questioning by us. Advice of "a few possible dates" took until 31 August after prompting from us.

Unexpected Update

On 19 November we sent Eric an "Unexpected Update" email to advise him that sale of subscriptions of the business improvement system was being stopped because of a decision by our then partners to change direction. We told Eric that we had been advised that funding would stop at the end of September with the payment for October, and that accordingly we would have to decide on a new business. We also told him that we saw his playing a key role in that.

We suggested that he take a look at the then subscription (conversion) pages to "see where we are coming from, and what we are capable of, for better or worse" before the subscription offers started being removed from the sites on 20 August as per the request of our partners. (That partnership has since ended in an amicable parting.)

Eric responded, and there were a number of email exchanges on the 19th and the 20th. Eric said that he had taken a look. He also asked for a copy of the business improvement system eBook which I sent him.

On the 20th we said, in part:

"Thus the comment in the 'Unexpected Update' email: 'Accordingly, we have to organise something else for ourselves in a hurry, and see you playing a key role in that. We are just beginning to think through options, which we would like to discuss with you in the preliminary meeting please.'

Resurrecting [the business improvement system] is one of these options. The others, which we are still thinking about, would all have nothing to do with [that].

Would you like us to email you our thoughts about these options before the GoTo session?"

Eric replied yes.

Thoughts and Plans

We considered our options for a few days and on 25 August 2009 set them out in a 'Thoughts and Plans' email to Eric, covering three alternatives.

One of the alternatives, which became our choice, was a membership blog concerning Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Emotional Health. Caramia was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, the worst form of the disease, in 1999. In the 10 years since she has learned a great deal which can help other people with MS, and form the basis of a good business too.

We told Eric that if we were to go with the MS idea we would like to discuss ways and means that he could assist to:

hit cash in hand by November of $5,000 per month (with at least $2,500 of that by the end of October), growing to $100,000 gross per month within six months
reach $1 million a month gross within 18 months

We told him that cash crunch time was November.

The email also mentioned one of Caramia’s dreams in these words: "Almost 3 years ago, she crystallised her findings in a huge initiative: a report describing how HHHIN (Holistic Health & Healing International Network) could help slow down the world’s rapid health decline, and, thereby earn investors $billions."

We also asked for confirmation of receipt of the wire transfer and advice on possible dates, no word having come on either point.

We concluded by saying "We look forward to your reactions, and possible alternative thoughts."

Eric replied with:

"...Yes. The wire transfer went through fine.

I’ll check on the dates and see why you didn’t get them yet.

I’ve scanned through you’re email and update on the situation and your thoughts.

I’ll send you a detailed reply tomorow....."

No detailed reply ever came.

Following a chase up on 28 August Eric responded on 31 August with:

"David,

Sorry about that. During my recent trip to London, my assistant (back here in the States) went into early labor.

So I’ve been flying solo for the past week or so.

Here are the best dates for my trip:

Friday the 11th. [September 2009]
Wednesday the 16th [September 2009]
Monday the 21st [September 2009]

Which works best?

Eric"

On 1st September 2009 we advised Eric:

"... Now it is our turn to be taking some time.

[The business improvement system] is history for us - we are out of it totally. (Agreement has been reached but with no cash for us, just release from our share of the development cost loans, and with income abruptly stopped.)

We will be in touch in a day or so when we have considered things further...."

First Refund Request

With agreement reached on our exit from the "business improvement system" business, and total disaster facing us we had to get moving. (Without income or additional funding we faced eviction and being dependent on charity for survival and or plane tickets out on Antigua, after abandoning all our possessions. There is no social security net available to us here.)

We decided to go for the MS option and to request return of the $4,997 paid to Eric, as that cash would see us through another month of getting the MS business working, potentially making the difference between success or failure.

On 10 September 2009 we emailed Eric and politely requested return of our money with:

"Eric

All mentions of the Hartleys and ElanElan have now gone from the [business improvement system] sites.

We have started work on the MS option, focusing on MS emotional and relationship issues. We plan two sites for now, a blog, and an MS relationship social network community including 'dating'. Later, we will branch into other 'minority disabled' markets like AIDS with the same structure: blog plus social network community including 'dating'. The need and demand are great. This certainly has the potential to become a million dollar a month business (per market) within 18 months.

However, right now, because of what has happened, we are unable to pay your airfare + costs comfortably. Since our income has disappeared and our resources have all been invested in projects that did not work, and in meeting health costs, we have our backs up against the wall. Our cash will run out totally by the end of October, thus the desperate need to have a new income source working by then.

We do believe that your services could help us a lot, but the truth is that we just cannot afford them currently.

Therefore, we would really appreciate it if you could refund the money we have sent you. If you are unwilling or unable to do that, then can we please put your visit on hold until we have an operating business to show and discuss with you?

Our apologies for putting you in this position.

David and Caramia"

No reply came.

On 15 September we emailed Eric with "A response would be appreciated, thank you."

Still nothing.

On 17 September we emailed Eric with "A RESPONSE PLEASE."

On 18 September Caramia tried to phone Eric, but got an answering service. She left a message requesting a response to our email.

On 19 September Caramia tried three more times to phone Eric, but got the answering service each time.

Final Request Before Action

On 22 September we emailed Eric with this final request:

"Eric

Please clarify what is going on.

This is the last time that we will prompt you politely for a response to our emails and attempts to phone you.

If we hear nothing by 24 September we will start taking other action, as your protracted refusal to respond suggests you have absconded with our money.

Sincerely

David and Caramia Hartley"

Finally on 23 September Eric did respond, with:

"David and Caramia,

I’m so sorry for the delay in responding to your emails. For the past week my entire family and I have been fighting off the H1N1 virus (swine flu).

So needless to say, I’ve been out of commission for a while. Fortunately, I seem to be just about recovered, but my wife and youngest daughter are still fighting it.

But, I’m at least doing well enough that I can get back to work a bit, in between caring for the wife and kids.

As for the plans you’ve outlined...

I agree, the MS option looks to be the best route.

After doing a bit of quick keyword and demand research, its clear that the MS market is quite viable, and your expansion into other, related health markets after that is sound.

Quick question about that, what is your monitization plan for the niche?

At this point I think we have a couple options.

With your full day consultation you also get access to email coaching and 4 phone calls.

Usually I do 1 call before the visit and the others after the visit.

However, in your case, if we are going to delay the visit by several months until the MS site is up, running and making a profit, I think it would be best for us to do a couple calls before the visit.

This way I can help you in the development stage of your strategy, and then take it to the next level during our on-site visit.

And even though you are international for me, I’m also willing if it will help to cover my own airfare and hotel costs for the visit up front and simply trust you to take care of it down the road out of the profits you make from my strategy.

I’ll have my assistant look over my available call times, and we can set one up to do in the next week or two.

Sorry again about the delay in responding my illness caused. I know this is a stressful time for you, so me "going silent" for the past week had to be frustrating!

Talk soon,

Eric"

Consulting

While waiting for Eric to refund our $4,997 and continuing to work on the MS site, we had been trying to find an alternative source of money to help bridge us until the MS site was earning income. One effort resulted in apparent success with agreement being reached on 23 September for a two month "intensive" consulting assignment for both of us. Payment for that assignment, if received, would have been sufficient to carry us through to earning income via the MS sites, after a two month delay for the consulting period.

So, on 24 September 2009 we emailed Eric with:

"Eric

Thank you for your response.

We do not now have sufficient money in hand to get the MS sites launched and up to making money.

Yesterday we secured some short term consulting work to help out, but with the inevitable result that the MS sites will be delayed.

We will let you know when we are back on the MS track.

David and Caramia"

On 30 September 2009 Eric replied with:

"David,

In the mean time could you send over a copy of your HHHIN report?

Also, (just so I’m up to speed when we do begin moving on the MS market), what are your thoughts on your monetization plan?

Eric

PS - Another thing that may help is for us to at least set up one of the coaching calls for the next couple weeks. Perhaps I can help you bring in some consulting work... Just a thought."

On 4 October 2009 we sent Eric details of our monetisation plans for the first MS site. We also said re the phone call offer:

"Thank for your offer and thought. The consulting assignment we do have is due to start on 10 October....Thus we think it would be best to leave a phone discussion with you until we come up for air after that period."

Caramia emailed the HHHIN report as requested.

No response came back from Eric.

The consulting was unexpectedly cut back from two months to one month, thereby halving the expected income. This was an upsetting setback but we continued anyway because of our dire need for funds.

The consulting started on 10 October as planned, but then was terminated after only one week, meaning that even less money was received. The net result was that we had survival funds to the end of November only.

Post Consulting

After the consulting ended on 17 October, we emailed Eric on 18 October with:

"Eric

The consulting assignment we mentioned has finished after a week, rather than a month. That is good in terms of getting back to work on MultipleSclerosis.me but bad in respect of generating the cash we need to survive and to get MultipleSclerosis.me launched.

So now we are ready to take up your thoughts of a phone call and possible help in finding consulting opportunities, thanks.

A Skype conference call would be good for us as then we can both be on the call, but if you use some other system, then please let us know.

We are on GMT-4 time which is the same as ET until 1 November when DST ends. After that we are one hour ahead of ET.

Afternoon times suit us best, but mornings can be handled if better for you, given notice.

Please advise a day, time, and method, thanks.

Our contact details are given here: http://www.elanelan.com/

Regards

David"

Eric responded on 21 October with:

"David,

Skype will be fine for me.

I’m traveling a bit this week so how does Monday (the 26th) at 1:00 PM Central work for you?

Eric"

(The above email was the last communication received from Eric prior to the posting of this page.)

The day nominated by Eric did not suit us, so we replied on the same day (21 October) with three alternative suitable dates:

"Thanks Eric.

Unfortunately Monday 26th does not suit due to a prior commitment.

OK days for us are:
Tuesday 27th
Thursday 29th
Friday 30th

1PM Central on those days (before the 1st Nov time change for you) is 2PM here which is good for us.

David"

Eric did not reply.

I prompted him on 29 October with "Any word on an alternative date, please, Eric?"

No reply came.

Second Refund Request

Given the lack of response from Eric we decided to once again ask him to refund our money, and on 2 November 2009 emailed him with:

"Eric

Given that clearly you have your hands full with client commitments (good for you!) and we must secure cash quickly, once again we ask if we can have our money back please.

We are working very hard on MS.me and expect to be able to have it live by the end of November, but the reality is we will not get sufficient income from that before we have to bail out.

Without cash in November, MS.me will be history. By the end of November, just about when MS.me is ready to go live, we will be out of cash totally so will be unable to pay our December bills, buy food, or buy plane tickets out of here. So Caramia will have to ask her family for a ticket to the UK and live there and I will have to do likewise with my family in Australia. We will have to abandon all our possessions, apart from the little we can fly with.

No joke.

PLEASE refund the money we sent you. That would see us through to January with a zero expenditure Christmas, which would buy us enough time for a fighting chance of generating income via MS.me. As we have said before, once we actually have a business again, and can eat, we would love to work with you. MS.me and the subsequent MS dating site can be a very good business, and help a lot of people, but right now our very basic survival is at stake. The return of the money we sent you is the best chance we have. Please return it.

Thank you and regards

David and Caramia"

No reply came.

On 4 November 2009 we emailed Eric with:

"Eric, give us your response please.

David and Caramia"

No reply came, so on 5 November 2009 we sent the following email with subject "[Fwd: Please [RESPOND PLEASE][Last call before ACTION, with wiring instructions]]":

"Eric

For the last time, we politely request that you refund our money.

Your continued failure to communicate will leave us no option but to take action. If we do not hear from you within 24 hours we will start posting statements of the facts concerning our experience in dealing with you, in many online media. Hopefully these statements will save others from a similar bad experience.

We trust that won’t be necessary, and that you will yet redeem yourself in our eyes by returning our money.

We will accept return of the $4,997 sent less fees i.e. return of what actually reached you. You may send the return wire with the recipient (us) to pay the fees.

The wiring instructions are:

----
[Wiring instructions removed for this web page.]
----

David and Caramia"

No response has been received up until the time of posting this on 9 November 2009.

12 November 2009 Update

As suggested in the http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/graham-advantage-c200917.html post referenced near the top of this page, we filed a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General about "The Conversion Doctor", requesting that our money be refunded.

Today an email was received from Eric Graham in response to our email of 21 October 2009 about dates for a Skype call. He did not mention the subsequent emails requesting a refund.

We replied in part with:

We note that you have ignored our emails after 21 October wherein we requested a refund, as per your guarantee.

We now have zero belief that your services would help in any way. All we seek is the return of our money. You say in your video that in horouring your guarantee you would "eat" your travel costs and time. In our case there have been no travel costs and little time, apart from some emails, so please just wire the refund.

13 November 2009 Update

Additional information was supplied to the Missouri Attorney General concerning Mr Graham's other busineeses operated from the same address as The Conversion Doctor.

14 November 2009 Update

A complaint concerning The Conversion Doctor and Mr Graham was filed with the Better Business Bureau of Kansas City.

20 November 2009 Update

On 17 November Mr Graham emailed us a long defence of his actions, claimed that he had done 'months' of preparatory work, and offered to come to Antigua to complete the consultancy, with all expenses to be met by him until we were in a position to pay our share.

He said: "As my guarantee states, I would have no problem refunding your money if AFTER our day together you HONESTLY do not believe the strategy I've created for you would make you money, however in light of the SIGNIFICANT amount of time I've invested into this project and helping you (particularly considering all the direction changes), I'm really shocked by what you have done and wrote."

We responded on 20 November to say that his email was an attempt to portray himself as the good guy after we had complained; that we didn't believe he had put in the amount of work he claimed, and that all we wanted was the refund as requested.

We concluded with:

"You say you are shocked. We were shocked by what other people, including people [who] knew you, had to say about you at
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/graham-advantage-c200917.html and
http://emarketworks.com/zeroto500-final-update-not-recommended/.

Also, checks with the Better Business Bureau of Kansas City shows that you have ignored other complaints.

The BBB information, the above posts, and discussions with our USA lawyer, not only enlightened us, they made us feel foolish for not having done our homework well enough originally. We do admit to that error on our part.

Going through the facade of the DAY would just be a silly waste. We did consider whether we should let you come as per your offer in order to obtain the money, which at our current point of extreme peril is all that matters, but we have decided that even in extremis we won't do that.

The only amicable way forward is for you to refund the money we have paid you, as per our repeated requests. Please send the money."

1 January 2010 Update

2009 ended with no refund from Mr Graham despite numerous further attempts to get him to return our money.

Today brought news of another person’s bad experiences in dealing with Mr Graham. See Internet Business Ethics 101 by Fred Black of Burlington, NC USA, posted on December 31, 2009.

Mr. Black offers similar advice to our own, as proffered via this page: “I want to warn people NOT to purchase one of his [Eric Grahams] package deals or other consulting services.” “DON'T DO IT!”.