Backyard

Signed up with Backyard for their 30 day free trial about a month ago, they really sold me on the great services we would receive (free mobile website, Google AdWords, Youtube video) as well as their close contact with me throughout the trial process. They do ask for your credit card information for the trial, and I usually don't give that out for free trials but I did in this instance (which I very much regret now). I got in touch with my account manager, and then I started my account, updated my business information, and created a mini-coupon to sell on my new nice mobile website. Everything went really smoothly, a couple days after I started my account I did have to email my account manager because I had some trouble logging into my account, but she fixed that right up very quickly. I was informed that I would be in close contact with my account manager throughout my trial process, and that I would receive an email three days before my trial ended to go over my trial and discuss payment options. Unfortunately I did not hear from my account manager after she remedied my logging trouble, nor did I receive a single email from them to run over how my trial was going. I emailed my account manager on day 30 of my trial, just saying that I would like to touch base with them and that I hadn't heard from them. I was then billed $89.00 for the next month of service, still having heard NOTHING from anyone at Backyard. I finally got in touch with someone at Backyard shortly afterward. They explained to me that my account manager had left shortly after I signed up as she had other duties, which explains why I didn't hear from her throughout my trial. I was also informed that they had sent me automated email correspondence throughout my 30 day trial... I just hadn't recieved the emails. Yep, the emails just disappeared or something. Because they were having some technology issues, she couldn't currently provide proof that these emails had been sent. As of this time I am waiting to hear back from her so that I can receive some proof/explanation as to why I didn't hear from them throughout my process. Of course, she couldn't refund me my $89.00 because she has on record that they kept up correspondance with me throughout the 30 day period, so I don't have reason enough to warrant a refund. That's what I get for giving out my credit card information and trusting that I'll receive prompt and effective service. I did immediately cancel my account and would definitely not recommend these guys due to this bait and switch. I'm sure this hasn't been everyone's experience with them, but regardless be careful if you sign up with these guys. Oh, and the worst part? Regardless of the neat video and fancy numbers of how many leads I generated and consumers I engaged... I haven't had a single client who stated that Backyard brought them to me.