News on Margareth,Latin Encounters

[Pete E]

I haven't seen Margareth for about 4 months untill today.She came over to help with translationn and understanding with my landlord.The owner of my apartment is famous Colombian soccer player  Tino Asprilla.Today his brother Martin came over.Martin tells me he also played soccer for 4 years for a team in Los Angeles .The gist of the meeting was you paid us 6 months up front and now we would like another 6 months,even though the lease says payment by the 5th of each month.But the place is an incredible deal,which they are aware of and pointed out.So to be on good terms I said OK,no problem,if you will just fix the air conditioner like you said you would.Agreed.I want to be on good terms,I might want to renew the lease in 6 months.
Then time to catch up with Margaret.I really like Margarteth,consider her a good friend,she helped me alot asking nothing in return.She did get married,married a guy from Puerto Rico whom lives in Orlando,introduced by Mormon friends.She wants to live in Colombia and the US,is in no hurry to get a visa.I guess their long term goal is to do missionary work for the Mormon church in Colombia.
About my ex girl friend and the girls in general.She says nobody is perfect and its really a case of is the relationship right for both people.If it is not then not so good stuff can happen.She says its not a case of bad girls.I partially agree.But they can do dishonest underhanded things,but well,walk a mile in their shoes in Cali Colombia before judging.
To be fair the next part I have only Margareths side of the story.There are always 2 sides.And there is even a question if this is appropriate here,involving business relationships.I think so,so here goes,I appologise in advance if I don't have all the imformation right.
Margareth did not sell Latin encounters.That was discussed for a 6 figure price and the prospective buyer choose to enter in to a different agreement with her.Margareth agreed,all verbal I'm told,to sell a franchise like share of the agency,for a figure less than 10%
what she asked for the agency.Here is the deal,again from her side.
The guy gets the data on 150 of her hottest girls,then opens his own
other agency in Cali.The GREAT PART of the story is the guy rented the Crystall Palace,the old home of Latin Love on calle Escopeta in Ciudad Jardine.An absolutely incredible house.I spent 21 days there in 1999 and 2000 and loved the place.He also opened an office in Holgines,near Unicentro,to recruit girls.There is a new web site
www.calivip.com and whammo,all the pictures of an incredible mansion.
Margareth co signed for the guy to rent the place,as she also did for me on my place.She said she also helped him buy furniture out of Bogota to furnish the place.If you go to the web site you will see
a good looking group of women from Margareths site.it looks like he got to " cherry pick " Latin Encounters.The same girls are still on Margareths site also.
Here is the problem,one that is causing my friend Margareth alot of stress and grief.The guy transfered 10% of the agreed upon amount to Margareth's husbands bank accout in Orlando.He told her the money is there.She checked with her husband,who said the guy missed a zero.
The guy already has the pictures of the girls on the web site and wants all the contact and other imformation.He is offering a monthly payment arrangement of about 7% of the amount due each month.Margareth says she never agreed to anything of the sort and expected the full amount to be deposited when she called to check if it was.So,a standoff.the guy insists on his new monthly terms,Margareth says no,fearing once he gets all the imformation she will never see another peso.She says the guy is being very threatening and intimidating,telling her he will make her life miserable,will talk to US immigration,she will not get a visa,ect.But,he had better play it cool,seems he is running a business in Colombia on a tourist visa and advertising girls as available he does not have the contact imformation on.So seems a one time payment for the promised services might be in order.
All one sided,I know.We are open to another version.
OK,new guy,this is your opportunity to introduce yourself and give us your side of the story.I suggest it start with a statement it was all a misunderstanding and you and Margareth worked it out.I'm sure she would like to,but it sounds like no time paymments.
Remember everything said here effects how you are percieved on probably the most read latin discusion site on the web.I bet we got 10 lurkers for every poster.Its a place of very good free advertising or a place to create a very bad impression.Read posts down below from Jamie that has the agency in Baranquilla.His posts here have won him lots of admirers and future clients.He answered very effectively what could have been bad press otherwise.
And Good luck on the Palace,its an INCREDIBLE place.I hope its is successfull.Talk about everything heading south fast.Wow.January one major agency in the South.Now 4 ?
And,speaking of the Palace,HODA,where is the rest of the story?lots of activity at the palace  you haven't got to yet.

Pete

[Rebel]

... in response to News on Margareth,Latin Encounters, posted by Pete E on Aug 4, 2004

Pete: Has anyone suggested to you to learn spanish? All of these opportunistic people you talk about appear to be taking advantage of you. Learn the language and you won't be at the mercy of anyone and you can call your own shots.

Rebel

[Pete E]

... in response to Re: News on Margareth,Latin Encounters, posted by Rebel on Aug 5, 2004

Yes,
You might say I have been told to learn spanish,like about 100 times.Read my post below on back home in Cali.
Nobody in the above post took advantage of me,but I wished my translater had translated more and given his own opinion less when dealing with Martin Asprilla.Neither one were aware of the agreement I had with Martin's sister Nebullis.It got a little heated and a little imformation from me could have cleared it up.I found out what was said later.Actually Margareth showed up and smoothed things out.

Pete

[kented]

... in response to News on Margareth,Latin Encounters, posted by Pete E on Aug 4, 2004

I stayed at the Crystal Palace in December of 2000.  Bud the owner started the agency so his in-laws would have jobs.  It is indeed a palace.  

It was the former home of () Rodriguez one of the key drug lords in Colombia.  It has a great indoor poor but the master suite is the truly incrediblwe place.  The main room is about 800 sq ft and it has a two story closet.  

I mentioned who had owned this to Francie, Bud's mother-in-law and she pretended to not know who I was talking about.  George (if that is his first name) Rodriguez is about as well known as Pablo Escobar and of course she knew who's house she was working in.  

I paid $75 a day for the room, two meals and unlimited use of the agency.  that in my opinion is the most cost effective way to go.  They alos moved me to the presidental suite for the last three days since if would have been vacant.  

[CaliBound]

... in response to News on Margareth,Latin Encounters, posted by Pete E on Aug 4, 2004

This is exactly what I would do ... I would stay 7 days at Latin Encounters and 7 days at ACG and meet the same girls that are available at Calivip. These two agency have outlasted the competition in Cali. They most be doing something right. Why would I pay $700 for 5-7 days of introductions only(calivip)when for the same amount I could stay at LE or ACG for 7 days?

I stayed at Latin Encounters for 9 days a few years ago and was treated like a true (Cali)V.I.P. -- without spending like a high roller.

When Bud and Adriana where running Latin Love at the Crystal palace, they were charging from $75-$125 per night and that included a room, breakfast and drinks. I was ready to go to Cali and stay at the Crystal Palace and then they moved the agency.

I wish the owner of Calivip lots of success ... but with those high fees ...

-- Frank Soto --

[Stezo71]

... in response to News on Margareth,Latin Encounters, posted by Pete E on Aug 4, 2004

WOW! That website and the place is nice.
However if he has a problem getting the girls because of problems with Margareth or whatever its not going to last long.
If Real Estate is location, location, location
Then that business is latinas, latinas, latinas

[Pete E]

... in response to Re: News on Margareth,Latin Encounters, posted by Stezo71 on Aug 5, 2004

He's got the location and lots of the girls,just needs the rest of the data from Margareth.
Actually its the most exciting agency thing to happen in Cali since Bud Hochburg started Latin Love at the same house a little over 5 years ago.

Pete

[Seeker]

... in response to News on Margareth,Latin Encounters, posted by Pete E on Aug 4, 2004

While staying at LE in May, I met Mike, the owner of CaliVIP. I had the opportunity to interact with him on many occasions and we had some interesting conversations, mostly about the ideal Colombian agency. Mike has his heart in the right place and has extensive business experience. I believe he will be successful catering to an upscale customer base, by "upscale, " I mean men who are willing to spend $1,300 dollars to be provided American-style service in Colombia. For the majority of American guys I've met at Colombian agencies, money is not the issue, rather it is the limited time they have in Cali and the perceived lack of service they are receiving from the agency. I can see many of them willing to spend the extra dollars to obtain the service they desire. I believe you'll get your money's worth at CaliVIP.

I'm glad Mike decided to create his own agency, rather than become co-owner of LE because I got the sense that Margareth and Mike have two very different perspectives on how to run an agency and provide customer service.

For any of you who've ever attended an "8 oz. soda in a plastic cup" party at an agency, CaliVIP is likely to impress. In May, Mike hosted an amazing party at LE that had a live D.J., full bar and the most amazing group of beautiful and sexy women (LE women) I've ever seen. He knows how to rock the house.

Of course, I won't be spending my money at CaliVIP anytime soon. I was very satisfied with the Colombian service I received at LE in May. I can always visit Ricardo at ACG too. One of my greatest concerns at staying at CaliVIP is the message of wealth that one may be directly or indirectly sending to your appointments. The Palace looks like Hefner's Playboy Mansion. As I seek a humble and nonpretentious Colombian woman, I believe that this is not the optimal environment for my quest. Not that LE, ACG, or Latin-Internet are humble places, but they are not so luxiourious.  

Of course, I do hope that Margareth and Mike settle their differences soon. Their arrangement is a win-win situation for all parties involved. Both Margareth and Mike are good people and I wouldn't hesitate recommending either one of them.

[LatinLuver]

... in response to Mike seemed like a great guy, posted by Seeker on Aug 5, 2004

I tend to disagree about money not being an issue with gringos going to Cali. In fact quite the opposite.
I happen to be a free spender and my last two times in Cali stayed at upscale hotels including the Intercontinental for the duration of my stay.
I found the guys at both LE & ACG very money conscious and I will be very surprised if guys are willing to spring for $1300 for 5-7 days at CaliVIP when they can spend about a third of that price and be a year member at either agency.
PPerhaps his target group is the newbie who doesn't have a clue about Cali and just grabs on to the first agency he sees.
Anyone who does the minimun amount of comparison shopping will dismiss this agency in a New York minute.
Both LE & ACG have beautiful digs and I cant see anyone needing anything nicer.
Also putting womens age requirements at 61-70 or 71-80 as many of his beautiful gals have is really a red flag. The same girls on the LE & ACG sites show a more realistic age range.
Perhaps he is reaching for the wealthy sugar daddy who wants to buy a Calena. Which I guess is very do able.
I wish him luck, he will need it.

[Chris F]

... in response to Re: Mike seemed like a great guy, posted by LatinLuver on Aug 5, 2004

You post:

"Perhaps his target group is the newbie who doe not have a clue about Cali and grabs on to the first agency he sees"

Agreed!!!!....just like the TLC Parties----- $1000 dollars for three parties..you know those guys are newbies who did not do any homework.

Probably CALIVIP is going after the same market of guys..........

[Jamie]

... in response to Re: Your right!!!!!!, posted by Chris F on Aug 5, 2004

TLC has many repeat customers that enjoy their event arrangements. I would not be surprised if it was close to 20%. As for doing ones homework the vast majority will do a little comparison shopping, the more they do the more they would recognize that TLC would be a better value than most of the competition. The moment you have to make a second trip in your search you have lost any bargain you thought you got from the first trip. And you have now outspent your “newbie.”

Jamie
Engage the Exotic
Http://International-Introductions.com

[Chris F]

... in response to TLC, posted by Jamie on Aug 5, 2004

You stated:

"As for doing ones homework the vast majority will do a little comparison shopping, the more they do the more they would recognize that TLC would be a better value than most of the competition."

TLC a better "value" then most of the competition?

I am sorry Jamie..I hate to ask this but....What have you been smoking?  How can you even tell experienced board members here that 3 parties for a thousand dollars is a better value then a years membership to an agency for about 500 bucks?

You must be getting some kind "kick back" from TLC for inexperienced newbies you bring to them pal......

[Jamie]

... in response to Re: TLC..Jamie..you must work for them o..., posted by Chris F on Aug 5, 2004

The value is not just in the cost. If you are able to use an agency with a $500 membership and make one trip to Colombia and find what you want you got a better value than the guy that went the TLC route and found what was right for him on the first trip. However, if you had to make more than one trip with this same $500 membership then the other guy got a better value. Correct?

And I am betting that TLC has a better success rate for the first time visitors than most of the $500 and less crowd.

What makes you think I am receiving a commission (kickback)? I do not have any association with any agency. The overlying theme on my website is me versus them. But even if it is at the expense of defending the competition I will give my assessment. It is clearly more advantageous for me to say nothing. While I do not do tours, we target the same high-end cliental and I know for a fact that I take business from them. I have nothing to gain by highlighting my overall positive opinion of them. I believe they have one the best business strategies in the industry. You do not last 10 plus years without many happy customers. However my niche is their crack.

So between you and me, do you think I could get a kickback

Jamie
Engage the Exotic
Http://International-Introductions.com

[Chris F]

... in response to Kickback, posted by Jamie on Aug 5, 2004

Jamie you stated:

"The value is not just in the cost. If you are able to use an agency with a $500 membership and make one trip to Colombia and find what you want you got a better value than the guy that went the TLC route and found what was right for him on the first trip. However, if you had to make more than one trip with this same $500 membership then the other guy got a better value. Correct?"

Not exactly Jamie...if a man purchases a  years membership at an agency for 500 dollars and did not find what he wanted at the agency on his first trip, he could go back within a year and use the agency again for.......FREE!!!

Now..... if a man attends the three TLC parties for 1000 dollars and could not find what he wanted...can he go again for free within a year?  NO!!  TLC will charge him a discounted rate of $750 DOLLARS everytime he goes for a three party weekend.

Again...an agency membership for a year is much better value then a TLC party considering these situations....

Don't you think??

[Jamie]

... in response to Jamie.........., posted by Chris F on Aug 5, 2004

”Not exactly Jamie...if a man purchases a years membership at an agency for 500 dollars and did not find what he wanted at the agency on his first trip, he could go back within a year and use the agency again for.......FREE!!!”

Chris you have to factor in all your cost not just the agency cost. The moment you buy another plane ticket the TLC guy gets the better value. If we include the opportunity cost where the TLC guy receives the benefits of a wife earlier he gains even more value.

The critical factor becomes who can give you a better return and improve your odds for success. This should be your only measurement. Not $500 vs. $1000. Since we do not have actual numbers we can only surmise who gets better results but I bet you I can come up with a well reasoned list why it’s TLC.

I am sure we have a handful of men who have used TLC that can tell us what percentage of men they think got engaged or found one that they eventually got engaged to using their services one time versus input from others on other agencies on the lower dollar side. I am not sure that the small feedback would be enough of gauge, but that is where your evaluation lays who is going to give you the best results.

Do you know $500 is less than 10% of your total cost for bringing in a foreign bride? Think about it, you are letting less than 10% of your total cost be the determining factor in your selection when it shouldn’t even be factor.  

Chris I have an Economics and Financial background so I know little about numbers in the decision making process... now if I could only find where I placed my wallet.

Jamie
Engage the Exotic
Http://International-Introductions.com