Pimsleur Approach Reviews
The Pimsleur Approach (PimsleurApproach.com) is a foreign language course that promises to teach you the basics of your chosen language within 10 days using proven methods created by Dr. Paul Pimsleur and used by the FBI.
When you order the Quick & Simple program, you will receive 4 audio CDs with 8 lessons, each 30 minutes in length, and you are scheduled to listen to only one lesson per day.
The entire program is 100% audio based so it can be listened to in the car, the home, or downloaded and played on an MP3 player. The Quick & Simple program is currently priced at $10.00, with free Shipping & Handling.
What is “The Pimsleur Approach”?
The Pimsleur Approach to learning a foreign language is to teach adults a language the same way babies learn language – orally. According to them, learning language begins with learning sounds and pronunciations, not with grammar rules or vocab lessons.
The Pimsleur Approach works on the idea that you should absorb grammar rules through understanding how conversation works orally, just like you did when you were learning your first language.
The website says that while there are over 1 million words and phrase in the English language, there are only 2500 that we use consistently and that we need in order to communicate with the average American.
The Pimsleur Approach identifies these same language building blocks for foreign languages and only concentrates on teaching you those, so that you can quickly be conversational in your chosen language.
The Cost
The Quick & Simple program does cost $10.00 and comes with a 30 day trial, where you can receive a refund if you return the program in excellent condition. However, you are automatically enrolled to get subsequent programs sent to you.
These subsequent programs, if not returned with 30 days, will cost you 4 payments of $64, or $256, and depending on the language you have chosen, you can receive up to 4 additional shipments.
With each additional shipment, you have 30 days to return those and cancel the charges. You can also call 1-877-802-5283 to cancel future shipments in advance at any time.
I have tried to learn a language twice before; once in college and once i purchased cd's. Both were frustrating experiences that resulted in my completely giving up. I was convinced that i just wasn't good at languages. I was reticent to attempt learning again but i am a teacher in an urban setting and being able to communicate with my students is really necessary.
I have been completely satisfied with my purchase. The pimsleur approach consists of 30 minute lessons. You are instructed to move to the next level when you have learned about 80% of the material. There is frequent review and a steady increase in the amount of material as you proceed through the program. I am a visual, not an oral, learner. This oral approach has forced me to use only my oral faculties and not to be dependent on my stronger visual learning abilities. I'm ready for a trip to Spain!
Thankfully, I came across this page before my 30 trial period on the $10 course was up. I was able to contact the customer service and cancel the Gold series before they started shipping - and charging - without hassle, so I'm very grateful for that.
While Googling, I came across another Pimsleur site via Simon and Schuster: http://www.pimsleur.com/. Considering that S&S is a well-known publishing company, and would likely be at pains to protect their reputation, I think it would be a good idea to contact them about the hidden information from the Pimsleur Approach outlet. On Pimsleur.com, all their programs (including Q&S, and beyond) are laid out: http://www.pimsleur.com/About-The-Programs . That's something that PimsleurApproach.com hasn't done.
I have a background in learning Spanish, and I'm enjoying the Quick and Simple lessons in that I feel more comfortable speaking now than I did in school, but I agree that something needs to be done about PimsleurApproach.com's lack of disclosure.
After cancelling with PA, I also e-mailed Simon and Schuster with a link to this review page, as well as imploring them to look into customer complaints. I think we'd have a bigger impact if more of us did the same.
I purchased the online discount trial version for $10. It came and I only tried it a couple times and lost interest. About a month later a very nice additional set was delivered to my home. It had an invoice inside that said there was no balance due. I thought it was a mistake and was going to contact them about returning it, but forgot about it. Another month, another package. I then called them and was informed that by selecting the $10 version I was automatically enrolled in the full program.
I was allowed to return the second package, I paid the postage, but they would not authorize the return of the first. I then went back to their web page and sure enough, almost intensionally obscured from view in light text was the agreement. Nasty businsess practice! It made me so mad I told my wife, and that was when I found out we had been billed for $128, and that was only HALF paid for. I hit the roof. No matter, they won't let you return anything over the 30 days even if it wasn't opened.
If there was a class action suit for people who do business this way I would be at the front of the line. I guess you just have to remind yourself, we're not in Kansas anymore!
To the naive people who say "read the fine print" -- this deal has *no* fine print to read. The $10 deal is set up to get your credit card number. Then you are sent -- with NO prior notice AT ALL (no fine print) the first off -- a series of GOLD level courses you may or many not want. There is no "contract, no "free trade" deal. Free trade contracts are a "meeting of the minds", as to the item traded, the price and the terms -- you don't have to be a legal scholar to understand that. If you ordered a hamburger at McDonald's, paid for it with a credit card, sat down and ate it -- and then a series of waiters started delivering dozens of happy meal to your table along with an invoice -- you would protest that you had no agreement to accept these additional burgers. This is the Pimsleur "deal". And if you had these burgers instead delivered to your home in an *unmarked* box (Pimsleur materials are sent as "Internet Orde" -- they don't put their own name on the box --that's honesty for you! ", left at your door you would again protest that you had no agreement to accept these additional burgers. That you could return them -- providing you don't open the box! (if you do open it you need Pimsleur's permission (and a return labe from them --ha!) -- this is UPS (private) not the US Mails) -- misses the point. The "buyer beware" robber baron argument is that if I get your name and credit card number by ANY means, I can unilaterally impose a contract upon you!
If you DID order the $10 CD, when the roughly 10" by 14" by 2" white UPS box ciomes-- do not open it (or your will need Pimsleur's permission to get a "return lable" to ship it back free). Drop it off at UPS (or call them and they will pick it up at your door) and they will return it.
If you DO open it, then asap contact UPS, your credit card company (they can put a flag on the charge) and notify Consumer Affairs -- they can help you.
Pimsleur has a great product. But their insane bullying sales tactics (courtesy of Stroll, et al) need not be tolerated. Being a business is a worthy responsibility and a trust, but many crooks these days see it as an opportunity to cheat and steal. Fight back, (bad) seller beware.
RDB
Echoing all what Robert said. Pimsleur IS a great program, but it's better if you deal with them directly aka pimsleur.com.
I just got off the phone from my debit card company, and they've put a notice on my account that I have been cancelled out of Pimsleur Approach's program. No unwanted CDs for me (whew!). In the future, I will go straight to the source.
The sad part is that I learned of PimsleurApproach.com from a Forbes Magazine article. Why they listed them, and not the Simon and Schuster run Pimsleur.com, I do not know. I am happy that I managed to dodge an expensive bullet this time around; others have not been as fortunate.
Every one read the fine print!!! It's all your issue that u don't read
I think the Pimsleur Approach could actually work for some people who have trouble learning a language from a book or class. I DID order the trial for $9.95. I liked it - but then I received an entire book of additional CDs and they wanted to charge me nearly $200!
When I called customer service the rep was really rude when I asked why I had to pay the return shipping on a product that I didn't even order. Make sure you cancel after the trial - if you ONLY want the trial. It's a mess if you don't. Watch the fine print!!!!
95% of these reviews argue about the payment program lined out above, everyone is pissy because they didn't read the rules. Really as far as the language program goes no one has said anything negative and I'm personally not willing to read further. Your choice.
Mr. 95% its not about the product, its the principle of being honest. If i had time to read all the fine print in life, thats all i'd ever do, poor me!!! Buyer beware, dont buy anything online if its to good to be true. They are counting on u not reading so one is stuck w/ trying to dig out of thee pimsleur hole!!! U are better off paying the cost of Rosetta Stone up front, no secret disclosures, fine print b.s.; the program is much better and more interactive than Pimp-slur!
I also did not catch the fine print. Was surprised to recieve the additional shipment. I call immediately and told them I did not want it or anything else I did not order. Besides that of the 16discs they send in the second shipment, the first 4 or 6 are the exact same material sent in the $10 order. I returned the shipment but have still been charged twice.
to read ALL of the information presented to you before spending your hard-earned money. This is a great program, I learned enough Italian enought to spend 3 weeks there alone, it is NOT a rip-off.
It is fun and effective.
I am going to report Pimsleur to the BBB, for i am sure they are doing the exact same thing to hundreds if not thousands of people like Patrick. Anyone who has experienced the same thing from Pimsleur is advised to do the same, this is embezzlement/ fraud and will not be tolerated. People are simple trying to get ahead or better their lives and at every crossroad their is a crook, waiting to pickpocket, ENOUGH!!!!!
If you look on their site after watching their little cartoon near the bottom you will see a blue link that says "see key details" THATS THE FINE PRINT. It tells you that you will be receiving more shipments each charged to your CC 4 times in the amount of $64.00 and with numbers on how to cancel if you've already started.
After reading all the comments, im not buying this.
I was this close to ordering. After reading these comments...nevermind.
Me too. I am not going to either.
Thanks for the comments here. I was just about to order this. When I checked Pimsleur Approach aka Internet Order LLC with BBB, they have a "C-" rating.
My wife completed 7 of the 8 German lessons and was able to have a very basic understanding of the language when she went to Germany. I have completed Italian 2 and have improved my conversation skills a lot. For an adult, the structured 30-minute lessons are the perfect length. In addition to the CDs, you should buy and read a basic grammar book. This will more than double the speed at which you can learn any language. You should ask for special pricing if you buy the additional levels. The savings are huge. I have completed the Rosetta Stone system and I feel that Pimsleur is superior because it is much more structured. You have to be disciplined when you do any home study, but Pimsleur requires less discipline. Buy the program and commit yourself to at least six lessons a week. They do not have to be six new lessons. You may have to repeat a lesson. The key is consistency. I also recommend that you DO NOT listen to the CDs in the car. This technique is not good for your driving or for you ability to learn the language. The best method is on a computer where you can pause and repeat the phrases that are more difficult. I also recommend that you take the lessons early in the morning when your brain is the most receptive. Get up 45 minutes earlier than normal if you really want to learn a foreign language.
I have used the Hebrew & the Portuquese language courses & find I do best while driving. 2/3 times a week I have a 45 min trip each way and practice then. I also think they are easier to use than Rossetta Stone. Portuquese was easy since I already spoke fairly good Spanish.
so this does work? i have also heard that they charge a lot of additional fees.
if this is true please say so. i really want to learn spanish and french, but i am afraid it wont work or it will cost more than expected? :(
This guy sounds like he was paid to say this. The product sounds great and all, but the extra payments they don't tell you up front about are ridiculous.
I was scared to do this myself after i seen the reviews i called and tried to cancel they sent me the 10disk's and i told them i still want to cancel and they canceled me out and i keep the quick and simple for the 9.95 i payed and I am not supposed to get charged again, so we will see.:)
I'm speaking with a rep right now ('Andrew') to cancel me out of the Gold series. As much as I'd like to continue (I really like my Quick and Simple lessons so far), I do not have hundreds to drop per package right now. If I did, I'd go with Rosetta Stone.
According to Andrew, the only thing on the system for me is the Quick and Simple $10 set, with nothing else to ship. I'll be watching my card and my mail box for a bit, though.
I ordered the $10 trial. I did not see the hidden course cost, but fully expected to have some sort of shadow cost. Really now, who expected a $10 course to be anything but a teaser.
I am going to listen to the $10 course. If I like it I will buy the balance of the courses.
I expect if I do not like it there will be a fight to stop the balance of the charges. But that is life for those that buy stuff on the internet like me.
After I get the trial I will add comment to my post.
Buyer be ware!!! If you are not then you are a victim of yourself!!!!
so how was it???? i am worried about extra costs
This did sound too good to be true, but I figured $10 was not a bad investment. I saw no mention of the "trial" CD's on approval, so I was shocked when I saw that they were going to send them some more...at an unmentionable cost. I called right away, and they did make it "right" by sending me a label for the shipment that already had shipped. Still, it's an inconvenience.
As for the course itself, it's ok if you are an audio learner. I need visual as well, so it was difficult. I am still working on the tapes, and I'll keep them and pass them along to others. I don't mind paying the $10. I do mind paying a couple of hundred for something i didn't order.
Reading these comments, I had better check my checking account statement!
Thousands of ecstatic customers? I doubt it. And I couldn't learn it while doing other things. I don't like their sales practices. However, their cartoon advertising is captivating and cute, I must admit. But maybe that is the problem.
1: Babies learn languages because the brain begins to (before age of 5) develop the language part of brain first. After the age of 5-7, this ability to learn languages without accent begins to decline. They should teach babies languages in preschool, and not highschool.
2. Its not impossible to learn a new language, but we have to train our brains, and tongues to pick it up. Again, something a developmentally healthy child can more easily pick up without much effort.
THIS IS SCAM!
I didnt buy it, because again they're using false and very DECEPTIVE claims!!
Sadly, these claims can be believable to some ppl who NEVER QUESTION sales ppl motives. I have never heard of mr. p?
I loved Pimsleur! Expensive yes but so are the other companies. Since Pimsleur teaches through conversation it really works. I have no connections with the company and I went form speaking no Spanish to having conversations when we went to Ecuador six months after I began the program. M. Wright New Jersey
Worked great for me too. I studied Chinese
Here is how they operate: You get an introduction to a given language for $10. (4 hours of CDs)
about a month later you get what they call "first course" - nice box, about 15 hours of CDs. The bill says that you owe 0.00. By the time you review your credit card statement that shows $64 charge - it is too late to return the course! AND they continue charging you $64 THREE more times!
IT DOESNT WORK! our brains change over time, so comparing how babies learn is very deceptive!! the brain of babies respond to the acquisition of language with which with age begins to decline, and the person's abilities in other areas learning beging to expand...
They state right in the description you HAVE to give it back in 30 days, or they're going to give you more packages.
Don't go through these guys, buy direct from pimsleur.com
First they send you a promotion for 10$ Then they charge your credit card 64$ FOUR times while sending you another package that says that you were charged 0.00. So you don't check your credit card bill until it is too late! They refuse to accept the CDs they sent you and refund your money.
I lost all desire to use those CDs...A TOTAL scam, theft and fraud. How did Simon and Shuster lend their name to this?
BEWARE, this is SCAM, do Not Order. You can go to any library and rent language tapes/CDs for free.
So everybook thatis in he library that is also available to purchase is a scam?
Other than that the program seems to be pretty good and works a lot on getting the pronunciation correct, which other programs seems to gloss over.
I got the auto shipment, called them and cancelled it, they tried to talk me out of it and to extend the trial period, but I explained that I didn't want it they were fine with it.
They are a old company, this must be a new marketing push to make more money, I personally don't like it since it made it past my online buying radar, but at least they were polite about it.
I felt a bit taken by it because I didn't catch the auto-sign up when I ordered, but that is my fault.
They even told me it could be sent media mail, which is much cheaper.
I paid my $4 and returned it, lesson learned, and a little bit of French.
I called them after the 30 day trial expired. They refused to accept the return of unwanted materials.
^^LOL clearly the con-artist read this site too.
Regardless of whether this method works or not, this company refuses to stop billing you once you miss the 30 day period to return the materials received. It matters not why you missed the grace period. You are stuck with a bill for 256$. They do not accept your "late" return of the materials and cancellation of charges.
AND
If you language happens to have more than one level of courses, you will be stuck with $256 for each level!
Any company that refuses to cancel a program and keeps billing you for unwanted materials is fraudalnt in my book.
30 days is enough time to send unwanted items back. Pay the bill
I wouldn't pay for extra items I didn't order. You must be crazy!
30 days is not enough time!
ummm thats what a 30 day trial is, 30 days. You can cancel ANY level before you have it for 30 days after you get it. It is al explained on the order page, if you take time to read it before you buy it. . .
Still sorry it worke out less than desirable for you guys.
Scam Scam Scam
stealing money
etc.
I saw the promo and as it was playing I typed "pimsler approach review" into my browser and oh gee guess where I ended up? If I want the program to try... I'll go to eBay or craig's list!!!! TRUST NO ONE, INVESTIGATE EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU SIGN!!!
dude, i did the same:) i have serious doubts now, looks like it's a scam big time.
just cancel, and read before you click the buy it button :)
Every time I call for a return, because I learned NOTHING in those 10 days, they give a whole lot of bull about policy this, shipping fee that. Telling you people, it is a SCAM, and when you think it's too good to be true, you're right. Don't get in a mess like me.
Its not really 4 payments of 64.00 over 4 months. It's 64.00 for 2 months then the 3rd month you get hit with a 64.00 payment twice in one week. So then you say to yourself ok maybe the final payment they just take out to finish it. So I figure ok I'm finished, Then on the 4th month i get hit again 2 payments of 64.00 in one week I say what the hell. I call them up and I hear right away like it's a practiced answer oh they just overlapped. I say ok what does that mean. She says oh it just means they overlapped. Ok does that mean Im getting 128.00 back and when. Oh no I'll fix it in the computer. Thats for lesson 2 I said lesson 2 what do you mean. Oh you have 2 lessons and theres a third one on the way. I said I don't want lesson 2 or lesson 3. Well its 2 late for lesson 2 but i guess I can cancel 3. You'll just have to pay return shipping. I said what don't ship it. She said well it looks like Its going out fri. so I can't stop it. I said it's tues. now you got 3 and a half days to stop it. So people make sure if your not super super interested in learning if you cancel immediately hopefully you wont get nailed. Basically you'll end up paying 64.00 a month for 12 months for a total of 768.00 So make sure you are seriously interested in learning. Basic Spanish or whichever you choose. waiting to see if the shipping fee is 256.00 dollars which is the price of the 4 remaining payments.
I'm sorry for you but....Thanks for sharing your experience. I was very close to buying it. Sounded too good to be true. I guess will be much better keep practicing my English day by day. ;-)
thanks for all the posts, I'm glad I read this, I am not ordering!!!!
again all explained on the order page. . . read then buy people. Sorry you are having such a hard time though
lee, be quiet. They are actively trying to deceive you, even if they do include it on the order page.
How to I cancel the order so I don't have any further complications. Right now 9.95 has been charged and I haven't received it yet. How do I cancel everything so I don't get sucked into the automatic billing scheme. It hasn't been 30 days so please help me before they start charging more!
thanks
call 1-877-802-5283 good luck. And I understand your fear.
I was able to strike back at those Pimsleur Scammers by informing them that I was going to get an attorney involved if they didn't back off. Well, fortunately, that's all it took in my case. In fact, I was able to call my attorney and cancel his services because they backed off on trying to make me pay on their first shipment of CD's that arrived after the trial CD's. I offered to send back the shipment but they were giving me this crap that I went past their 30 day return period (which was something I wasn't aware of) and wouldn't allow me to send back the shipment, but insisted on the payments. But they didn't like the sound of attorney involvement.
eh!! whatever. All you have to do is just read the terms and conditions that are clearly stated
I too did a Google search because it sounded too good to be true. Sure enough, over promise, keep the details in the fine print and find the suckers that are looking for something for nothing.
here is the quote from order page with cancel number, be prompt to avoid fees :) "One month after you receive your Quick & Simple you'll begin receiving 30 day trial copies of advanced Pimsleur courses in the language you selected. Each course is yours to try for 30 days. You'll receive a new course once every 60 days. For each course you keep we'll bill you in four monthly payments of $64. Remember, there's never an immediate obligation to buy any course because of the 30-day trial period provided with each shipment. And you may cancel future shipments at any time by calling 1-877-802-5283."
Thank you Lee, you are the ONLY voice of reason on here. READ before buying people!!! I will still buy this trial perion and have a BIG STICKY NOTE to cancel before the trial period is over. If I don't it's MY FAULT!!! I'm sorry you are having these issues, but try not to blame others for your oversight!
ps Did the software serve it's purpose? That is what I was looking for in a review. If you are willing to sell me the extra course for $100, I will take it off your hands. :)
I hate to rain on everybody's parade, but ANY reputable company accepts a return of a brand new item, no questions asked. I can buy something, BRAND FREAKIN NEW from *ANY* place that is worth it's salt and as long as it hasn't been opened they'll tell me "Sure here is your money back." ---So tell me again, why won't they let you return an item you accidentally purchased?!?!?! That is called a scam whether you like it or not Rachel&Lee.
You should only be left with the shipping charges, shipping is labor that can not be returned, however, the item can.
While I agree with the fact that people should read before they buy however that being said I loathe and despise the way businesses that partake in a method of sales designed to deceive people into ordering their product. Personally I would not tolerate this on principle alone however my wife likes having the program and I decided to let her deal with the issue of receiving more than what we ordered. I would advise anyone thinking of ordering this product to just not do it just on the conduct of their business practices. Here is what happened. We ordered the $9.99 introductory offer and that was it, however long story short in the fine print it was one of those we will continue sending you CDs until you stop the order. Well this went on for a couple of months and by the time we got around to fixing it was too late. Given this is a warning against predatory business practice and with trusting someone else to deal with an issue of money.
The bill that accompanied the shipment of the first course said 0.00 (sure, because they already charged my credit card $64.00) That is fraud. Plain and simple!
here is direct words to left of the order box you click to buy:
• Only $19.95 $9.95 (Save 50%)!
• FREE SHIPPING (ships Next Business Day)
• Full 30-day money-back guarantee (just in case)
• 8 fluency-oriented language lessons on 4 CDs
• Learn from a Native on CD audio, iPod or MP3
• Entry in the Pimsleur Rapid Fluency Purchase Program
(see † box below for details)
• Limited-quantity special offer
† Pimsleur Rapid Fluency Purchase Program:
One month after you receive your Quick & Simple you'll begin receiving 30 day trial copies of advanced Pimsleur courses in the language you selected. Each course is yours to try for 30 days. You'll receive a new course once every 60 days. For each course you keep we'll bill you in four monthly payments of $64. Remember, there's never an immediate obligation to buy any course because of the 30-day trial period provided with each shipment. And you may cancel future shipments at any time by calling 1-877-802-5283.
pretty clear to me
I don't know how many sites I have went to, but on each and everyone of them, there are people crying about how they are "shadow billed" for the free 30 day TRIAL. That's right, a TRIAL, it's not meant to be yours, and if you all learned to READ, both the website as well as the NOTICE they send you, you all would have been aware, if you don't call and cancel and return the TRIAL product, you will be charged. This is just another example of America's self-centered thinking and social stigma. Once again, I all recommend you all learn to read.
they should send the notice on an audio cd because as they say '25% of people cant read/write' and 'everyone learns best by listening/hearing'
:D
Dave- You almost made me spit my hot tea out on my monitor! ROTFL. . .However Kyle is right. I read on the site about how to cancel in a timely manner.
by the way, this is crap how people try to steal money confusing everything. These kinds of commercials should be canceled by law.
Read?
The bill said 0.00
What it did not say, is that they already charged me $64.00
Do you know the meaning of the word "fraud"?
As to America's self centered thinking, When did Nevada secede from the union?
I haven't bought anything, but their notice was buried in fine print... they certainly made no attempt to make it -plain and clear- -before- the 'click here to buy' button. They put the notice off to the side. This is not an honorable marketing method... it is a marketing -trick-.
It is meant to increase their bottom line by taking advantage of people unfamiliar with the internet, taking things for granted that the $10 sale was just that and nothing more. I'm sure any notice included with the packaging is in similar fine print.
Yes people should read all the details... everyone should read all those 'agreements' on the 'net that they flash up in front of you or include in a small link next to a big 'I agree' button... but few of us are gluttons for the punishment of reading all the legal claptrap.
I choose to skim through them occasionally, looking for 'privacy rights' and other assorted traps like installing other software. Their is an honorable way to sell and there is the method these purveyors are using... putting 'gotchas' in small print -off to the side-.
There's no defense for this 'tactic'. It's abusive, period... whether people have learned to read or not.
Please report them to the BBB http://www.bbb.org/
haha nice
Barbara, you are definitely adding fuel to the fire. NE is the abbreviation for Nebraska, NV is the abbreviation for Nevada.
people always justify their mistakes. . . this company only took advantage of people who did not pay attention to THE ORDER FORM. they are legit and moral
