Oraamo LTD - Be aware

[marceloness]

Oraamo LTD is the worse web development company ever.
I had a project of £2400 paid in advance in 7months the webpage was far away to be completed. I requested to stop and get a £500 refund which was far more comprehensive. they accepted and when the day came, no money was not on my account. now the process is on court.
Worse from them now is that I had another project developed by then, before that one, that was a simple one that they did (also not quick) and now I have my domain name stuck with them. They dont reply email, phone etc...
I will probably have to sue them for hold on my domain too.

 

[andycan]

This is a great problem at the moment with allot of web development companies. If you want a web site developing, please make sure you keep ownership and ADMIN control of the domain, this is very important.

It's always better to use web dev's from the recommendations of people you know personally. Don't trust their portfolio or web sites that they say they have designed. Remember that these people are experts at manipulating how content appears on the web, that's what they do for a living.


I sympathise with you Marceloness, please don't hesitate in contacting me, if I can help you in anyway.

 

[Karimbo]

always look at a portfolio first, and call their clients to verify that they indeed did the web dev.

Note sometimes a web developer might work for a client through an employer so client may not be able to confirm. But there are plenty of so called developers who set up shop and are down right fraudulent.

 

[marceloness]

Thanks Andycan.
Unfortunately I had faith on them when we started. They started so well, I did check their portfolio on their webpage, but the well was just to grab my payment, and soon as they did the true face came. Its really sad, I work in construction, breathing dust every day, I grabbed my savings to invest in my dream. Sad to think how they treated someone else's dream. This scum don't deserve to be on market. Sometimes I think how can someone like that sleep at night ? I personally couldn't be that cold.

Karimbo you right.

Bad thing is that you never have this knowledge at first. I did see 3 bad reviews when I was looking (after 4-5 months of project) when I mentioned with their manager, the reviews just disappeared from the web. I'm thinking how many ppl possible had a bad experience with them and no one knows or couldn't check for reviews as they have the tools to protect them.

As andycan said: "these people are experts at manipulating how content appears on the web, that's what they do for a living."

Thanks Andy, unfortunately the only thing I prob will need is a lawyer

 

[j600com]

Have you considered http://www.trustpilot.com/review/oraamo.com

 

[marceloness]

Thx. Done it I hope this help more ppl to not lose money...

 

[gavmart]

hi marceloness

I am going through the same with oraamo. I started a website with them 8 months ago and they've stopped answering my phones call and emails as well.

they no my mobile number so wont answer to it, but when I ring off a deferent number they answer. I have lost thousands in earning because of them.

are you suing them?? what have you done about it?

thanks

gav

 

[Oraamoltd]

Hello

We don't usually get into email/message board wars with any disgruntled clients, but this was just so off the mark that a response was required.

Please excuse the long winded email, but the truth needs to come out here and we will not stand by and allow people to talk about our company this way without solid facts. We have worked with this client tirelessly for several months and he was so pleased with what we had created that he actually ordered another website from our company.

We would like to express our side of the story as there is always another version of events. As a professional hardworking company serving over 300+ clients we reserve the right to defend our company from untrue accusations posted about us on the internet.

In the event of the OP these are remarks are untrue.. We are actually extremely disappointed that you would post these untrue remarks about our company when you yourself requested to leave us and as you know we had full intentions of completing the project as soon as possible. We had a VERY good working relationship with you.

You had requested that we create a Jamplay.com replica for the fee of £2700 we had agreed to carry the work out for you within a reasonable time frame and keep you up to date with progress. If you also note on your original quote and the emails back and forth with our sales representative that the timescales are estimated from when the project designs are confirmed (some clients do spend a lot of time in the design stage and we make unlimited revisions until you are happy, so it can take some time and any estimations are only valid from when the designs ie; source files are confirmed)You were more than happy to sign up with our company and accept the terms of the agreement.

We created several versions of the site for you created by 3 different designers to match your agreed spec, you were happy with the results and requested that we start development.

We started development of the project in December 2011. We explained that jamplay was a very big and complex website and that it was not an off the shelf product we could put a design on and give it to you. We would needed to custom code the project from scratch using a dedicated developer. We explained several times to you on the phone and via email that that project would take longer than expected as some functions and features required days/weeks of work.

We provided you with a working development link so that you could review the site and request any further changes/bug fixing in Feb 2013. We then went on to put more resources on the project in order to complete the site at a faster pace which again you were so happy with that you actually ordered another website from us for your partner!

To speed up the process further you were given direct access to developers working on your project with your account manager (something we very rarely do) via our own in house project management system. This allowed you to instruct them to complete tasks for you.

In March you then contact one of our staff members and request a refund of monies paid stating that the project was taking too long to complete. We provided you with ALL of the files that we had created for you without question, your account manager even offered to help set up the site on another server free of charge.

Obviously due to the massive amounts of resources involved, the time taken on the project, the man power involved on a daily basis, the constant phone calls with you with our account managers it would have been a massive loss for us, and we would not be prepared to offer a refund of any kind as the project was so close to completion. You had wanted to take the project elsewhere, and that was your own choice. We had full intentions of completing the project that you deemed and I quote.. "80% complete"

We have the right to dispute any refund request made by you - and will do so using any means necessary. I will happily make any emails from this client freely available for users to view to ensure that the truth is known.

We would also appreciate it if you would not create several accounts to post bad reviews about our company on the internet. We know what you are doing and will not hesitate to contact the relevant authorities.

There is not one company on the planet that has a 100% happy client record, especially in our industry when it is hard to explain the technical features and timescales for changes that were probably never in the project scope to begin with but we did them anyway! but we will take a 95% happy customer base any day of the week and always try our best with every company we work with.

Thanks!

 

[marceloness]

Thanks for the reply.
I would appreciate if you could reply emails, but seams that this forum called more your attention then me.

Lets go to my truth. ok ?
First I don't hide my face or name. I don’t hide. Give oraamo a company check see members joining and leaving the board of such a successful company. The employees that I had contact are not even working there anymore.
I hope you are closing down…
I have messages that I receive inbox, Ppl that don’t want trouble, I got one here from other happy customers which is probably one of the 5% you said, with the title "I've been conned too" which I will not reveal their names as requested. I got another reply on trust pilot from another happy costumer.
What about this one: “Yvonne Wright · Maidstone, Kent
Similar story for me too constant lies phones cut off and we are not they only ones.” Some have reported you to actionfraud.police


OK apart from that… lets go to my case..

I did request a web like Jamplay. The price was £2000 + £400 VAT. You don't even say true on the price.
2011 ????
You actually started the project on the 13/08/2012 (my true will help you, cuz 2 years to do a web??). I will make it easy for you, this is the invoice number COEDML01. You know that you don't start anything without deposit, on this case was £1200.
The first payment was after I had approved the design. Only one design was sent, and I must admit the design was really good. Nice graphics, shape and very original. Good that I never requested to change something on design. And I did order my wife web because of that.

Second payment of £1200 was made on 03/09/12. To start coding (what you said)

The time you gave me to finish was November 20/2012. Then you gave me another 3 or 4 finishing dates. When I was seeing you holding me forever, and all functions not working properly I HAD to change company otherwise my website would never be online. I do have business expenses even with the web offline. I requested to stop the project before and you said "no can’t do", then on the 11/May I sent you a letter of intent.
I was always friendly because I was like a child believing on all your promises

You had created for me a page where I could speak with you developer client.oraamo.biz. Yes I was happy again, hoping there was a light in the end of the tunnel. But was again a politician promise. I have a print screen of the stage you said have completed.

This was one part of the email sent to you:

"As the client.oraamo says you claim to have completed 72.50% of the project. I think we are far behind this (so the coders that analysed the project). But as I know you underestimate and I'm trying to be reasonable I will not ask you to cancel but to stop the project and you can keep the 72.50% of the £2400 paid, and give me £660 back."

I think that was fair enough. But you knew you had lost money with bad coders in beginning, and so you didn't want to lose more so give money back was not acceptable. After your response that I had sent the letter of intent.

CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT SITE I DID ORDERED for my business partner ?? If was my wife one, was after the design process of my one, which I was in fact really happy with the design made on mine. After the coding process I haven't ordered anything.
Even my wife webpage I sent emails saying that her Facebook box wasn't working, days and days is still not working.. I won't give her name or webpage because I don't want to involve others on my problem.
If I did ordered another, especially for my business partner, can you send me the link please ?? He hate you guys more than anything…

I did request for the files, as I PAID for them, and money back for the ones you have not even created. Thats why was £660 refund only.
If you kept ALL files then you had to give me ALL money back, tell me isn't that fair ? Lets visualize: I ask a guy to build 2 walls, once he build one bad one I say to him to stop and I need to pay for full service? I’m electrician and this doesn’t happen to me. I wish I could part-rewire a house and get paid for full rewire ☺

Then you guys said that would give me back £400 also saved here, I offered £500 so would it be not what you wanted (£400) and not what I wanted (£660). Meeting in half way, “which was more your way” You accepted.

The day came and the money was not on my account, 4 days after I tried to call nothing again... then you told me to wait until the end of the month. 30 April 2012. Emails blahh totally ignored. When called everyone was on meeting always.
Nothing came again, I email you guys and you told me (which is on my email) "The money was processed" It may take 2-3 days to complete... until today 8/06/12 Nothing on my account.

The new developer charged me £1200 because he said only 30% of coding is done, and loads of this 30% is rubbish. Also if there’s any web-developer here I can provide all Data so you can tell me.

If you give me permission I will also be happy to show users not only emails but also, skype conversations (you don't have skype anymore right ? ) and call recordings that I have on my mobile. (Yes my mobile have a app that records calls)

If you do try your best always, GIVE ME MY MONEY ??? Then will be the end of story…

I don’t create users on forums to do that, that's a LIE, bad accusation. I don't hide my face or name.
What is yours btw ???

I did 2 reviews so far, and I will do hundreds is my right to do that, this is a free country, no fake profiles. Will always be me !
I work on building site my friend, I got blood on my hands to get the money you stole from me. GIVE ME MY MONEY !!! You made me lose not only £2400 but the another £1200 I had to pay to someone do the job your incompetent company couldn’t do it.

My other review is at TrustPilot which is using my Facebook credentials. Thats me and Thats my face.

Pls get rid of me, GIVE ME MY MONEY.

 

[MartCactus]

I think you were very naive to believe a site like this could be built for 2 k.

They were wrong to offer it of course.

if a guy in a pub offers to sell me a Rolex for 100 quid I'd guess its probably fake.

 

[marceloness]

You are right MartCactus.

But I'm electrician, I had no clue if was cheap or not for a website, I got no experience on that. They have good sales ppl. believe me. Isn't simple like the rolex : / lol.

Thanks

 

[marceloness]

I'm continuing to receive some private messages from other customers that also had a bad experience with them. Please feel free to contact me I will be happy to share experiences with you all !

 

[Karimbo]

We would like to express our side of the story as there is always another version of events. As a professional hardworking company serving over 300+ clients we reserve the right to defend our company from untrue accusations posted about us on the internet.

Extremely unlikely you have 300 clients. I don't think even the leading web developer agencies have 300 clients.

Duedil also doesn't have any accounting information for you which suggests you are a new company, also your registered address is st John street which is used by companiesmadesimple. Serious companies doing serious business do not use registered address service - they have actual office space to use for these purposes.

I think you need to stop taking us for idiots. We're not your average laymen on the street we're business owners and operators.


With that in mind, I think the situation with you is that you're a small operator - perhaps even just a sole employee/director company, whose made the rookie mistake of over-promising and underbidding for the project. I don't think you can replicate jamplay.com for £2K - I think you've tried to get it done and ran out of money after you've outsourced all the work to offshore developers. Understandable.

Best thing to do now is own up, if indeed that is the case. Transfer whatever work is done to owner and let them carry on development with another agency or put right what you've promised - I think the latter is best.

 

[Silk Media]

I think both sides have been naive in thinking that this could be established on such a small budget.

The developer should never have agreed to carry out the project at that price and as a result they are responsible for making sure the project is completed at that price.

We've probably all underestimated projects, especially early on in business but if you have an agreement that it will be completed at that price and it hasn't been delivered to a satisfactory level then you are entitled to at least some money back.

I also don't agree with full payment up front. We never ask for more than half in advance (sometimes 25%, depending on the overall cost) with the remaining payments made at agreed milestones in the project.

Oraamo - I suggest you do not quote until you understand the requirements in detail. You knew this was bespoke work and have been silly in thinking that you can achieve this on £2k

Lessons to be learned from both sides here...

 

[Mainland]

We too have been stung by Oraamo. Paid £3600 upfront in 2 instalments in November 2012 for a Magento based site. Website was set for completion by the end of February 2013. First few weeks were excellent and they couldn't do enough for you. Design was great and everything going to plan. Website about 80% complete and now nothing. I have emailed 5 of their developers with no reply. I have rang them with no reply and even tweeted their developers and still nothing. I am baffled as to why they won't finish our website when it is so close to avoid getting slated like this.

Can't help feeling we've been conned here. Regardless of what happens I would never let this company host the website. What good is a company that you can't contact if a problem arises?

It's laughable that the only way you can get a response from them is to have a rant on a popular forum like this. Oraamo, if you adhered to your agreements you wouldn't have people slating your company all over the internet.

Consequently we are now looking for a reliable developer to construct this Magento site.

 

[QVA - Emma]

Also has a client who cannot get hold of Oraamo Ltd... no replies to emails, phone calls and now they've removed their Twitter and Facebook Pages hmmmm.

My client would like his domain name (which isn't even registered to him!) and would just like a simple response to his emails requesting his password for his email address as it doesn't work!

I'm now having to back up his website (Wordpress) which will hopefully be ok if we have to transfer to a new domain name as there's no access to cPanel or FTP either. I only came on board with this client to do the SEO on the website, which guess what... was included in his web design and HASN'T BEEN DONE either! Fools...

 

[8420PR]

The company is 4 months late with accounts filing, and a week late with the annual return.

My guess (based on all the posts above): It's gone!

 

[braymo]

Hello
we will take a 95% happy customer base any day of the week and always try our best with every company we work with.
Thanks!

Oraamo has all the appearances of abandoned business, I have not been able to contact the company in any way for a month - amazing this is the first contact we have had. We were not warned of any long absence with the company - does oraamo have an explanation for this? If oraamo is sincere then it will provide a direct means of contact as the number on the website is disconected and not a single employee answers their emails.

 

[rebarber]

We have fallen victim to this company also AND we went through an 'approved provider'

Again, payed upfront, promised a website within 4-6 weeks- have been waiting for 7 months and what has been done so far is not fit for purpose or as promised!

There is no correspondance or way of contact, all the phone lines are saying "you have dialled the incorrect number" and the new one they have put on their website goes straight to unavailable message

They are clearly doing this to a lot of hard working business people and have the cheek to put a post on here claiming these are unfair comments!!!

They have closed all their social networking accounts and seems they only have until August to submit returns before they disappear completely and carry on as another phone app company which we have been made aware of hmmmmmmm............

 

[rebarber]

Hi Marceloness

I originally sent you a private message regarding this but decided to post after reading their response to your post! Unbelievable!!!

They have been forced to comment on here as they obviously have not managed to get this removed.............. yet!!

Perhaps we should put everyone's names in connection with the company on here too.........................................

We are now seeking legal action!

 

[Davef]

They own also an app company called reapptive

The director has been associated with 8 companies in total. 4 of these have been dissolved, 3 he has resigned from and the last one being Oraamo Ltd according to Companies House currently has a status of "Proposal to Strike Off"

As it appears they are no longer contactable its not looking good.

 

[braymo]

I think the opinon of forum members to the following questions would be greatly appriciated.

In this case:
The Principlals of the company are personally tracable.
There are a dozen customers here right now with their invoices and paperwork - some will take action, some won't depending on the circumstance, but they all have a legitimate right to complain:
The trader has lied, made no attempt to warn or compensate their clients, broken off all contact, attempted to dissolve, and not delivered on the product.
This a breech of contract
This is a right to complain through the citizens advice bureau
This is a basis to suspend the strike off

ORAAMO LTD Company No: 07624560 has an active proposal to Strike off that will be carried through by August - a deadline?

Questions are:
What will the the outcome of the three actions listed?
How will we be able to have our money returned and what is the likelyhood of this happening?
How is it legal for a company that has unbalanced books to legally dissolve itself?
When a company is dissolved are its clients not compensated?
What is your recommended course of action?

I am asking for the benifit of others here, and in case there are options we have overlooked. We are currently deciding whether to take this on, or whether we should be cutting our losses.

It is particularly unfortunate in our situation as we do not represent a company and raised the money from donors.

 

[rebarber]

As far as We're aware we can object to the dissolvency and have until August but you can seek advise from Companies House by phone. I think we would need to object based on services or monies owed but not 100% sure

We have tried the letter root and reported to actionfraud online with no response as yet but thinking the greater the people the more this will be noticed and looked onto

We have also been made aware that monies paid to this company has gone straight to a bank abroad (New Zealand we think)

It would be a shame to cut loses due to this being an obvious scam, even if you have your website we have discovered that offering a free domain name, hosting for a year etc is all part of getting innocent people hooked in. The paying up front part should have rung alarm bells for us but as we went through an approved provider (who are not interested by the way!!) We thought we should be OK and did not jump into this lightly.

Citizens advice and trading standards would be a good start but it's good to know we are not alone in this

 

[Oraamoltd]

Unfortunately I cannot comment on the status of the company here, and also cannot disclose client information on a public forum.

Any clients that would like to contact us directly can email accounts[at]oraamo.[dot]com and call the number listed on the website. If the phone is engaged you will be asked to leave a message or try and call back later.

If you would like a copy of your files and the work we have completed to date please use the email/phone above. If you do decide to leave Oraamo we will ensure that you receive a smooth transition and can offer help in setting the site up on a new server/developer if needed.

We are fully committed to serve each and every single one of our clients, although admittedly as in any business we do not have a perfect client base and issues do happen from time to time we are trying our best to ensure that each client of ours receives the best service possible.

Any client or member may also message me directly on this forum with any questions or concerns.

Thanks.
Oraamo LTD

 

[rebarber]

oraamo.[dot]com and call the number listed on the website. If the phone is engaged you will be asked to leave a message or try and call back later.]

NO response from emails AND you have changed all your previous numbers so the one you do have available says: "The person at extension 1010 is unavailable, Sorry but the user's mailbox cannot except more messages!"

 

[Oraamoltd]

Hi

Could you please send me a message with your name or project name, We have answered all emails sent today to the email address above. We are currently looking into the phone issue. We are unable to monitor these forums daily and would request that you use the email above to contact us.

Thanks

 

[marceloness]

Well you know my case, when you are going to give my money ?

 

[marceloness]

My case update:
They will wait for judgement as they dont want to pay what they agreed to pay and have the claim closed. Dunno why.
My domain name .co.uk I managed to get it back.
They did get into my site and changed the wp-admin password and cpanel password. So now I dont have access to this parts any more. Might need to re-do my wife webpage.

How is you guys going. Hope you all are seeing more light in the end of this tunnel.

 

[QVA - Emma]

Initiated a transfer request on behalf of a client, will inform you if successful!

Very frustrating -

 

[QVA - Emma]

Initiated a transfer request on behalf of a client, will inform you if successful!

Very frustrating -

Delighted to say that the Oraamo team have been very helpful in moving client's files and domain name across.

Hope you all have success.

Emma

 

[templateagreements]

Whenever hiring a web developer it's always worth having a proper agreement in place before any work starts and certainly before any money is handed over. The agreement should specify at the very least exactly what needs to be delivered, by when, for exactly what fees, and which party is responsible for what at each stage of the development process. Typically, it is best to use a master services agreement, also specifying how to handle disputes. This gives both sides a fair footing if the project turns sour.

I would be very cautious of any web development company diving in to a project without a proper contract, asking for such a large proportion of the budget to be paid upfront, especially without an agreed specification. If they are experienced and manage a healthy number of clients, their project startup and planning process should leave you with no doubt as to what you can expect from them.

 

[MikePauley]

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to get my domain name back. It was up for renewal and Oraamo renewed it for me as part of my website design. I now have no access to my website and no response from Oraamo.

 

[Davef]

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to get my domain name back. It was up for renewal and Oraamo renewed it for me as part of my website design. I now have no access to my website and no response from Oraamo.

If its .uk domain name use Nominets Dispute Resolution Service (DRS) to see if they can help

http://www.nominet.org.uk/disputes/when-use-drs

 

[MikePauley]

unfortunately I have tried to ask for a transfer of files but still no response from Oraamo. They appear to have absolutely no interest in clients once they get their money. I have tried repeatedly to get someone from Oraamo to contact me about problems with the site but have received no communication. You would think they would be glad to be rid of me. My site is in Limbo

 

[QVA - Emma]

Hi I've had a couple of calls from people viewing this thread asking for assitance and if I can help them too - so here's an update.

Oraamo were initially forthcoming with details and promised transfer of domain name. Access was granted to hosting so I've been able to back up the site, but still no domain name and Oraamo remain unresponsive.

Steps I've taken to try and secure client's domain name (as not registered in his name but with Oraamo)

• Check Whois tools for your domain http://whois.domaintools.com/
• Find the registrar (in this case was Instra Corporation
• Email support/legal department with your claim and any details[FONT=Candara, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica] [/FONT]supporting documentation/correspondence available to you that shows the domain was registered on your behalf.
• If any of you have a contract in hand, please speak with a Solicitor and take legal advice

(the above does not constitute any legal advice on my part)

 

[8420PR]

I can't remember exact process, but when I transferred a co.uk domain name between hosts recently it took what I thought was a long time. Instead of just agreeing to the transfer I had to do nothing for 10 days to signal my agreement.

 

[QVA - Emma]

I can't remember exact process, but when I transferred a co.uk domain name between hosts recently it took what I thought was a long time. Instead of just agreeing to the transfer I had to do nothing for 10 days to signal my agreement.

.co.uk you deal with Nominet, this is a .com so the registrar needs to be involved and if they can't help ICANN is next. I'd rather resolve it with the registrar though if we can!

 

[PhilppinPhil]

Oraamo approached our company in February of this year with a special offer to write a website for us. We have a policy that we will not buy over the phone, but we must have had an aberration and agreed to go ahead on the basis we would pay half at order and balance on completion.

To cut a long story short we were dissatisfied with the suggested designs they sent and asked for our money back. We were told "We don't refund", but after a few discussions they agreed to refund 60% of what we had paid, better than nothing we thought.

Funds didn't arrived in our bank account by the date they promised so we made a Small Claims, no reply from them and we got judgment. Still no response so before I went ahead with bailiff, I checked with Companies House: They have applied to be struck off.

The heat in the kitchen obviously got too much for them

Our 'No buy on phone' policy has been made permanent ('til the next time)

 

[marceloness]

Same here mate. Small claims and judgement. We prob wont see our money back, but Im really happy to had created this topic and saved ppl money, also a lot o ppl found this and are helping each other. Now my web is almost done with some incredible guys that I have found. We work so hard to come these &#&#*£ and take our money.
I wish all the best for all of you guys. Heads up

 

[j600com]

Here are few things that you should do when selecting your next ecommerce provider:

1. Credit Check them - using sites like Riskdisk.com you can quickly get a good idea of how financially stable a company is, and how long they've been trading.

2. Look at their portfolio - not only for quality, but also for quantity of ecommerce projects under their belt. You need someone who has enough clients that should a couple leave (which is inevitable) they'll not go under.

3. Ring them - avoid companies that don't have a UK phone number, also be wary of those who only have a mobile number too (or even worse no phone number at all)

4. Visit them - if possible go and visit their offices, this will give you a good idea of how busy they are, if they're actually based in the uk or not, how big their team is etc. If it's not an option to go visit them, stick their post-code into google maps (street view) and get a virtual idea of their setup (you'd be surprised how many bedroom businesses there are, or middle men farming the project out overseas).

5. Be realistic - you need to be realistic with your expectation levels, take a good look at the quality of their work and the overall price. You get what you pay for.