10 Bender Ball Complaints

Curious about 10 Bender Ball complaints? The Bender Ball is a six- to nine-inch spherical exercise ball which is used while performing abdominal and core exercises. What makes the Bender Ball especially unique for strengthening, toning and flattening the core is that its use allows you to expand your range of motion wider than if you were simply performing abdominal and core exercises on the floor. Despite its hype and promising delivery, there are many complaints about the Bender Ball, from its stability to the company's customer service and financially-draining practices. Here are 10 common complaints about the Bender Ball.

1. It's overpriced. The Bender Ball is advertised for $9.99, which seems to be a great price for the ball. However, customers have stated that the same ball can be purchased at retail toy store chains for six dollars or less.
2. There are hidden charges. When someone decides to purchase the Bender Ball via the company's toll-free 800 number, he is unwittingly placed in an automatic enrollment that charges upwards of $19.99 per month plus another $3.99 shipping and handling. Most people are not aware of this automatic shipment until it shows up on their credit or debit card statements. Some have also stated they were charged $50 when they placed their first order, not realizing this. Although most people can call and cancel this program, it's still a hassle to have to do so in the first place, leaving a bad taste in people's mouths.
   
3. It includes short, unmotivating DVDs. Bender Ball customers receive an instructional exercise DVD that guides them through the use of their ab-flattening Bender Ball. Bender Ball claims the DVD is an exceptional guide that will power users to continue using the Bender Ball for life. Unfortunately, customers disagree. Many have stated that the DVDs are a short run-through of exercises and that they fail to keep their energy and interest. Most prefer to skim the DVD and then create their own exercises or work with a personal trainer.
   
4. It suffers from weak construction and poor design. This was one of the most talked about problems customers shared. The Bender Ball was seen as poorly constructed and comprised of weak material. Customers expressed that they were tired of having to constantly re-inflate the ball, and therefore became annoyed with the Bender Ball overall.
   
5. There are exorbitant add-on shipping fees. Remember how we discussed the Bender Ball being advertised for $9.99 plus shipping and handling? Well, that's shipping and handling for $7.99.
   
6. It's difficult to use. Someone new to exercise and fitness may not be ready for the Bender Ball. Part of its exceptional fitness training features is that it's a freestanding ball that requires more effort to keep it still while you try to balance your body on it and remain steady. Experienced fitness lovers even find the use of the ball a challenge, but they can handle it.
   
7. The company has bad customer service. It's simple as pie to pick up the phone and order the Bender Ball, or any other merchandise you can order from an "As Seen on TV" infomercial, but it's a very different story when things go downhill. Unfortunately, the customer service representatives don't seem to be much help in getting problems resolved, and many times customers are disgruntled.
8. There are constant upsells. When ordering the Bender Ball, customers discovered several annoying upsells throughout the ordering process, many of which cost even more money.
9. It takes too long to ship. Bender Ball users complain that the Bender Ball takes too long to ship. You already pay $7.99 for shipping and handling, but can still wait another two to three weeks before it arrives. You can purchase expedited shipping for $14.32, but what's the point?
10. It just feels like a scam. Considering the telephone upsells, the extended waiting period, the lackluster quality and the shoddy videos, overall the Bender Ball seems swamped in scammish behavior. The best way to get around that, according to customers, is to order online at Amazon or at your local infomercial booth at the mall.