Actions

Colorado couple loses thousands of dollars over malfunctioning app

Posted at 6:46 PM, May 09, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-09 20:57:56-04

DENVER — A local couple wanted to use technology to grow their business, so they poured time and money into a new app. 

Unfortunately, that app never worked, and the couple says the company they hired made empty promises without fixing the problem.

Shannon and Christian Dudnick wanted to keep up with their garage door business more efficiently. In 2014, they paid $10,000 to the web development company Xcite Media Group to help them build an app that would help them track their paperwork. 

“They said they should only take about 4 to 6 months,” said Shannon Dudnick.

At first, Shannon says everything was going according to plan. But then she said the app failed to work when Xcite claimed the app was ready. 

Four years later, the couple still has no functioning app for their business. 

“It became more excuses and more stalling and no program,” said Shannon.

The couple sought out legal advice because they say Xcite Media wouldn't refund them. They sent them a demand letter asking for a full refund.

Denver7 was able to speak with Ryan Meissner, who is part owner of Xcite media.

Meissner says there's plenty of blame to go around for the delays and not just from Xcite. He says there were several changes but wouldn't elaborate much because of customer confidentiality. Meissner told Denver7 a full refund is out of the question. 

However, he says they offered Shannon and Christian a settlement. In a legal response letter, Xcite offered to provide a $5,000 service at no cost for three months.

Shannon and Christian declined to accept the offer because they say their trust is broken and they never got the service they’ve paid for.

“If they couldn't complete it in 4 years, I don't see them completing it in 5 or 6 or 8 years. I don't trust that they could hold up their end of a bargain anyways,” said Shannon.