When Darren Campbell introduced Empire Builder to his FBA Brand Builder clients, he pitched it as a game-changer—an exclusive, in-house tool created specifically for the program. It was presented as an essential part of the £6,500 mentorship package, supposedly giving clients all the tools they needed to thrive on Amazon. Darren didn’t hold back on the sales pitch, saying things like:
“This came solely from the FBA Brand Builder. We have built this software ourselves with a development team. Everything that we have learned, you're not going to get this anywhere else in the world.”
Pretty bold, right? Clients signed up for monthly or annual subscriptions believing they were getting something unique and custom-built for their success. But here’s the kicker: Empire Builder is actually just a white-labeled version of Zonbase, a tool anyone can access for a fraction of the price Darren charges.
This raises serious concerns about whether Darren’s claims were misleading—something that might breach UK consumer laws. And for clients who feel duped, this could mean they’re entitled to refunds.
How Empire Builder Was Marketed
Throughout the FBA Brand Builder program, Darren repeatedly pushed Empire Builder as a must-have. It was woven into the program, with entire training videos highlighting its features. He stressed its importance time and time again:
“You’re going to need Empire Builder from every launch anyway and after your launch, because we want you to use it as a software for absolutely everything.”
“Empire Score is an incredible, incredible thing that we have built over the last year, and it’s through Empire Builder.”
The subscription costs reflected this emphasis:
- Monthly Subscription: £99.99/month
- Annual Subscription: ~£999
What Darren didn’t mention? Empire Builder wasn’t exclusive. It’s a rebranded version of Zonbase, which you can get directly for as little as $30/month. Clients were paying significantly more for essentially the same tool, dressed up under a different name.
Missing Receipts = More Problems
To make matters worse, many clients say they didn’t even get payment receipts or invoices for their Empire Builder subscriptions. This lack of documentation creates even more headaches:
No invoices? It’s harder to track payments or prove transactions when disputing charges with banks or credit card companies.
For a program that claims to be professional and transparent, this is a major red flag.
Are Refunds Possible?
If you feel misled about Empire Builder, there’s good news: UK consumer laws may work in your favor. Here’s how:
- Misrepresentation Act 1967:
Darren’s claims that Empire Builder was an exclusive, in-house product don’t align with reality. Clients could argue they subscribed based on false information, which could entitle them to a refund—and maybe even damages. - Consumer Rights Act 2015:
Services must match their description. Marketing Empire Builder as proprietary software when it’s a white-labeled product breaches this requirement. - Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008:
Misleading marketing, especially when important facts are left out (like Empire Builder being a rebranded tool), violates these regulations. - Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974:
If you paid by credit card, you might be able to dispute the charges. Under Section 75, credit card companies share liability for misrepresentation or breach of contract.
Steps to Request a Refund
If you believe you were misled, here’s how to take action:
- Gather Evidence:
Collect anything Darren shared about Empire Builder—emails, screenshots, marketing materials—where it’s described as exclusive or custom-built. Dig up payment confirmations, bank statements, or other proof of your subscriptions. - Dispute Payments via Your Credit Card:
If you paid with a credit card, reach out to your provider under Section 75. Explain how Empire Builder was misrepresented and why this influenced your decision to subscribe. Include any evidence you’ve gathered. - Contact Darren’s Team (Optional):
Some clients prefer to go directly to FBA Brand Builder to request refunds. If you choose this route, keep everything in writing to document their responses—or lack thereof. - Seek Legal Advice:
If you hit a wall, a solicitor experienced in consumer law can help you escalate your case.
How to Contact Credit Card Companies
If you want to dispute charges through your credit card, here are the contact numbers for major UK providers:
- Barclaycard: 0800 151 0900
- Lloyds Bank: 0345 606 2172
- HSBC: 03457 404 404
- NatWest: 0345 788 8444
- Santander: 0800 912 3123
- American Express: 0800 917 8047
- Capital One: 03444 812 812
When you call, explain that the service was misrepresented, share details about your payments, and attach any evidence to back your claim.
Here's What You Need To Do Now
Darren Campbell promised clients an exclusive, in-house tool to help them succeed, but what they got was a rebranded version of something widely available for much less. That lack of transparency undermines trust and raises serious legal and ethical concerns.
For clients who feel misled, the key is to act fast: gather evidence, dispute charges, and hold Darren accountable. Whether you pursue a refund directly or through legal channels, don’t let this slide without exploring your options.
Need help with the process or figuring out your next steps? We’re here to guide you through it all.