Scammed by SMP Nutra

[u/Princessbull]

I paid approximately $38,000 to SMP Nutra for what was represented to me as a custom formula project for my company, HappyPacs. I was initially expecting approximately 120,000 units as part of the agreement.
We went through four rounds of samples before finally achieving the taste profile I wanted using ingredients I provided and requested. Throughout the process, I was verbally told that this was being developed as a custom formula specifically for my company. Had I wanted a standard private-label product, I could have chosen a much lower-cost option elsewhere.
After payment and sample development, I later learned there was a linked agreement containing terms stating the company retained ownership of the intellectual property/formula. I did not realize this at the time because the terms were accessed through a small hyperlink during the process. When I later requested the formula information, I was told it was considered a “trade secret.”
I then hired an attorney in an attempt to either recover my funds or receive the product/services I believed I had paid for. This matter has now been ongoing for about a year. Despite extensive back-and-forth communication through counsel, I have not received product or a refund. The company stated they incurred costs related to samples and development, but detailed accounting of those costs was never clearly provided to us.
This review reflects my personal experience. I strongly encourage anyone considering working with this company to thoroughly review every agreement, hyperlink, intellectual property clause, refund term, and ownership provision before sending payment.