E: 25/09 Win a luxurious makeover and photography experience

Equaliser123

jennyviel wrote: »

your welcome KeithP!!!im just being grateful and giving credit where credit is due...

No you are not. You are promoting them without having the decency to say that you work for them/benefit in some way.

Very dodgy.

leeuwtje78

Im afraid I fell for this one. I was phoned last night by sapphire studios and told that I had won their prize. Free hair, make up and drinks for me and some friends. Photos would be taken but there would be no obligation to buy. The only catch was that I had to pay a deposit of £99.98 which would be refundable on the day. I checked out their site when I was on the phone with them and they seemed legit so I stupidly went ahead.

After they hung up I did more research and found they are in fact the same as studio 64 and exposure photographics (read some of the complaints about them and they will turn your hair white). They are all trading names for a company called RF Marketing Ltd in Ledbury.

After reading the reviews I have been trying to get in touch with them but all of their numbers go straight to voicemail. I have tried 0208 9623500 all the way up to 0208 9623508 as well as their recruitment number which is 0208 9623509. I have left messages but not been called back and have sent them an email asking them to cancel my appointment.

When I looked at their website before making the booking, I read the T&Cs and there was no mention of not being able to cancel. However, when the booking confirmation came through, there was a link attached which led to a hidden part of their website with a different set of T&Cs that I would never have agreed to. These state that appointments cannot be cancelled and that you would have to attend the appointment in order to get your deposit back.

I have called and made a complaint with consumer direct (08454 040506) and would advise all who have this experience to do the same. I was told by one of their advisors that he would advise me not to go to the appointment as anything I would sign on their premises would tie me into a contract that I would not be able to get out of. Furthermore, they told me that the fee of £99.98 is just short of the £100 minimum that would have meant that you qualify for credit protection on your card. I guess this is not by accident.

I also noticed that watchdog are asking for people's stories on their website for their new season starting in April and will give them my story if I do not get a refund. I will also post this to canyoutrustthem and any other review site I can find.

One more thing, the girl who called me from sapphire studios made a big song and dance about the fact that they bank with Lloyds Tsb in order to make me feel more comfortable about parting with my money. I will therefore also contact them to let them know that their name is being used in this way.

Please let me know if anyone has made any progress with this company. I would like some tips as to how to proceed.