Received invoice for a service I never ordered

rukaluka

I was most surprised and disgusted to find a newspaper have the audacity to send me a "Statement of Account" for a full page feature which I never exactly requested. :eek:

The conditions of sale were clear. ".........Special Offer! Half Page Advertisement Only £57.00 p/m When Booked For 3 Months or Longer!........." The editorial was not even of major concern to me, but I was interested in an advertisement. They offered to run the editorial with the first advert, which I didn't supply, hence they I simply cannot see why they proceeded. :eek:

On the 15th of February, I seriously questioned the professional artwork, of which with all respect is not the graphic design promised in the advertisement. Moreover, I repeatedly requested to see this booklet, even near two months ago, but have received no copy of back issues or the promised February issue, or seen any in the area, so hence with all due respect, I have no reason to believe this booklet even exists.

I was most upset by the quality of artwork sent, as it was not to the standard I was led to believe. I did not give the "go ahead" with this, despite repeated emails from the publishers regarding wanting to proceed. Neither did I receive any updated drafts following this complaint of myself:

"I'm not sure how to put this kindly. I would like to thank you for your time and keeping in contact, but sadly the design work doesn't appeal - with all respect it does not look professional enough for me to feel prepared to pay for. I could easily produce such artwork with a word processor. With different artwork, I would place an advert in your paper. I would also ask that the article not say that I am recommended by any particular companies, because I may not desire such to be placed in a paper."

Nonetheless they went to print. It's some cheek and presumption to proceed with this after my comments. Even more so daring and hostile for them to expect some form of payment! It is most unfortunate that communication has broken down due to as mentioned over the phone a difficulty with internet access. I have tried to reply to their email address, but all emails bounce. However, I did decide to look at their website, and found a feedback box, which I hope will not also bounce. However, in this circumstance, this lack of communication, surely they would await my absolute confirmation and receipt of all files before print.

The last correspondence I have from them reads "I'm hanging on for you as I need to get it to the printers today." :T

My understanding was that having missed the print date, this item did not go to print. Moreover, I never received any further emails from themselves, or a copy of the booklet. Hence, my viewpoint is that this "Statement of Account" is in no way found to be valid, and any attempt to pursue such will require a prompt visit to the Office of Fair Trading and legal advice. :cool:

Any comments, thoughts, suggestions would be most appreciated

wealdroam

Which company are trying to extract money from you?

This thread may help you.
The situation seems very similar.

In particular, post #7 may offer you a solution.

rukaluka

Thanks

Here is their website vivapoole . com

The artwork is of such poor quality. They can hardly call it professional design, because anyone could do it on a word processor on any computer. When I did complain, he sent me an email saying it wasn't professional artwork, for I must pay extra for that, then sent me lots of emails saying he wants to print. My internet was down, so I didn't reply, but nonetheless, with no confirmation or draft of amendments, he went to print and wants to charge. I guess this is for the space on the perhaps non-existent paper (or maybe he forgot to send me one? and just no one I know saw one either) and his time for the poor design that took probably a minute.

CynicalScotsman

I dont mean to sound a bit pernickety but you *possibly* did authorise the advert, as your email stated:

With different artwork, I would place an advert in your paper.

You didn't state you wanted approval of that advert, just with a different one you would place an advert.

Freddie_Snowbits

One would gather this to be a business transaction and not subject to consumer law. It is normal in advertising to take a long run of adverts in a magazine at discount, is this what yoiu paid for?

As for the artwork, the PDF proof is normally given prioir to print and your consent, for the first print is normally faxed or mailed, after that it is normal just to respond to the emails.