Sold advert over phone/email - Not happy, please help!

lstrings

Hi everybody, again - thank you for all your comments.

I haven't replied to the last email I received from the magazine as I was waiting for a copy containing my first £100 advert. I was told before Christmas that it would be with me 'shortly'. It arrived today... and guess what, I'm even more unhappy...

I was promised on the phone when this was sold to me that there would be exclusivity for all businesses "our readers don't want to see lots of adverts for the same thing, so we chose one business from each area, theres one advert for each thing, and we really want you". My business is for photo booths - and there is another on the opposite page for the exact same thing. Furious. I'll be emailing the company back 'shortly'...

I also don't believe that they have a 40k run now. The magazine my business is featured in was a December issue - and I've not heard a thing. I'm not saying my business is outstanding/amazing/un-bookable - but no enquires whatsoever??

I was also told this ad would appear in 'The Wedding Guide 2014/2015' assuming it was a certain edition of the magazine. 'The Wedding Guide 2014/2015' is actually 2 pages between a whole load of other ads... Oh, the website is working now - but I cant seem to spot my 2 months of advertising anywhere... What have I done?!

lstrings

I just rang the other photo booth company - he informed me that they had also promised him exclusivity and in the 6 magazines he has advertised in he has never heard a thing...... no bookings, no enquires.

Very nice chap who wants to swap details though so at least something good has come from this.

keyser666

Have you got the exclusivity in an email or anything?

keyser666

Also whats the quality like?

maninthestreet

I would be asking Shires Magazine for a list of establishments in my local area that have been supplied with the said 'magazine'....

lstrings

The quality of the front of the magazine is okay - christmassy. Inside it is a ton of ads, there are absolutely tons of 'Editors Choice' - so they aren't very choosy - just a bigger advert. Not as described...

Unfortunately I do not have the fact they promised exclusivity in writing....I assume they made sure they didn't put that on anything that could be used against them. However. like I said the other booth company has confirmed they were offered the same thing - so maybe I can argue it?

I was ready to back down and accept I had to pay - but I'm even more determined not to. They have not kept to anything they promised me. I feel a fool and won't be doing anything like this again - but I honestly can't believe people are willing to lie this much.. to people trying to establish small businesses in their own area.. Its disgusting.

whitegoods_engineer

There's a simple way to deal with scammers and chancers - Tell them you're not going to pay, and if they fancy their chances to see you in court.

Bet you you'll never receive a summons!

Sounds like they think they can bully you into paying.

Just tell them to get stuffed, and tear up any correspondence you receive in relation to this.

lstrings

I went to see a solicitor who told me a had a strong case should they take me to court, but he also said he didn't think it would get that far. As per the solicitor I sent them a letter via recorded delivery explaining why I did not want to continue advertising with them, and that I didn't expect an advert to appear or to be invoiced for one. I didn't hear a thing. Then yesterday I got an email from one of the assistants (not the manager) apparently oblivious to the issue stating the journalist would be in contact... I think they are just testing to see what my response would be. I told her to refer to the letter sent to the office... I'll keep you guys updated. Thanks for all your help!!

bod1467

whitegoods_engineer wrote: »

There's a simple way to deal with scammers and chancers - Tell them you're not going to pay, and if they fancy their chances to see you in court.

Bet you you'll never receive a summons!

Sounds like they think they can bully you into paying.

Just tell them to get stuffed, and tear up file away any correspondence you receive in relation to this.

Corrected that for you.