In August I was contacted by a salesman, Steve McHenry, with Fanfare. He stated that his publication, Movie News, would be distributed in the lobby of the brand new Wal-Mart being constructed behind my store in Guthrie OK. He specifically stated that Fanfare Media has an exclusive contract with the Wal-Mart to distribute the Movie News in that store. My contract with Fanfare specifically states that this publication would be in the Wal-Mart and listed the exact address. It also stated that 500 pieces per month would be placed at the Wal-Mart with another 30 pieces per month being sent to my store for distribution. I was also supposed to get a listing on www.supervalues.com with a link to my ad (also written in the contract).
To date, I have had one coupon redemption from the 2 ads I put in the Movie News (he sold me 2 spaces for the price of one). I got suspicious so I checked with the GM of Wal-Mart and he told me that there has never been a Movie News in his store nor will there ever be. There are no agreements for any free advertising at this Wal-Mart. I checked the other grocery store and all gas stations in town. The only place that gets the Movie News is my place of business, at 30 per month. On the front of the Movie News publication in the upper right hand corner, is the EXACT ADDRESS of the Wal-Mart where it is supposed to be distributed.
My ad is not listed on the website either. Fanfare's response? The contract states that they reserve the right to put the publication at alternate locations IF the original location "becomes" unavailable. My argument? The original location was NEVER available and they are NOT putting the Movie News ANYWHERE else but my store, and NOT 500 of them like they were supposed to.
I am seeking a full refund, whether it is through my credit card company or them. To date they have told me that if I want to fight the contract to go ahead. They did not perform their duties of the contract. They were supposed to put the Movie News at Wal-Mart. They did not. They were supposed to put my ad on their website. They did not. They are supposed to distribute the Movie News in alternate locations around my town (500
pieces per month). They are not.
I have already called every other advertiser in the Movie News in my town. Each and every one of them were told the exact same thing by Steve McHenry. Our ads were going into the brand new Wal-Mart. Not a single one of us will be renewing our ad in the Movie News. They are all seeking a refund.in addition, I'm going to get in touch with each and every business within a 50 mile radius of my store who advertised in the Movie News and have them check up on their advertising as well. I hope that puts a dent in Steve McHenry's, and Fanfare Media Works', future earnings. Oh yeah, and the State Attorney will be getting a big fat packet of information from me soon too.
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