This company, also called United Metro Works 877-687-0758 contacted us recently for advertising in regards to our Chamber of Commerce Map. The sales woman claimed that they were working for our local chamber and that we could get a larger ad this year for $295. Our company agreed and paid by credit card over the phone. When the proof the their work came in, we realized that this was in fact NOT the company that our local Chamber Works with. The tactic was misleading and their product is of a very poor quality. Our company received many inquiries from the other businesses that were also duped.in fact, one company has had their credit card used to purchase pizza in Illinois. When I contact the company requesting a refund. I'm connected with Jennifer and she always states that the owner's aren't in and she has to wait for them. The sales person repeatedly stated that this was the "Chamber Map" and that we would be the only Real Estate Firm on the map. They lied on both accounts and they can't even provide me with distribution points of the map/advertising. And lastly, the map is of such poor quality, that a consumer couldn't even use it to guide themselves around
town.
This is the following exchange through their local BBB:
RECEIVE BUSINESS RESPONSE: In regards to Mr. Boivin complaintThe maps have already been printed & ready for the final print. Every Advertiser gets a hard copy proof of the map before it goes to final print. The final copy will be very detailed, this has been explained to Mr. Boivin, as for the situation with the credit card, that situation has been resolved & 100% of the money was returned to the other customer. When a map has gone to print we will not refund any money, but we will do an in house refund towards other advertising. The other situation with the other customer has nothing to do with Mr. Boivin. As for the sales rep Jessica she has been fired.
10/27 Jack EMAIL Forward Business response to Consumer
10/28 WEB BBB BBB REVIEWS CONSUMER REBUTTAL TO BUSINESS RESPONSE: (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
I sent notification the same day that I received the proof that I was not happy with the product. I also called a few days later and stated quite clearly to Jennifer that they misrepresented the product and that the salesperson was unethical. Even she agreed that the salesperson was inappropriate. We expect a refund, the product is not what was described. Further more, after two direct phone calls to Jennifer, she never stated that the "maps are going to print - it's too late for a correction". When I pressed for a resolution, she just kept stating that "I have to wait until the owners come into the office". No one from this company has ever attempted to resolve the situation. It was surprising that she couldn't even identify the placement of these maps for consumer access. My research on the web has shown that this is not a new practice for this company. We've already sent an inquiry to the Attorney Generals office and will be pursuing this further if we do not receive our refund. Since I'm involved with the local Board of Realtors, I will also contact the Michigan Association of Realtors as well as the National Association of Realtors. I'll use that venue to address the deceptive practices that this company utilizes.
11/04 Jack EMAIL Forward Consumer Rebuttal to Business
11/05 WEB BBB RECEIVED BUSINESS' REBUTTAL RESPONSE: Once a customer receives a proof for them to look over they do have time to make changes to there ad, or even send in there own ad to use for the publication. It is also explained to the customer if they are asking for a refund, that if it has been past 30 days since the ad was placed they will receive an in house refund for future advertising. If a publication has already gone to print, then we will not do a refund.
11/05 Jack EMAIL Send Business' Rebuttal Response to Consumer
11/06 WEB BBB RECEIVE CONSUMER VERIFICATION: (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
This last statement is an outright lie by this company. They were informed within the time period stated of the receipt of the proof that this product was unacceptable. They have NEVER offered any sort of "in house" refund nor explained anything about "30 days since the ad was placed". It amazes me, but I'm not surprised, all of our investigation into internet complaint sites show that this is their typical response numerous complaints.
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