I hired Focus, Inc., initially in June to develop Loan Modification leads by using the television advertisement they had created. Basically, I paid them a flat fee, from which they would purchase the media time and keep the difference. Fair enough. The first ad campaign worked fine. I then ran another one, which was fine.in November, I sent in another $2,500 for a third campaign (which was half of the amount owed - the remainder was to be paid when the ads were running). The lag time between payment and the ads running had been about two weeks in the past. The entire time, my sole point of contact was Phyllis McKinney.
On 11/4, I received the following email from Phyllis:
Hi Matt,
I received your contract back. Please allow the usual 14 day advance to get the media going. I have already informed media that you are expecting a campaign based on a 5k budget. If you get the remainder in house in a couple of weeks that would be appreciated.
When the ads still had not commenced, I sent Phyllis an email on 11/30, asking when they would start. Here is her response:
Matt,
I am truly sorry that you did not get information about a start date. I did forward your request. I just e-mailed media this evening as I have been out of the office. As soon as I get information I will contact you.
She never responded to me. Accordingly, on 12/7, more than a month after payment had been received, I requested my money back. On 12/15, I spoke directly with Phyllis McKinney, and then with the owner, Raul Vazquez, who explained to me that they were unable to purchase the media spots because they had lost a major automotive client, which I assume resulted in their ads costing more because they could not commit enough business. Whatever. The long and the short is, that was his problem, he never should have kept my money when he knew he could not deliver in his end, and I wanted it back. He told me he would issue a refund. That same day, I received the following email from Phyllis:
Matt,
I received an e-mail from our accounting dept. Confirming that your refund was issued. Wishing you a very happy Holiday!
Needless to say, that was a lie. Despite repeated requests over the last two months, and promises that I would report them to anyone willing to listen, I have not received a penny.instead, I have gotten false assurances like this one on 1/19:
Matt,
This message was sent to Raul Vazquez this afternoon. I am truly sorry for the delay. Last week Raul said it was next on the list. I know that he has mentioned that he is expecting to clear your debt as well some internal things. He does have all intentions on paying this he just unfortunately has been unable to stick to his verbal agreement with you. It's embarrassing and I do apologize to you again. I just don't want to see you waist any more energy in taking action as I know he will refund your money.
Two weeks after that email, I contacted Tina Brooks in their accounting department, who claimed she reviewed my file and there were no notes indicating I was due a refund. She promised to get back to me, and never did.
If you have read this and continue to do business with Focus Inc. And/or Raul Vazquez, you deserve what you get.
0 comments