I entered a contest in April and was given a call back to come to compete. Once, I arrived everything looked professional and was going smooth. The trouble happened after the contests were done. For starters, the contest wasn't much of one since almost everyone who competed was eligible for the "next stage" - the photo shoot (flag #1). Apparently, and unbeknown to myself and all the contestants I spoke with, there was a fee of $150.00 for the photo shoot. (Flag #2) The person heading the shoot, Trini, informed one upset girl that the cost was only to cover the pics which she must have to be considered for a contract. When she asked about submitting her own photos she was told that she could but they probably wouldn't be considered. (flag #3) Because I didn't know anyone who could do my photos like the other young lady, I decided that I would go along with what Trini was saying.
When it was my turn to pay, for some reason their machine stop processing causing them to have to manually process my card for a partial payment of $150.00. (sign#1) I was given a bag with a shirt and plastic portfolio case inside and went on my way. A few days later, I received a call from Trini stating my payment had not gone thru (sign#2) but I could pay the amount due plus the additional amount that would be due upon the photo shoot.
In the end I decided that the combined red flags and signs seemed enough for me to decide to pass on this. So I did. Until about a month later when I received a message from Trini threatening me with legal action over the bag of stuff given me. Below, is a copy of the letter I am planning to e-mail or leave as a message tomorrow.
The purpose of my posting is not to say that they have necessarily ripped me off but to give you an idea of what type of people you will be dealing with. I would suggest you go somewhere else that doesn't require you to pay. According to several websites, and even Tyra Banks, you shouldn't be paying for anything.
Here's the letter -
I received a phone message from you last night requesting I return the items given to me, by you and your agency April 29 or 30th. I first must say I apologize that I didn't return them. I was not under the impression that I had to. I thought that they were items given by your agency for future use; a starter kit given to possible candidates to show goodwill. I didn't realize that my payment of $150.00 was to pay for that as well. As I understood it, the payment was for the photos. Since my payment was not authorized on site nor at a later date, I figured that was the end of it. That part is my fault for not bothering to follow up.
At this point, I have your things and they are in the condition that I received them. However, I would like to say to you that I do not appreciate your threat of legal action against me for items worth less than $20. Especially, since this is the first time you have informed me that I need to return the items; something you could have mentioned when I last spoke to you a month ago. Now, we will do this on my terms. I will not be in that area on Tuesday. The options now will be to direct me to an office that I can drop them off or send me a schedule of when you plan to be at Southlake Mall or any other mall, perhaps Perimeter or North Point since I am located closer to that side of town now. Upon receipt of items, I will be given a receipt by you that describes what has been received and actual receipt.
Because you have been rude and overly aggressive in your dealings, please know that I may list you and your agency on the BBBs site and usacomplaints.com. From my further research, I have learned a legit agency should not be asking for money up from anyway. Therefore, I am glad my payment was not processed and I question your companys integrity. You are welcome to respond if youd like but I am not looking for anything other than my receipt.
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