We were first contacted by World Wide Source" in June. At that time their representative offered us inclusion in the American Business Index AND Business to Business 800 number directory. Since I spoke with her, I clearly remember asking what it would cost. She replied $399.95. I asked specifically if that was the total cost. She replied yes.
Although they want you to believe they are in the U.S., World Wide Source is actually located in Montreal, Quebec and operates telemarketing operations in Nova Scotia as well. Econonomic development initiatives provided by the government allow such companies to locate in prime office space and enjoy substantial tax breaks.
They mailed an invoice, dated June 29.
We paid that invoice by check at the end of July.
We were then contacted AGAIN by a woman representing Business to Business who stated that we needed to pay an additional $399.95 to be included in the second book. At that point I said NO, we had already paid $399.95 and had been led to believe that that was it. I told their representative at that time that I did NOT want to be bothered again. She assured me that I would not.
I never received a formal contract from them. I was not billed again.
We actually received the directories one year later. July. We were listed in American Business Index but not in Business to Business. The "American Business Index" was pretty lame—just a list of companies that had been snookered. Not a real database of any value.
On August 29 one of their people called and asked if I wanted to continue advertising in Business to Business. I replied that I did not know we were in Business to Business and he said: Oh yes, and you owe a balance of $399.95.
The balance amount made me suspicious so I asked if he was with World Wide Source. He said No. He claimed we had a contract for two years, which they had not presented, and I have not signed. I had not been billed for anything other than the initial invoice, and assumed my discussion with their representative a year ago was the end of the matter.
When I tried to discuss this problem I was greeted by resistance from their people, who simply repeated their initial assertions.
On November 1 I recieved two calls from someone asking if I wished to continue my listing. When I said no they said O.K. But you owe us a balance. I was never billed for this balance. I have told their people I do not want to be bothered by you again. I have made myself quite clear, but the ONLY thing "World Wide Source" has made clear is that they feel I owe them additional money.
When I asked their representative to clarify the situation she hung up. Therefore I am limiting my replies to them to writing so there are no further misunderstandings.
I plan to contact the Attorney General's office of the State of Virginia concerning this matter.
If "World Wide Source" wishes to claim that this company owes them any additional money, they will need to provide a signed contract proving that we indeed obligated ourselves to any further relationship with their company.
I feel that I have attempted to act in good faith with these people. They are rude! They are masters of intimidation! You cannot win a discussion of your problem with their "customer care" representative. Don't even try. Go directly to your state Attorney General's office. Hopefully they can help.
Robert
Staunton, Virginia
U.S.A
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