Complaint Review: New Start Media LLC

I was solicited by MIKE from New Start and then referred to CAROL to close the ad sale. They presented a advertising opportunity to run a :

4" X 4" IN AD BOBCATS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

(that would be Buchholz Bobcats - the hight school i proudly graduated from and THOUGHT i was supporting.)

Things were a bit sketchy during the sales pitch, but i went for it. I asked to split my payment and was billed $133.17 immediately and the charge hit my account the same day. I received a paper bill via email (no domain associated with the "advertsing agency"  as well as in the USPS (see scanned image)

New Start <newstartmarketingllc1@outlook.com>

NEW START MEDIA LLC
3127 BRADY STREET SUITE 4
DAVENPORT, IOWA 52803
(888)-881-2808

On Sep 29, 2016, at 3:40 PM, New Start <newstartmarketingllc1@outlook.com> wrote:

Thank you for your recent purchase 

Please send email with your artwork and graphics as soon as possible to graphics.newstart@gmail.com

As soon as we receive them, you will be added to the schedule where we will design your ad and return it to you for proofing.

Acceptable formats include: JPG, PDF, TIFF, AI, EPS and PDF

Resolution should be at least 300dpi                                                                                 

We make every effort to design the ad to your specifications, because of this we ask that you return your artwork to us within 5 business days If artwork is not received within this time frame we reserve the right to design your ad from existing materials.  This usually results in a 4 point ad that includes your logo, if available, business name, and contact! Information.           

Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions

NEW START M.
Customer Service Dept.
888-884-8822 

As I sat down to design my ad, my gut told me to google the company, since there was no web site domain. 

I found the other reports.

I called and emailed them demanding my money back, stating i would ad to this string.

On Sep 29, 2016, at 4:18 PM, Rebecca Burns, Realtor <rebecca@fletcherrealtyservices.com> wrote:

Mike,

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/specific_search/NEW%20START%20MEDIA%20LLC

i am demanding my money back, $133.17, immediately. If i do not credit my money back NOW, i will ad to the string of information about New Start Media LLC on ripoffreport.com, about your company, etc. and with my marketing and advertsing background i will make sure your business gets #1 position in google.

I will also reach out to every school in this area with a flyer advisting them the reports i have found.

I was called back promptly from 563-888-5039 - Billing Dept. and they stated they will refund my money via check within 3 days. The first caller was was a male and when I confronted him about WHY they would do such a thing, he became authoriative and told me not be beligerant. I told him I was not, but if he wanted to hear me do so, I'd oblige him.

To summarize, this company is NOT working with the permission of the schools. I doubt anyone ever sees the ads. I am pretty sure this is a group of rip off con artists.

What a shame, there are decent and ligitimate ad agency's out there. So anytime you are given a buy today and get a discount...buyer beware.

Let's see what happens. I'll post if and when i get my check.