Universal Advertising Associates Inc. Maps are out of print before season begins Cincinnati Ohio
I was contacted by a salesperson from Universal Advertising Associates, Inc., and agreed to place an advertisment on the map. I was told that I could have all of the maps I wanted, and since this is a resort area, it seemed like a good service to provide my customers.
I was told verbally that I would be given a map display with an initial set of maps (10, I think I received), and that all I had to do was call for a refill when I ran out.
I received my first set, and called fairly quickly to get my free refill. Over a period of several weeks, I called repeatedly and was told that the person in charge of this was out of town, out of the office, etc. On the last call, yesterday, I was told that there are no more maps available, and that once the first printing is gone, no more are available.
Our tourist season has not begun yet, so the maps were useless to me. Yes, I should have asked how many maps would be printed, and should have insisted on everything in writing, and should have asked when the maps generally run out, but I didn't.
This is a scam, and a pretty good one -- get the advertising dollars, print a few maps, disappear until next year. Don't do it!!
Hemingway
Charlevoix, Michigan
U.S.A.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
fairandsquare
Covington,Kentucky,
United States of America
Be Informed before you accuse a reputable co.
#2Consumer Comment
Tue, March 22, 2011
To my knowledge, the company in question has been in business for more than 25 years. I had the opportunity to participate in a promotion with the company in a certain manner. I can say that the salesperson I dealt with was very thourgh with the details of distribution, amount of maps to be received, as well as making me feel very comfortable in knowing that all my questions were answered before I ever hung up with the salesperson. I was also informed that the cartography department receives the most recent edition of the area map that the particular area has to offer. I was also informed that if, indeed my street was not on that copy of the map, they would do all the could to add that street to the latest edition. In so far as receiving only 10 maps to have for themselves, I myself was under the impression that the maps were to be distributed through high traffic areas such as realtors who have the ability to reach newcomers in their closing packets. I would much rather want my advertising in the hands of newcomers to the area, and not to sit dusting & yellow on the counter of a participant. Perhaps if the person in Charlevoix had spent more time asking more questions so that they could completely grasp what the entire promotion entailed instead of merely shrugging off their inability to pay attention, they would be as satisfied a client as I am. I would also add that my company has seen a definite increase in our profit by using this form of advertising, simply by being proactive and adding the "mention this ad to receive 10% discount" so that I, myself could monitor the benefits of this promotion. I might mention also, that I have been a repeat customer for the past 4 years and will continue to do so as long as they continue to have me. Finally, Universal Advertising Associates, Inc. has their own website that you can view that is quite impressive and take note that they have been a member of the BBB for the better part of 20 years.
Thank you for allowing my voice to be heard.