- Report: #1166447
Complaint Review: Ascent Talent - Los Angeles California
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Author Not Confirmed
Why?
Ascent Talent
8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd, Ste 110-776 Los Angeles, 90045 California, USA
Phone:
773.281.2990
Web:
http://www.ascenttalent.com/
Categories:
Business Rating:
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Ascent Talent Shady, Delaying Payment, Unawareness of a worker being compensated Los Angeles California
All right so what can I say?
I am astounded by the way this agency has handled a situation, an event I had done for them, by continuing to delay payment. When I had first seen this agency and applied for the job, I thought they were reputable. Of course, I myself am from California and being that the agency is hqed in California, I would have expected this agency to keep their word.
Let's start with the actual event. I ended up going out of my way, to travel to Louisville, a city around an hour a half away to do an event for them. It was for a protein bar marathon. I not only had to get a hotel, but I did the event when another individual, I had referred, could not do it. Apparently, she had fallen sick. So that day I had to take on two roles, one as a brand ambassador and one as a team lead. After taking pics and providing everything they wanted, I had to send them to two separate individuals, including doing my end work, to satisfy their requirements and their clients.
For this, I asked for an hour and a half bonus. First, being that I had worked for $25/hr. which was fine and the staffing rep from them said that she would do it. I was expecting a check that week or within two. Still no response. I called them back, talking to the owner and he wanted me to supply proof of pics of the event. I did just this and I am still waiting two more weeks for a check to be cut. Not only this, but the wage went down to the $25/hr. because he did NOT approve it. That's fine.
Today, I called the owner again, and he said the check HAD NOT EVEN BEEN PROCESSED. Now I wonder? If this is a Californian hqed agency, the laws take worker's right EXTREMELY seriously. If I had not called and instead asked the attorney general to intervene, it would not have looked good. Granted, the check is being processed now; but an agency with full fledge phone, email address, and physical address; should not be the ones that are this shady. They have another event in Louisville; but seeing as they were so aloof on this last event, I do not know if I would want to work for them. Even more so, I caution anyone that does. Being delayed by many other agencies in the past, I am overly cautious now; however, I thought a California agency would have higher standards. Apparently, not. I apologize for writing this review, but that is pretty bad. Not cutting a check and not honoring a time and a half; even when I should be asking for interest on how long it has taken them. Everything I have is in plain writing so that is uber evidence I have.
All in all, I want people who are independently contracted to watch out for this agency. This is not meant to slander, but instead to offer a true and honest review.
I am thoroughly ashamed that I found and agency, as legitimate as this one, not follow through on time. Even more so, the owner had NO IDEA what event I did when I had talked to him before and emailed him details.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Melissa
Alexander,North Carolina,
USA
Nice opportunity- Good luck getting paid
#2UPDATE Employee
Tue, October 20, 2015
I've been working as a promotional model/brand ambassador for years. I love this work. Ascent offers some nice opportunities. The only problem is that they do not pay on time. They say it takes 2-3 for a check to be mailed. I've had to hassel them to even get paid. It usually takes over 8 weeks. It's very inconsistent. This is so unprofessional. They only answer your emails or call you back if it's in their interest. If you have a question about your payment, they could care less. I've worked for several companies and I've never worked for one that is so unprofessional. It's not a big deal when you've only worked a couple of events and it's extra cash coming in, but it's a problem when you work a lot of events and you actually need this money. to pay bills. I don't like feeling like I'm hasseling anyone, but you have to with company. Their communication is so poor, so unprofessional. They never even asnwer the phone. I tried to call the pay roll line, but you can't even leave a message because their message box is full! I've never heard of such a thing.
agb
Kentucky,To THe Original Report
#3Author of original report
Mon, August 04, 2014
I have to say that when I had contacted Steven Weiner the second time around, the check did get to me. For that I can update, that this agency, will at least pay and is, at least, legitimate. For that, I appreciate it. From the time of the event that I did, to now, it has been 31 business days, not including weekends (of course).
If I were a new BA, working for this agency, would I still want to be cautious about it? Certainly. Just make sure that if you need payment, you remind. The staffing coordinator that books you may be able to help you out; however, it may not be the same case with the owner. The such case was the supposed "raise" that I was promised and I never got. That's fine though. I am glad I at least was reimbursed for what I had to ship and the hours I worked.
