- Report: #107201
Complaint Review: Starbiz Wilhelmina - Scottsdale Arizona
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Starbiz Wilhelmina
13430 North Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, 85254 Arizona, U.S.A.
Phone:
480-991-9100
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Starbiz Wilhelmina Ripoff Dishonest Misleading Misrepresented Opportunity Scottsdale Arizona
Patrick -
I would love to be involved in any action taken against Starbiz Wilhelmina. After reading all of these reports, I too am absolutely sick to my stomach. My story is almost identical to yours.
I heard a radio commercial that stated Starbiz was looking for babies and toddlers to star in a print ad for a well-known clothing retailer. I took my 10-month-old daughter to Starbiz for an audition. During the audition the director of talent, Monique, told me if my daughter were chosen, she would be guaranteed one full-page color ad. I was told that most models make between $600-$1,500 per assignment. The information that was given to me at the time of the audition stated:
Baby Marketing Package:
1 Photo Shoot on location at retail store
50 8x10 Photos
Complete Marketing including Website
One guaranteed commercial print appearance
I too was told to call back between 1-2 that day, and when I did they said they were backed up and if we were selected they would call us that evening. SUPRISE - I was called back later that evening and told that my daughter was 1 of 4 chosen out of the 25 that auditioned. Again, Monique told me we would be guaranteed one full-page color ad for babies clothing. She told me to come in the next day to sign the contract and set up a time for the photo shoot.
When we set up the photo shoot, I was told to return to the Starbiz office not a retail store on location, as the information provided stated. I went in on August 30th for the photo shoot. My daughter was given a horrible tie-dyed outfit to wear for her ad. After the session was finished I asked when we would receive payment for this assignment, and was told this was for experience only and no payment would be given. I told them the contract stated we would be guaranteed one ad, and that it said nothing about not being paid for this ad. Again I was told this was for experience only. I also found out that the ad my daughter is to be in has several other children in it, not just her, as Monique suggested by saying we would be guaranteed one full page color ad. The contract also states I have not in any way, either verbal or in writing been guaranteed any assignments, interviews or employment OTHER THAN THE FIRST COMMERCIAL PRINT APPEARANCE which will be published and a copy will be available to me. If we are not to be paid for this one guaranteed assignment, why is that not in the contract?
Had I known the whole story, obviously I would have never signed up with this company. Conveniently, Monique, the Director of Talent, who also signed my contract, is no longer with the company.
I hope this helps all of us involved with this horrible company!!!
Kathaleen
Mesa, Arizona
U.S.A.
I would love to be involved in any action taken against Starbiz Wilhelmina. After reading all of these reports, I too am absolutely sick to my stomach. My story is almost identical to yours.
I heard a radio commercial that stated Starbiz was looking for babies and toddlers to star in a print ad for a well-known clothing retailer. I took my 10-month-old daughter to Starbiz for an audition. During the audition the director of talent, Monique, told me if my daughter were chosen, she would be guaranteed one full-page color ad. I was told that most models make between $600-$1,500 per assignment. The information that was given to me at the time of the audition stated:
Baby Marketing Package:
1 Photo Shoot on location at retail store
50 8x10 Photos
Complete Marketing including Website
One guaranteed commercial print appearance
I too was told to call back between 1-2 that day, and when I did they said they were backed up and if we were selected they would call us that evening. SUPRISE - I was called back later that evening and told that my daughter was 1 of 4 chosen out of the 25 that auditioned. Again, Monique told me we would be guaranteed one full-page color ad for babies clothing. She told me to come in the next day to sign the contract and set up a time for the photo shoot.
When we set up the photo shoot, I was told to return to the Starbiz office not a retail store on location, as the information provided stated. I went in on August 30th for the photo shoot. My daughter was given a horrible tie-dyed outfit to wear for her ad. After the session was finished I asked when we would receive payment for this assignment, and was told this was for experience only and no payment would be given. I told them the contract stated we would be guaranteed one ad, and that it said nothing about not being paid for this ad. Again I was told this was for experience only. I also found out that the ad my daughter is to be in has several other children in it, not just her, as Monique suggested by saying we would be guaranteed one full page color ad. The contract also states I have not in any way, either verbal or in writing been guaranteed any assignments, interviews or employment OTHER THAN THE FIRST COMMERCIAL PRINT APPEARANCE which will be published and a copy will be available to me. If we are not to be paid for this one guaranteed assignment, why is that not in the contract?
Had I known the whole story, obviously I would have never signed up with this company. Conveniently, Monique, the Director of Talent, who also signed my contract, is no longer with the company.
I hope this helps all of us involved with this horrible company!!!
Kathaleen
Mesa, Arizona
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Pat
Gilbert,Arizona,
U.S.A.
File a complaint with the AG.
#2Consumer Suggestion
Tue, October 05, 2004
I just called the Attorney General's office to follow up on the complaint I filed. The person I spoke with said that my complaint was in the system and was being investigated by the legal staff. He did indicate that everyone with the same complaint should file a report. I urge everyone to go to the following website and fill out a Consumer Complaint Form: www.ag.state.az.us If the AG's office sees a trend developing, they are more likely to pursue action.
Pat
Gilbert,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Thank you for posting
#3Consumer Comment
Tue, September 07, 2004
Kathaleen, Thank you for posting your experience. I have been trying to determine 2 things: 1) Are people being misled by Starbiz's advertising. 2) Are people being told that the first photo shoot is not a paid assignment BEFORE the contract is signed. The answers I'm getting are Yes to #1 and No to #2. Go back and read my original post again. http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/ripoff103042.htm A former employee has added comments that are very enlightening. I also have some further developements regarding my experience, and I'm hoping to recoup the $685 we spent. You said that you were told that yours was one of four children selected from the audition. If this is true, then that means only 4 people called back at 1pm to confirm they were still interested after finding out how much it cost. I even heard from one lady who said she was told her child was the only one picked. I have already caught Bruce Romberg in so many lies it's not even funny. If I don't get any satisfaction from them soon, I will make it my mission in life to bring them down.
