This Company’s Promises of Marketing Materials and Increased Exposure Fall Through
BBB provides businesses with the tools to build trust and ultimately, build business. As you look for new ways to generate exposure through advertising, BBB warns about a San Antonio-based advertising company garnering complaints from business owners across the country.
As of April 22, 2010, San Antonio-based Middle School Funding Network, aka Magni Board Concepts, aka A&S Bell Magni Board LLC, has a BBB Rating of F for failure to respond to complaints. The company offers advertising, marketing and fundraising services to businesses, but complaints allege the company takes upfront fees and fails to deliver their services.
Disputes allege Middle School Funding Network does not respond to inquiries regarding the status of their services or requests for refunds. In March 2010, Better Business Bureau attempted to contact Middle School Funding Network regarding their disputes but has not received a response. BBB has received indications that the company may have entered into bankruptcy proceedings but is unable to verify this information.
Teodora Solorio works for Divine Smiles in Richardson, Texas and was called in June 2009 by A&S Bell Magni Board about having their company listed on 1,000 refrigerator magnets to be distributed to a new apartment complex. After paying a deposit, Divine Smiles was supposed to receive two sample advertisements, but they never came. Divine Smiles’ dispute was not answered by A&S Bell Magni Board.
“[They] never gave us the product and took our money,” said Solorio. “The package amount was $950.”
BBB Advice on How to Find a Reputable Advertising Company:
Get Everything in Writing: All proposals and contracts should clearly state what your business will receive and what the advertising company will provide. This includes all materials purchased and the specific locations where your business will be promoted. If there are extra incentives or bonuses given for signing the contract, these should be stated as well.
Look for the BBB Seal: Visit bbb.org to check any company’s BBB Reliability Report™ for their complaint history and BBB Accreditation status. Always look for the BBB Seal to indicate a company meets BBB Standards of Trust.
Contact all Parties Involved: Businesses can be misled by companies falsely claiming to be affiliated with local charities, other businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools or sports teams. BBB recommends business owners contact the organizations directly to verify they are aware of the ads being sold.
To check the reliability of a company or to learn how BBB can help advertise your business, visit bbb.org.
