Did not pay for advertising - Will they take action?

[BenSko]

I started advertising with R.H. Donnelley. They set up a web page with an 800 number, and assured me it would more than justify the cost of $115.00 per month. I tracked the 800# and emails that came through with little success over the first several months. I ended up not paying them for any of the months over the period of the year. After speaking with the collection service recently, I can either settle for $1100 or make payments of $127.50 for 12 months. The question I have is what steps will they take if I refuse to pay? I told him I would settle for $500 but he was firm on $1100. Would they take me to court for $1500 or write it off? I asked the collector to compose an agreement and he suggested I do it. Here is what I wrote, but am still not certain I am willing to agree because I really feel they did not generate much if any additional business for me.

Pursuant to our recent telephone conversation, Effective immediately, XXXX has authorization to accept monthly installments of $127.50 for 12 months beginning September 29th and continuing on the 28th day each month for a total of 12 months to satisfy the debt of $1530.00 as payment in full on the above referred account.

Above Collector and R.H. Donnelley and all affiliated companies will hold XXXXX harmless from and against any further obligation (monetary or otherwise), and will agree not to harm the credit, or reputation before, during, or after completion of payment within the terms of this agreement.

I realize there is no guarantees in advertising, but appreciate any feedback on this nonetheless.

[IndiVision Studios]

Originally Posted by BenSko

there is no guarantees in advertising

But apparently it's a good bet that if you're a deadbeat you get a $430 discount on services rendered in good faith.

I guess people will think this is a good marketing budget strategy.

[Tshirtnoise.com]

When you are making a purchase in the vein of advertising, there are absolutely never, EVER any guarantees that it will pay for itself. I am pretty sure there is something along the lines of the previous statement somewhere in their Disclaimer, Terms Of Service, Terms and Conditions, etc. I myself do and have done some advertising online for other businesses and although I am providing a service I stress this: Buyer Beware.

I think that if you saw that you weren't getting the proper results, you should have canceled your service with them and cut your losses, opting for much more budget friendly options. But still, you entered into a payment agreement with them, there really isn't much you can do and I am very sorry that it ended like this for you.

The internet can be your best friend if you network, and know where to surf for exposure to your business. As a matter of fact, if you would like to try placing your ad on the front page of my website for a month, I will give you the ad space for free, rather than charge you the $20 rate. (It will go down soon.)

Send me an e-mail here if you are interested, and please update on your situation: admin@tshirtnoise.com