Beware of Show Directory Scams
Nov
1
Written by:
Sunday, November 01, 2009
(Note: We normally think of emergency preparedness as relating to forces such as fire, the weather, and other natural causes. However, falling victim to a scam is a very real emergency - one that can be career-threatening.)
We recently received a call from an artist who fell victim to a common trade show scam that now appears to be aimed at art fairs and craft shows.
The artist received an offer for a free listing in an online show directory. The name and address of a prominent national craft show in which he was participating were printed at the top of the page, and so he assumed (as the directory promoter hoped) that it was connected with the show in question.
Unfortunately, he signed up for the free listing without reading the fine print. It stated that unless he sent a registered letter opting out within 10 days, he was agreeing to pay $5,000 for a three-year listing with the online directory. Further, the contract automatically renews in 3-year increments.
Every artist is familiar with the rush to complete paperwork, pay bills, meet deadlines and try to have work ready for a show, and that's what scammers rely on. Had the artist taken time to investigate, he would have found many warnings about the company on the web. More importantly, if he had read the fine print, he would have seen that he was not merely agreeing to the "free listing."
While many complaints have been lodged against this scam operation for its questionable products and business practices, there are legitimate companies that offer free listings with bold type or additional advertising for a fee, such as the yellow pages or your craft media organization's directory.
In every case, be sure to read the fine print before you sign anything and understand what you are agreeing to. If you think you may be interested in a paid listing, investigate the company and the product and make sure it will be beneficial to you. And watch out for copycat solicitations masquerading as offers from trusted sources, like reputable show organizers.