Northwest Publishing
2705 SE Ankeny St
Portland, OR 97214-1817
503-786-6140 phone
503-786-6150 fax
Companies in Billings, MT have reported contact by the above company soliciting advertising in a “restaurant flyer”. This company claims they have a close relationship with various local restaurants, such as the Montana Rib and Chop House and Jakes, when the relationship does not actually exist.
This company has an “F” rating with the BBB of Alaska, Oregon & Western Washington. Complaints against the company allege a delay in service and refunds or payments being submitted and no service performed. Complaints also allege that "Trivia Pages" are not displayed in specific restaurants as promised by Northwest Publishing sales personnel. When consumers inquire about the "Trivia Pages" at the restaurants, the restaurants have never heard of them.
You can view the report for Northwest Publishing at http://www.bbb.org/oregon/business-reviews/advertising-agencies-and-counselors/northwest-publishing-in-portland-or-35000347
BBB ADVICE
BBB is seeing advertising sales pitches to businesses increase with the season, especially ad offers that support a cause. This includes email, phone, and door-to-door solicitation activity. BBB experience reflects that some advertising sales pitches made by companies outside of a business’ service area can 1) come when you least expect them (catch you off guard when you are busy at work), 2) come fast via phone or door-to-door, and 3) can be elusive and not give you all the information you request. Before entering into an agreement for advertising services with a company, the BBB suggests that businesses:
1. Get details about the Company. Get information about the company that is soliciting you: web site, phone numbers, addresses, email. Check the company first with BBB before committing at: www.bbb.org Search the company name online using a search engine to see what other info may be posted about them. Make sure the company you are dealing with is legitimate and properly registered to conduct business. This includes checking Secretary of State and/or Department of Revenue registration status in the state where the company is located.
2. Confirm/Verify Any Partnership and Sponsorship Affiliations. If the company is using an official name in its sales pitch, or is touting a partnership or sponsorship with an official group, agency, civic or national organization/association, or local school, that you pro-actively check directly with that group to confirm the validity of that partnership PRIOR to signing an agreement. Ask the company to refer you to the point of contact at the partnership for accuracy.
3. Ask details about the company’s marketing and how the product will be distributed in your area. When dealing with an ad product such as a magnet or bench ad, insist on verifiable distribution figures, details of distribution dates, name(s) of fellow advertisers, number of paid product, and samples. If the company states, “Your local chamber office…or police department, library, school or grocery store, etc. agreed to distribute, then contact that distribution partner to confirm the agreement PRIOR to agreeing to service. Make certain that any verbal promises (such as when the product will be complete and ready for distribution) are written into the contract prior to signing. Hold the company accountable for having the product complete by the promised written date. If it is not, don’t take a string of excuses for an answer. Dispute charges ASAP with your credit card merchant.
4. Get all information about the offer in writing prior to saying YES. Ask to see the contract prior to agreeing, and read it. Make certain you understand the terms and conditions of the contract PRIOR to agreeing to the service or product. Ask for references of other clients that have supported the advertising offer, and contact them to see whether they were happy with the transaction and the way the distribution of the product worked for them. If a company hesitates to answer any questions about the offer, consider it a red flag.
5. Pay by Credit Card in case you have concerns re: contract and/or delivery issues. If the offer is not as it was represented, if you did not authorize additional services, or if the contract is not fulfilled as written and agreed to, you can dispute the charges.
6. Support Ads for Causes You Believe In. If your advertising is going to support a cause, make certain that is the group you wish to support, that the product or piece of collateral is going to be to your satisfaction, and that you are not just giving into a high pressure pitch. Give wisely to causes you value, and to products that make a difference