Business Directory Scam
Don't get bitten by corporate directory sharks.
Recently my friend thwarted a costly deceit from a corporate reference book publisher.
I tell the tale in case they try the same stunt on your business.
[Looks like The System wants me to add another line. Here it is!]
Bleeding between the lines
Pat from the publisher called Fran my friend, asking her to approve her firm's listing in the new edition.
Pat called again a few hours later, saying the deadline was that afternoon.
Fran looked at the layout, then at the quote. Though new to her role, she felt $2,300 was expensive to list one head office and a string of stores.
She queried Pat, who assured her the layout was the same as last year's.
Fran checked the current book, to find this wasn't true.
On the contrary, Pat had unilaterally added heavy bolding, subheaders and a web address to the new layout.
Each 'enhancement' was priced at several hundred dollars.
Fran asked Pat to remove these unwanted items.
Pat replied, 'That's the format we use now'.
Fran rang her predecessor, who vehemently confirmed her suspicions of deceit.
Fran challenged Pat, who instantly backpedalled.
With the unrequested items gone, the new listing cost just $270; a saving of $2,030.
Tricky times bring out the best and worst in companies. Keep your eyes open and/or give your admin people a heads up.
Paul Hassing, Founder & Senior Writer, www.thefeistyempire.com
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Paul Hassing's hi-end blogging, copywriting, editing and proofreading website.