Got a surprise for all of you. Not all journalist and publishers are honest. I can hear the cries of dismay and shock all the way to my desk.
But seriously folks, we have to once again warn all of our clients and readers about advertisements.
Some magazines or newspapers send out a bill to you. Sometimes it might even be with what we call a tear sheet. A tear sheet is the page of the magazine of newspaper with “you ad” on it. You don’t know who requested the ad. In truth you may not have requested the ad at all. These types of companies depend on you not checking or verifying that you did want the ad. Most accounting departments will pay the bill without checking to closely. That’s what they want.
The latest one I heard of was a logo, the name of the Band and a wrong number… nothing else.
Who in their right mind would want something like that. It says nothing and means nothing but a bill for $700 was sent along with it. They want that.
All you have to do is request a copy of your purchase order or contract with the correct authorized name and signature on it. Say you will not pay otherwise. Legally you are not bound to pay for unsolicited advertisements put in any news media on your behalf without your consent.
If it were otherwise the Nation would’ve attempted to bankrupt Hydro-Quebec a long time ago. Come to think of it there would be a few Quebec government departments and ministries that would be looking at budgetary problems right now but that’s another story.
In any case if you are unsure about what to do, please feel free to phone the Nation at 1-514-272-3077 and ask for Will. It would be my pleasure to assist you in any way that I could. If this happens to you, then give us a call so we can warn others about what is happening and who is doing it. We’ll assist in the investigation if needed. We feel this is a community service we can offer and would gladly continue.
Remember to check all bills and take care.
