America's Directories, Best Book & Rick Singleton late in publication and distribution and false sues Mishawaka Indiana

America's Directories sends out sales reps to verbally promise early April publication of Best Book phone book. However, the contract that local businesses sign does not include "in writing" the same promise. When book comes out a month to two months late (as it has for seven consecutive years documented in local newspaper), consumer has no legal defense because it is not "in the contract".

Buyer beware and get it in writing! Every word you want should be in there!

When the book came out late in 2001, I called the billing manager. He prorated the account for the tardiness. End of story? Nope. Two years go by and America's Directories takes our small company (thinking we won't have a lawyer!) to small claims. The prorated amount of $99 has grown to $948 because of interest and charges! They claim the billing manager never settled the account. No billings were received from America's Directories for two years. Conversely, they solicited us two years in a row (2002 & 2003) and never mentioned the supposed unpaid account. I subpoenaed the original sales rep and the billing manager to testify. The judge ruled in our favor and we won!

Karla
Niles, Michigan
U.S.A.