Agency for vending and dispensing under Graham Dennis - broken promises, misleading statements Brisbane Queensland

(Any information you have on Graham Bruce Dennis 10/07/1951, please respond!) 

I commenced contact with Graham Dennis of ‘Agency for vending & dispensing’ agency4vending.com on July 8th, 2013. I commenced business on January 28th, 2014. 

Prior to commencing business I enquired extensively about the product being offered on his website. Up until January 28th, 2014 I did not have the required $5,000 to buy any products. The products in question being vending machines.

I asked him about weekly turnover. He told me that it would cost $5,000 and for that I would get a coffee machine, popcorn and / or slushy machine for a guaranteed $500-$1000 p/w profit. That the popcorn machine alone would get $500-$1000 p/w. This is also detailed on his website. 

This was reiterated on Jan 28th, 2014 when he came to my home to discuss the deal. An audio recording is available of that meeting. A receipt was only given on April 4th, 2014 totalling $5000 and only lists the coffee machine, contrary to what was promised. 

During this entire time; via emails and the discussion at my home, I was under the assumption that I didn’t own the machine. Any complaints or problems that the IGA had was directed to Graham Dennis or an Agency for vending employee then relayed to me, if they bothered to. 

Additionally the logo of Agency for vending and dispensing was displayed prominently on the machine. 

Prior to the first official invoice, a coin-operated machine was installed in the IGA at Alexandra Hills around the start of February. This was done without my prior approval when Graham didn’t receive my response to his email. At the time I was dealing with a family matter and met him a few days later, in person at the IGA site to inspect it. I trusted his judgement at that time that it would be as profitable as promised. 

It collected $24 the first week, then the machine was replaced with a cashless coffee machine. The first official invoice and subsequent weeks, the weekly profits are as follows: $54, $28, $26, $54, $46, $50, $50 & $70 (This is after giving the IGA the machine is placed at 1/3 of the total takings of that week).

On February 15th, 2014; Graham said he would be getting a truck to deliver the other promised machines. This did not occur. I questioned him on February 17th, 2014 about this to which he claims he damaged his shoulder and it would be delayed.

I had waited 3 weeks for the promised products to be delivered. On February 20th, 2014 I made it clear that he was not delivering on his promises of $500-$1000 p/w profit and on the other machines he said he would place into sites and I was seeking a refund as a result. 

He subsequently refused and cited I needed “training” (He had shown me how to operate the machine when it was installed, handed over a settings sheet and I worked it out within a week.) & that it was “no breach of contract”. No contract was signed. A verbal contract existed and he failed to deliver 2-3 machines or enough machines to reach the $500-$1000 p/w profit promised and guaranteed. I relayed this to him and again asked for a refund.

On February 21st, 2014 he said he’d deliver more machines in a week. This did not occur. He ignored my emails for a refund and ordered me to check my machines.

On February 22nd, 2014 I decided to give Graham another chance and to make good on his promises and informed of this. 

On February 25th, 2014 I asked for a receipt and an update on the other machines and locations I was promised. Delivery of the machines did not occur, again. 

On March 5th, 2014 I sought legal advice from the Bond Law Clinic in which they (on March 28th, 2014) advised me that Graham has likely breached consumer law and to notify him of such. 

On March 12th, 2014 upon request of my complaint to the ACCC; informed me that they will refer me to the Office of fair trading.

On March 31st he again claimed that delivery of the other machines will occur “early next week”. This was unacceptable. I notified Graham of my intentions to report him to the Office of fair trading and to lodge a claim with the Queensland Civil Administrative Tribunal. 

On April 2nd, 2014 he replied denying my allegations, and informing me that ‘Agency for vending’ will no longer take complaints and assistance inquiries from the IGA, that they’ll call me directly. 

On April 3rd, 2014 I informed him about potential breaches of consumer law and my intention to use the audio recording of Jan 28th, 2014 as legally permissible by the Invasion of Privacy Act 1971. 

On April 4th, 2014 Graham sent me a receipt for $5,000 containing only one machine. He also informed me that he wishes further contact to be done so through solicitors.

In summary; He has mislead me about the profitability of the business; I’ve earned $496 in the 9 weeks I’ve operated this business. I was promised $500-$1000 per week with 2-3 machines. 

- and failed to deliver the machines as promised. 

UPDATE

On July 3rd, 2014 I lodged an application with QCAT (Queensland Civil Administrative Tribunal). 

On September 18th, 2014 QCAT ordered both parties to attend 'mediation'. I attended whilst Graham Dennis was absent.

On October 16th, 2014 QCAT ordered both parties to attend a 'hearing'. I attended, again Graham Dennis was absent.

The decision was found to be in my favour and the following orders were made;

• The respondent pay the Applicant the sum of $4,504.00 for claim on or before 4:00pm, 13 November 2014. 

MORE UPDATES TO FOLLOW. I'm not giving up!!