Agora Marketing Solutions, Inc. - National Magazine Exchange - NME Sent envelope marked in bold red "SECOND NOTICE" as though I were in arrears on an account Clearwater Florida

I hate to be blunt but the author of this report is plain lying. I have worked for the company for 3 years now. Firstly, we don't have an automated system that offers you magazines. Your sole purpose for the call is to enter the sweepstakes, which has been legit for the past 24 years. We are the second largest clearing house in the nation.

The one thing the person is telling the truth about is that the notice does say there is no purchase or payment necessary "TO ENTER OR WIN" and we remind you of that several times throughout the call and on the letter we send out. It doesn't mean you won't be pitched.

No one calls there to buy magazines, right? Why on earth would we shoot ourselves in the foot by having an automated system pitch you magazines before you get in touch with a live person to talk about your sweepstakes. I'm sure any sane person reading this would know to hang up at that point before being entered, right??

Also, we have a quality assurance department who listens to our calls. By law, we cannot tell a person that they are not eligible to enter the sweepstakes. That part, he/she has to be making up as well. The only way you're not eligeble is if you're not cooperating. If you come on like a jerk and say things like, "What's this about!!??" before I can confirm who you are, I cannot enter you.

I've had people; just simply mean and rude people, call in and refuse to give me their entry number. At that point, I would tell you that you are not eligible, but as long as you give me your i.d. number your information is entered into the sweepstakes!


Here is the truth. (Again the the contest is legit)

Why magazines?

The truth is the magazine companies get paid very little for their magazine sales and get paid millions in advertising. They are expected to keep a certain amount of magazines circulated every year to keep the advertisers paying good money.

Through our company, we offer you between 5 and 10 magazines for the low rate of just $1.29 per week.

Sure that adds up, but in one month, you've paid for one magazine that you would pay the same amount in a store (4 or 5 bucks) but got 3 or 4 extra ones you'd enjoy for the same price. We don't hold a gun to your head and tell you to buy or die.

It's actually one of the most best deals you will come across. For $5 a month, you get 5 - 10 magazines??? And you reserve the right to switch your magazines as often as you like so if you're tired of getting Better Homes and Gardens after 3 months and want to try Family Circle, you can?? Really... How nice, right?

We handle a preferred customer list and we DO NOT CALL YOU! You call us.

The truth about the mailing lists is that most of your trusted companies sell your information regardless of what you believe. Your credit card company sells your information, your bank sells your information to an extent, some jobs sell your information. Our company does not.

The Sweepstakes:

The sweepstakes is sponsored by a number of marketing partners, but is mainly funded with the aid of the Magazine Companies. They get something out of it, you have a chance to win a huge chunk of collected monies, we as a clearing house gets paid, and it trickles down to the every day average american. Some of you walk away with great magazines at great prices, and the workers have jobs at the end of the day.

If our company was such a rip off, would we have really been in business for 24 years?

My plea is for you all to read your mail more carefully and listened to whats being said.