Verizon Directories Corp ripoff said everything did nothing Dfw Airport Texas

My story is pretty similar to the other I have read. To be completely honest I am sick of talking and writing about this situation. I will make an attempt to explain my case without boring you with all the endless details.

I was in my first year of business when I purchased my ad with Verizon Yellow Pages or Directories (what-ever). For me its all the same b.s. I met with a sales rep about 5 months prior to the publication date. I wanted to have a significant oppurtunity to look over a proof and I wanted to lock in my priority under the heading for my business. The rep took notes of what I had in my mind for the ad.

I received a proof about 2 months later. The proof "proof of stupidity and incompentence" did not have any of the colors correct. My license number, which is required by the Public Utilities Commission to be placed on all forms of advertising, was printed incorrectly. Put it this way--I called the rep and he finally got back to me. (oh, I almost forgot; It took my rep a few days to get back to me because he lost his cell phone in Mexico). I said I needed to see him in person because the had wasn't even close to what I was looking for.

When we met I could not have been more clear. I took the proof and a red marker. I circled the proof, wrote "this sucks" and "I will not pay for this". (all in very big red writing).

He told me that he would take care of everything. I had no intention of believing him so I gave him and actual printed copy of an ad that fit the exact dimesions of the ad I had purchased (just get it scanned I said). In addition I gave him three disks with the ad I had composed in different forms and files and levels so that someone could open the file and easily take waht they though was good and take out what was bad. I felt I had to provide him with all this because after receiving my proof I was sincerely worried about the ad. The rep had told me that they couldn't find a black limousine in their files to use in my large color ad and the fonts I desired for the text were difficult to match. Before this rep got started doing his job he was finalyzing all his excuses for why he couldn't do his job. I made one mistake (first time business owner), I didn't make a photo-copy of the proof and what I wrote in red. Now it has been convientely lost with the disk and paper I gave him.

Because of the reps obvious incompetence I called both him and his manager numerous times over the next few weeks leading upto their closing date for changes. Over the course of these calls I was once told my rep was no longer with the company. Two days later he was. They said someone got his name mixed up and he was never fired. I told him about my concerns. I spoke with the manager eventually and started dealing with her exclusively because I had no trust for my rep. He was pathetic. She mildly defended him, but also offered me help.

She assured me that my information had been forwarded to the correct staff for changes and that she understood my concerns. Well after contacting her a few more times I was sent an email of the final proof.

Not great, but at least the corrected print for my PUC # and the colors were correct and definitely leaned in the right direction. To be honest I wish that it was my first proof and that I could have improved it more. It did give a sense of relief that the ad would help with the foundation of my business in the years to come. Not a total loss like the original proof.

Here it is, the book is on my doorstep. I look inside and see the very original proof. Not a single change. PUC license # misprinted, incorrect colors, I can't explain well enough how pathetic it is. I am embarrased and worried about waht I will do to get my business going because this isn't going to do anything. It is a total loss.

That same day I contacted my sale rep manager. I tell her what happened. She said she couldn't believe it and apologized. She gave me the number to customer service so I could open a claim. She said that Verizon was a good company and that costumer service would be willing to work with me.

I called costumer service and got the process started.
After numerous attempts I finally made contact with a customer service who had notes about my account. Customer service responde with an offer. Buy 2 get the 3rd free. I just signed a $4800.00 a year contract that is worthless and complete negligence on thier part and they tell me if I pay in full this year and sign another contract for $4800.00 a year I can have the third free. I have never heard of a sales pitch where they screw you over and then sell you another. Thats what I call a "hard sale".

I've done the collection thing. It's crazy how you get upgraded. It's like the movie "Boiler Room". First you get the weekly- you make friends with them because they are doing thier job. I always ask how they are going and tell them "Sorry not paying this week either". Then you get someone new and the another.

Then you get upgraded- they tell you that pretty soon you will face legal action. They base everything off the small business owners lack of advice and education on the situation. As small business owners we are educated on our feild of expertise, we are not laywers. They tell you that your credit will be destroyed that you will have to pay for thier legal fees. And of course they all say you will lose because they are so proud of the contract that Verizon has written. The contract Verizon has basically says that we can say and sell whatever we want and then actually do whatever we want. Its called fraud when you sell something that you don't have or provide. If I really wanted to buy my name on some yellow paper I would go all out and get a pack of 10 yellow peices of paper for $.10 each and then pick my favorite marker (red) and write my company name on it.

My last two conversations have been a little more interesting. One collection agent said my opinion on the issue was stupid and that I would look like an idiot in front of a judge.

The other kept asking, about 5 times,if it was still 420- I didn't quite follow his joke and he told I was probably too young to understand. I asked a friend who said he was referring to 420 as me smoking (illegal drugs). Where do they find these people and let them get away with this crap.

I really don't know what happens next. I've been in collections for about 8 months- they keep saying they are the last one and then we are going to court.

Anybody want to help or advise.
I apologize for the spelling and less than perfect grammer. Just trying to yell my words.

Brian
san diego, California
U.S.A.

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