Wilhelmina Arizona ripoff Scottsdale Arizona

Hello All,

I am glad I came across this website today. I've just saved $685.00! I'd like to share my experience with Wilhelmina Kids Arizona (formerly Starbiz or Starbiz Wilhelmina).

Last week I came across an ad in the Classifides "Babies Wanted" for catalog. On Friday (10/29/04) I called and asked about the particulars. I was told auditions were being held on Tueday November 2nd at 11:00 a.m. So I scheduled an appointment for my daughter. I have gone thru something similar with another company so I was kind of skeptical as to the legitimacy of all this.

After talking it over with my husband, I decided to call back and ask some more questions. I called back on Monday and said I had some questions. I wanted to know if after the audition would I get a call to come back at a later time for head shots. I stated that I didn't want to drive all the way over to Scottsdale if that was the practice. I was told this was for an "actual audtion" for a catalog. The audition is to see how she interacts with the camera, etc. I think to myself, "Okay, let's go and see what's it all about...could be the BIG BREAK we are hoping for!".

I show up this morning as scheduled and fill out the intro form, hand over my snapshot for their file and go wait with all the other hopeful Moms. About 30 minutes later, a woman calls my daughters name and we go into her office. She tells me to sit her down in the chair. She stands next to a camera, coos and waves at my daughter but I don't think she actually took a photo. My baby is a ham so she smiles, waves and then starts to clap. I think "This could turn out well".

The woman asks me to take a seat at her desk. She then goes on to tell me that she is only looking for 3 children. She hands me a set of papers and tells me that if my baby is chosen, there is a small investment ($685). She does tell me that if chosen, this photo shoot is not a paying one as it is for exposure and experience. She tells me that her commission is 5-10% of any print add work and that it ranges form $600-$1200. (Is this sounding familiar to a lot of you?) I'm told to call back between 1:00 and 2:00 pm to find out if she has been chosen.

When I called back at the designated time I was told they are still in the reviewing process and they will call me. Well, 20 minutes later I get the call. "Congratulations! We have chosen your daughter! I just loved her eyes and the way she interacted with the camera"! I was driving to see my husband at work and asked for her name and if I could call right back.

So I call back and speak with Melette (looks like she's back folks). She tells me again they'd love her and they want me to come in tomorrow to sign the papework and pay for the marketing package. I'm still skeptical and ask some more questions as far as what is the chance of her getting work. I was told about a 75% chance of her getting something once a month I also explained that I was very aprehensive since I had previously taken her somewhere, had an interview, went back later in the week and paid $250 for headshots that do not do my daughter justice. She seemed very sympathetic but assured me my daughter has great potential so I scheduled the appointment.

After the phone call, my husband asked if I had done an internet seach. I said no as I had not been home since the appointment. He told me to look at their website, google them and Bruce's name as well as check out the BBB.

Well, after checking out the website they seem very legitimate, at least the name is anyway. Then I go to Google and here we are. I cannot tell you how upset and relieved I am. My husband and I actually said I hope we don't get a call so we don't get our hopes up again.

We were worried about this being a skam. We just can't afford to make another bad investment. My husband works 3 jobs so I can stay home. I considered giving my number to a few mom's to see if they got the call as well but decided against it. I didn't want anyone thinking I was nuts!

While these practices may be common, it is wrong! Even though I get stopped 10 times a day or more by others telling me how beautiful my baby is, I feel if anyone REALLY thought my baby had something they would offer her a real paying job on the spot. It only makes sense that any costs would be taken out of a first paycheck. Parents, trust your insticts. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Now, this may be legitimate as I was told the particulars upfront (well, except for when I called asking about it yesterday). In my opinion, this is a skam. So now I will start searching on my own. I'm going to try to find an individual talent scout and go from there.

Good luck to all you other parents out there!

B.J.
El Mirage, Arizona
U.S.A.

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