Higher Publishing Online Boulder Coffee News Instead of refunding money, he offered products I don't need. Now, I can't find him to take him to small claims! Westminster Colorado

In June, 2013, I was very happy to make the acquaintance of Ryan A. Sparks. He published The Boulder Coffee News in Boulder, CO, and I wanted to advertise with him for 26 weeks. I gave guitar lessons, and I was to be the exclusive guitar teacher in his publication. I paid $940 for the advertisement. My wife even used his company to design a banner for her business.

For three months, I thought things were okay. Sadly, not one student specified that they read The Coffee News. After the flood, the market was so soft that I quit giving guitar lessons. Sadly, students couldn't commit to coming, much like Ryan Sparks did not fulfill his commitments.

On September 11th, he told me that The Boulder Coffee News was ceasing publication and offered me a $595 credit for other stuff from his company, none of which I needed. For example, I don't need business cards, bumper stickers, flyers, nor magnets. I told him so. He said he was putting together a plan to make things right. I said that the only thing that could make things right was a check for $595 I haven't heard from him since.

I have called, emailed, sent Facebook messages. Interestingly, he posted a picture of his chest tattoo. It seems that if he's the registered agent of a business and can afford a tattoo, then he should be able to cut me a check.  I finally wrote on November 19th, 2013 to inform him that I'd be taking him to small claims court. Still, no response. At the courthouse, I made the acquaintance of some helpful people in the consumer protection division of the district attorney's office. Nonetheless, I haven't heard from him, nor has he sent a check.

On January 17th, 2014, I discovered that his Boulder address was a closed box in an UPS store. According to the Colorado Secretary of State, that address is still tied to his business and listed as being in good standing.

On January 20th, I discovered that his address listed on his website is also a similar box, but the store has refused to verify if it's open or closed.

On January 23rd, I submitted a Better Business Bureau complaint and this Rip-Off Report.

What does that $595 represent? For some it's a vacation. For me, it's medical bills or most of one month's rent, or food for a month. It also is roughly half the value of my beloved Martin 000-15S guitar, which I may have to sell in another 6 months, despite working two jobs. Thank you, Ryan A. Sparks!

I doubt that he will read this complaint, though I want my money back. However, I hope that someone in Colorado will read it and not be stung like me. I may eventually write off the $595. If he tries to retaliate, I will post the details here, maybe the local media, etc.