Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  11/08/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Nov. 08, 2024 Barbizon withdrew $249.50 from my bank account. I am not a customer, I have never requested services from them, and by them taking that money took away my rent and bill money. This is a stressful bind I am put in for no reason. I've tried contacting them with no return phone call or email. I just want my money back with no further withdraws from my account.

  

  Business response

  11/11/2024

  Hi *******, We spoke with a manager at your local center and it appears they were able to connect with you via phone on Friday 11/8. During that call, they were able to pull up your account and provide you with a schedule of the dates when you had signed up for the program. However, they were also able to see that you were not able to attend the program and provided you with instructions on how to obtain a refund. Please let us know if you need any additional information and we would be happy to have a manager reach out to you again to assist.

  Customer response

  11/11/2024

   
  Complaint: 22531785
  
  I am rejecting this response because:I have reached out to them in June to cancel any involvement with this company. I am on a fixed income and by them randomly taking MY money from account I couldn't pay rent and now in danger of being evicted. I haven't received any notification that they are taking money from my account like I said it has been 5 months of no contact. I need my money back in my account I have 2 children and can't afford to be homeless due to BARBIZON. I don't have money to throw away.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ******

  

  Business response

  11/12/2024

  Hi *******, We understand your frustration and are sorry to hear about your circumstances. We do want to help get you to a resolution to cancel your account. It appears that on November 8 a manager connected with you via phone to do an in-depth review of the account you created earlier this year. It appears that you both were able to discuss conversations with your director about the distance of classes from your home during the initial sign up as well as opportunities to rejoin at a later time if you wish. She was able to review the cancellation policy with you and has also made a note that once your letter of cancellation has been received by their office a refund should be processed.

  Customer response

  11/14/2024

   
  Complaint: 22531785
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I have sent them two letters to cancel one in June 2024 and the second was Nov 9th 2024 to the address that they provided and the letter came back saying that was the wrong address. ******** is NOT in that location. So how can anyone send a letter if the address they provide is incorrect? I regret putting my account information on the application for the interview because it has caused so much stress in my life by taking my rent money. The person at the address that they have provided is ******* Apple not an associate with Barbizon. It is no way for me to send mail to Barbizon at all, it is a SCAM to get people money. They need to be stopped ASAP!!!!
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ******

   

   FastPeopleSearch
  
  
  People Living at
  ********************************************************************************************
  15 FREE public property records found associated with this address.
  The most recent tenant is ******* Apple. Past residents include ***** *******, ******** ****, ****** *******, ******** Loughton and ***** ******. FastPeopleSearch results provide address history, property records, and contact information for current and previous tenants.
  Streamline Property Owner Info Search and List Building
  Search over 157 Million MLS and Public Record Properties. PropertyReach 7 Day FREE ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** (General)
  Property Class
  Office
  Subdivision
  Hesperides
  Lot SqFt.
  117,590
  ******* Apple
  Tampa, **
  Age:
   65
  Current Home Address:
  ************************************
  Tampa FL 33609
  VIEW FREE DETAILS
  ******* Apple
  Tampa, **
  Age 65
  VIEW DETAILS 
  Sponsored By ***************
  ******* Apple
  Tampa, **
  Age 65
  VIEW DETAILS 
  Sponsored By **********
  ******* Apple
  Tampa, **
  Age 65
  VIEW DETAILS 
  Sponsored By ****************
  ******* Apple
  Tampa, **
  Age 65
  VIEW DETAILS 
  Sponsored By ****************
  Full Property Report
  Property Values
  Deed History
  Property Details
  Ownership History
  Foreclosures
  Mortgage History
  VIEW PROPERTY REPORT
  ***** *******
  ***********, **
  Age:
   50
  Current Home Address:
  ******************************************************************************
  Past Addresses: Homes, Rental Properties, businesses, apartments, condos and/or other real estate associated with ***** ******* in ***********, ***
  9183 Mississippi Run
  *********************
  *******************
  *****************
  ******************************************
  ********************
  **************************
  ****************
  **********************************
  **************
  *****************
  ********************
  Phone: Cell/Mobile/Wireless and/or landline telephone numbers for ***** ******* in ***********, ***
  ************** (current)
  **************
  **************
  **************
  **************
  **************
  **************
  **************
  
  AKA: Alias, Nicknames, alternate spellings, married and/or maiden names for ***** ******* in ***********, *** 
  ***** L Belle  Lc Labelle  ***** C Sykora  ***** Sykora  ******* Lc  L *******
  
  Relatives: Mother, father, sisters, brothers, spouses and/or former spouses of ***** ******* in ***********, *** 
  ****** Sykora  ***** Labelle  ***** Sykora  ***** Sykora  ***** Labelle  ***** Williams  ***** Sykora  ******* Sykora  ******* Labelle  ****** Norwood  ***** Ervien  ***** Williams  ***** Williams  ***** ********
  
  VIEW FREE DETAILS
  
  ******** ****
  Sumter, **
  Age:
   55
  Full Name:
   ******** **** ****
  Current Home Address:
  *****************
  Sumter SC 29154
  Past Addresses: Homes, Rental Properties, businesses, apartments, condos and/or other real estate associated with ******** **** in ******, ***
  ************************************************************************
  ******************************
  ********************
  ***********************
  Tampa FL 33635
  ************************************
  Tampa FL 33609
  *********************
  Tampa FL 33609
  **************************************************
  Tampa FL 33609
  Phone: Cell/Mobile/Wireless and/or landline telephone numbers for ******** **** in ******, SC.
  ************** (current)
  **************
  **************
  **************
  **************
  **************
  **************
  **************
  
  AKA: Alias, Nicknames, alternate spellings, married and/or maiden names for ******** **** in ******, SC. 
  ******** Sima  ******** L **** Jr  ******** L Sima  ******** I Sima  **** J Sima  ******** L Fima  ******** *****
  
  Relatives: Mother, father, sisters, brothers, spouses and/or former spouses of ******** **** in Sumter, SC. 
  ******** Ostroff  ****** Sima  ****** Sima  ******* Sima  ******* Sima  ****** Sima  ***** Sima  **** Ostroff  **** Ostroff  **** Ostroff  Hae Bayford  ***** Ostroff  ****** Sima  ****** ****
  
  VIEW FREE DETAILS
  
  ****** *******
  Tampa, **
  Current Home Address:
  ************************************
  Tampa FL 33609
  Phone: Cell/Mobile/Wireless and/or landline telephone numbers for ****** ******* in Tampa, ***
  ************** (current)
  
  VIEW FREE DETAILS
  ******** Loughton
  Tampa, **
  Age:
   29
  Current Home Address:
  ************************************
  Tampa FL 33609
  Past Addresses: Homes, Rental Properties, businesses, apartments, condos and/or other real estate associated with ******** Loughton in Tampa, ***
  ******************************************************************
  Phone: Cell/Mobile/Wireless and/or landline telephone numbers for ******** Loughton in Tampa, ***
  ************** (current)
  
  AKA: Alias, Nicknames, alternate spellings, married and/or maiden names for ******** Loughton in Tampa, *** 
  ******** ******** Loughton
  
  Relatives: Mother, father, sisters, brothers, spouses and/or former spouses of ******** Loughton in Tampa, *** 
  ***** Loughton  ***** Loughton  **** Loughton  **** Loughton  ***** Gelok  ***** Trombitas  *** Gelok  *** Gelok  ****** Milkewicz  ***** Agnoli  ****** Agnoli  ***** Betza  ******* Betza  ****** *********
  
  VIEW FREE DETAILS
  ***** ******
  **********, **
  Age:
   65
  Full Name:
   ***** ***** ******
  Current Home Address:
  **************************************************************
  Past Addresses: Homes, Rental Properties, businesses, apartments, condos and/or other real estate associated with ***** ****** in **********, ***
  *******************************
  ****************
  **********************************************************************************
  **********************
  *****************
  ***********************
  *****************
  2 Tory Ln
  ********* ** 10583
  26 Quogo Neck Ln
  Quogue NY 11959
  Phone: Cell/Mobile/Wireless and/or landline telephone numbers for ***** ****** in **********, ***
  ************** (current)
  **************
  **************
  **************
  **************
  **************
  **************
  **************
  
  AKA: Alias, Nicknames, alternate spellings, married and/or maiden names for ***** ****** in **********, *** 
  ***** D Harris  ***** ********************************************** ******
  
  Relatives: Mother, father, sisters, brothers, spouses and/or former spouses of ***** ****** in **********, *** 
  ******** Harris  ****** Harris  ***** Harris  ****** Harris  ******* Harris  ******* Harris  ***** Harris  **** Harris  ******** Schrutt  **** Harris  ***** Harris  **** Harris  ***** Harris  ******* *****
  
  VIEW FREE DETAILS
  *** ********
  Tampa, **
  Current Home Address:
  ************************************
  Tampa FL 33609
  Phone: Cell/Mobile/Wireless and/or landline telephone numbers for *** ******** in Tampa, ***
  ************** (current)
  
  VIEW FREE DETAILS
  ***** ******
  **********, **
  Age:
   29
  Full Name:
   ********************
  Current Home Address:
  ********************
  *******************
  Past Addresses: Homes, Rental Properties, businesses, apartments, condos and/or other real estate associated with *********************** in **********, ***
  **********************************************************
  50 ******* Family Ln
  ***************
  *******************************************************
  Tampa FL 33609
  Phone: Cell/Mobile/Wireless and/or landline telephone numbers for *********************** in **********, ***
  ************** (current)
  
  AKA: Alias, Nicknames, alternate spellings, married and/or maiden names for ***** ****** in **********, *** 
  Rajia O **************************************************** Christian  Raijia ******
  
  Relatives: Mother, father, sisters, brothers, spouses and/or former spouses of ***** ****** in **********, *** 
  Demon Rivers  ****** Christian  ********* Sampson  ****** Andrews  ********* Rivers  ********* *****-rivers  ****** Sampson  **** Jakes  ******* Richardson  Frondeaseal Rivers  **** Christian  ***** Andrews  ****** Andrews  **** ******
  
  VIEW FREE DETAILS
  ********* *******
  ********, **
  Age:
   50
  Full Name:
   ********* R *******
  Current Home Address:
  **************************************
  Past Addresses: Homes, Rental Properties, businesses, apartments, condos and/or other real estate associated with ********* ******* in ********, ***
  ****************
  ***************
  *******************************************************************************************
  6392 Country Fair Cir
  **********************
  ************************************
  Tampa FL 33609
  *****************************************************************************************************
  Phone: Cell/Mobile/Wireless and/or landline telephone numbers for ********* ******* in ********, ***
  ************** (current)
  **************
  **************
  **************
  **************
  **************
  **************
  **************
  
  AKA: Alias, Nicknames, alternate spellings, married and/or maiden names for ********* ******* in ********, *** 
  ********* Wellman  Kiki Wellman  **** S Wellman  ****** S Wellman  ********* R Wellman  **** Wellman  ****** *******
  
  Relatives: Mother, father, sisters, brothers, spouses and/or former spouses of ********* ******* in ********, *** 
  Aidan Wellman  ******* Hammons  ********** Vanscooter  **** Wellman  ****** Wellman  ******* Wellman  ******* Griffin  ***** Miller  ******* Hamm  ******* Wellman  ***** Walters  ***** Angelo  ***** Angelo  ****** ********
  
  VIEW FREE DETAILS
  ****** *****
  Tampa, **
  Age:
   73
  Current Home Address:
  *******************
  Tampa FL 33624
  Past Addresses: Homes, Rental Properties, businesses, apartments, condos and/or other real estate associated with ****** ***** in Tampa, ***
  *******************
  *****************
  ************************************
  ********************
  **************
  *********************
  *************************************
  ********* IN 47904
  ***************
  *****************************
  Phone: Cell/Mobile/Wireless and/or landline telephone numbers for ****** ***** in Tampa, ***
  ************** (current)
  **************
  **************
  **************
  
  AKA: Alias, Nicknames, alternate spellings, married and/or maiden names for ****** ***** in Tampa, FL. 
  ***** C Lesley  **** Patterson  C ***** Leslie  C ******
  
  Relatives: Mother, father, sisters, brothers, spouses and/or former spouses of ****** ***** in Tampa, *** 
  ***** Joyce  ***** Mannella  **** Wier  ******* Joyce  ****** James  ****** Harris  ******* James  ******** Joyce  ***** Mannella  ******** Mannella  ******* Mannella  ****** Joyce  ******* James  ******* *****
  
  VIEW FREE DETAILS
  Frequently Asked Questions
  Who lives at *******************************************************************************************?
  Public records show about 15 people have taken residence at *******************************************************************************************. The most recent tenant is ******* *****. Past residents include ***** *******, ******** ****, ****** *******, ******** Loughton and ***** ******.
  Public Records
  Paid Results Sponsored by ********************
  
  ******* Apple
  Tampa, **
  Age 65
  VIEW DETAILS 
  
  ***** *******
  ***********, **
  Age 50
  VIEW DETAILS 
  
  ******** ****
  Sumter, **
  Age 55
  VIEW DETAILS 
  
  ****** *******
  Tampa, **
  
  VIEW DETAILS 
  
  ******** Loughton
  Tampa, **
  Age 29
  VIEW DETAILS 
  Public Records
  Paid Results Sponsored by ****************
  
  ******* Apple
  Tampa, **
  Age 65
  VIEW DETAILS 
  
  ***** *******
  ***********, **
  Age 50
  VIEW DETAILS 
  
  ******** ****
  Sumter, **
  Age 55
  VIEW DETAILS 
  
  ****** *******
  Tampa, **
  
  VIEW DETAILS 
  
  ******** Loughton
  Tampa, **
  Age 29
  VIEW DETAILS 
  Public Records
  Paid Results Sponsored by ****************
  
  ******* Apple
  Tampa, **
  Age 65
  VIEW DETAILS 
  
  ***** *******
  ***********, **
  Age 50
  VIEW DETAILS 
  
  ******** ****
  Sumter, **
  Age 55
  VIEW DETAILS 
  
  ****** *******
  Tampa, **
  
  VIEW DETAILS 
  
  ******** Loughton
  Tampa, **
  Age 29
  VIEW DETAILS 
  
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  Business response

  11/22/2024

  We are sorry to hear your letter of cancellation was returned to you. We are attaching your online enrollment agreement as well as the refund policy for your review. These documents, which you were provided with during enrollment, include a copy of the correct business mailing address which correspondence should be sent to. We would always recommend checking these documents or reaching out to your local center to confirm any contact information before using ****** as it appears the letter you mailed was sent to an incorrect address. In an effort of additional customer service, we have asked your local center to use this correspondence in lieu of a postmarked letter. Unfortunately, they recently received notification of a chargeback process with the financial institution which you provided during enrollment. We are unable to provide a refund while a chargeback investigation is underway. As previously stated, we are willing to provide you a refund when your chargeback claim is denied by the bank because there is a contract in place and cancellation policy. At that time, please reach out to your local center directly at ************** and ask to speak with the admissions manager who had been helping you and she will be able to assist.

  Customer response

  11/25/2024

   
  Complaint: 22531785
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  I just want my money back. There's no need for me to contact Barbizon i've done that multiple times with no results. They knew back in June that we wouldn't continue they shouldn't have waited til November to take my money out. I have no letter from them stating missed payments from June through October. They do what they want without consequence because people allow them to do so. This is not fair and put so much stress on me and my family. I sent the notice in June and another in  November it's not my fault if they keep changing their address. I don't have the money to keep send certified mail to wrong addresses. They have been notified several times I pray they get themselves right because this is not professional at all. Thank you for your help but I still reject this claim. Barbizon know they are in the wrong and should give my money back.
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ******

• Initial Complaint

  10/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 7/2/2024 my daughter was accepted into Barbizon Modeling School. I spoke with her Talent Director ** on 7/3/2024 regarding her enrollment. Initially I paid $50 to hold her spot & $137 was due when her first class started on Aug 31st. Unfortunately, I had a scheduling conflict beyond my control. I notified ** on 8/18/2024 of the conflict, she expressed that Paris could miss her first class. Her next agreed upon class would be 10/5/2024. During this time Barbizon attempted to debit my account multiple times with various amounts not the $137. agreed amount. The amounts were as follows:Aug. 29- $187 Sep 4-$217 Sep 4-$200 Sep 9th- $217 Sep 9th -$200 None of these transactions were authorized or went through , these attempts were unsettling . I received a text from ** on Sep. 10th stating my account was past due and when can I submit a payment. I asked why payment was needed if she hadnt started and was told it was needed for her to make up the first class which was never mentioned in our email conversation on Aug. 18th and 19th. Around this time there were a lot of personal issues transpiring In addition to this company seeming more interested in the money. I decided to terminate my daughters position. I contacted Barbizon to cancel and was told to send a certified letter to request cancellation, I expected a full refund as outlined on the contract. On 10/4/2024 I received a call from a ******** who I felt called in an effort to get ***** to stay in the school. I declined & simply asked that I be sent my refund. ******** stated that I was not entitled to a refund, stating their company had to spend money for make-up etc; this didnt make sense as the director ** was informed way before the start date of August 31st that she would not be in attendance. The agreement I signed stipulates that I am entitled to a full refund of $137.00 for a class my daughter never attended.I respectfully request your assistance in recovering my refund.

  

  Business response

  10/15/2024

  Hi Cherish, It looks like a full refund was issued to you on October 7. Apologies if that was not communicated to you. Please let us know if you have not received it and we will have someone call you to assist.

• Initial Complaint

  08/21/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We gave them notice on cancellation and they refuse to refund.

  

  Business response

  08/23/2024

  Hi ********, We reached out to your local center for additional information. It looks like you originally enrolled in the program on May 15, 2024. We asked for a customer service representative to reach out to assist as they have no record of any request for a refund prior to this complaint. They will be able to better assist.

• Initial Complaint

  08/15/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This company contacted my minor children without my permission. We did not provide our information for them to contact us.We called them to verify why they were calling us and they had no lead generated with my children's name.They are unable to explain why they are calling minor age children.

  

  Business response

  08/16/2024

  Hi *******, We have no record of any calls made to the phone number provided with your complaint however we would like to try to help. Can you send an email to *********************************************************************** and include the phone number that received the call and, if possible, the number that called you? This will allow us to ensure we reach out to the correct location and have them remove all of your contact information.

• Initial Complaint

  05/16/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Barbizon has been taking money from my account without my approval and stated that I approved it through a phone call in which I did not make. they have been taking money from my account since last year after I told them that we would not be participating in their program because of the pricing for each class.

  

  Business response

  05/29/2024

  It is important to note that in order to register for an event, a client is required to fill out an online enrollment agreement and credit card authorization form via a secured online platform within ******** Services and payment card industry compliance standards. Upon completion of the online enrollment on April 11, 2024 for the Barbizon Competition, a generated copy of the contract of consumer rights as well as refund policy was emailed to ****************. This email is sent both to the client and Barbizon USA offices.
  
  On May 16, 2024, a representative called **************** to follow up on an email **************** sent inquiring why payments were processing on his account. The representative noted that Mr. ******* daughter was registered for an event, which was enrolled on April 11, 2024. Upon further investigation, it appears that **************** and his wife were on the phone and registered their daughter for the Barbizon Competition at that time.
  
  Additionally, information regarding the event went out to the email address provided by the family via various emails on multiple days and the email delivery reporting shows that these promotional and informational emails were received and opened at various points.
  
  The fact and true principle of the matter is that we have honored the contractual obligation and have maintained the highest level of professionalism. We are pleased to offer services like the Barbizon Competition that hosts over 50 agencies and industry professionals worldwide to scout the best and brightest that Barbizon USA has to offer. Mr. ******* account is at a $0 balance and his daughter is welcome to attend the event, as scheduled, at the end of June 2024.

  Customer response

  05/30/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

• Initial Complaint

  01/30/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This business was dishonest about who they are when they called to promote their services.They stated that they were Passport to discovery and I asked the lady specifically if they wee a part of Barbizon and she said no . I I explained to her that I did not want to have any more classes with Barbizon becuase my daughter had just finished classes with them and they were claiming that they would be getting her jobs. Once I signed up and seen that the first payment came out under Barbizon I started trying to reach out to them and there was no answer and messages were left and no call back for me to discuss cancellation with them. I never received a contract from them either. They did not contact me until I filed an investigation with my credit union and they have since sent over fraudulent documents. When the lady finally did call me back she was rude and she stated that I was not getting my money back. I am requesting my money back because they falsified who they were to get me to sign my daughter up.

  

  Business response

  02/06/2024

  We understand Ms. ******** frustration. Passport To Discovery is world-class modeling and acting scouting event coordinated by a dedicated advanced scouting team under the Barbizon USA umbrella. This team spends dedicated resources throughout the year to vet and network with modeling and acting industry professionals including agents, managers, casting directors and more from regional, national and major international markets. This network of industry professionals is invited to participate in events throughout the year that will be attended by aspiring ***************** that match the types of projects or clients they typically work with in order to give both parties the chance to develop a successful, professional relationship.
  
  Passport to Discovery, being the largest annual event offered by this team, offers ****************** taught by industry pros, professional photo studio images, competitions for a variety of industry and talent specific focuses as well as callbacks and networking opportunities with industry pros as a platform to offer aspiring ***************** the chance to not only gain experience but to develop wide-reaching access to these industry professionals in a supportive, safe, and fun professional environment.
  
  During the tryout process both a representative from the advanced scouting team and at least one industry professional who is scheduled to attend the event, will spend time explaining what the event is and what is included prior to an individual evaluation to ensure that the skills and experience levels of those at the tryout are advanced enough for consideration to compete at the event. If an aspiring model or actor has the potential to achieve success through the event, they may be offered one of a limited number of spots held for each tryout. If they do not meet this standard, an aspiring model or actor may be recommended to build their skills/experience level by retaking classes as part of the free lifetime access to the program prior to trying out again. This recommendation would have no fee attached if the model or actor has received their certificate of completion from the program.
  
  All email communication with the advanced scouting team comes from a Barbizon USA email address to ensure the brand trust developed throughout the program is maintained and so that families looking to pursue industry opportunities know that the graduate support resources available to them and vetting provided by the company is maintained throughout the entire process.
  
  It is important to note that ****************** was required to fill out an online enrollment agreement and credit card authorization form via a secured online platform within ******** Services and payment card industry compliance standards. Upon completion of the online enrollment on October 16, 2023 for Passport to Discovery, a generated copy of the contract of consumer rights as well as refund policy was emailed to ******************. This email is sent both to the client and Barbizon USA offices.
  
  ****************** states that documents sent to her bank were fraudulent however, the *** was completed by ****************** on October 16, 2023 at 5:51 PM at IP address: 107.10.58.30.
  
  We are able to see that a representative spoke with ****************** on December 27, 2023 about her account. The representative went over the cancellation policy and how to send in the letter of cancellation, which can be found on Ms. ******** enrollment agreement.

  Barbizon USA is not in breach of the contract that ****************** completed for her daughter to attend the 14th Annual Passport to Discovery. During the registration, ****************** and her family were provided with full disclosure including pricing, terms & conditions as well as our cancellation and refund policies. Information regarding cancellation and refund policies are required to be initialed via the online enrollment. Furthermore, a copy of the terms and conditions were provided via email upon completion of the online enrollment, which was sent via email to ******************. ****************** completed an agreement that stated refund and cancellation policy. Refund Policy: You may cancel this transaction for a full refund at any time until midnight of the third business day after the Acceptance Date. After 3 business days, the transaction is non-refundable. All cancellations must be made in writing Initials by certified mail to: BARBIZON COMPETITION DEPARTMENT, **************************** Tampa, ** 33607.

  The fact and true principle of the matter is that we have honored the contractual obligation and have maintained the highest level of professionalism. We are pleased to offer services like Passport to Discovery that hosts over 100 agencies and industry professionals worldwide to scout the best and brightest that Barbizon USA has to offer.
  
  Regardless, we understand Ms. ******** frustration and if the Passport To Discovery competition is not a good fit at this time, we would like to offer a chance for Ms. ******** daughter to compete at a regional **** Barbizon Competition in one of three locations (****** & ********* in June or ******* in December) with what ****************** has paid toward the Passport to Discovery event. This offer is a $1195.00 value in total and will still offer Ms. ******** daughter the opportunity to gain experience and access a network of regional representatives scouting for new talent.

• Initial Complaint

  12/12/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  in 2021 I paid this business $2000 for my child to enroll in the modeling program. We were told he had completed the class, and we would receive his certificate within 8 weeks. which would have been around November 2021. We never received anything and at that time we thought it was normal to wait a little longer. So, at the beginning of the 2022 year, I called to try to reach someone with no luck except someone would call me back. Finally got a call back and was told that he still needed to take another class that he had missed which to our knowledge the teacher told us that it was completed. I set the appointment up for his class to take it again. I called them the week before to verify everything and no answer finally someone called me back and stated that he was not scheduled for that class. So here we are again waiting for another class which was not until 2023. My child attended the class and finished with still no results.my son still has not received any certificates or been placed as promised as guarantee placements.I feel we have been caught up in a scam and would like to have a refund after waiting all this time over 2 years that is crazy.

  

  Business response

  12/28/2023

  We are sorry to hear of your frustration and have requested access to your account to gain some clarity. The timeline and call logs we have are detailed below.
  
  On February 23, 2022 an enrollment agreement for the modeling and acting development program was signed for by **************. Upon completion of the online enrollment agreement, a generated copy of the contract of consumer rights as well as refund policy was emailed. This email is sent both to the client and Barbizon USA offices.
  
  Once completed, ************** son was enrolled in a six-month program scheduled to begin on March 12, 2022 with a final class on August 13, 2022.
  
  On June 4, 2022 his class was missed and needed to be made up. Calls were made to the numbers on file 5/20, 5/23, 5/25, with follow up calls regarding the missed class on 6/8, 7/1 and 7/5.
  
  The two remaining classes on July 9, 2022 and August 13, 2022 were attended.
  
  On January 20, 2023 we received a call from ************** requesting information regarding the certificate of completion. A representative explained that the missed day of the curriculum would need to be attended in order to successfully complete the program.
  
  This makeup class was attended on May 28, 2023 and the certificate was sent to the address on file on July 14, 2023. We have no record of the client reaching out to state that she has not received her certificate of completion since then, but in response to this complaint have requested that another certificate be sent to the address on file.
  
  Students are told during their last day of class that if they are interested in pursuing local placement, they will need to request their placement packet after they have received their certificate of completion. Every alumni has access to enroll in these free services, but they do need to be requested. We do not have any record that this has been requested after the certificate was set on July 14, but in response to this complaint we would be happy to ensure that a placement pack is sent to the contact information we have on file.
  
  Placement bookings are not guaranteed by our company. While we do offer alumni that successfully complete the program access to placement services, it is up to the individual to take advantage of the resources. Bookings are made by the individual clients looking to hire *****************. No one can guarantee placements unless they are the hiring company. This is one of the industry red flags we teach about during our program.
  
  ************** son has been and is eligible for these placement services and once he receives the placement pack, he will need to return his model card so that an accurate profile can be created for him and so that he will begin receiving notifications of modeling and acting opportunities in his market that he is a fit for. This is a free service.
  
  All of the classes of the program have been attended and a refund is not due. However, we hope that ************** son is able to take advantage of the graduate support services in order to begin pursuing local opportunities.

• Initial Complaint

  12/04/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was contacted immediately after my child completed the six month classes to partake in an audition, and she still hadn't received her certificate yet (which we were told prior that the certificate would have to be in hand before any competitions could take place). Anyway, I was told that if my child didn't do the audition it would affect future placement. My child reluctantly did the audition and passed, but so did everybody else. Apparently, everybody passes because it's a money grab. They contacted me again wanting my child to go to one of three locations for a Passport to Discovery and pay $398 a month for three months. I paid the first month, but discovered I will be needing neck surgery and can't work in the capacity I was so I didn't pay the second month. I was contacted on October 20th, 2023 and told the woman on the phone my child wouldn't be partaking in the event due to my spinal cord injury. She told me to mail a letter to cancel. Three days later, there was an unauthorized charge of $100 taken from my account. So, knowing I was canceling, they still decided to charge me for an amount that wasn't what was agreed upon. I want my $100 that wasn't authorized.

  

  Business response

  12/05/2023

  ************** was required to fill out an online enrollment agreement and credit card authorization form via a secured online platform within ******** Services and payment card industry compliance standards. Upon completion of the online enrollment on August 26, 2023 for the Barbizon Competition, a generated copy of the contract of consumer rights as well as refund policy was emailed to **************. This email is sent both to the client and Barbizon USA offices.
  
  The audition policy referred to is regarding no shows or late cancellations once an appointment has been confirmed. In the industry, models and actors are expected to carry professionalism to each opportunity. Timeliness and attendance to any industry audition booked through placement fall under this policy and any no-shows or cancellations without notification could result in loss of placement access. This is similar to policies instituted by many agencies and management companies as the models and actors on their roster are a reflection of the professionalism and quality of their company. Not booking an appointment to attend an offered audition would have no impact on placement status.
  
  On October 20, 2023, a Barbizon USA representative reached out to ************** in regard to a past due balance on her account from her October 13, 2023 payment. ************** stated that she is not going to resolve the past due balance and would like to cancel due to unforeseen health challenges. The representative went over the cancellation and refund policy, which is also detailed on her enrollment agreement. Furthermore, its listed on the contract that any past due amount will collect daily, including in smaller intervals, until the past due amount is satisfied.
  Barbizon USA is not in breach of the contract that ************** completed for her daughter to attend the Barbizon Competition. During the registration, ************** and her family were provided with full disclosure including pricing, terms & conditions as well as our cancellation and refund policies. Information regarding cancellation and refund policies are required to be initialed via the online enrollment. Furthermore, a copy of the terms and conditions were provided via email upon completion of the online enrollment, which was sent via email to **************. ************** completed an agreement that stated refund and cancellation policy. Refund Policy: You may cancel this transaction for a full refund at any time until midnight of the third business day after the Acceptance Date. After 3 business days, the transaction is non-refundable. All cancellations must be made in writing by certified mail to: BARBIZON COMPETITION DEPARTMENT,****************************, Tampa, ** 33607.
  It's important to note that a $100.00 collection was approved on October 24, 2023. ************** didnt place her letter of cancellation into the mail until October 25, 2023, a day after the charge.
  
  The fact and true principle of the matter is that we have honored the contractual obligation and have maintained the highest level of professionalism. We are pleased to offer services like the Barbizon Competition that hosts over 50 agencies and industry professionals worldwide to scout the best and brightest that Barbizon USA has to offer. We would like to offer a chance for Ms. ****** daughter to compete at our **** Southeast Barbizon Competition, in *******, ** in December ****. As a courtesy, we would like to extend an offer to waive the funds transfer fee (a $175.00 value) as well as waive the $30.00 decline fee from the October 13, 2023 payment. Wed like to see her daughter compete to showcase her skills she learned during class.

• Initial Complaint

  11/14/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My ************************************* September 2023, to participate in Passport to Discovery in July/August ****. After payment and sitting through the 2 hour zoom (far past the three day refund period), my daughter shared she no longer wanted to participate, as this is not the direction she felt comfortable with or wished to pursue. I contacted her liaison and asked for some ****** as the contract only allowed for three days for refund. They were absolutely relentless about her staying and finding her niche in the business, despite having almost 10 months of time to fill her spot with another child. They were unwilling to honor the fact that this is a child and if they do not feel comfortable, then they should not be forced to continue, therefore our family is now out $7,200 because I paid in full. I do not feel this is a good way to conduct business. Now I do understand, they are a business, however this is 10 months away and they can easily replace her.This is certainly not supportive or kind, as they preach in their classes about inclusion of all. I would not recommend this company, as they are simply money hunters. If they werent, they would provide a refund and wish our daughter well on her future endeavors.

  

  Business response

  11/21/2023

  IN RESPONSE REFER TO
  November 14, 2023 CORRESPONDENCE *********************
  
  
  It is important to note that ************** was required to fill out an online enrollment agreement and credit card authorization form via a secured online platform within ******** Services and payment card industry compliance standards. Upon completion of the online enrollment on September 12, 2023 for Passport to Discovery, a generated copy of the contract of consumer rights as well as refund policy was emailed to **************. This email is sent both to the client and Barbizon USA offices.
  
  On October 10, 2023, ************** left a voicemail for a team member and the representative spoke with ************** about their concerns & the refund policy, which was signed in September. ************** stated that her daughter would still attend the orientation that evening. Furthermore, they met with their PTD Ambassador that evening and filled out more paperwork indicating their daughters interest in more competitions (dance, improv, monologue & singing) as well as opting into the travel package.
  
  This complaint has come at a surprise as since that time following the orientation, we have no record of any additional concerns or requests to cancel. To date, a cancellation letter has still not been received.
  
  The fact and true principle of the matter is that we have honored the contractual obligation and have maintained the highest level of professionalism. We are pleased to offer services like Passport to Discovery that hosts over 100 agencies and industry professionals worldwide to scout the best and brightest that Barbizon USA has to offer. In an act of customer service, we would be happy to waive two extra competition fees of the clients choice, a value of $350.00. **************** daughter was selected by an industry professional that saw the potential & drive and we want to see the family through this journey.

  Customer response

  12/01/2023

   
  Complaint: 20865749
  
  I would like to formally reject the response from Barbizon USA.I understand there was a three-day cancellation policy, which we signed,however we did place a call to our ambassador as soon as our daughter indicated she did not feel comfortable moving forward with this process. We did not send a formal, certified letter to Barbizon, as again it states that no matter what you only have three days to send this after signing the contract, DESPITE the fact that the informational session explaining all of the additional fees was not for another 21 days.

  
  We asked for ***** and requested a refund on 10 October 2023.As stated in our initial complaint, we were told on the phone there was no refund, and it was made clear that there were other options in the industry that our daughter should explore. Our ambassador requested we log into the zoom that evening, as to convince our daughter and hear more about the event. We agreed to log in, as we were told there were no refunds.
  As my husband and daughter sat through the TWO-HOUR online event, he encouraged her toward excitement for the event, but they were then forced to select all of the competitions in which she was going to compete NEXT August. There was no time provided to ****** or weigh out decisions or thoughtfully select which other PAID competitions she would like to join.

  
  As for opting into the travel package my husband was also told that if we did not commit to paying for our own individual hotel room,that I, as the companion for my daughter, would then have another persons daughter in our room. Essentially, I am paying extra to monitor another persons child when they do not attend. This was an additional $500. To ask for people to make these large financial decisions on the spot is not professional.Barbizon said they have been nothing but professional, however not allowing families to take time and make decisions right then and there is not a professional way to conduct business.

  
  This event is, again, now over nine months away and auditions are STILL being held across the country. Her spot could easily be filled by another willing child who feels comfortable moving forward in the industry.
  The long and short of our request for a refund stems from our daughter not feeling comfortable with this process and path. I do not want to force her to enter into a career merely because money has been paid. We all know what happens to child actors and models when they are forced to be in the industry; there are a litany of drug and alcohol problems as well as mental and physical health concerns. Our family does not want to enter this path if our daughter is not committed and comfortable.

  
  PLEASE allow my daughter to resign her spot and provide a full refund. Perhaps in the future, to allow for *****, Barbizon USA could offer a tiered cancellation by time/a date from the final audition. ie: 100%refund **** months from event, 60% refund 8-6 months, 40% refund 5-3 months,and 0% refund if within 12 weeks of the event.

  
  Thank you for your time and we hope, as a company working with children, Barbizon decides to do what is right for our daughter and provide our family a full refund for the event. 
  *********************

• Initial Complaint

  09/18/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  on September 15th I was contacted about an opportunity and I was told I had time to think about it, the company has my card information and charged it before I signed the contract and before I had time to look it over the details and my finances, I attempted contact through e-mail, text and phone calls to more than one person and no contact has been returned, I would just like my money back because it was taken before I could say no thank you to the opportunity.

  

  Business response

  09/19/2023

  We are sorry to hear that you have been having trouble connecting with your local representative. We have reached out to your local center for additional information regarding your account and it appears that you are referring to a payment for a competition opportunity. While we are unsure of what the exact miscommunication was in securing your spot for the competition, we understand that you have been attempting to reach someone during the appropriate cancellation period. We have requested that your local center provide a refund of the charge that was made which you should see within 10 business days. Should you need further assistance, please feel free to reach out to the corporate office at *********************************************************************** or via phone at ************ and we will be happy to ensure you are connected with the right person.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩