Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. 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.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/12/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I CAN NOT GET INTO THE ACCOUNT I HAVE MY SUBSCRIBTION AND PAID FOR ADVERTISEMENT! THERE IS NO CONTACT NUMBER FOR THE COMPANY AND I HAVE FILLED OUT THERE FORM TO SUB,IT A TICKET FOR HELP OVER 20 TIMES! I KEEP GETTING A BOT RESPONSE and no help... I must get ointo my account

  Business Response

  Date: 03/13/2025

  This person attempted to post a job opportunity on the Backstage platform on March 3, 2025. Our casting editors had some questions for the job poster, which is standard procedure when reviewing job postings. She did not initially respond to the questions that were sent to her. As a result, her account access was temporarily suspended in order to prompt a response to the aforementioned questions. She contacted Backstage customer service on March 10th complaining of not having access to the platform. When her ticket was handled by customer service she was instructed to contact the casting editing team so that the outstanding questions could be answered. She later responded to the questions asked on March 12th and her account access has since been restored.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/03/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I never agreed to an annual renewal with **********************, nor was I ever notified about charges being applied to my account. They did not email, call, or text me to inform me that I was enrolled in the renewal. I did not consent to this, yet I was still charged. When I attempted to contact them by phone and email, I received no response. Their website doesnt list a physical address, otherwise, I would go there in person. I am currently working with my bank to dispute the charges, but I need to make it clear that this is an issue many others have experienced. They refuse to make changes and make it difficult for people to reach them.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/10/2025

  We are very sorry to hear that this customer has decided to cancel his subscription to Backstage, the world's most popular and trusted resource for actors. Their membership has since been cancelled, and the recent renewal charge was refunded as of February 1, 2025.
  
  The customer subscribed to an auto-renewing annual subscription to Backstage on January 31, 2024. All Backstage subscriptions auto-renew unless canceled prior.A renewal reminder email was sent to the customer on January 1, 2025, 30 days prior the subscriptions renewal, allowing ample time to request cancellation of the subscription before it renewed. No cancellation request was made by the customer until the evening of January 31, 2025, after the subscription had renewed earlier that day. A customer service agent responded to his cancellation request email the following day on February 1st, and a cancellation and refund was granted that same day as the customer was within the thirty day ***** period for refunds as outlined in the terms of service that was agreed to when he signed up.
  

  Backstage sends every subscriber a receipt email when they originally sign up that dictates the terms of the subscription, namely that the subscription will renew, the date it will renew on, the price of the renewal, the details on how to cancel, and our thirty day refund policy in regards to semiannual and annual subscriptions. The customer support email address is included in this receipt so that customers have all the details necessary to manage their own accounts.
  
  The customer was cancelled and refunded within 24 hours of making their cancellation request on Friday, January 31st as he was eligible for a refund at that time per the terms of service.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/22/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was paid through Backstage LLC by my employer on an acting job for 1200$. I accepted the payment through Backstage.com on August 5th - the money was never deposited in my account, they claim you can deposit money directly to your account by connecting your bank. I did so - and I never received the payment. I called their customer service, left a voice message, i emailed them, and tried other ways to get in contact for weeks now & have not heard back. Im very disappointed in this company for not responding to me in regards to my payment.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/27/2024

  ****************** was sent a secure payment through the Backstage platform on August 6, 2024. She reached out to customer service via email on August 12th inquiring as to the status of the payment and was informed that the payment can take 7 days to process. She was advised that if she did not receive the payment by the end of the week to contact the payment processor or her bank.

  On August 19th, a call to Backstage customer service was made by ****************** and she left a voicemail regarding her still not having received her payment. She was called back by a customer service agent on August 21st. Since she did not answer the phone, a voicemail was left,again instructing the talent to contact the payment processor about the payment not having come through or to email us if there were any further questions.

  To resolve this matter, we strongly urge ****************** to contact the payment processor at *************************** to have them assist with the facilitating of the payment to her account. If she has any additional questions, our customer service department can be reached at ************************************ and we will be happy to assist her.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/19/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On August 5th, I purchased actor recruitment services on the Backstage platform and paid a fee of $1,236 to Backstage as the actor's fee. However, the actor, *************************************, has repeatedly complained to me that Backstage has not transferred the payment to her and is demanding to be paid. We attempted to contact Backstages customer service hotline together, but no one answered the call.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/27/2024

  The job poster sent a secure payment through the Backstage platform to the talent in question on August 6, 2024. The talent reached out to customer service via email on August 12th inquiring as to the status of the payment and was informed that the payment can take 7 days to process.She was advised that if she did not receive the payment by the end of the week to contact the payment processor or her bank.
  

  On August 14th, a call to Backstage customer service was made from ************, which appears to be the job posters phone number,but no voicemail was left.
  

  On August 19th, a call to Backstage customer service was made by the talent and she left a voicemail in regard to her still not having received her payment. She was called back by a customer service agent on August 21st. Since the talent did not answer the phone, a voicemail was left, again instructing the talent to contact the payment processor about the payment not having come through or to email us if there were any further questions.

  To resolve this matter, we strongly urge the talent to contact the payment processor at *************************** to have them assist with the facilitating of the payment to their account. If the talent or job poster has any additional questions, our customer service department can be reached at **************************************************************.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/01/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Backstage Refund.I purchased an annual subscription from Backstage on January 24, ****. According to the company's refund policy, if you purchase an annual subscription you are eligible for a refund if you contact them within 14 days of the purchase. Since Monday, January 29, ****, I have called, responded to online email, and sent my own email to Backstage and no one has responded at all. I fear they are attempting to run down the clock on the 14 days. They apparently are running a scam operation and I want my money back.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/01/2024

  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 and the matter has been resolved.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************
  
  
  
   
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/17/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Backstage used to send an email one month before renewing your account. I got no email, nor did i get a heads up about their price increase. All of a sudden $199.95 was gone from my account. I have emailed, texted, called, contacted them via ******** and absolutely no response at all. When i dont get a heads up about change of price and when i am being billed for a service which has gone down the drain, I want a refund. I have cancelled my account but i want this money back.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/17/2024

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

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/20/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Jumped through all the hoops to put up a post. They charged me and put up my post. Then, sent me an email to confirm some information about myself. I did not see email for ONE day and they suspended my account and took down my post. They should have done their checks BEFORE charging me a monthly subscription fee. They took my money but my post is not up and now my entire deadline is ruined. Did not get a phone call or any follow up emails. Only the original email and then a second email telling me my account is suspended and my ad had been taken down even though I already hired someone to start combing through the submissions. So much of my money was just wasted because of this scheme they are running.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/19/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This business is unprofessional and a scam. They decided to remove my account because they didn't agree with my casting call post. My question though is why can't I use the platform when they could've just rejected it? Banning someone from a platform because you don't like it isn't ok. What I would like to know is why it was rejected? All they could've done was say that you didn't agree with the job posting, delete it and give me a warning or something like that. If they would've said something like that, I wouldn't post another job posting because I have nothing left. That's how it should be done. My opinion is that the way it was handled was unprofessional and could've been avoided. The best way to do it is tell me in a short answer why it's rejected and leave it at that. I can't imagine what would happen if people paid for a verification fee and a casting fee for posting a job just to get removed and money taken from them. The verification fee is $10 and the casting fee depends on the plan. I have asked to speak with someone also and not a single response. I will definitely be leaving a review also!!!

  Business Response

  Date: 01/03/2024

  Backstage, as the world's most popular and trusted resource for actors, considers user safety a paramount concern. That being the case, projects or content deemed offensive, objectionable, to be pornographic, fetish-related, potentially dangerous, or otherwise inappropriate for Backstage's audience can be rejected at the sole discretion of Backstage. By extension, accounts associated with such content may also be suspended. These things are done in the general interest of Backstage's overall audience.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/05/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  [Your Answer Here]

   None of this I did. The website asks if you require ******. It's an option. I also didn't get an apology 

   

   

   

  In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************
  
  
  
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/21/2023

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have been charged 2 different times from this company for a pair of Bluetooth headphones when u go to order them they say just to pay for shipping thats false i have been charged almost ***** 2 different times the last time was on june19 2023.and ive tried to get with the company and can never get anywhere.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/21/2023

  Our company is *************, a subscription service for actors, performers, voiceover artists, crew, etc. We do not sell headphones or any other type of merchandise. From the screenshot that was provided by **************, it appears the company in question is a different one called Backstage Deals LLC.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/21/2023

  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 and the matter has been resolved.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************
  
  
  
   
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/21/2023

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  UnresolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Recently I had an issue with several cast and crew members breaching their contracts for an indie film we had been working on. Because of this, there has been some tension as I tried to resolve this issue. Most of the team was hired from the Backstage website. They decided to lie and report me to Backstage that they did not get paid. First off, the contract stipulates quote, "to be paid within 14 days of filming being completed." We have not hit that point yet. To top it off, they have not fulfilled their contractual obligations, you don't get paid for not doing what you are contracted to do. Backstage suspended my account due to this. They will not unsuspend it until the matter is resolved according to them. They refuse to provide information or answers to my questions. They know these people breached contracts but refuse to treat them the same way and after submitting several documents, refuse to respect the contracts they signed. Furthermore they are operating through a breach of the non-disclosure agreements the cast had and require any issues to go before an attorney. To top it off, all my documents and most of my communications are on Backstage and locking me out is keeping me from the evidence to these issues and interfering with lawsuits. I believe this is a violation of law as these documents are extremely important. I believe they are not being fair by allowing these people to continue on their site while locking me out even though I have all the proof and documentation to verify everything.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/21/2023

  This individuals project created numerous complaints on our site and the individual allegedly made threats against other users. Complaints included multiple accusations of this individuals project not paying the people hed hired. Based on user-feedback,site activities, and the individuals interactions with our team, it was determined that their site access would have to be suspended. As noted in the site conditions the user agreed to upon using the site, in part, Backstage reserves the right to edit, update, hide, or reject any listing (or close any account) at its own discretion at any time. At this time, this individual is barred from further use of the site. Backstage is not a party to any proceedings between this individual and the people they are allegedly in the midst of a payment or contract dispute with.

  DISCLOSURE: This communication is on behalf of Backstage,LLC or its affiliates (Backstage). This communication is for informational purposes only, and contains general information only. Backstage is not, by means of this communication, rendering legal, financial, accounting, business,tax, or other professional advice or services. This communication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that *** affect your interests. You should consult a qualified professional advisor. Backstage does not assume any liability for reliance on the information provided herein.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/30/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  Backstage states quote, “Backstage is not a party to any proceedings between this individual and the people they are allegedly in the midst of a payment or contract dispute with.” However, Backstage has jumped right into the middle of a contract dispute, taken a side and supported a group of people breaching their contracts and has become liable by taken a side which has further damagened my production. Not only that, but the non-disclosure agreement that each person involved in my production signed prevents them from taking any action outside an Illinois courtroom or sharing any detail of the production with anyone. By Backstage simply acknowledging they have received a complaint, they become key witnesses in any legal proceedings and their communications becomes key evidence as they have acknowledged that they received information protected by a non-disclosure agreement and again, supporting this violation. Furthermore, Backstage has violated my civil rights by failing to give me due process, they are simply taking peoples words, acting as judge and jury, and refusing to acknowledge the documents each member of the team signed going so far as to block my access to those documents when they took a side in this contract dispute. Furthermore, they refuse to tell me any details about who filed said complaints violating my right to know who my accuser is. Backstage has taken a distinct position in this dispute without all the information. I believe that because these people are on subscription services and I am not, they took this action simply from a profit standpoint.

   

  Backstage stated in their response quote, “Complaints included multiple accusations of this individual’s project not paying the people he’d hired.” Backstage was sent a copy of a contract, and they are holding hostage all the signed copies, but the contract clearly states quote, “It is agreed that I will receive $X per day for six full days and $Y per day for two travel days totaling $Z to be paid within 14 days of filming being completed.” We have not finished filming this project. There are 8 shots that need to still be completed. The contract does not say 95% of the film, it says when filming is complete and filming is not complete. Backstage refuses to accept what these signed contracts say and has slandered me in their response by making this false accusation. The documents are all signed by any person who made a complaint agreeing to this term yet Backstage is trying to rewrite the agreements made between these individuals. By doing so, Backstage has become directly involved in this contract dispute. I am not obligated to pay anyone until we have completed filming per the contract and they seem to believe they can dictate this contract the way they want, not what is written. Once complete, I have every intention of paying anyone who signed their agreement as I always have done, as I have countless people who I have worked with prior to this will say. This is my seventh film, six went just fine. Its only people coming from Backstage I have issues with and with Backstage for refusing to take action against these types of people, supporting this behavior.

   

  Backstage stated quote, “Based on user-feedback, site activities, and the individual’s interactions with our team, it was determined that their site access would have to be suspended.” I would like more details about all this. So far, they have refused to give me any information yet make all these accusations. I had been told my account was paused and it was only at this point are they now stating I am suspended. I am not sure what “site activities” means, I am curious about what user feedback means and what it is exactly. Interactions with their team are always difficult because they already made choices and don't care what I say. They have a guilty until proven innocent demeaner. They seem to get upset when I said I planned to file lawsuits against each individual I believe complained to them as is my right to do. I can file lawsuits against people who breach contracts and violate non-disclosure agreements. They didn't seem to want someone to protect themselves. Their customer service is poor at best. They refuse to answer questions or provide information and even though I have sent an abundance of it, they don't feel they have to do the same.

   

  Backstage states, “As noted in the site conditions the user agreed to upon using the site, in part, Backstage reserves the right to edit, update, hide, or reject any listing (or close any account) at its own discretion at any time. At this time, this individual is barred from further use of the site. Backstage is not a party to any proceedings between this individual and the people they are allegedly in the midst of a payment or contract dispute with.” That's fine, I have no intention of using their site again but Backstage doesn't have the right to dictate my contracts and the terms already agreed to and signed by any person complaining, nor do they reserve the right to take a side or dictate the terms of my contracts. They don't have the right to decide who is responsible in a contract dispute and despite their claims that they assume no liability, they are completely liable for all actions taken, including supporting a group who breached their contract and supporting their violation of a non-disclosure agreement. They don't have the right to withhold my evidence and my contracts and become directly involved in withholding this evidence for cases I need it for. Their statements are contradicting.

   

  In the end, all I want is my questions answered and my communications with each party as that is very important and the truth is all there and I need that for evidence and my signed contracts which are stored on their site. I used the site in good faith, I never expected them to become directly involved in my contract dispute and retaliate against me on these violators behalf.

   

   

   

   

  In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

  
  Sincerely,
  ***** ******
  
  
  
  
   
  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/03/2023

  If this person can provide a list of the names of the people that he has these signed contracts with stored in his Backstage account and unavailable to him anywhere else, we can look into making an attempt to possibly recover them for him.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/06/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  Backstage has failed to resolve the issue, answer any questions asked about why they violated their TOS by getting involved in a contract dispute, who exactly accused me of what, a previous complaint I was not aware of, or any other questions.  It also sounds like they are tampering with evidence as my account went from on hold to suspended and now sounds like they may have deleted it by stating if they can recover information which sounds like they may have deleted my account and tampered with evidence that they were informed they had.  I am considering legal action against Backstage over this matter as they have made contradicting statements and have already been provided a list of names when they falsely accused me of violating my contracts.  I have been in contact with our local law enforcement as well as the Attorney General of New York state over this matter.  The names they are again requesting were given to them on June 20th which include JP (Jack) Safford, Ally Weinstein, Allison Fail.  I used Backstage to solely communicate with these items as I trusted them and felt it safe, which I was incorrect about.  I believe Backstage is intentionally trying to stonewall me, they have inserted themselves into a private matter, and they are partially responsible for irreparably harming my production and are liable for damages due to their actions.  We can either settle this with their next response or I will settle it in a courtroom.  I would like to add this, I have made independent films for ten years.  I only recently started using their site, I cast two people from their site in my previous film, one also breached their contract, Backstage also protected him, the other I had to file an order of protection against, Illinois case #************ and filed a small claims case against, Illinois case #************, both matters were resolved via settlement.  I believe they think I am bluffing or threatening when I say I will settle these things in court, but that is not the case, I need to protect my film and my investment and I will do what I have to to do so.  Its not a threat, it is to protect myself from people and companies out to harm me.  Right now Backstage is holding evidence and may have deleted it.  I am extremely concerned by civil rights violations, legal violations, and retaliation from Backstage.
  
  
   

   

   

   

   

  In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** ******