ComplaintsforAmerican Consumer Shows LLC

• Initial Complaint

  06/03/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I orignally signed up with this company to participate in a wedding expo last august 2023 which i completed. Upon signing the document i was informed that i was being locked into a 2 year contract and if i were to cancel i would have to contact the company by a certain time to break the contract. However due to extenuating circumstances I was not able to contact the company in a timely manner as a small business owner. I explained to the company that i cannot afford to pay for this years expo due to budget constraints. ACS was not willing to terminate the contract despite this information and is now black mailing me into either making payments starting in august and not participate in the expo or be sent to collections. This is bad business and discriminatory towards my circumstances. I am looking for BBB to help me in resolving this manner that will result in me not having to be strong armed by a business that only cares for its revenue gains.

  Business response

  06/19/2024

  Dear BBB,

  The client himself states that he did not cancel his multi year contract by the deadline on the contract, which is his responsibility. Cancel date was May 1, 2024. (see attached, box 3).  Client did not contact ACS to cancel until May 21st, which was past the deadline.  We don't accept MY cancels after the cancel date.  Our retention department is working with the client to resolve his outstanding balance. Once paid in full the client can choose a credit to any future show, which never expires, or exhibit at the show which he is contracted (August 2024).  Kind regards, ACS.

• Initial Complaint

  04/18/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Date of transaction 03-03-2024 Paid $1145.00 The business stated they had 6000 brides registered to attend the show and over 2000 Brides show up to the show which was not true the guest count was under ******* I have attempted to dispute the claim with the business but they do not wish to refund any money and stated they can only offer the same rate for another show. I advised the business I do not wish to do any further shows as they failed to deliver what was promised causing my business to loose money based on their false promises. The Supervisor ************************* stated the contract states no refund but did not wish to address the attendance that was promised and the false marketing they stated. I wrote the business a very detail email advising what my issues and concerns were and was informed by **** unfortunately all they could do is offer another show at the same price I paid. No refund or cheaper accommodations were attempted to be offered for future shows. This business is making false promises and statistics to gain business and when confronted about the incorrect information provided states they will provide a list of names to contact brides which is worth $3000.00 dollars how do you put a price tag on giving out someone's information. I can go on the site and fill out the form 100 times does that mean those leads are valuable no. I expressed my concerns and they continued to not conduct fair business. This business needs to be investigated as they are hosting shows and taking vendors money without providing what is originally promised. Provided pictures showing they didn't even have enough vendors to fill the show room floor when asked about this they stated the venue holds ****** people but couldn't address why the vendors were only 120. I explained I been to other wedding shows in the same room with over 300 vendors. Clearly ****** people wouldn't fit in a room with 120 or 300 vendors. They had an excuse for everything but the actual truth.

  Business response

  05/01/2024

  The Florida Bridal and Wedding expo in ******* April 14, 2023 had ***** registered brides. Each bride brings 2-3 quests, for estimated attendance of 6K.  The show featured 130 booths.  The number of booths in a show is irrelevant.  What matters is the attendance!  ACS does an aggressive advertising/marketing campaign for each of our shows nationwide.  ***************** was very well promoted with PAID social media marketing on ********* Instagram, and more.  In addition we are #1 on all the major search engines 1 month prior to the show (Google,Yahoo, Bing), and we deliver 1st page search results year round. We also do a huge email marketing campaign to hundreds of brides in the surrounding area.  We also provide the registered bride lead list free of charge to the vendors after the show as an additional marketing tool. We guarantee the show is properly marketed, but as with any form of advertising, no one can guarantee the results a specific vendor will have. The customer is not entitled to a refund because ACS met its obligation, and the contract specifically states there are no refunds.  Kind regards, ACS. 

  Customer response

  05/09/2024

  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

  
  

  The Orlando ****** and Wedding Expo states they had (***** registered brides. Each bride brings 2-3 guests, for estimated attendance of 6K). The show allows brides to register online free of charge. I myself did the process to see how hard it was and so did some of my friends and family so they could come to the show without having to pay an entrance so you don't think anyone else did the same? When you allow someone to sign up for free for your event of coarse they will sign up it doesn't cost them anything and more than half of the brides make up fake emails so they are not spammed. The show does not do a count at the actual show neither do they care if anyone shows up because they claim they have 6K attendance NO. You have ***** registered for free and assume they will come with 2 to 3 guest very false advertising. If they did an actual count at the show they would see no more than 1000 people showed up. Vendors yes they had 130 vendors so they said, however they allowed multiple photograph booths  and decor not a big issue for me but why to limit how many of each so that your give each vendor a running chance when you have 10 plus of the same types of vendors you hurt every vendor out there. In my case there were only 3 dj's no issue there my problem is they had a lot of open space and they charged a lot for a 10x10 booth when they could of have the "130 Vendors" use the space as shown in my photos to spread out the event making the perception it was a much bigger event than they stated but the issue is they didn't have the guest to provide that seeing why they didn't do it. Now to address the brides list they provided after the show. I should state before you can get the list they never spoke of any restrictions prior to the show on contacting the brides and ******, well when you get the list they make you sign a T&C agreement stating you will not text the client or provide the more than two emails a month to the client. You also have to sign you are not going to robo call the brides and groom. So basically you can't contact the bride and groom because as we all know the emails were all spam. No one talks on the phone they all want you to text them and you can't use a automated caller to call the clients so they expect you to call all ***** guest one by one like that really possible. I called possibly 17 people was asked how I got their number and to stop calling them. I emailed another 25 people and received zero response. The show was a total waste of my time and effort. I am requesting a refund for false advertising and false promises if this show is as big as they state they would not be hurting for business. I will be taking my issue next to social media and express my concerns with the business.  

   

   

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

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

  Business response

  05/13/2024

  ACS denies the client's request for a refund.  Show was properly advertised and well attended. As with any form of advertising, no one can guarantee the results a specific vendor will have as a result of participation. ACS provides the vendors with the registered bride lead list a few days after the show when  they reply to ACS agreeing to the terms and conditions of list usage. These terms and conditions benefit all vendors, the show producer, and the attendees.  For example, we do not allow texting or robo calling to the attendees, or they would opt out from any communication, which would be detrimental to all of the vendors. The attendee contact info is provided to ACS by the attendee when they register for the event. We provide this same info to the vendors after the show. The customer is not entitled to a refund because ACS met its obligation, and the contract specifically states there are no refunds. Kind regards, ACS.
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  04/09/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  We opened a lash extension business in 2021. I was contacted by *** and was told that this would be a great way to get leads and it will grow the business. Received the info through email and thought alright, we will try it this year and see if it will give us the leads we need to begin our business. When I received the contract I saw that it said multi year, I sent it back unsigned because I only wanted to do it 1X! I was told I had to sign it and that I didn't need to worry about that because I don't have to do it next year. ************ for this year.The following year, I get a bill for the *** show coming up and I ignored it because I was told I didn't have to worry about it. I keep getting this bill to pay so I inquire about this and why now I'm going to go to collection. Spoke with **** #2 who said I had to pay this because I signed the contract, I told her the story and she said, this is what I'll do for you, make 6 monthly payments and you can do any show you want once its paid off, and if it doesn't work out we will refund you but you have to pay this. She also said once it was paid off I would not have to do anymore shows. I paid it off, I didn't want to go to collection and I figured great they do shows in ********** and this will benefit us more than ******, that *** work to our benefit.I inquired about the ********** show after this was paid in full and oh guess what? they don't do ********** only ****** now! I asked about my refund because now this does not benefit me whatsoever, and guess what my answer was ...NO REFUNDS!This is an awful company to get involved with, if you want to do Bridal Shows use local companies and stay away from these con-artists!

  Business response

  04/09/2024

  This customer is not entitled to a refund. It is unfair of the customer to call ACS con artists when we have accommodated them with full credit. It is the vendors responsibility to cancel their multi-year contract prior to the cancel date clearly stated on their contract. The terms and conditions of our contract clearly state that when a client cannot do a show they have contracted for they are responsible for paying for their booth.  They can either do the show, get full credit to a future show, or accept the registered bride lead list instead.  In this case the customer still has full credit to another show.  The ***** Bridal and Wedding Expo is held 2x per year - 5/19 and 12/8 2024.  We advertise to brides throughout ******, ****************************, and ****** counties.  This vendor's business is located in Tarrant county therefore our show does reach their client base.  We had over ***** brides, ********************************** this market.  It was a huge success. We hope the client will use the credit and exhibit.  There is business to be gained by participating and we wish the client much success at the show.  Kind regards, ACS.

  Customer response

  04/16/2024

  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:

  
  
  Thank you for the quick reply , I am sorry for the late response I had a hard time getting in to the portal. 
  
  I understand what ACS has stated, but the issue was  when I was approached with the opportunity to participate in the bridal show and sold into it I  told the salesman that I only wanted to do 1 year because I wasnt sure how it would work out for us and he assured me that I would not have to do another show and just sign the contract. That is why I sent it back to him unsigned.   I was mislead and that was unfair to me as a customer . 
  
   Also as stated by ACS that there is an option to receive the leads of the bridal participants, that was never presented as an option. 
  
  Regardless of the response from ACS, it was still very misleading and took advantage of a new small business owner.  
  
  

  
  
  
  
  
   
  

  Business response

  05/01/2024

  Hi, ACS will gladly allow the customer to use their full credit on file to receive the registered bride lead list from our upcoming May 19, 2024, show. Once the list is sent, no future credit is available. It is standard procedure that we send all  clients our standard terms and conditions of list usage.  They will need to  sign and return the T&C,  and confirm to an email that I will send them, authorizing ACS to apply their credit toward the list.   The list is available the Friday after the show.  Thanks, ACS.

  Customer response

  05/02/2024

  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

  03/26/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My business partner and I participated in a bridal show last year. Over the past year, we had informed ACS multiple times we would not be participating in the 2024 bridal show. We were never notified of an automatic contract renewal and never given the chance the cancel before the final cancellation date. The only time we were informed of the automatic renewal was 3 weeks after the final cancelation period when they sent us an invoice for over a thousand dollars. I noticed them yet again that we would not be renewing since we cant afford it and we didnt receive one client from the previous show and they are still requesting payment for a contract that we didnt receive any notice for.

  Business response

  04/16/2024

  Evergreen Film House signed for the Spring '23 show as multi year which placed them in the Spring '24 show automatically. All multi year clients can opt out of the following year's show simply by emailing ACS prior to the cancel date. The cancel date is clearly stated on the front of the contract.  After the cancel date, cancels are not accepted. Signing as multi year is the clients option, it is not a requirement in order to exhibit at our shows.

    In this case, the customer was contacted to do the Fall '23 show and declined saying they could not afford it in the fall, they could only afford the show 1X per year. There was no direction to cancel them from the Spring '24 show at all. The multi year cancel date was on or before 2/1/24.  The client has paid for the Spring '24 booth and is doing the show.  We have cancelled their multi year status so that they will not be automatically placed in the Spring '25 show.  They can sign a new contract moving forward if they want to exhibit.  Kind regards, ACS.

• Initial Complaint

  02/26/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In February of 2024 I had contacted them about being a part of the bridal show.She said I could cancel if needed and even sent an email with that follow up information. Yet didnt disclose that you could only cancel the ***** YEAR.They never answer or call back. Hardly email.But basically said I cant cancel since were so close to the date we are still 4 months away. So that is just BS.They also use a contract that is wholly one sided and illegal, especially with the predatory multi year option that they dont tell you you have to opt out of for the rest of your life.This company is scamming small businesses, but I guess thats capitalism. Every company tries to scam you nowadays.**to anyone reading this who has dealt with this company and is trying to cancel. Their contracts are ILLEGAL. Please contact your local attorney and immediately put a stop payment on your account for withdrawals from them. You are not alone.

  Business response

  02/26/2024

  ************ contracted for the June 2, 2024 bridal expo in ********, with payment to be paid via credit card provided by client on contract  April 2, 2024. We do not accept cancellations once the booth is booked on current season shows. However, we do understand that sometimes situations arise and a vendor cannot attend. As per the Terms and conditions of the contract, "Exhibitor's Responsibilities" section states that in the event exhibitor wants to cancel their participation on the show, exhibitor is liable for full payment prior to the show,and once paid in full, the promoter (ACS) will issue full credit to a future show. The vendor loses nothing!  Credit never expires.  This is in no way predatory or misleading.

  We do accept multi year cancellations by the cancel date on the contract. However, The multi-year cancel date has zero bearing on the upcoming 2024 show. This client registered as multi year which automatically places them in the June 2025 show. The multi-year cancel date is March 1st 2025, with no penalty.  We can certainly cancel them from the 2025 show, but they are still responsible for full payment on their 2024 booth which is due in full prior to the June 2, 2024 show date.  The client needs to pay for their contracted booth space to avoid their account being sent to an outside collection agency. Should this be the outcome,there is a 35% collection fee due on top of the booth cost.

  Our shows are well advertised and well attended.  We hope the client will join us at either this event, or another one in their area soon. Kind regards, ACS.

   

   

  Customer response

  02/26/2024

  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]

  As per their email and phone call I was mislead. She also scheduled a phone meeting for today with me and has yet to contact me. 

  They also say they send the information to collections if not paid by the date in the agreed upon contract. However that is a lie. Per my first uploaded document, the expo is not until June 2nd and my checked box is for 2 months before the date. April 2nd would be the date this would go to collections.

  However, per my next upload. They have already sent me to collections by not abiding by the date in the contract. 
  Thus, not only are they making their own contract null and void but also just straight up lying.

   

   

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

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

  Business response

  02/27/2024

  The client has been send a demand for payment letter from our internal retention department.  The account has not been sent to an outside collection agency yet as we are trying to resolve the matter.  Once the client contacted us to say they were cancelling from the show, we do not automatically charge the credit card on file.  The matter needs to be resolved, and then the client needs to again authorize us to charge their card, or they can go online an make their payment.  If the client does not resolve the matter with ACS after being demanded, their account is sent to an outside collection agency for the full amount due plus 35% collection fees. We do not need to wait until April 2 to send to to collections.  All the client needs to do is pay their booth fee, and we sent them up with credit to a future show.  It's the best outcome for the customer.  Regards, ACS.

  Customer response

  02/28/2024

  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]

   

  The company has sent it to collections via the proof I sent in my last post.

  The company still has not contacted me to resolve this via phone like I have asked several times, they set up a time and then never followed through and still dont answer my calls.

  I will not be paying for this, since the contract is one sided it is unenforceable and I have given plenty of notice before the event to cancel and even tried to reach out and request a resolve, they are refusing to reach out to me even though *** called texted and emailed several times.

  At this point, if they want the money, they can see me in court. I have talked to a lawyer and our case is strong. No further contact needed since the BBB hardly ever sides with the customer anyways from what Ive seen several people have had an issue with this company and they still have a rating that conflicts with those reviews.

   

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

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

• Initial Complaint

  02/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  12/13/2022 $1,245.00 THIS IS WHAT i PAID Booth Cost ******** Booth Discount-$100 Super Saver discount per unit-****** Booth Discount-Multi-Year discount per unit-***** Booth Discount-Bridal-$300 New Client Discount per unit-****** Booth Discount-Bridal-Early Pay Discount per unit-****** In their invoice the claim that we have until 8/1/2023 to cancel, but don't send you a letter an email, or a phone call. What they do is email you all of a sudden in Oct 2023, and tell you surprise you owe us for the booth this year. At this point you have no idea that you even had a booth. The new bill would have been for $1,745.00 and now they want to charge me 35% fee higher so now they want to charge me $2355.75 from a collection agency. In the email that they sent me I didn't check the multi year box, and she specifically sent me another email stating to check the box, but what they don't do is remind you to cancel it so they do exactly this...

  Business response

  02/14/2024

  Cielo Farms Nursery LLC signed a contract for the the ******* Bridal and Wedding Expo, January 2023, and agreed via email, to be on multi-year as they stated in their complaint.  It is the vendor's responsibility to cancel their multi year commitment by the cancel date clearly indicated on the front of their contract. Prior to the cancel date, there is no penalty to cancel.  After the cancel date cancels are not accepted and the vendor is responsible for full payment of their contracted booth space.  This customer was given every opportunity to work out a reasonable solution, including a discount, and avoiding collections fees from an outside collections agency. When the customer did not accept our offer to resolve it in house,their account was sent to collections.  The are now responsible for the full cost of their booth plus 35% collection fees, as per their contract. Had they canceled prior to the cancel date, they would have no outstanding obligation.  At this time they owe $1,745 plus the fees.  Regards, ACS.

  Customer response

  02/22/2024

  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:

  Why are there so many customers from all over the nation, upset and feeling the same as I .  This is all over the internet ,  this is something that seems to be typical with them.  If they think they can continue to conduct business this way, I'm pretty sure it won't be long lasting.  
  

  
  
  
  
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  02/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I signed up for a booth in 2021 and again in 2022. In 2022, the sales woman (*******) said since I was signing up for a second year in a row, I needed to check the multi-year contract box to receive my multi year discount. Mid 2023 I was reached out to in August regarding if I'd like to sign up for the November show. I said no. In Jan ****, I started getting harassing phone calls and emails saying I owed for the upcoming show in April ****. I emailed back and said I did not sign up for this. I then got a nasty phone call from a woman named ******** saying I owed the money and she had no responsibility for what ******* said on the phone about the multi year contract. She said by me checking that box, I need to tell them every single year I will not be attending or I owe them money. I told her multiple times I do not want to attend this year and I was misinformed while checking that box. I asked for them to stop contacting me and they have emailed and called me every day since I asked them to stop. They sent me a letter from their "collections department".. then a day later sent me an email threatening to send it to their collections department. Which didn't make any sense, considering they apparently already did?This company is predatory, manipulative, and is practicing a deceptive trade business. They prey on small businesses.If any of you have gone through this, please report them to your attorney General and let's stand together against predatory companies such as ACS.

  Business response

  02/14/2024

  Requiring a customer to honor their contractual obligation is neither predatory or manipulative. ******************** contracted as multi year for the Spring '23 bridal expo in ********. If they wanted to cancel from the Spring '24 show, they needed to cancel prior to the multi year cancel date.  After the cancel date, cancels are not accepted.  They did not cancel by their deadline.  This is clearly stated on the front of the exhibitor contract. ACS has tried very hard to resolve this matter. ********, from our accounting department, reached out offering solutions to resolve the matter, but the client did not accept the solutions offered.  There is an outstanding balance due to ACS for $1545 which is due at this time. The next step is for this client's account to be sent to an outside collections agency, which is unfortunate.  Once it leaves our office, they are responsible for the full amount owed plus 35% in collection fees.  Regards, ACS.

  Customer response

  02/15/2024

  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:

  Again, ACS did not specify that multi year meant every single year. They told me it was simply because I've done it twice in a ******* has been told to ACS multiple times that we are not attending any more shows and they continue to harass me every single day via phone calls and emails after repeatedly being told do not call me, and to please cancel the contract. I've had to get my lawyer involved due to the threatening, manipulative, and harassing phone calls. I have told ACS over and over I will not be attending and they are still hounding me for money. 

  There have been a ton of people report about this on the BBB, so I know I am not alone. I'm really hoping BBB can do something about this and help all the people ACS is being a predator towards.

   

   

   

   

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

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

• Initial Complaint

  12/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I run an art business under the name *********************** LLC, dba Phantasia Studio, registered in **************. December 19, 2022 I signed a contract with ACS for the ********* Bridal Expo to test out a new avenue of art commissions. I opted for the multi-year contract for a $50 discount and acknowledge that it allowed me to cancel via email by Dec 1, 2022 with no penalty. I attended the Expo in March. I decided that it was not going to be a viable avenue of business. I was contacted in July to participate in the October Bridal Expo. On July 3, 2023, I responded that I did not wish to participate in the October Expo. ACS did not make it clear that March Expos and October Expos operate on different contracts. I believed that by declining the October Bridal Expo, I was declining future participation and fulfilling my cancelation obligation under the contract.They sent me an invoice on Dec. 21, 2023 for the March **** Expo. There was no notice that the renewal term was approaching, which would have alerted me to the discrepancy between Oct and March Expos, and which is required by ** law : GOL ***** states that no provision of a contract for services which automatically renews unless the person receiving the service gives notice to terminate the contract shall be enforceable against the person receiving the service unless notice has been given at least fifteen days and not more than thirty days previous to the renewal term. Contracts for "services" is applicable in this instance as a real property service (booth space) and personal prop (marketing, attendee info). The fact that the invoice was generated on Nov 28, 2023, several days before the renewal term cancelation deadline, but not sent until December 21, shows that ACS's practices are deceitful and intended to entrap. There is adequate time to fill my spot- they have not been harmed. If I pay and decline to attend since I have nothing to sell, they might fill my spot and be unjustly enriched by double booking.

  Business response

  01/03/2024

  Phantasia Studio registered as multi year for the Spring '23 show, placing them in spring '24. This contract does not place th vendor in the fall '23 show.  Each season has a separate contract.   The vendor could have cancelled their multi year participation by the cancel date clearly stated on their contract, but failed to do so.  The customer has since paid for their spring '24 booth and has no obligation to pay for any additional shows.  ACS did reach out to them for the fall '23 show and the customer declined to exhibit in the fall show, but did not cancel from spring '24.  This matter has been resolved.  Kind regards, ACS.

  Customer response

  01/04/2024

  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] I have paid under protest to avoid further breach of contract hassles from this predatory company while I pursue remedies to have the renewal held invalid and get my money back. Even having paid, they referred me to the internal collections department which issued a very threatening letter that would be prohibited by law if referred to a licensed collections agency. My dispute is not resolved because the renewal was invalid for violation of GOL ***** which requires notification ***** days before the renewal. ACS has replied via email that this law does not apply because theirs is not "a service contract". The are mistaken. ***** has been applied by the courts to a range of contracts for "services", including services for intellectual property, and is NOT limited to "service contracts" where the word service is merely a synonym for repair and maintenance as they maintain. In exchange for payment, ACS provides services related to real property in the form of booth sub letting. They provide marketing services, as they clearly spelled out in their collections letter. And they provide intellectual property in the form of registered attendees contact and event info which is collected by them and sold to the vendors. All of which falls under ***** and makes the automatic renewal void.

  I am *********** a refund of the  money I have been forced to pay to them to avoid additional emotional distress from their aggressive "retention specialists" and collections department which were sicced on me in spite of compliance. Furthermore, ACS generated the invoice on 11/28- in advance of cancellation date- but witheld it until I only had 5 business days left to respond before the invoice due date. Not only did they not issue the required notice, but they purposefully avoided sending the invoice which would have provided a kind of reminder which would have allowed me to cancel. This is a deceptive business practice that shows their intent to entrap small business owners who lose track of a cancellation date among their many other obligations for an event that only happens once per year. Those who want to cancel probably have ceased operations or are in financial distress and remembering to cancel for a once a year event in the midst of those overwhelming situations is easy to miss. Even without the law, an upstanding business would send a reminder as a matter of course for just these reasons. Instead, ACS HOPES that we will forget so that they can force us with threats to pay anyway and then re-sell the space, get paid twice, all the while knowing a person who wanted to cancel will never take them up on the offer of an additional space at a later show. 

  ACS is a predatory company relying on the small business nature of their vendor customers. For those who find the expos good marketing, and those who do cancel on time, it seems very above board. However, failing to remember to cancel automatically renewing contracts is a common issue recognized by the ** legislature as a significant problem, and a source of deceptive and unconscionable business practice, which is why this statute and the newer statute directed to B2C automatic renewing contracts exist. ACS can claim the statue doesn't apply to them, but that leaves small business owners in all fifty states (who are effectively regular consumers based on taxation), unable to challenge them without flying to ** to appear in court. The cost of hiring a lawyer to challenge them would far exceed the amount in dispute, so they can safely s**** over small businesses by simply declaring that they are outside the law, whether ******** or Federal. Without actions by BBB or a class action lawsuit where the claims are aggregated, ACS will be allowed to sidestep the law and bully small business owners into enriching them to the tune of over a million dollars every year. 

  AGain, this dispute is not resolved by my payment which was made under duress and in response to their aggressive bullying. The renewal was void under ******** law for lack of notice and my payment should be refunded with no further obligation on my part. 

   

   

   

   

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

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************************, aka *********************** *** ********* ******
  
  
  
  
   
  

  Business response

  01/09/2024

  ACS is not a predatory company.  It's very simple.  This vendor is unhappy because they were required to honor their contract and needed to pay an outstanding invoice.  This could have been avoided, but they failed to exercise their right to cancel within the cancel date.  We are not required to remind them to cancel their contract.  However, the cancel date is clearly stated on the front page of the contract the vendor signed. They are not *********** a refund and will not be receiving a refund. The account was not sent to an outside collection agency.  The matter was handled by our internal retention team.  The booth is now paid for in full for the Spring '24 show. The vendor has not responded to tell us if they will be attending the show or not. We have a booth for them in the show.  If they do not  let us know PRIOR to the show if they are attending o not, we assume they are attending the event. If they dont show up, their payment is forfeited.  If they would prefer a credit to a future show, all they need to do is email us prior to the show, and  will set up the credit.  We would appreciate the courtesy of a reply regarding attending or credit asap. As far as we are concerned, this matter has been resolved.   Kind regards, ACS.

  Customer response

  01/11/2024

  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:

  ACSs response is incorrect in almost every aspect. 

  First, I responded on January 3 (a week ago) indicating whether I wish to occupy a booth and received a confirmation in response. While I understand the need to ask the question as a matter of formality since I did transmit payment (under duress), the idea that any vendor who has expressed a wish to cancel the contract, and been exposed to the aggressive intimidation of ACS account retention, would wish to participate is laughable. The entire reason I have canceled the contract is because I no longer participate in the industry and have nothing to sell. Until they refund my payment, a space at a future show is required by contract, but is meaningless and disingenuous.

  
  
  Second, if the respondent had read my previous statement more carefully, it was clear that I did not claim to have been turned over to outside collections but that I had been contacted by their internal collections department (even though I had paid). The email and signature line identified the source as The ********************** and ACS **********************, not the laughably euphemistic account retention team that is claimed. The use of the words ********************** is intentionally threatening but the fact that it is in house is an important distinction. The threats made in the accompanying letter (signed as the ACS **********************) to litigate, collect attorney and collection fees, and to ruin my personal credit are tactics licensed collection agencies are prohibited from using by law to ensure fairness and limit intimidation and undue emotional distress. Again, ACS attempts to side step the law and common decency in its determination to bully small business owners.
  
  
  The fact that ACS has such an internal collections department, combined with the numerous identical complaints to BBB and other forums, is evidence that this entrapment is a purposeful alternate income stream for the company. A company that actually values account retention would notify in advance of the renewal date as a courtesy, regardless of the legal requirement, obviating the need for a collections department and their intimidation tactics. If notification by Dec 1 is both necessary for their budgeting, and sufficient notice of cancellation for them to rebook booths, there is no valid business reason for them not to offer such notice before the renewal term other than the entrapment of small business owners who have no realistic means of fighting them due to the prohibitive expense of hiring an attorney or pursuing small claims in ** for vendors in other states.
  
  
  The only thing ACS got right, was that the issue is very simple. They are unhappy because they have a legal obligation under NY GOL ***** to give notice of an automatically renewing contract between 15 and 30 days of the renewal date. They object because acknowledgment of this legal requirement would end their deceptive business practice and expose them to liability for the entire class of other vendors who have been similarly affected. None of this changes the fact that they are required to give notice. They did not give that notice (nor have the addressed their malicious withholding of the invoice which was prepared in time to give constructive notice). Thus, the renewal of the contract is void. A refund is due.

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

• Initial Complaint

  12/19/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We were a Home Show participant 9 months ago.ACS pushed ** to sign up and take advantage of the renewal discount and not to worry about it renewing. Now they are pushing for payment of the renewal and we have no intention of attending.The home show had poor attendance and produced zero sales. If the home show was productive, we would do it again.We would like them to live up to there verbal agreement, cancel the agreement and leave us alone.

  Business response

  12/19/2023

  Hello! Most vendors exhibiting at our home shows do very well.  Some shows have stronger attendance than others based on location and area population, but all ACS home shows are extremely well advertised.  Vendors with the best outcome converting leads to new client are those vendors that have an attractive display, good signage, a call to action or home show special, have their best salesperson in the booth, and actively follow up on their leads. Meeting and connecting with homeowners face to face, and branding your business is what the show is all about!  We are sorry your outcome from the show was poor.Were surprised that you did not generate business from the event, as we have many satisfied exhibitors nationwide. Wed be happy to discuss tips on making your outcome more successful in the future if youd like to give the show another shot.  Very often vendors do better at their second show than their first.    Please note:  registering as multi-year is not a requirement to participate in an ACS show.  Vendors specifically make that choice on the contract to select and agree to the multi year. Vendors have the opportunity to cancel the multi-year renewal without penalty as long as it is by the cancel date clearly stated on your contract.  In this case, the vendor did not exercise their right to cancel prior the cancel dae which is why they are booked and responsible for paying for the current show.Happy Holidays!  ACS.

  Customer response

  12/19/2023

  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:

  Two items:

  1. ACS recognizes that "Some shows have stronger attendance than others" and our show had poor attendance. Now they want us to attend another show where we expect similar results.

  2. The sales rep told us not to worry about the renewal clause and to take the small discount. Now we are engaged with a company that will say anything to get the agreement signed and fill their show. I have spoken with other vendors that feel the same way.

  End this relationship.

   

   

   

   

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

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

  Business response

  01/03/2024

  1. Like with any form of advertising, no show promoter, newspaper, radio station, etc. guarantees their advertisers an exact outcome from a vendor's advertising investment. There are many variables that impact an advertiser's outcome including the vendor's product/service, how consumers perceive their business, how their salespeople follow up on the leads, demand for their product/service, etc.  The job of ACS is to connect our vendors with qualified homeowners in their area.   Based on geographic area, surrounding population the total attendance at the shows vary from city to city, but every ACS show is well advertised.  We deliver the opportunity for our vendors to meet face to face with homeowners needing home improvement services.   

  2. Please note: registering as multi-year is not a requirement to participate in an ACS show. Vendors specifically make that choice on the contract to select and agree to the multi year. Vendors have the opportunity to cancel the multi-year renewal without penalty as long as it is by the cancel date clearly stated on your contract. In this case, the vendor did not exercise their right to cancel prior the cancel dae which is why they are booked and responsible for paying for the current show.

  3.  ACS is owed payment from this vendor.  They can pay for the booth and do a show, or pay for the booth and not do a future show.  That is their choice, but either way, the contracted booth space needs to be paid for.

   

  Regards,

  ACS

  Customer response

  01/04/2024

  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:

  The response is not specific to the situation. It is a general response. The verbal statements from the company and sale rep do not match the contract they provided. We are now having issues ending this relationship.
  

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

• Initial Complaint

  11/01/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I signed a contract to be a vendor of the *** ******* Bridal Expo on 10/22/23. The cost of the event $1,095 was to include my booth, my logo on their website, and a leads list of the attendees. The leads list was stated to be emailed to me within a few days of the expo, no later than Thursday 10/26/23. I STILL ******************************************************************************************** the leads list unless I agree to additional terms and conditions and sign yet another contract with them. They have now scammed me out of over $1,000 and refuse to provide the list and refuse to provide a refund. I can provide documentation proving that I am correct.

  Business response

  11/19/2023

  We have emailed the client multiple times regarding the list letting her know that we are not sending it to her.  All vendors must comply with the terms and conditions of list usage.  This client refuses to comply with the terms and conditions therefore we will not send her the list. The terms are non negotiable.  Additionally she has stated via email that when we do send the list, she will do whatever she wants with the list.  As a result even if she is now willing to agree to the terms of list usage, ACS will not be providing her with the list.  She paid for her booth, and exhibited at the show.  In addition, she registered for the show as multi year.  She has not emailed us to cancel her from the fall '24 show, but she did sign a multi year contract. We have gone ahead and cancelled her contract for the fall '24 show so that she will not be auto enrolled for the next year's show.  Kind regards, American Consumer Shows.

*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. ↩