Business ProfileforPinson Making A Change

This company is NOT a charity. If you have been approached by someone claiming to be from this company and requesting donations, please contact the Director of Charity Review at (419) 578-6000.

BBB has received multiple reports from consumers that Pinson Making a Change, Preston Pinson, is soliciting door-to-door for magazine sales, posing as Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo. Please be aware that this is a scam and to contact your local police. Please also contact BBB to report any solicitation from Pinson Making a Change or Preston Pinson or visit BBB ScamTracker and report the scam.

This company sells magazine subscriptions. Although they are based out of Toledo, they often go out of state to solicit magazines.

BBB was contacted by law enforcement in Texas of their concerns with this company's door to door sales presentations. We have also been contacted by homeowners in other states (including Louisiana,Virginia, Arkansas and Georgia) who questioned this company's sales practices.

Some consumers report concerns about the authenticity of the company's supposed charitable affiliation. These consumers report to BBB that the company tells them if they do not wish to purchase a magazine subscription, the consumer can give a monetary donation which will pay for a children's book to be placed in the children's ward of a local hospital. Consumers in Virginia have advised BBB the company gave them the option to purchase magazines that will be donated to local organizations that work with low income individuals, including the Boys & Girls Club as well as the Battered Women's Shelter. Those same consumers told BBB they later found out that those local organizations never received the magazines nor a donation from Pinson Making a Change.

On September 6, 2017 BBB spoke to Mr. Pinson, owner of Pinson Making a Change; about this pattern of complaints. He told BBB they do not claim affiliation with local community hospitals, but they do give a consumer the option to request a book or magazine be donated to a low income area Boy's & Girl's Club.

Consumers have also reflected having difficulty exercising their 3 day right to cancel and in some cases, consumers said they did not receive the promised refund. Mr. Pinson responded to that allegation and told BBB that any requests for a refund have been honored.

In cases where consumers do not receive the magazines ordered, nor do they receive a refund, consumers might consider filing a police report with their local police department.

Consumers have also reported high pressure sales.

Note: In many communities a company that goes door to door selling product or services must have a permit to do so. In other communities a permit may not be required. Pinson Making a Change told BBB they secure any required permits. Consumers should contact their local government office to check if the company secured the proper permits and if not, report it to law enforcement.

BBB suggests that if any company is in the area soliciting door to door, homeowners should check with the city department which issues permits for door to door sales, to make sure the company has secured the proper permit.