ComplaintsforTransportation Publishing

• Initial Complaint

  04/11/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  We were contacted by this company with a solicitation to run an ad in the "Oregon Transportation Annual". 1/4 page. I sent a file we use for 1/2 page to see if it could be resized. I expected to get a proof page, and an insertion order to be signed and returned should we decide to run the ad. Instead we received an invoice dated 3/7/24 for $2550.00 and a printed copy of the publication. I have researched this publisher and cannot find any info on them or this "annual" except on their website, transportationpublishing.com. I believe this is a scam operation. They have not answered any of my emails about this since I received the invoice.

  Business response

  05/03/2024

  Hi ****,

  I apologize. Unfortunately, the final notice we received today was the first time I became aware of this complaint. Transportation Publishing does wish to respond to this complaint. I do need a little time to go through notes and emails so I may formulate an accurate response. This being Friday afternoon also places a little delay. We will provide our response here within the next week. 

  Thank you,

  ***********************

  Business response

  05/03/2024

  We are writing in response to your letter of May 3,2024. We have reviewed the complaint and wish to respond.
  
  We believe that ****************** complaint is nothing more than a transparent effort to avoid paying a just and due obligation. A review of our files has produced the attached correspondence supporting this purchase including email correspondence and a written approval of the advertisement by ****************. ***************** made no objection at the time the enclosed documents were received.
  
  The enclosed documents clearly show that ***************** purchased an advertisement in the 2024 ****** Transportation Annual. *************** responded by sending the advertising copy on January 18, 2024 stating here's what I hope you can use for a 1/4. After several requests by **************** to edit the ad, he gave his final approval on January 25, 2024. *****************s advertisement then appeared in the Annual as promised and they received a copy of the Guide and an invoice. The advertisement may be view on page 69 of the 2024 ****** Transportation Annual (************************************************).
  
  Transportation Publishing invoiced ***************** for the previously agreed-upon $2,550 and has sought to collect these funds. Curiously, ***************** raised an issue about the legitimacy of the advertisement only after they were unable to pay their invoice.  The advertisement had already appeared, ***************** had received the full benefit of Transportation Publishings advertising services and Transportation Publishing sought to collect the monies due and payable.
  
  Transportation Publishing hereby reserves all rights, claims, remedies,and defenses against ***************** and all other parties in the event that ***************** fails to pay its obligations in full ($2,550).

  Customer response

  05/07/2024

   
  Complaint: 21555967
  
  I am rejecting this response because: All other publications we advertise in send an insertion order to be signed and returned after we approve the ad copy, there was none in this case; we just got a copy and an invoice. I only answered that the copy looked useable.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

  Customer response

  05/07/2024

  We were also told we would be provided a media kit that would show the distribution of this publication but this was not forthcoming. As far as I know the only recipients were those who placed an ad.

  Customer response

  05/13/2024

  I wish to withdraw this complaint, even though we were displeased with the way this proceeded, the ad did run and we will be paying the invoice to Transportation Publishing.

  Business response

  05/17/2024

  We are writing in response to ****************** additional complaint of May 13, 2024. We have reviewed the complaint and wish to respond.
  
  We believe that ****************** additional complaint is nothing more than a transparent effort to disguise an alleged misinterpretation on his part by claiming there was continual lack of communication from Transportation Publishing.
  
  This is a very clear and straightforward matter.Emails provided show these claims to be fabricated. Several opportunities were presented to them; at no point did ***************** raise an issue with the advertising they had committed to.  This includes a written exchange with our copy department resulting in **************** providing ad copy and approving the final ad after several revisions. Brakesystems received a digital link to the publication clearly validating the existence of the product as well as their participation.
  
  It wasnt until April 9, 2024 that **************** began inquiring about the publication and the advertisement. This is over two months since approving the ad copy and three weeks after receiving the invoice.Transportation Publishing responded to his inquiries within 24 hours addressing all points of concern, including sending him the media kit showing distribution,as seen in the attached email.
  
  I just work on the accounting side of things over here but you approved this ad to run on 1/25/2024. We do not do insertion orders for these advertisements but with it being your first time participating we had to receive your artwork and an approval from you to run the ad.Below I have attached a media kit that goes over the distribution channels a little more for you. If you have any other questions please let me know.
  
  After receiving this email, Brakesystems made no objections directly to Transportation Publishing and alternatively submitted the initial complaint with the BBB.
  
  At this time, we do believe this **************** has understood his obligation as he submitted an email on May 13, 2024 (the day of his additional complaint) informing us that he would be paying the invoice shortly. We trust this will close out this matter.
  
   Transportation Publishing hereby reserves all rights, claims, remedies, and defenses against ***************** and all other parties in the event that ***************** fails to pay its obligations in full ($2,550).
  
  All associated documentation has been attached.

  Customer response

  05/17/2024

   
  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,
  
  *********************

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