The company complies with its obligations, but that doesn’t mean you should give them your money. The pitch from Media Corp goes like this: Pay us $8500, we’ll produce a one-minute television commercial, and air it 45-50 times in multiple markets. If we are satisfied with the results of this “test marketing” campaign, then you grant us an exclusive 9 month term to market the product. We’ll handle all the costs associated with marketing, and keep 50% of gross sales. We do not guarantee sales. Critics of Media Corp feel ripped off. They claim that they paid $8,500 and saw no sales.
However, since the company didn’t guarantee sales, and did what they said they would do, the consumer has little recourse. One other company, when asked about their experience with Media Corp said, “spend your money promoting yourself or hiring a PR firm”. One former employee told me that during the entire time he worked there, he did not see any product sell any units at all.
Media Corp provides two references. I couldn’t reach one. The other reference’s test marketing must have gone well, because he claimed that Media Corp got his product a great deal of exposure, paid when they said they would, and paid what they were supposed to pay. He has since become a rep for their electronic products. Apparently, if your product does well, the company does have reps that can get your product retail exposure…but that’s a mighty big “if”.
When we asked for additional references and copies of commercials they had created, the company refused. They claimed they weren’t permitted to do so under the Confidentiality Agreement with their clients. While that is true, if the company wanted our business badly enough, you’d think they’d submit to our requests pretty quickly — not to mention having only two references.
This is very much a case of “buyer beware”. The questions that you, the consumer, must ask are the following:
1) Can I do this myself?
2) What exposure can I give my own product for that same $8,500?
3) Why does the company only provide two references? If they were so successful, why don’t they provide more?
4) Why were they so evasive in providing additional information?
5) If my product was so good that it passed their “in-house review”, and has such huge potential, why aren’t they falling over themselves to give me more references and copies of commercials?
6) If Media Corp has been so successful, why aren’t there more hits on them in a Google search?
It’s easy to be swayed by someone telling you that your product could join the ranks of “As Seen on TV” successes. But you must be suspicious and critical of offers like this. If you want your product to get national exposure, hire an experienced PR firm that will lay out all the details of their plan for you. There are so many ways to reach consumers now, thanks to the internet. Don’t be a sucker – ask the hard questions before handing over your money.
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27 users commented in " Consumer Alert: Is Media Corp a Scam? "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackI don’t understand. No company or advertisement agency does or can promise their work will get you any sales or inquires for you product. It’s like anything else, you take a risk when you hire one. Sometimes the out come is good sometimes not so good. Am I missing something here?
Not necessarily, Shelliedc. My point is that consumers must be careful.
There are several things I personally do not like here:
The limited number of references; the testimonial of a former employee; the refusal to provide copies of commercials.
In my experience, honest companies that do well in their marketplace are totally transparent.
Companies with questionable ethics and/or a poor track record tend to be evasive, as Media Corp was.
People who wish to promote their product must drill down into what a PR company does — see their previous work and track record. Many legit PR firms will provide that info.
Media Corp did not.
For $8500, there are better ways of promoting one’s product — in my opinion.
Thank you for this article. It is very timely for us as we were just contacted by Media Corp with the lead in, as if they are doing our company a favor - IF they are truly interested in our product, then they may be interested in representing it. As with all business inquiries, it is important for us to do our due diligence before moving forward. I agree with you, I would rather take the $8,500 and invest in a PR firm that has an openly identifiable and proven track record.
In this economy, small businesses simply cannot afford to throw money at a company with a ’starry sales pitch’. Do your homework.
Thanks again!
Jamie
I was also recently contacted by Media Corp. I’ve been reading through all the complaints and I see a general theme. People seem to be complaining that they paid these guys $8,500 for a one minute spot to air x times in x numbers of markets in some time slot and the spots generated no sales. No surprise here as ads are not guaranteed to sell anything especially if the product isn’t any good. Is it possible that some of these people were just too inlove with their ideas to realize that the rest of the world wasn’t? But first riddle me this: If these guys as SO BAD how is it that they have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau??
Jack
Watch out for auto shipping Auto shipping is a scam in and of it’s self I have a friend that works in the industry and he tells me the following
1. Whether it is internet or a phone sale the auto ship is explained however it is never clear. They are trained to gloss over auto ships and just meet the FCC guidelines that keep them out of court.
2. This is true only for the 800 number call operators are standing by calls STAY AWAY FROM THE FREE OFFERS AT THE END OF THE CALL. They are trained to try and lull you in by using a very monotone voice and at the end of the statement saying “OK” real brightly. People they are reading you a CONTRACT and it IS binding The best way to not mess with these is as soon as they start hang up!!
Briefings media group is the biggest ripoff selling Directories. I purchased one and over half the listings were not updated. I sent the directory back and then the collection calls started coming in! Beware!
I have been contacted by Media Corp who says they are interested in my product. Of course in my excitement I was going to move forward. After reading this blog, I feel different. Can anyone tell me the best way to market my product? I don’t know where to start.
Thanks!
I worked for Media Corp and never found a successful program–neither did my counterparts. You pay your $8500 and hope for the best. Poor ad times, poor commercial production, etc. Yeah, good luck with those references—they did have products but are paid per call they receive. Earl Pardo is an honest man, the rest of the crew isn’t.
I know for a fact that Marty did not write this. For the writer…Media Corp made you who you are!!! Ya’ll are haters and just pissed off because your stupid products did not do well. If you actually sought out decent product besides a plastic hook or a Hula-Hoop maybe there would be some success! As for only providing 2 references…that is absolutely bogus. Get a life, and if you actually had a decent product to market, what is $8500 really?
**Beware of Media Corp** I have a very successful product that I have been selling for well over 22 years. Unfortunately I believed in their form letter advising me that they could take my product to a national television market for $8500.00. What Media Corp did not know about my product is that we have already sold well over 700,000 units worldwide. We have a 5 star rating at three of the largest retail catalogs available. Media Corp said that they might be able to get my product into these catalogs, I was already there. My product is a proven seller and problem solver, no question. With all their form letters, contracts, commercial production and poor airing times, they were able to sell 30 units. All while I am selling 5000 units a month. After all was said and done, I received another form letter stating that I should seek other channels of distribution; they felt my product could not sell.
If you would like a “real” review of Media Corp, call me at 530-345-4261.
Ron
I appreciate this post as well. I’ve just started a company with my friend from college and there has always been a great deal of demand for our product in a few short months. I don’t think we would waste 8,500 dollars on something that most likely wouldn’t work. In response to the person earlier asking, I’d say for each product, your path will be different. I would just find a lot of companies in the market you’re interested in and call them directly looking for the key decision maker. It’s worked pretty well for us early on. Also, a well-constructed e-mail is always a good way to get in touch and not be too intrusive. Thanks again for this article!
Thank you for very much for this information. I recieved a letter for my product yesterday and decided to go do some research before calling them. Needless to say, it seems like another company scamming the little guy.
I am a practicing wellness coach, and have just been propositioned by Surfnet Media under the name of Voice America to host a health an wellness show on their “network.” I’ve never heard of them, they are asking for a larege sum of money up front for production costs, and my initial take is they have no skin in the game. I put an outline together for them without giving too much informaiton - heck, I didn’t want to open my Kimona that far as the saying goes, but did want to convey an interest and a willingness to work to make the hour long weekly program they are offering a success. I am putting the programs together, recruiting the guests, recruiting the advetizers, and they are producing the show. Seems to me, I’m the only one with skin in this game. Am I thinking correctly? Has anyone reading this blog had any experience with Voice America/Surfnet Media? Any and all input is greatly appreciated.
Well Folks, Unfortunately, MEDIACORP IS A TOTAL SHAM. I worked there for several years and not ONE product sold more than 1 or 2 units. Nor did any sell from my counterparts. NOT ONE. Sometimes they buy one of the products to make you feel like it aired. Their references are, indeed, PAID. They buy bulk air time that is cheap and has the worst demographics. I feel guilty for all of the customers I worked with while I was with the organization. MediaCorp are not bad people, just in it to make money and justify to themselves that “marketing your product is a risk” and “if the customer does not spend money with us, they will with someone else”. Best of luck with all or your products. You will not sell anything with this company. Period. Hopefully this post will allow you to utilize your marketing dollars effectively.
I fell for it and got “ZERO” sales. That is a “ZERO” return on a $8,500 investment. They indicated that this is the path to success. Media Corp convinced me that they have no idea how to promote my product. When I read the script that they sent me, I knew that this effort was targeted toward taking my $8,500 and they did not seem to care about results.
When I advised them that the script that they producted was a waste, they informed me that any revisions to their professional work would add to the $8,500. I refused to give them more money and relied on their expertise and experience.
The ad that they produced was undoubtedly the worst representation of my product that could be produced. The video was generated to fulfill their contractual obligations and not designed with any thought or planning to sell my product. It is so bad that I am embarrassed by their work and I will not put it up on my website. These guys have no idea how to sell or what to sell. The results reflect that.
Unfortunately I was scammed. And the thing is I just learned about it now. Being in the marketing/advertising industry for years I THOUGHT I did all my research on Media Corp. before I signed. Evidently I missed this blog and the warning list of scammers from an inventors website. I feel so ashamed, helpless and ANGRY. I worked so hard to try and save every penny, nickel and dime to scrape up $8500, especially after getting laid off and couldn’t find a job. I thought for sure I landed on big luck when Media Corp. contacted me about my product. I thought they were going to be the answer to my prayers to help me save my home. Now I can only keep moving forward and will continue to market and expose my product on my own. I just hope Media Corp. will soon get what they deserve. It’s just shameful that people can work for a company like this especially knowing there is alot of folks like me who is hurting due to the economy.
I am in the middle of negotiating with Media Corp. Although I take these blogs with a grain of salt, I would not be doing my job if I didnt read them…my question is this, what about all the successful products they currently promote? I see them on tv, in stores…even my Mom bought a product yesterday with the “as seen on tv” logo…not all products are good, there, I said it. The product has to be good…I still have alot to learn, but I feel they can help…10k is a small price to pay for what they do…its a gamble…but they do not guarentee it will sell..does your product have a market? is it affordable?
I just received a letter from the Marketing Mgr. of Media Corp. dated Aug. 3rd, 2011. Never contacted them, but rather, turned to the Internet to see what has been documented about this company. After reading all the posts, I’m not even going to waste my time contacting them.
What’s funny is that their letter started out saying, “I came across your product, the Smart Snacker. After a brief review, I believe it has the potential to be a successful “As Seen on TV” product.”
My product is actually called, “My Smart Snacker” not “The Smart Snacker”. One would think they would have gotten the name of the product right in their letter!
Anyway, someone asked if there is a good PR firm that could help them launch their new product. I would say you should check out a company by the name of “Orca Communications Unlimited, LLC”. I just signed up with them at the end of January for a 4 month campaign. Still too early to talk about lots of sales. But, based on what I’ve seen so far, I think my sales will increase with their PR help.
Good luck to everyone reading these posts. And those of you who have been burned, thanks for the heads up.
Correction to my last response: … Just signed up with Orca at the end of July (not January). Sorry!
I was actually watching the new show “scammed” on the history channel. I thought about our failed media corp endeavor where our product sold 0…that’s right..0 units. So i decided to google “media corp scam”. How I wish i found this email before wasting $8500. They blast through the production phase and you feel good it until you make your second payment and then they stop communicating with you altogether. I knew something was fishy when the test phase started. This company is a ***** scam and I’m pissed about it! DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY.
i just received a letter from mediacorp, llc for my pet product and thought this would be a great way to launch my product. i searched them online and found this. Im confused by these blogs because when i went to their website i recognize a lot of mediacorp’s products. Matter a fact i have seen their Magic Mesh product on TV a bunch of times recently and when i went to Walgreens the other night and checked out the TV products isle i found several of their products on the shelves. I’m guessing that not all products they work with go that big which kinda makes sense, but i would love to be the next Windshield Wonder.
I am the marketing director at Media Corp. We appreciate and encourage feedback about our services and highly recommend that any inventor research any and all options available to market their product before making a decision as to which path to take. Every customer of Media Corp is given a 100% money back guarantee through our production phase. Our Clients have approval and sign off on all developments and air time schedule prior to proceeding to the next step.
As much as we would like to guarantee the success of every product that comes through our door, the reality is that often products fail to meet sales expectations. We understand that its natural from time to time that an individual may feel that it is Media Corps process and service that caused their product to fail rather than understand that many products do indeed fail simply due to lack of market interest.
I would like to ensure everyone that Media Corp has one of the best track records in our industry with taking unknown products and making them a sales success IF the product has the right potential. Many of these products you can see for yourself along with our product commercials at: http://www.media-corp.com.
Its also very important that we communicate that there is no correlation between direct TV advertising and PR. Our company deals exclusively with direct TV advertising and we also encourage any inventor to research utilizing PR even in combination to their efforts through Media Corp and direct TV sales.
We look forward to answering any and all questions regarding our services, cost structure, terms and confidentiality agreements. Please see our site at: http://www.media-corp.com or call us directly at: 800-970-8825.
***Media Corp is a SCAM***
I first posted to this thread in January 2011. I added my phone number with an invitation to call me for more information about Media Corp if needed. I have had at least 25 to 30 phone calls regarding Media Corp and their business practices. In reviewing some of the posts I would like to respond to a few.
Jack said;
But first riddle me this: If these guys as SO BAD how is it that they have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau??
Jack, they paid for that A+ rating from BBB, go and check how much it will cost you to join the organization as a business.
Lambert said;
Well Folks, Unfortunately, MEDIACORP IS A TOTAL SHAM. I worked there for several years and not ONE product sold more than 1 or 2 units. Nor did any sell from my counterparts. NOT ONE. You will not sell anything with this company, period.
Lambert, very well said and very true.
Richard said;
I fell for it and got “ZERO” sales. That is a “ZERO” return on an $8,500 investment. The ad that they produced was undoubtedly the worst representation of my product that could be produced. The video was generated to fulfill their contractual obligations and not designed with any thought or planning to sell my product. These guys have no idea how to sell or what to sell. The results reflect that.
Richard, their business plan is not to sell your product; it is to get your $8500.00 as soon as possible. They must generate 20 to 30 form letters a week to any and all businesses, stating “We believe your product has the potential to be a successful “As Seen on TV” product.”
Jamesh said;
My question is this, what about all the successful products they currently promote? I see them on tv, in stores…even my Mom bought a product yesterday with the “as seen on tv” logo…not all products are good, there, I said it. The product has to be good…I still have alot to learn
Jamish, you still have “alot” to learn. Media Corp. is not the “as seen on T.V.” group. They are if anything a sub-contractor. In order for them to run a nationwide campaign they must kick it up stairs to the real “as seen on T.V.” group, Telebrands. Read their web site closely; Media Corp then entered a strategic partnership with Telebrands. Go to google and look up “as seen on T.V.” As Seen On TV Products is a generic name attached to items that are advertised on television. The red logo and phrase is now part of public domain and can be used on any packaging or used in any business without a fee or infringing on someone’s trademark. Also look up some of the products Media Corp claims are theirs. Those products are also on the numerous other as seen on T.V. companies. With all the form letters they send out and as good as they claim to be, shouldn’t they have many more “successes” than 4 or 5.
Randy said;
I thought about our failed media corp endeavor where our product sold 0…that’s right,0 units. This company is a ***** scam and I’m pissed about it! DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY.
Randy, I will repeat my earlier post; I have sold over 700,000 units of my product. After scripting and producing my commercial Media Corp “aired’ my fly-fishing product on spanish speaking soccer.After that failed, they then told me I needed to “find other channels of distribution”. If you “Google my product, Tie-Fast knot tyer, you will find I am #1 on the Google list, always have been. Media Corpbuys bulk air time on the Chinese Checker Channel for dirt cheap. They use the bulk air time to run your commercial and to fulfill their contract obligations.
Monte Clark said;
I am the marketing director at Media Corp. We understand that its natural from time to time that an individual may feel that it is Media Corps process and service that caused their product to fail rather than understand that many products do indeed fail simply due to lack of market interest.
Monte, please go to Cabela’s, Orvis, Bass Pro Shops web siteand note thatmy product that you could not sell, the Tie-Fast knot tyer, has a five star rating on all three sites. Look up the Tie-Fast Combo tool on the Bass Pro shops web page; I quote; Possibly one of the greatest fishing tools ever invented it is a must have for every angler.
Monte, the problem is your process and service.
I have an extremely high market interest in my product and continue to sell 5000 units a month. You have no interest in selling mine or anyone else’s product. Your job is to get $8500.00 to $10,000 from as many people as you can.
How is it with all the talent you and your team have, you could not sell any units?
***Media Corp is a SCAM***
If you would like a “real” review of Media Corp, call me at 530-345-4261.
Ron
An informative and helpful article. Glad it was at the top of my google search. I just got the “Recently came across your product, the Shake’n Rake. After a brief review I believe it has the potential…etc. SERIOUSLY?? I wondered how a product that retails for $300.00 is going to be marketed As-Seen- on-TV. Your article shows this is a scam, especially when you correctly point out that all the products shown are actually Telebrands’ and their mantra is “under $19.00 and a 500% profit markup. Save your money, write it A.J. at telebrands directly. He is easy to find and offers “Inventors Days” pitches for FREE. In my case I was a finalist with the Shake’n Fork and was featured on the Today Show, so my free entry was rewarded with free publicity.
If you fall for the $8500.00 after reading all these posts you really are the W.C. Fields sucker.
You shouldn’t have to pay ANYONE to promote your product!!!! That’s what marketing is- they market you- they get a share- period- of the gross sales— it’s the same scam as the modeling companies that you PAY to take your picture- this society is so wanting fast successes and quick money- that people get burned. Look before you leap- that is why I am here- thanks to all who have posted about this sham company- they can try to whitewash it all the want- but they should be offering to market for FREE - then get their money- don’t be desperate people!!!
So my question is why does no one take them to court?
If they don’t deliver what they promise they will lose in court right?
I am currently dealing with them and things are going well to this point. I do have a good product to market and we will see how it goes. I have no problem with them keeping 50% of gross sales. If I have a good product I will make a lot of money. Media-Corps isn’t the only outlet to get a product to market and if they fail then try another strategy. For those that bash Media-Corps, I would like to know what their product was. Maybe it isn’t Media-Corp’s fault that the product failed.
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