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.Â
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 firmâ€. One former employee told me that during the entire time he worked there, he did not see any product sell any units at all.Â
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 “ifâ€.
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.Â
This is very much a case of “buyer bewareâ€. The questions that you, the consumer, must ask are the following:Â
1)Â Â Â Can I do this myself?
2)Â Â Â 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)Â Â Â Why were they so evasive in providing additional information?
5)   If my product was so good that it passed their “in-house reviewâ€, 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?Â
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.  Â
49 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.
I, too, was contacted by Media Corp about showcasing a product we manufacture and I eventually signed a contract for their As Seen On TV Test Infomercial program in October of 2010. I did my due diligence, thinking that Media Corp and As Seen On TV were one and the same companies, and at the time there were no complaints of fraud listed anywhere. I asked for references I could speak with directly, and Media Corp provided me with several. After comparing notes with other business owners, I now believe that these references actually moonlight for Media Corp and were paid to give false reviews.
Media Corp collected a fee of $8500.00 from me in 2 installments: the first after they had filmed a quasi-professional 40 second test infomercial, and the second after it had supposedly been scheduled to air 60 times over Comcast. Soon after they received my 2nd payment, MediaCorp breached the terms of the contract, & abandoned our deal without airing the infomercial. They were unresponsive once they cashed my check.
After they received my complaint from the local BBB in Overland Kansas, they offered to re-do the infomercial and re-air it. I agreed, hoping to avoid litigation and recoup something from the fee I had paid, but it was the same story all over again. Alleged air times could not be verified and the infomercial could not be viewed anywhere in the U.S. Once again, it became extremely difficult to get anyone to return my calls or emails. Mark Mansheim, my latest MediaCorp contact, alternated between telling me a. that the run did not produce a single response to the infomercial, ergo no products were sold, and b. saying that they did actually receive several orders for my product but they had shipped them out directly to the client, using the prop bottles I had supplied to them for the infomercial taping. This was in direct breach of our contract, as I received no payment for them, and the details of our contract stipulated that all test sales would be dropshipped by my company and not MediaCorp.
Above all, MediaCorp provided me with no verifiable documentation: not of calls, not of air times. After the first so-called run, Marty Williams emailed me what was supposed to be a call log: a fuzzy piece of paper with 3 telephone numbers almost unintelligibly scribbled on it…2 of the numbers were disconnected and 1 belonged to a woman who swore she had never called in or even seen the infomercial. Media Corp cannot prove that the infomercials ever aired. In fact, they confessed that the first series of infomercials they did for me never aired at all, and that they were completely unaware of this until I called the cable company and brought it to their attention.
I believe that Media Corp is making a living taking advantage of businesses and individuals who would like to see their products advertised on TV. They do construct a short infomercial but never actually air it on television, telling their clients instead that there were no responses to the tv spots. It is statistically impossible for so many of us who have contracted with Media Corp to completely strike out after 60 commercial airings, given that many of us already have viable products that are selling very well elsewhere. If MediaCorp is selecting the same target markets on cable tv, why are they not getting a single response?
There are now many complaints on the internet about Media Corp, and I have been contacted by 5-10 business owners like me whose products are successfully being sold elsewhere, and were also taken for $8500.00 under the exact same circumstances. This company is one big scam and needs to be investigated for fraud. Shame on Media Corp, and on Marty Williams and Mark Mansheim for misrepresenting what they do and defrauding the public.
This blog is a classic example of the problem with new product inventors, they expect the world and don’t believe their product is the one that won’t make it and blame someone or something else. Being in the industry I know that most new items being tested on TV do not work, however, for the ones that do millions of sales can occur. There is a saying for these inventors, “obsessed”. Someone brought this blog up to me and I have personally worked with Media Corp and they are a first class company, I felt this needed to be said in defense of them.
TVGoods said,
on August 20th, 2012
This blog is a classic example of the problem with new product inventors.
TVGoods you are wrong. My product has been on the market for over twenty years, I have sold over one million units. Media Corp could not sell one unit. Media Corp is a rip off con scam.
Mr./Mrs. Lewis,
This was the best investment I ever made. Sounds like TV was just not for your product. My product, http://www.buymagicmesh.com, has sold about 4 MILLION UNITS this year thanks to Media Corp. From what I understand of the business there are more products that don’t make than do make it which is the risk/reward. I was prepared for the risk of a few thousand dollars but it turned out to be a BIG REWARD for me!!!!!!:):):)
BugMesh,
I put my real name and a real phone number on this thread. I did not hide behind an anonymous username. With my true name and phone number out there, I stand by my statements that Media Corps is one big scam and needs to be investigated. I have had over 100 phone calls from disgruntled clients and potential clients; there is a large group of unhappy small business owners that will stay away.
Also the link to your web site does not work, typical for Media Corps.
Ron
I typed in the http://www.buymagicmesh.com and their site came up, not a broken link? I have a friend who is a retail buyer and she told me that products in the As Seen on TV section of the stores have millions spent on them in TV advertising. Also, before working with them I went into Bed, Bath & Beyond and picked up a package of the Magic Mesh and saw their name on the bottom of the package. Bed, Bath & Beyond also had the Windshield Wonder on their store shelf, which is another of their products. I am very happy with Media Corp and how they have conducted themselves in working with me.
Karol
I have a new invention called Mack’s Lid Lifters.
I have patent pending,I do the manufacturing here in Wa state.I never had no idea what a nightmare marketing would be.Im not very good with paper or pencil,much less this computer.I have been talking to Media Corp.Most of this stuff is over my head.I get my boxes and labels next week.I think I better find a rich invester,and a good lawyer,to start with. Any ideas give me a call 360-618-3035.
I fell for the Media Corp scam and am posting to help you save your money. I paid $8500 for the commercial, which was awful by the way, so Media Corp lived up to that commitment. Where they really scammed me was on the $2000 ad charge as no proof was ever provided that the ad was ever run. I got so many promises from Earl Pardo that I can’t count them all. I actually drove up to their office near Overland Park last spring (2012) and met Earl and we went out to lunch once. They created 2 different media plans (october and november 2012) and I was promised at least twice by Earl that he would call me and we would go over the results. I never got his call and the last time I called him he said ‘don’t call me again’. Would you really like to ‘invest’ with a company that tells you this? The part that got me was the products using the ‘As Seen on TV’ logo. I figured why would they waste time screwing my for $10.5k? After my experience I would now say yes they would.
the only problem im having is there are products on shelves from medicorp and being in business you have to understand that its so hard to get products to market and the reason why they charge is because its no guarantee that your product will be successful no matter if they like it or not I have a great product that’s In retail now and its still a fifty fifty chance that my product wont make it on tv every product is not fit for television I am going to spend the 8500 and get my infomercial done but I will keep my eye on them and watch for the tell tell signs of deceit.
The real scam is that Media Corp buys the cheapest possible tv air time possible. I paid to have my commercial made and hoped for the best. During the test run not one single person I knew was able to see it. I can sell 500 packages at my local Farmers Market in 3 hours and Media Corp told me they got a total of 17 orders in a two week run. I finally insisted on seeing where the comercial was actually seen and got a several page list of zip codes. We cross referenced the zip codes they gave us with every zip code in my system of orders and there was not ONE that matched. I then cross referenced all of my family and friends zip codes with them and there was ONE match. It was my Grandmother’s original address. The house that is now consumed by the ghetto with daily drive by’s and drug busts (obviously, grandma is not there). Then my father created a map of their zip codes and basically Media Corp ran the commercial on the “discount cable” stations that only air in low-income and rural areas of the US.
When I approached them with this information they said that they have found that those demographics are who purchase products from the TV. They wanted several thousand more to air my commercial in three major cities….. I passed.
If your product appeals to low-income families and farmers then go for it. If not…. DO NOT WORK WITH THESE PEOPLE.
Media Corp is a huge rip-off and everyone should understand that by now. It’s easy to be told your product will do well when that is exactly what you thought all along and you think $8500 or whatever is a small price to pay for how great this thing will do. Seriously if you have a good idea get a upc for it through GS1 and put it on Amazon.com – people will tell you what you have through their reviews. Amazon has changed my life and it’s $40 per month, GS1 is $700 or so to sign on then something like $100 a year. Don’t be a dumbass think for two seconds before you hand over what could have been a decent car or an awesome vacation.
How do they got our info? Earl emailed me today to my personal email address and I feel a little violated. I, like many others I am sure, felt excited because of the “As Seen on TV” thing. Well I sure am glad I did my research before talking to them. It seems like they target people who clearly have put themselves out there and are probably very emotional about their products. I guess everywhere you go there are people looking to take advantage of others. I’m thankful for all of your testimonies about this company!
Is any body taking them to court?
I lost all my saving to this scam and I would like to know if there is something I can legally do?
Thank you.
Media Corp is the worst ‘service’ company I have ever worked with. They make hollow promises and have extremely poor communication. For me, the promised 2-3 month project actually took them 6.5 months. Their production was poor in quality. It took them 4 months just to produce the one-minute commercial. On my website I created myself, 20% of my hits turned into purchases; Media Corp sold a big fat ZERO with only 3 phone calls. Earl didn’t even have the balls to call me about the results as he continually said they would. During the testing, I noticed major errors in product information on the landing site. I emailed Earl and didn’t get a response. The major errors were never changed during the testing. Overall, I regret ever receiving that letter from Media Corp. It was a major waste of my time. They didn’t give my product much of a chance at all to be successful and I’m assuming they will do the same to you. I picture Media Corp as a spoiled child who focuses on getting your money, and do the bare minimum to fill their obligations. I strongly suggest you go a different route that Media Corp. You deserve more better. If anything, I would contact Telebrands and All-Star Products before writing your first check Media Corp. But in my opinion, save your money and don’t write the check at all!
MEDIA CORP IS A UNPROFESSIONAL, DISHONEST COMPANY! DON’T GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO MAKE MONEY OFF YOU!
Thanks for posting this information. I was recently contacted by Earl Pardo, but he is now with another company called Will It Launch. He stated that they found my product on internet and think it would be great for them to test out. Same speel as the one from media corp…2 minute video, air on cable stations, blah blah blah. I’m glad I did my research. When I research WIL nothing came up so I decided to research Earl Pardo. Needless to say, I’m glad I did. I wont even bother submitting my product for testing. Although, I have seen a couple of products they have listed on their site. I’d rather take my chances with a grassroots marketing plan.
I was scammed by Media Corp not too long ago. I feel stupid for not doing my due diligence on researching this company first. I believed they were legit due to their previous products on their website. After doing some extensive research, I realize that they have never launched their own successful product they have found through their own testing. They find successful products found by other media companies and then work out a deal to help distribute that product but is never the major player. That’s how they get to represent these successful products and they present it as if it was their own. If you go to a store and look at the products and look at the packaging Media Corp ‘represents’, they are all labeled under other media companies, proving that Media Corp is not the founder of the product nor is the major distributor. Please save your money. In my opinion, they live off of the profit they make doing this testing. Also, they sold ZERO products with 3 fuzzy bad phone numbers provided as their results. I hope Media Corp goes out of business soon!
Thanks for all of the posts. My father warned me if it looks to good to be true it usually is too good to be true. I am not even going to call them back. Thank gosh for the internet and this blog. Thanks to everyone for all the honest.
Were we scammed? Couldn’t get any straight answers as to EXACTLY WHERE THE COMMERCIAL WOULD AIR. Our family and friends watched for hours on end waiting to see our commercial. Not once did anyone see our commercial. We received air logs. We questioned the times. Were given some story about time zone differences. We sold less than 10!!! $9,000.00 for less than 10 units. We are sorry we trusted Media Corp. What a horrible experience.
Thank you for this very helpful blog.
We have a product which sells extremely well to many of the stores suggested on the Will It Launch website. After doing a LOT of research into Media Corps (and thank you to TSL above for mentioning the same thing about not finding any information on Will It Launch) we are able to make our own choices without feeling like “what if?” Thank you to all the responders on this blog as well. I feel badly for all the people who aren’t equipped to do internet research and then fall for these sad scams.
Thank you all very much for your comments. I too was contacted by Earl Pardo from Will it Launch. He gave me the same story as everybody else, except they were looking for $15,000. I am so glad I found this blog because I could not find any negitive comment about Will it Launch. This must be the reason they changed their name. Luck escape for me.
If ANY TV campaign is to work, the airings must be carefully examined and the ad must run thousands of times. A consumer must see an ad about 11 times on TV before they will buy it….if they buy it. I had an ad for a product. I used another company and paid way more than 10k. I met with savvy TV people to pick the best times and stations to air to my chosen demographic. Guess what… I didn’t have the millions required to run my ad for months and months so I threw away a good 200k on nothing. I was stupid to fall for half of the story. YES, a product can sell on TV but it takes thousands of airings and millions of airtime for your “spot” to run and be seen. TV time nowadays is more effectively used to drive traffic to your website. NOTHING will sell to a random audience and that is aired for a couple hundred times.
Best thing to do is find yourself an investor who will pony up the millions to have a shot at a successful TV campaign.
Good luck!! It’s not easy!
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