American Marketing & Publishing, L.L.C.

All around I have had very negative experience with this company. I owned an indoor community playroom set up as a meeting place for moms, caregivers and their children. I have been forced to shut down due to living in Illinois and the safety regulations put in place. Back in early March, a sales representative came into my business during open hours to solicit for an ad that 1.) She led me to believe this would be a year long ad and 2.) I could pay just 29 dollars a month for the next 12 months using a monthly withdrawal system. Both untrue. She was aggressive, unprofessional, and smelled heavily of cigarette smoke. She would not take no for an answer and all I really remember feeling is like I needed to get her out of there for the sake of my business and my customers. I hastily signed, gave no payment and rushed her out the door. And then I pushed it out of my head until a few weeks later when I received a bill for $380. While I was a bit shocked, I did remember the sales women saying I could break it into monthly payments. With the pandemic regulations just new at the time, I figured ok, I will wait until I reopen and set up a payment plan. When that inevitably did not happen, I called the company to see what my options are. They could do nothing for me based on the fact I had been forced to close. Fine, I said I would like to set up monthly payments for $29 as promised. They could not set up a monthly withdrawal for that little amount and said I would have to pay online or call, each month to make a payment. Fine, I went to make a payment online, website down. Called back to make a payment. Meanwhile, I received a letter FROM THEIR LAWYERS saying that if I did not pay I would see legal action?! Called again to say that my business has been closed for good and just out of humanity and kindness can something be done to get out of my contract early? That is when I was informed that the contract was for on ad. In one book. For the one month of April (I was closed due to the pandemic). What a scam. $380 for one ad??? And sold to me in a very deceiving way. Would not recommend for any small business owner. Save yourself the money and hassle and just advertise online for free!
Oct 31st, 2020

I’m pretty fond of the impact this company has on small family owned businesses! Great for local communities.
Oct 7th, 2020

The people who work here are a joy!
Aug 30th, 2019

If I could give this company 0 stars, I would. This is the absolute worst and most unprofessional business I've ever conversed with. Back track to last year, they came soliciting into my place of business asking if anyone would be interested in advertising in a local book. I mentioned that I was in real estate, but at that time was not sure if this was something I wanted to invest in. One of their sales people (it was probably his first day) said that he could send me an ad proof, but that there was no obligation and the ad could always be changed later. I once again said that I was not sure that this was something I wanted to do at that time. Fast forward, this company charged me for an "ad" (which I never saw, nor approved) for hundreds of dollars, and said that what I signed to see my proof that day was a contract. This is a deceptive practice and I don't appreciate being taken advantage of. Not only did they charge me something that I never once agreed to being published, I never even received a copy of the book that went out. I have no proof that this was actually published. I told them that I would pay half as to avoid future issues with this company, and to settle our differences, but no one ever responded to me. Now, a collection agency reached out to me! Horrible customer service, these people make money off conning business owners.
Mar 27th, 2020