Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  03/13/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Ink Start Media re-branded the self-publication of my three books which I still own all the rights to as self-published books- the Cycle of Cyrnos series, I have not received, although I have previously requested (e.g., on 09/15/2023 in writing), an accounting and payment of all royalties from the sales of books under *************** Amazon or otherwise (as I have recently learned that the books are available online through over ten other sites and I was previously told that the books would be distributed through bookstores). I have also complained about the lack of communication. I have been misled to pay $10,000+ which I would not have paid had Ink Start not have misrepresented the services to be provided. At this point, I should have certainty which I do not have. The first step now is to get an an accounting and payment followed by a meeting and resolution of how to move forward, if at all once, the accounting and payments have been timely and fully completed. I reserve all rights and remedies. Thank you. *************************

  

  Business response

  04/22/2024

  Dear Better Business Bureau,
  I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to address a matter concerning the recent alleged
  complaint that ***************************** has raised to Better Business Bureau.
  On November 8, 2022, ***************************** submitted a down payment of $3,400 for the service
  Indie ************** and was later fully paid on November 10, 2022. Later on, at November
  17, 2022; **************** paid in full for the services of **** Cover Availability and Press release
  for 4 of his books. As clearly outlined in our terms and conditions, the Author ****************
  ****** has completed and signed our Service Agreement stating that he agrees to the
  aforementioned. **************** was made fully aware of this pricing structure, and we possess
  recorded evidence of his agreement to proceed with the payment and services.
  It is imperative to emphasize that the fulfillment of the services that **************** has been
  rendered fulfilled. Our company policy dictates that refund or money back is out of the option
  especially that the services has been concluded.
  Regrettably, **************** has expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that he has not received the
  service despite the completion of the aforementioned. We have recorded communication that
  the services have been fulfilled and has been sent to the author.
  In light of this situation, we must question the justification of Mr. ******* complaint. It is evident
  that his claims are all but allegations with no hard evidence.
  As a company, we prioritize transparency, integrity, and adherence to our policies and
  agreements. Therefore, we kindly request your support in resolving this matter appropriately.
  Please feel free to reach out if you require any further clarification or documentation regarding
  this issue. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your prompt
  response.
  Thank you for your cooperation.

  Customer response

  04/30/2024

   I am rejecting this response because:  

  30 April 2024

   

  Dear ************:

   

            Thank you for your immediate email response to my email submitted late last night.  I reject the response of Ink Start Media.  It fails to address my complaint filed with the BBB and further demonstrates that Ink Star Media has engaged and continues to engage is false, deceptive, and misleading acts and practices.

   

              My complaint comprised two (2) parts:

   

  1. I have not received, although I have previously requested (e.g., on 09/15/2023 in writing), an accounting and payment of all royalties from the sales of books under ****** & *****, Amazon or otherwise (as I have recently learned that the books are available online through over ten other sites and I was previously told that the books would be distributed through bookstores) ; and

   

  2. I have also complained about the lack of communication.

   

  My requested relief is: the first step now is to get an accounting and payment followed by a meeting and resolution of how to move forward, if at all once, the accounting and payments have been timely and fully completed.

   

            My complaint is based upon the terms of the contract with Ink Start Media (see attached) which formed the essential purpose for me entering the contract with Ink Start Media in the first place and which included the following without limitation:

   

  the products and services of [Ink Start Media] for the publishing and promotion of [my] work

   

  Post-publication features:  Quarterly Accounting/100% Royalty Program (Lifetime)

   

  Royalties - the author will be informed and the number of book sales and royalties will be sent every quarter of the year.

   

  I would not have entered this contract but for these provisions which comprise the essential purpose of the contract.   The contract confirmed, as it required me to agree with Ink Start Media, that this agreement serves as a partnership between both parties and that [I] will receive royalty updates every quarter of the year.

   

            Despite (1) my complaint being specific and focused, (2) Ink Start Media having a copy of the applicable contract, and (3) Ink Start Media having my prior demand letter for an accounting and payment of royalties (which it has not denied that I sent or it received), Ink Start Media totally ignored my complaints or my requested relief.

   

  Rather, Ink Start Media sent a response that stated that it agreed to republish and promote the books for the agreed-to price (which it admits was paid in full) and there are no refunds.  My complaint did not address either matter.

   

            In its response, Ink Start Media provided no copies of any quarterly accountings, no copies of royalty payments, no copies of where the books were promoted and offered online or otherwise, and no communications about the foregoing.   Ink Start Media claims to have fulfilled its obligations and duties as a partner without addressing the obligations and duties that I have complained about to the BBB.  If Ink Start Media had fulfilled all its obligations and duties then I would now have a copy of the quarterly accountings, a copy of the royalty payments made, a copy where and how the books have been promoted or made available, and aa copy of all communications related to the foregoing.

    

            Inks Start Media claims to prioritize transparency, integrity and adherence to [its] policies and agreements.   Yet, Ink Start Media suggests that ignoring the bases of the complaint and instead substituting a straw man argument means transparency, integrity, and contract compliance.  Ink Start Medias conduct belies transparency, integrity, and contract compliance.  Had it disclosed its corporate policy, I would never have entered a contract with Ink Start Media.

   

            Ink Start concludes that it is evident that [my claims] are all but allegations with no hard evidence.  The attempt by Ink Start Media to vilify me when it has produced none of the required accountings, payments, and communications demonstrates bad faith and wrongful business practices.  Had it disclosed its business practice, I would have never contracted with Ink Start Media.

   

            The saddest dimension of the response of Ink Start Media is that all that I asked for was an accounting, the payment of accrued royalties, better communication, and a path forward if at all.  A good business with integrity and transparency would have jumped on this opportunity.  Ink Start Media chose a different wrongful path. 

   

  Ink Start Media could have avoided this entire complaint process by doing what it said it would do and responding to my prior request and demands.  Again, Ink Start Media chose the wrong path.

   

  I ask that this response be posted in the BBB file.  I further ask that the BBB facilitate the process whereby Ink Start Media complies with my requested relief.

   

  Thank you for your attention.  If you have any questions, please contact me.

   

                                                                     /s/ ****************************

   

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

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

                                                                     *******, ***** 77024

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

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

   

   

  
  
  
  

  

  Business response

  05/21/2024

  Attached file is the response to *************************.

  Customer response

  05/22/2024

   I am rejecting this response because:  

  21 May 2024

   

  Dear ************:

   

  Thank you for forwarding the response of Ink Start Media.  As I anticipated, this response confirms the continued bad faith business practices of Ink Start Media.

   

  In my last communication with the BBB, I cited to the contractual obligation of Ink Start Media (1) to provide quarterly reports, (2) to provide copies of all royalty payments, and (3) to report where the books are being offered and the details of sales through each outlet.  Ink Start Media does not address, let alone refute, these outstanding obligations.  These are the fundamental obligations of any entity that does what Ink Start Media does.  It is a fundamental reason why I contracted with Ink Start Media.  That fundamental purpose has been destroyed.  Ink Start Media has provided none of the requested documents or information.  It has not made any royalty payments.

   

  Rather, Ink Start Media claims that it has tried to communicate with me because it left a message with my answering service.  Yet, it fails to disclose that the phone number that it left with my answering service refused to accept any voicemails because the voice mail was always full.  I twice called the number Ink Start Media left with my answering service.  Ink Start Media is simply playing a game once again to try to blame me rather than address my complaint.

   

  Ink Start Media offers no explanation why it has not provided the requested documents and information.  Instead, it leaves a message and then forecloses receiving any return voice messages. Ink Start Media set up a scam.  It has not tried to communicate with me. Rather, it seeks to blame me.  The fact that I must now go through this kabuki dance with Ink Start Media demonstrates their bad faith. 

   

  Ink Start Media must provide the requested documents and information.  It must pay all royalties that are due.  It must set up a direct line of communication by email to me at **************. I do not trust Ink Start Media.  All communications must be in writing.  I will not participate in their scam of not being able to return any call.  My email address is active.

   

  /s/ ****************************

   

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

  *******, ***** 77024

  
  
  
  

  

  Business response

  06/20/2024

  See attached

• Initial Complaint

  02/21/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Date transaction 7 ***** for $400 about book promotion erroneous information given no results one quote given they changed the agreement I want my refund

  

  Business response

  02/22/2024

  Dear Better Business Bureau,
  
  I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to address a matter concerning the recent transaction with *********************** for the ******************************* ******* offered by our company.
  
  On August 6, 2023, *********************** submitted a downpayment of $400 for the aforementioned *******. As clearly outlined in our terms and conditions, the full price of the ******* amounts to $2,000. ************ was made fully aware of this pricing structure, and we possess recorded evidence of his agreement to proceed with the downpayment.
  
  It is imperative to emphasize that the fulfillment of the ******************************* ******* is contingent upon the complete settlement of the full payment. Our company policy dictates that *******s will only be rendered once the payment has been finalized.
  
  Regrettably, ************ has expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that he has not received the ******* despite his partial payment. However, it is important to note that he has not fulfilled his obligation to make the full payment as per our agreement.
  
  In light of this situation, we must question the justification of **************** complaint. It is evident that he has not fulfilled his financial commitment for the ******* in question. We must consider whether his actions align with the principles of fair business dealings or if they resemble those of an individual attempting to benefit without meeting their obligations.
  
  As a company, we prioritize transparency, integrity, and adherence to our policies and agreements.Therefore, we kindly request your support in resolving this matter appropriately.
  
  Please feel free to reach out if you require any further clarification or documentation regarding this issue. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your prompt response.
  
  Thank you for your cooperation.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩