OK, so 99% of ad agencies are probably good and have nothing but the best intention. But, get a load of this one!
We recently picked up a new client ( whom a salesperson had contact with for many months, but the account was brought in this week to us by their agency). Shortly after receiving the order for the client ( we wont use any names for now), their agency calls us back up ans say that they “have a lot of international wholesale clients and would like to bring us more business”….OK, great. Obviously, this agency sees our network as a credible place to spend their clients funds where a reasonable ROI can be achieved…..Errrrr……..Not the case…
Here is what happened next. After commending our services, this agency states that he’d like ( yes, small agency) to be listed in a few of categories and doesn’t believe he should pay for it. He also stated that if we didn’t list him, he wouldn’t advocate our network of over 30,000 buyers to his clients. Since we refuse to sell our souls to the devil ( and operate on policy of HIP- Honesty Integrity Professionalism) his request was denied and he was more or less told to go and pound sand.
This scares me, for many reason. An agency should always have their clients best interests at hand. Agencies that operate like that are nothing but fly-byes laundering their clients budget to achieve their own goals with no concern for their clients marketing initiatives. Buyer beware! Here a few tips to avoid a crooked agency:
- Get references….And call them!
- Inquire as to how much work the agency has done in your industry.
- Meet the people! A handshake and eye contact go a long way.
- Ask for case studies and white papers the agency has put out.
- Check the BBB for complaints.
- Is the agency too concerned about money issues? Most agencies want to get that out the way real quick and don’t want to appear invoice happy. They work because they love what they do.
- Get documentation, insertions, monthly statements, and quotes before any job is started or when any job is finished.
- Be involved. Your feedback is everything.Have market research prepared and if your agency doesn’t recommend a certain media you are sure of…Ask why!!!
Again, most agencies are good. I’ve used many agencies and contractors in the past. Most good, some bad. Be careful. Be cautious. Going that route is not cheap, and it’s always best to have assurance that the agency you pick is being help to a level of accountability that can foster a profitable relationship. For the Crook we mention earlier, we only hope that you see the light and learn how to conduct business with H.I.P!!
Jason
ps- Here is a copy of the VERY prefoessional email that our sales person sent to this agency:
Hi William,
I am very confused to why we are not moving forward with ** Trading’s
account. Is the only reason because we do not have the type of referral
program that will benefit *O Info? You need to understand that we are very
professional and honest in the way that we conduct business. Our rules are
set in place for reasons and we will not break them for anyone. As a
business owner, I hope you can appreciate that. I am afraid that you are
doing your clients a huge injustice by not using services because they do
not benefit you. Isn’t it much more beneficial to you and your company to
embark on marketing plans that are successful for your clients? We can help
with that aspect of your business. William, as a service provider, you have
certain fiduciary duties to follow and you should always act in the best
interests of your clients. Wouldn’t you agree? Do you think that it’s right
to not let ** Trading benefit from our users because we don’t have a
referral program that you like?
