The Bench Craft Company lawsuit is a class-action lawsuit launched in 2018 by several golf course owners and operators against the Bench Craft Company
Bench Craft is accused of fraudulent marketing methods and unfair commercial practices, according to the lawsuit.
Bench Craft, according to the lawsuit, misrepresented the potential audience for its advertising, forcing firms to invest based on inflated forecasts.
To lock businesses into long-term contracts, high-pressure sales practices and fraudulent contracts were used.
Failed to deliver on its promises to provide advertising and marketing services to businesses.
Businesses were charged for services that they did not obtain or require.
The Bench Craft Company has rejected all of the lawsuit’s allegations. However, the litigation is still underway and could have far-reaching consequences for both the corporation and the golf industry as a whole.
Timeline of the Lawsuit
- Early 2010s: Initial allegations about Bench Craft Company began to appear, particularly on online platforms and forums.
- The number of grievances surged in the mid-2010s, attracting the attention of judicial authorities. A group of advertisers began exploring concerted legal action about this time.
- Late 2010s: The class-action complaint was finally filed, representing many plaintiffs who claimed Bench Craft Company engaged in deceptive activities.
- Early 2020s: A settlement was achieved after a series of hearings, negotiations, and legal procedures. The contents of the settlement are kept private, but it resulted in a resolution for many disgruntled parties.
Background
The Bench Craft Company is a golf course advertising firm that gives golf facilities free scorecards, tee signs, yardage books, and ball washers in return for advertising space.
Since its inception in 1982, the company has evolved to become one of the largest golf course advertising firms in the United States.
However, in recent years, the Bench Craft Company has come under more scrutiny from golf course owners and operators. Many businesses have alleged that the corporation lied about its capabilities and used high-pressure sales tactics to lock them into long-term contracts.
Allegations in the Lawsuit
The Bench Craft Company is accused of engaging in several misleading and unfair business practices, according to the class-action lawsuit. Among the particular charges in the lawsuit are:
Misrepresentation of a possible audience: Bench Craft is accused of misrepresenting the potential audience for its advertising in the complaint.
According to the allegations, the corporation advertised that its advertising would reach a significant number of golfers, but the actual audience was far smaller. Businesses allegedly invested in Bench Craft’s advertising based on inflated forecasts as a result of this.
Bench Craft allegedly utilized high-pressure sales tactics to lock firms into long-term contracts, according to the lawsuit.
The company’s sales reps allegedly put pressure on firms to sign contracts without giving them enough time to read and understand the terms.
The contracts were also said to be convoluted and difficult to interpret, making it difficult for firms to grasp their responsibilities.
Failure to keep promises: Bench Craft is also accused of failing to deliver on its commitments to give businesses advertising and marketing services, according to the lawsuit.
The corporation allegedly failed to provide the stated amount of scorecards, tee signs, yardage books, and ball washers to businesses. The company is also accused of failing to offer the promised level of customer support to enterprises.
Charges for services not received: According to the lawsuit, Bench Craft charged businesses for services that they did not obtain or require.
For example, the corporation allegedly charged businesses for unused advertising space. The corporation is also accused of charging businesses for services that were not part of the original contract.
The Effects of The Bench Craft Company Lawsuit
The Bench Craft Company lawsuit is still underway, but it could have far-reaching consequences for both the firm and the golf industry as a whole.
Bench Craft could be compelled to pay millions of dollars in damages to golf course owners and operators if the lawsuit is successful. The case may also impact the way golf course advertising businesses operate.
What Golf Course Owners and Operators Can Do
There are a few things you can do as a golf course owner or operator to protect yourself against deceptive and unfair commercial practices by golf course advertising companies:
- Conduct your research: Do your homework before signing a deal with any golf course advertising company. Examine the company’s track record and read evaluations from other businesses.
- Make a written record of everything: Ensure that all of your contract’s terms are in writing. This will protect you if the company fails to deliver on its commitments.
- Avoid high-pressure sales tactics: Be alert if a sales agent puts pressure on you to sign a contract. Take your time reading and comprehending the contract’s provisions before signing.
If you don’t understand something in the contract, don’t be hesitant to ask questions. The sales agent should be able to clearly and concisely answer your inquiries.
If you suspect that a golf course advertising company has engaged in misleading or unfair business practices, you should consult with an attorney to examine your legal options.
Workplace Misbehavior
A complaint filed by Bench Craft Company has revealed several severe questions about marketing contracts, customer satisfaction, and ethical business practices.
As a result, some customers and partners may decide not to work with them until the legal proceedings are completed.
Furthermore, this lawsuit has highlighted the importance of firms valuing transparency and customer service when developing their brands. Furthermore, it underlines the importance of conducting thorough research before engaging in contracts.
Many people believe Bench Craft’s deceptive advertising and unethical sales techniques have cost them money. Some claim their ads never appeared or were put in bad positions without their knowledge; others claim Bench Craft engaged in illicit actions such as credit card information theft with no accountability.
Important Takeaways
- Due Diligence is Essential: The Bench Craft Company lawsuit emphasizes the significance of performing comprehensive research before getting into any contractual deal for marketers and businesses.
- Transparency is essential: Any malpractice or customer unhappiness can soon become public information in today’s digital age, stressing the need for firms to be upfront and honest in their dealings.
- Legal Recourse: This case serves as a reminder to disgruntled persons that legal recourse is available, ensuring that businesses are held accountable for their acts.
Conclusion
The Bench Craft Company lawsuit is an important case with far-reaching consequences for the golf business. If the lawsuit is successful, it may result in changes to how golf course advertising companies operate.
It may also serve as a warning to other businesses that fraudulent and unfair business practices will not be accepted.
Golf course owners and operators should be aware of the charges in the lawsuit and take precautions to avoid similar practices in the future.
Golf course owners and operators can reduce their risk of being cheated by conducting research, obtaining everything in writing, avoiding high-pressure sales methods, and asking questions.
If you suspect that a golf course advertising company has engaged in misleading or unfair business practices, you should consult with an attorney to examine your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation.
