Complaint Review: Gefen Media Group - Los Angeles CA

My contract with Gefen Media Group was for booking 12 podcasts in 90 days for the promotion of my book for $5,250. With the contract expiration nearing, and Gefen Media having booked only 50% of the contracted podcasts, most not relevant to my book, and having sold only one book, they did not respond to my emails.

The day before the contract expired, Daniel Gefen finally responded with apologies, that he had a personal matter interefere, and he agreed we should change course. However, I had already advised I would NOT extend the contract. Three days later, they, nonetheless, sent me a revised bio (as though the contract had not ended) that did NOT reflect the content of my book, despite Daniel's passionate assertion that it did. I wrote the book so I know what it's about. That they claimed my book covered different topics when it didn't, explained why they were pitching me to the wrong podcasts.

I asked Daniel how he would be handling a refund, considering they had failed to perform, but he ignored my request. I then filed a dispute with my credit card company and have since been plagued with smart aleck emails from Daniel, including: "By the way you might want to sue Coca Cola for promising happiness when consuming their product" after pointing out he is required to deliver what he promises.

Daniel Gefen has also refused to address the fact that the contract expired and he had not booked 12 podcasts - per the contract - yet asserts he should still be paid. This has been a very frustrating experience, Daniel has behaved very arrogantly and immaturely, and their work is sub par. Further, he advertises on his website that they will have you sell 10X more books if using their service. However, Daniel wrote in an email after I requested a refund: "Assuming you are good at presenting your offer, you will see a 10x ...increase in sales of your book." I suspect he means they assume no responsibility for the outcome of their work but, as he also wrote, "We deserve to get paid for the work we have done." Even if their "work" has been a complete waste of your time and money.

I am astounded by Daniel's lack of professionalism, disrespect and his assigning blame for his failure to his customer. None of this speaks well of Daniel Gefen's integrity. He has yet to learn that a contract is a binding agreement and he cannot shift the blame for their poor performance to their customers. I caution anyone who is considering using Gefen Media Group to ask Daniel Gefen about his policy for refunds when failing to deliver the contracted number of podcasts, if they will read or review your book prior to preparing your bio and pitching you (they copied and pasted from my website), and the specific categories they will be pitching so they are relevant to your book.

You should also ask him about the times he did not meet his contractual obligations to see if he will be truthful or if he points the finger at his customer. If they can't get the bookings, it is all on them.