Wisconsin BBB Warns Customers Over Bad Wedding Business

The following is a report from the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau and published in partnership with Wisconsin Patch.

MILWAUKEE, WI -- The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau Serving is warning brides-to-be and residents about a Grand Chute company, “Say I Do Wedding Services” and its principal, Scott M. Sockett II.

The Wisconsin BBB is reporting that it began receiving complaints in early 2018 and, to date, has processed 16 complaints from consumers in five states: Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota totaling almost $26,000.

According to the BBB, the company has an “F” rating, the BBB’s lowest grade, for failure to respond to complaints and failure to correct the underlying cause of complaints. BBB’s file on Say I Do Wedding Services opened in February 2018, and the company has used or is still using the following additional business names: Magic Focus Photography & Cinematography, S2 Wedding Solutions, and Wedding Solutions.

The BBB says most of the complaints are from brides-to-be who report they paid in full and in advance between $850 - $3,100 for wedding services such as photography, videography, DJ services, lighting services, and photo-booth rental, but didn’t receive what was paid and contracted for, photographs and videos not received, failure to receive refunds after canceling services, overall dissatisfaction with services and services not rendered.

While Sockett did respond to the majority of the complaints, the BBB says nearly all matters are still unresolved and without refunds.

“BBB’s file on this company opened with a complaint last February and we have been closely monitoring complaints received since that time,” says Jim Temmer, CEO/president of the BBB Serving Wisconsin. “When it comes to paying money for future services, BBB always recommends following the rule of thirds – pay not more than a third down, a third on your wedding day, and a third when you receive the final product.”

Say I Do Wedding Services and Magic Focus Photo websites and Facebook page are down as of May 29, 2019 and the company has not responded to BBB’s requests for general information nor a “Pattern of Complaint” letter sent to the company in February 2019. In addition, the company has not returned phone calls to the BBB investigator.

“I paid in full for videography and a photo booth for my wedding. The vendor never showed up to the event. I have taken the case to small claims court but still have yet to receive my refund. I want to receive my money back per the court settlement of $1,118.50,” Jennifer of Fond du Lac, WI stated in a BBB news release.

Sarah of Blue Earth, Minnesota also had some concerning things to say, according to the BBB: “I contracted for photography, videography and a photo booth and paid in full, $2,000. The day before, Scott informed me that he had surgery on his rotator cuff and will be sending a replacement photographer for my wedding. The day of the wedding, the replacement is nowhere to be found. Scott texted me that he couldn’t get hold of the replacement and was on his way himself. Scott did not show up to fulfill the contract. Now he will not respond to any messages and he’s started a new business under a different name. I fear he may be doing this to other people.”

The Better Business Bureau reminds consumers to check on companies before doing business. Also, get all promises in writing, never pay in cash or in full up front, and confirm with vendors two weeks prior to your big day.

To file a complaint with the BBB click here.
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