Manyadvertisements seeking beauty pageant participants read, “Win Big Prizes!Scholarships! Cash! Become the Next Supermodel!” These ads are appealing toparents of young children, teens and others who are convinced they have what ittakes to become the next big star. Participating in a beauty pageant mayprovide a rewarding experience, but many would-be contestants find that somepageant promoters do not deliver what they promise. While there are legitimate pageants,there are also those - whose only purpose is to fatten the pockets ofpromoters.
In2010, Better Business Bureau received nearly 10,000 inquiries from consumersabout beauty pageant promotions. “Beauty pageants can carry big price tags,” saidRobert Shomphe, President/CEO. “Before finding yourself scammed out ofthousands of dollars, it’s important to check out the pageant operator with BBBfirst.”
Beforeentering into a pageant, parents and others who want to get involved shouldconsider the following questions:
How long has thecompany been operating pageants? Who are the directors? Usually pageantsare operated by for-profit organizations that solicit participants by mail orprint advertising, or by broadcast media, to compete for recognition and prizesfrom the promoter.
What is the totalcost of pageant participation for both the entrant and the chaperone? Oftentimes, familyor business sponsors are asked to pay a sponsorship fee, which can vary insize, to the pageant promoter to cover hotel rental fees, awards,administrative costs and salary for company personnel and to generate companyprofits. Also, keep in mind that there are other costs for entrants, such asclothing, make-up, food and lodging.
Can the location(place of business) of the pageant company be verified? Where and whenwill the actual pageant be held? What accommodations are provided forcontestants? Will there be adequate supervision?
Do all of thedetails add up? Arethere judges and what are their qualifications? Do they have any affiliationwith the company? Are refunds possible if a contestant decides to withdraw fromthe pageant? How are the winners chosen? What criteria are used for selection?What are the obligations of the winning contestant? What do former contestantsand winners have to say about the pageant? Ask the company for references.Finally, what benefit will be derived from participating or winning?
Do the winningssound too good to be true? If so, they probably are. Be sure to read any contractcarefully and thoroughly in advance of entering a pageant to understand therights and responsibilities of the winner or other contestants.
Formore consumer tips and news you can trust, visit www.bbb.org/us/bbb-news.