I am not here to complain, but instead warn anybody that works with or might want to work with Supermodels Unlimited Magazine, that they do not pay people for their services. Not one person or even two, multiple people have been promised payment by Supermodels Unlimited Magazine and received nothing. Hopefully they too will help warn others before working with Supermodels Unlimited Magazine, after all the Better Business Bureau rates them as an F.
I will tell you my quick story, facts only, as I do not need to embellish. Did multiple photo shoots for Supermodels Unlimited Magazine in September/October 2008 in my studio for their 'Most Beautiful' issue (Nov/Dec issue). Multiple celebrities, multiple days and multiple shots in the magazine. They asked for 24hr turn around which I did not charge them for, discounts on studio in which I gave them, discounts on other fee and etc. I complied and sent the images and invoice.
My invoice was very strait forward and said I would be paid in 30 days. At the 30 day mark I called to check on the status of the payment, could not get a hold of them until January 2009. Emails, texts to the editor, Kim Lawrence, and phone calls to the magazine office and editor. Meanwhile the issue I photographed was already off the shelf and the new issue was going up.
When I finally heard from them, only after threatening lawsuit/late fees due to no response, they promised me payment on the 90 day mark. Go and behold, nothing came in the mail. Countless calls attempting to receive this payment again and when I finally hear from them, Kim tells me they cannot pay without a W9 and mine wasn't filled out properly, which was sent in September? Months later this is a problem, weird? So I ask, 'So if I fax this W9 right now, will you send my check at the same time and send me a tracking number via email?' To which she said no and that after the W9 is sent, we will discuss payment? Discuss? It is almost March 2009.
A contract is a contract and I should not have to go through so much to receive one payment. Now I am forced to take them to court to receive payment.I urge anyone that works with or is planning on working with Supermodels Unlimited Magazine to run for the hills! If you don't believe me, check out their Better Business Bureau profile, I haven't even my complaint yet and they already have an F. Please don't buy this magazine, Photographers and other artists like me put a lot of work into those photographs and end up never getting paid.