There are many reasons to support Spender Books (SB), one of the UK’s small independent publishers enriching readers’ lives, and in its case with engaging literary fiction and memoirs.

But another small marketing business StreetPR did it no favours when it failed to follow through on a promotional campaign SB paid for.

This left the solo venture owned by George Spender missing out both on the opportunity and struggling for a refund.

 ++ If you’ve been affected by this issue or feel you’ve been a victim of injustice, please contact consumer champion Maisha Frost on maisha.frost@express.co.uk ++

What turned out to be a horror show in several respects began when George booked an A4 poster campaign for record shops and gig venues last September for I saw Satan at the 7-Eleven by Christopher Brett Bailey, described as a part romance, part buddy comedy and part body horror novella.

George paid by bank transfer as there was a two per cent levy on credit and debit cards.

“I paid £390.48 upfront, but heard nothing more,” he told Crusader. “After contacting them several times I learned the salesperson I dealt with had left and my campaign had never been actioned and they would look into fixing the problem.

“But then again nothing despite multiple chases. In January I got a credit note but no payment.”

The nearest Crusader had to a scary manifestation to encourage the company to cough up was to ask it to refund a fellow small enterprise, plus throw in a goodwill gesture for the hassle George had had to contend with.

We heard no more, but George has now been paid although with no welcome extra.

This spectre has been laid to rest but for other small enterprises always do as many checks as you can before handing over your hard-earned cash. And make sure you have a written agreement with full details about where, when and how your campaign will take place – or otherwise give them a miss.  

www.spenderbooks.com