Question by Concerned Recruit: Interface Talent Networking recruiting me for Customer Service?
So I was called for an interview today. No, I’m not model material, but this was for a customer service job. They said my background fit the job perfectly. I found this a bit odd, because I have had customer service experience, but most of my background comes from sales. That’s fine, to be honest, I’d rather help customers with problems rather than try to force people to buy stuff they don’t want.

So anyway, I always do research on companies prior to meeting with them. My research has led me to an abundance of negative reviews from customers claiming it’s a scam, and it has horrific ratings with the BBB.

I’ve also learned that they do work with legit modeling agencies, although they are not one themselves. These agencies apparently have nothing but good things to say about them.

So on to my question(s):

A) Is this place really a scam, or are parents just not aware that you need to pay for a photo shoot in order to get your foot in the business (this seems to be a big debate on the internet)?

I have morals and have turned down plenty of scam jobs before, but I have a son to feed and can’t be as picky these days. Likewise, having a 2 year old son reminds me that I wouldn’t want someone scamming me in this manner (not that I would ever pay out $ 650-1000 for pictures) no matter how beautiful my son is.

B) Is it a good place to work for? Do they scam employees as well?

Am I being led to believe that I’m working customer service, when in fact they will want me to go into malls and convince parents to come in and pay outrageous amounts of money for photo shoots?

This is a difficult decision for me, and I will meet with them next week and form an opinion of my own, but I like to be prepared and not have the wool pulled over my eyes. Any and all comments and links would be appreciated, from both employees and customers.

Best answer:

Answer by Kittysue
I personally would not work for any company that had negative BBB reviews or tons of negative complaints about them. The BBB wouldn’t give them ratings below a C if there were just a few complaints or misunderstandings – there needs to be serious allegations against them for the BBB to give a D or F rating.

I’ve worked in the industry for 13 years and for a top agency and have NEVER heard of Interface

Are you relying on quotes on their website or marketing materials? Or have you actually called agencies like Ford or Elite to see if they even work with them. My old agency sued so many model searches and scouts who said they worked with us – even though we never did.

First of all, if they are convincing people to pay for photo shoots BEFORE they even have an agent, that’s a scam and complete waste of money. You NEVER get comp cards or professional portfolio shoots before you get signed to an agency as your agent needs to be involved in this. If you do get an agent, they are going to make you do everything over again, working with one of their recommended photographers – and your comp cards will need to be reprinted with your agency logo and contact details. You don’t need professional photos to get into the business – a few amateur snapshots are all you need. In fact, most agencies require amateur snaps if you don’t have any professioanl work in your porfolio.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!