BUYER'S GUIDE Entry
- Go to
http://www.coilwindingexpo.com/exhibitor_handbook_3-3_buyers_guide.htm to
use the easy on-line entry
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IMPORTANT WARNING -
FAIR GUIDE
We wish to issue a warning and disclaimer that we
have absolutely nothing to do with, and are not
associated in any way with a company called
FAIR GUIDE.
If you receive any correspondence from
Fairguide - Throw it away.
If you receive any e-mails from Fairguide
- delete them immediately.
Fairguide.com/Construct Data Verlag is an
Austrian-based organization registered in
Switzerland that regularly publicizes its services
to exhibitors at events, primarily in Europe. The
company uses a misleading form, which resembles an
organizer's Free Catalogue Listing Service, inviting
exhibitors to sign and return the form for an entry
in an on-line directory. Doing so contracts the
purchaser into the three-year, non-retractable
agreement. Non-payment is then followed by
aggressive debt collecting by Premium Recovery
It is important that the entire industry is made
aware of activities relating to third parties
contacting exhibitors for entries into show guides.
An example of one such guide is ‘Fairguide’ (see
below for more specific detail). We are strongly
advising our members and all exhibitors to be
vigilant against organizations such as this, who do
not represent the good name developed within the
exhibitions industry. All exhibitors must be more
aware of such guides and more generally to carefully
read small print details before signing any
document.
Please also note that despite settling out of court
and agreeing to stop sending out misleading forms,
Fairguide/Construct Data have altered the look and
format of their forms (including a new logo) and are
continuing to send these to exhibitors.
Important Developments 2007/2008
On 13 February 2007 Construct Data Verlag signed an
out of court settlement with the Schutzverband Gegen
Unlauteren Wettbewerb (representing Austrian
commercial interests in relation to unfair
competition). The initial defense from Construct
Data (who are behind the ‘Fair Guide’) was that the
Schutzverband represents Austrian commerce and could
therefore not act on behalf of companies outside the
country. The Schutzverband for their part argued
that CDs activities were so damaging to Austria’s
reputation as to constitute a cause for concern to
all Austrian businesses. The Schutzverband won this
important argument and at this point CD settled out
of court, essentially acceding to all the
Schutzverband’s main demands. Despite this agreement
CD have continued to mail 'new look' contracts and
continue to demand payment.
Following more recent action by the Schutzverband,
CD signed a further agreement on 21st February 2008.
Summary of new undertaking:
1. Construct Data will cease mailing misleading
forms from Austria to the EU, Switzerland and EWR
(affiliate States of the EU like Liechtenstein)
2. Any persons who dispute the Contracts, regardless
of the date of signing or their location can now
cancel.
3. Complaints received by the Schutzverband will be
forwarded to Construct Data and contracts annulled.
4. Construct Data may continue to demand money from
persons who have made a payment, even if they
disputed the contract and paid under duress,
(however experience shows that when people make
payments and then refuse further demands, Construct
Data does not go to court).
5. Construct Data are free to mail forms from
Outside Austria. We therefore recommend that ALL
companies in dispute with Construct Data who feel
deceived should refuse to pay. It is now important
that any organization that feels it was mislead by
Fairguide into signing a contract notifies them
immediately.
If you require further guidance please view
www.stopecg.org or contact cd@stopecg.org or the
Austrian Embassy on
london@wko.at
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