The Bench Craft Company lawsuit has raised serious questions about the company’s advertising practices and treatment of small businesses. With thousands of clients across the United States, this legal battle could impact not just the company, but also the many businesses that worked with them. So, what’s really happening?
What Is Bench Craft Company?
Bench Craft Company, based in Portland, Oregon, is a marketing and advertising firm that’s been around since 1982. They specialize in advertising services targeted at small businesses, especially through golf course marketing. If you’ve seen a business ad on a golf course scorecard, tee sign, or bench — there’s a good chance Bench Craft had something to do with it.
They pitch their services to local businesses by promising exposure to golfers — an audience that tends to have disposable income and influence. The company often claims its services bring in more customers and grow brand awareness affordably. On the surface, it sounds like a smart marketing move for small businesses trying to get noticed in a crowded space.
Why Is There a Lawsuit Against Bench Craft Company?
The lawsuit against Bench Craft Company didn’t just come out of nowhere. Over time, a growing number of customers began reporting similar issues, including misrepresentation of services, unfulfilled advertising promises, and aggressive sales tactics.
Business owners who signed contracts with Bench Craft say they were led to believe that their ads would be seen by thousands of potential customers. However, many of them argue that the actual return on investment was low or even nonexistent. Some businesses reported they never even saw their ad displayed — despite paying for the service.
This led to a legal complaint that accuses the company of deceptive trade practices, false advertising, and breach of contract. The lawsuit seeks damages and aims to stop what plaintiffs describe as a pattern of dishonest behavior.
What Are People Saying About the Company?
Online reviews, BBB complaints, and forums are filled with mixed feedback — but many tilt toward the negative. While some clients report decent service and results, a larger group claims that working with Bench Craft left them frustrated and out of money.
Complaints About Advertising Promises
One of the most common complaints is that Bench Craft overpromises and underdelivers. Business owners say the company pitched them on the idea of high visibility and leads, but in reality, the advertisements were poorly placed or never actually shown.
Many ads ended up on golf course materials that saw little to no foot traffic. Some clients even discovered that the course their ad was supposed to appear on had no idea about the partnership. This led to accusations that the company was misrepresenting their reach and fabricating parts of their sales pitch.
Hard to Get Refunds
Another major sticking point is the refund process — or lack thereof. Businesses who weren’t satisfied tried to cancel or get their money back, but found themselves stuck. Either their refund requests were denied outright, or they were told that the contract didn’t allow cancellations once payment was made.
Many users have described the company’s customer service as unresponsive or dismissive. One business owner claimed they called multiple times to request a cancellation, but the company kept charging their card monthly despite the complaints.
Not Easy to Cancel
Contracts with Bench Craft are reportedly difficult to cancel. Several business owners said that they felt tricked into long-term contracts. Even those who wanted out early were told they’d be responsible for full payments — no matter the circumstances.
Some clients also said they didn’t even realize they had signed multi-year agreements. The fine print often went unnoticed during phone sales calls, leading to confusion and legal disputes.
What Does the Lawsuit Say?
The Bench Craft Company lawsuit outlines several serious allegations. Chief among them are claims that the company engaged in deceptive marketing tactics, violated consumer protection laws, and failed to deliver on the services it promised.
The lawsuit includes testimonials from small business owners across multiple states. These plaintiffs claim they were misled, financially harmed, and left without real marketing results. Legal experts note that if the claims are proven true, Bench Craft could face millions in penalties and restitution.
According to the court filings, plaintiffs argue that the company’s business model relies more on sales than service — meaning it’s more focused on getting clients to sign up than actually helping them grow their business.
How Did the Company Respond?
Bench Craft Company has denied any wrongdoing. In official statements, they claim that their business practices are legal and that most of their customers are satisfied. They argue that some of the complaints come from misunderstandings or businesses that didn’t use the advertising correctly.
The company also insists that their contracts are clear and that all clients are made aware of terms before signing. As of now, Bench Craft is fighting the lawsuit and has hired legal representation to push back against the allegations.
Still, the backlash has affected their reputation. As online complaints grow, the company is under increasing pressure to prove its value and clean up its image.
Is This the First Time Bench Craft Had Legal Trouble?
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Bench Craft Company has faced criticism — or legal scrutiny. In fact, many of the same issues in the current lawsuit have appeared in the past.
Past Complaints
Back in the 2000s and 2010s, similar complaints surfaced. Many small businesses posted on forums, consumer protection sites, and social media warning others about their experience. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has logged hundreds of complaints related to advertising disputes, contract issues, and poor customer service.
Despite the volume of complaints, Bench Craft managed to continue operations. This left many wondering how a company with so many issues could stay in business for so long.
Other Legal Problems
There have been scattered reports of settlements and state investigations over the years, but none were as high-profile as the current lawsuit. These earlier cases mostly ended quietly, often with nondisclosure agreements or small fines.
Legal experts say that this kind of repeat behavior could be important in the current lawsuit. If plaintiffs can show a pattern of misconduct, the court may consider stricter penalties or broader consumer protection actions.
What Can Small Business Owners Learn from This?
The Bench Craft case offers several important lessons for small business owners:
- Always read the contract carefully, especially the cancellation terms and service details.
- Be cautious of high-pressure sales tactics that promise quick results or large returns.
- Research the company thoroughly. Check reviews, BBB ratings, and online forums before signing up.
- Ask for examples of previous work and verifiable proof of performance.
Most importantly, remember that marketing is a long-term investment. If a company makes it sound too good to be true, it probably is.
What Happens Next in the Lawsuit?
As of early 2025, the lawsuit is ongoing. Court proceedings are in the early stages, with both sides preparing evidence and testimony. A trial date hasn’t been officially announced, but legal experts expect things to move forward sometime this year.
If the plaintiffs win, Bench Craft could face heavy financial penalties and might even have to change how it does business. On the flip side, if the company wins or settles out of court, it may still deal with reputational damage for years to come.
The Bottom Line
The Bench Craft Company lawsuit is more than just a legal fight — it’s a wake-up call for small business owners everywhere. It shows how easy it is to get caught up in the promise of simple marketing solutions, only to be left disappointed and financially hurt.
Whether Bench Craft is ultimately found guilty or not, the lawsuit has already raised serious concerns about transparency, business ethics, and fair treatment of customers. It’s a reminder that every small business should take the time to research, read the fine print, and think twice before signing on the dotted line.
