Yext, Inc.

Review: Yext promised to get me listed across a number of platforms such as [redacted], Merchant circle etc, for the areas that my business services. We not come up as listed on any of these platforms except in the town that we are located in. I explained, when I initially contacted them, that we are a pet sitting business and cover multiple towns. Their service would help us come up on the first page they said. Not only do we not come up on the first page we do no come up on any of the pages!!! We only come up for Mahwah, which is our address and when I login into to Yext they show us as listed with these platforms, but we are not on any of the pages for our area. Even worse businesses that are over 40 miles away come up first and don't even service the towns that were searched for. Yext said these companies pay to come up first. What am I paying Yext for then? I brought this issue to their attention initially and they said it takes time I gave it a whole year! I followed all of their instructions to the letter. We still do not come up. They have agreed to refund me 399. oo for this year, but I want a full refund for last year of 699.00. All I received as an explanation was a lot of double talk and spin. It looks like they have a large cardre of negative reviews on [redacted] so I don't understand why you have given them an a+ rating. They are ripping businesses off.Desired Settlement: Full refund for 2014 of 699.00. A refund for this year only is unacceptable.

Business

Response:

To whom it may concern,We spoke with [redacted] on Friday in regards to her account. [redacted] was upset because when performing a search on [redacted] for her business name and a nearby town, she was not seeing herself in the results on [redacted]. She also noted that she was not able to find herself on [redacted] for the same search. Because of this, [redacted] declared that Yext was not fulfilling its promise to her, and there was no benefit to using Yext.We tried to explain to [redacted] the way that Yext works, which is as follows: When a business signs up for Yext, we claim any existing listings that the business has on our publisher sites. If there are any sites in which the business is not already listed with a basic free listing, Yext creates one. Yext also allows the business owner to add extra content through their Yext dashboard, which we will then add to each of the listings. Yext also provides analytics with the account so that the business owners can track the progress of their listings and see exactly how many searches and profile views they are receiving. As far as searchability, Yext promises that the business will show up in the organic search results for their area. They will have the best visibility in the town in which they reside, and they may also have visibility in searches for other towns in the surrounding area. This varies on a site by site basis, but generally most sites will list businesses within a 20-25 mile radius. We also explained to [redacted] that many of these sites do have a paid service on an individual basis where businesses can pay a large monthly sum to appear at the top of the searches in their town and other towns. Yext, however, does not participate in this type of non-organic search, since we have found that the most success lies within purely organic search and enhanced listings which attract user attention. (With all that being said, we did several searches with [redacted] on the phone, and were able to show her that her business was in fact showing up on some of our publishers in the surrounding town that she mentioned ([redacted].) We want to reitterate, however, that this is not part of the Yext promise, but rather a bonus added to the fact that she was already searchable in her own town/zip. We found this to be true almost immediately on 2 of our largest publishers, [redacted] and [redacted]. Once this was brought to [redacted]'s attention, she let us know that the service was still not useful to her, and that she would like a refund for the previous years service, as well as a full refund for this year's service.Our cancellation policy offers pro-rated refunds for any unused service, but since [redacted] was clearly very upset we offered to override our standing cancellation policy and honor a full refund for this current term. We let her know that a refund for the prior year would not be possible since we did in fact fulfill the service as it is sold. [redacted] accepted the refund, and we sent a follow up email to further clarify exactly what we do so that she would have this information in writing.At this time, we will not be able to fulfill [redacted]'s request for a refund for last year's term. We do wish her the very best of luck and are happy to address any additional questions.Best,Supervisor of Client Support

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

I have done print screens of the search where we do not even show up on the listings at all on [redacted] even though you showed on Yext that we were live! You guarantee a listing! You have misrepresented your service to me and if I do not receive a full refund in the amount of 699.00 I will take this to the attorney generals office.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

Yext works with over 50 local search sites and each one of these sites operates differently. Every site has their own unique algorithm to determine how a business comes up in search. Yext helps you get or manage a listing on these sites - but has little control over searchability. If site X has a radius of 30 miles but site Y has a radius of 60 miles, Yext cannot change that and often don't have the visibility into the radius because it is often proprietary to their service offering. When explaining our service, I apologize if we were not as specific as you would have liked, but the things pertaining to searchability really lie with how the local search sites are designed and not with how the Yext Powerlisting product functions. We can offer advice, like we did in the few correspondences you have had with our Support Team throughout 2014, but we cannot control how these sites' search algorithms operate. If local search sites are not satisfying your marketing needs, I would recommend looking into paid advertising such as pay per click ads. They are often allow for more customization that may better suit your marketing goals.Lastly, as far as [redacted] goes. Nowhere in our marketing or product does it say that we are able to update a [redacted] listing and we again apologize if there was confusion surrounding that but it is not something we offer or have ever offered. I understand that Yext is not the solution that you were looking for and hoped for. As such, we have refunded you in full for this year's service. As far as last year's service goes, we are unable to refund you for the full year of service you received. If you still have questions about your time with Yext or about how the service works, please feel free to reach out directly by phone and we can discuss further. All the best,[redacted]

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

Completely unacceptable. It is clear that Yext is only interested in arguing with their customers not in reaching a solution for what they allege/even admit was a "misunderstanding". I believe it was fraud and misrepresentation. I will escalate this to to the Attorney general's office as well as make my dissatisfaction heard all over social media. It is going to cost Yext a lot more in lost business than the refund I am asking for and the fact that Yext won't come to an agreeable solution just proves to me even further that I am not dealing with a reputable company. I hope you give them an F rating for their terrible handling of this complaint. Algorithms..give me a break..what an easy out for you. Oh it is algorithms. Well I have nothing better to do today than post my dissatisfaction all over social media.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Review: Have not used Yext service for almost 2 years. Cancelled my account through the admin area supplied to me, called and cancelled over the phone, was confirmed cancelled. One year later my card gets charged for $249. tried to call Yext. Hold times were unbearable, had to resort to a charge back. This is not the way to do business with people.Desired Settlement: I have filed a claim with Bank of America to reverse the unauthorized charge Yext performed post cancellation of services 1 year ago. I expect this claim to be honored and some sort of explanation as to why my card would be charged after I cancelled my account with Yext over 1 year ago.

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern, This is regarding NYRevdex.com Complaint #[redacted], where [redacted] requested to cancel his account so it would not be charged again. I spoke with [redacted] on the phone and we were able to resolve the complaint amicably. We are happy to assist in any other way that we can. All the best,Supervisor of Client Support - Yext

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], based on the understanding that Yext was willing to refund my money, and agreed to not dispute the chargeback I find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: I am representing a client who runs a day spa in Stanwood, Washington.

Yext is a database company that provides information to listings such as [redacted] and [redacted]. My client's home address is listed as her business address on over 20 websites across Yext subscribers. Because her home address is listed, guests are going to her home rather than her business in the adjacent city when looking for her business. This is in violation of her privacy, and causing loss of income. Yext is demanding $150/year to "claim" each of these listings so I can fix the address. By threatening my client's business in exchange for money Yext is committing extortion, and appropriate legal action will be taken.Desired Settlement: Settlement for damages, and correction of all incorrect listings.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: In connection with complaint #[redacted] Newyork.Revdex.com.org (Revdex.com Serving Metropolitan New York (New York, NY) [redacted] against [redacted]. [redacted] apparently uses the services of Yext as a third party.

Initially contracted [redacted] to straighten out certain page listings on 5/*/2015 found out they were not going to honor my conditions and they 'misrepresented' some other things. Cancelled contract with them in 24 hours.

Fast forward to 9/**/2015 Got notice from [redacted] about a couple listing changes. Went to investigate and found this: Hijacked my local business listing with no authorization from me nor any contract from [redacted] and filled it with erroneous information such as the website is wrong (they changed it to one of theirs generalcontractorrockfordil.com vs what I had when I actually created ALL MY LOCAL LISTINGS [redacted]. Hours are wrong. They put 9am-5pm. I had 7am-5pm.

Contacted [redacted] They are giving me the runaround - Only way I can change the information is... To buy into Yext, Inc services.

Bottomline, these things should have never happened especially several months AFTER the contract with [redacted] was cancelled.

Yext, Inc in conjunction with [redacted] is practicing unscrupulous business tactics, holding my [redacted] local listing page hostage, redirecting web traffic, using some of my proprietary pictures and business information in an attempt to coerce me and my business into paying for a service to fix that which they were not authorized to change in the first place

complaint #[redacted] (Revdex.com Serving Metropolitan [redacted] has screenshots, pdf's and other attachmentsDesired Settlement: Release my [redacted] business listing and correct it from what you changed it from. [redacted] My website is rockfordremodeling.biz My hours are 7 am - 5 pm Monday thru Friday Saturday 7am - 3pm DO NOT EVER MESS WITH ANYTHING OF MINE AGAIN OR CONTACT ME IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern, This is regarding NYRevdex.com Complaint #[redacted]. [redacted] had an active paid account with [redacted], a partner of Yext who is licensed to resell our technology. [redacted]’s relationship with [redacted] was cancelled soon after signing up. Months later, during a time where he had no active paid account with [redacted], [redacted] was notified that there were changes made to his local listing on [redacted]. While [redacted] was never a client of Yext, I still called him in order to hopefully bring some clarity to the situation and offer my advice and help in any way possible.I spoke with [redacted] on the phone and explained the situation he was facing. It appears that his [redacted] listing was updated by one of the thousands of outside sources that have the ability to update local listings. While [redacted] believes [redacted] and Yext conspired to manipulate his listing, I explained that this is not possible since there was no active account at that time, meaning that there is no connection or feed to the listing that would allow it to be updated through the Yext technology/[redacted] platform. I offered to show [redacted] how he could submit listing corrections for free to [redacted] but he made it clear that he was not interested and continuously denied my attempts to help. [redacted] was not happy with my honest explanation of the situation and the call was ended by him. I am open to having a friendly discussion with [redacted] if he would like, as I think I can help him in some capacity if he would allow me. Thank you,Supervisor of Client Support - Yext

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:This is a blatant lie. Only 2 sources knew of the domain

name that was used on the listing.[redacted]. I was told

by the [redacted] rep I talked to that they use the services of Yext, Inc.As I was glossing over other peoples complaints on here, it

appears that this is a common practice to coerce people into buying into their

service in order to gain their places pages back. I don't think it is a mere

coincidence that Yext, Inc is doing this to 'increase revenue' and look good to

the board since [redacted], Inc has partnered with them in managing small business

place pages.Bottomline, if Yext were truly honest and wanted to help

straighten their mess out. They would have offered to create a temporary

account (as one of their excuses was, you don't have an account with us in

order for us to fix it) and fixed their mess. I spoke to a [redacted] representative

who is a Partner Manager, Global Partnerships about this issue. I don't very

seriously that 1000's are able to modify a business's place page at will. If

that were the case, then why have one in the first place and why verify it as I

have originally done when I created it along with several others on major

search sites several years ago?I did not deny their help, I simply denied their not

accepting responsibility and their refusal to correct their mistake.

Unscrupulous business practices these characters (Yext, Inc) employ.As for 'fixing' per this Yext rep mentioned - You

automatically get railroaded into Yext services to [redacted]

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

As I have stated in my previous correspondence, [redacted] has never had an account with Yext. = True and never will deal with this unscrupulous businessAlso, Yext does not have the ability to edit or update business listings for businesses that do not have accounts with us. = This IS A BLATANT LIE. One week after communicating with a [redacted] rep, straightened out my listing wich was labeled as a 'Powerlisting' - oops - that's Yext. I received an email from [redacted] "[redacted]" So I looked at it - Listing was demoted to basic which is fine with me, but I happened to notice another listing with the same info Yext originally submitted. I promptly emailed the [redacted] rep I have been communicating with to 'kill' that listing with erroneous information. See Re_ Your Freedom Builders & Remodelers Local Listing.pdfAs such, Yext is not involved in this situation. = Again another lie. See above and previous submitted documentation.If [redacted] would like to do a free submission on [redacted], he can enter his information into the scan on the page below, following through the flow, and then when selecting a package click the linked option "Claim your basic listing only on [redacted]", which is below the [redacted]-only paid package. = I had already done this (and maintained) years before Yext came along to screw things up and hijack my original listing(s)In an actual attempt to do as suggested to 'claim' what I see does not correspond with the screenshots submitted by Yext rep, which indicates an attempt to be deceptive about their 'trying to assist' me. Experience has taught me, not to trust this company and it is a form of railroading.We have assisted [redacted] in every way that we can and we wish him the best of luck in the future. = Only assistance Yext has offered is to waste a lot of my time, caused grief, agitation, stole web traffic and customers

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern,Based on the remainder of the complaint that was re-opened, it appears that there is nothing left for Yext to do in this situation. I am glad [redacted] was able to get his listings updated and removed directly through [redacted]. I would like to apologize for the frustrations he encountered and wish we had the ability to do more to help in the situation he was facing. We wish [redacted] the best with everything moving forward. Best regards,Supervisor of Client Support, Yext

Review: Yext found me while I was advertising for clients as a beauty tec. I only have two clients a week and am a self employed woman on a fixed income. '[redacted]' Trashed my listing with information that was outdated after stalking me for days trying to sell me on Yext listings, which I can't afford. "[redacted]' persisted to contact me by email. He canged all my listings to outdated information and old photos to ruin my business and only source of income. I cant afford yext, so they decided to ruin what little business I had.Desired Settlement: Don't let their salesmen put people out of business, because they can't be intimidated to use the service yext is selling. Repair my listing that was trashed by yext to get me to pay to fix it. If I had money, I would have been intimidated to pay them to keep trouble away from me, but this is too far.

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern:I am writing in regards to Revdex.com complaint ID # [redacted]. After reading this complaint, I have gathered that [redacted] is unhappy with how she was treated by a Yext sales representative. Also, she claims that the Yext sales representative manipulated her business listings to spite her for not purchasing our service through him.On behalf of the sales representative and Yext, we first of all want to apologize for her experience. We have forwarded it to the sales manager for review, and we want to let her know that we do not condone such behavior. Next I would like to address [redacted]’s claim about the sales representative “trashing” her listings. As a data provider and a paid service, Yext can only update business listings for businesses that have paid for a subscription with us. Her business listings exist on the web independent of Yext and since [redacted] does not have an active, paid, account with Yext, there is no way for anyone at Yext to have changed her information.In an attempt to rectify this situation and address her complaint, I called out to [redacted] on 12/*/2014. [redacted] promptly terminated the call when I stated my name and intentions. We have since added her to the 'Do Not Call' list to prevent any future sales calls. I also corresponded with [redacted] when she left a review on our [redacted] listing on 12/*/2014. The review’s content was very similar to her Revdex.com complaint. I replied publicly on the [redacted] page, which garnered a private reply from [redacted], to which I also replied. At this time, there is no further action that Yext can take to help [redacted] with her listings without a subscription. However, we are happy to provide her with any publisher site contact information we have if she would like to contact these sites individually. We wish her the very best, and should she have any other questions, she can feel free to reach out to our Support Department.Thank you,[redacted] - Yext

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID#[redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

I directly have been updating my info on these sites one by one. If I am not on a site, it is because it is not used in my area. They need to stop changing my information, listing incorrect addresses, and my phone # has not changed for years. I have no idea wherthe old [redacted] number used on one outdated site is from, because they are calling to harass me on my correct business phone number.. I am changing my own listing. I have to do it myself- You can't get blood from a turnup.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern,This is regarding re-opened complaint ID# [redacted]. It appears that [redacted] has re-opened this complaint with the same concerns about Yext changing her business information to incorrect information on her business listings. As we address in our initial response, [redacted] does not have a subscription with Yext and therefore we have no ability to update her business listings. Yext is a paid service that can only manage listings for business that pay for a subscription. Since [redacted] does not have a subscription, there is nothing else we can do for her at this time. If [redacted] would like contact information for the sites that we work with, we would be happy to provide that to her. Thank you, [redacted] - Yext

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID#[redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

This is a high -pressure sales room, like the toner salesmen of the 1980s. Except these people ruin businesses that decline to buy their product. I don't know of any other legal businesses that intimidate you into buying services, 'or else'. Is this even a real business? or just a sales room with extortion tactics, willing to do anything for commission, that coaches sales people to be rude, pushy, intimidating and punishes people that don't want to hire them.. If the [redacted] is the only phone number I have listed on their services-across the board and the old address/phone from 2011 is the ONLY phone number showing on any listing I have, why is this company calling me on my correct phone number that I have used, advertised and listed since 2011? How did they even find my number? There is no reason for the other number to come up and my new number to disappear completely.

I hope these people can be investigated for unethical business practices, and preying on poor self-employed people.I wonder how many people this company has destroyed in selling[extortion] their service? How many hard working self-employed people trying to make a living in a bad economy-have lost their business to to their monkey business? I told them I could not afford their services months ago, , yet I am still on their sales list, and when they call, my info some how reverts to outdated info, using my full name and full face photos[which I have not used publicly, since 2011] This company has unethical business practices and should be looked into, they deny everything and refuse to alter their unethical business practices. That alone raises a red flag.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Review: I purchased online advertising to promote my company online with [redacted]. They duplicated a [redacted] page without my consent. [redacted] posted a picture of me on [redacted] without my consent. I got upset about it and called them to resolve the issue and they denied any wrong doing or would not even help. I told them I wanted to cancel my service. They said, we can do that but keep in mind that we will relinquish the rights to the listings and anyone can edit your info at anytime and they will not remove from internet. I said, you can't do that because you never told me that from the beginning when I signed up nor did I sign anything stating that. This is a scam, phishing or malware. They had me download their app for iPhone but I deleted after cancellation. This started in May 2013. After canceling I was still seeing the duplicate [redacted] page in [redacted] search results, but the page that I administrate is not showing up online - only on [redacted]. [redacted] said, they will not remove any of my company info unless I paid them again to be under their services, so I did like a fool. I have paid them $990.00 which I have not been refunded - they also said, after I paid the second time, that they did not provide a [redacted] page and that one of their third party sites must have, but they do not have any control over them! I reported to [redacted] but they will not remove because it is not my intellectual property and I also have no access to that duplicate page to delete or remove from [redacted]. I reported to [redacted] and their response was, they were looking into this but their was unusual high traffic from my ip address. I have called [redacted] 4 times now and they will not help. I think they installed something on my iPhone and have been invading my privacy, and also embarrassing me online with regards to the wrong information being provided in the description of my business! ([redacted] misspelled the word remodeling and spelled it remolds) This is a big problem that I need resolved asap! These people were rude on the phone and treated me like I was stupid! I want my money back and I want all of my information deleted from their database and confirmed of doing so! I also believe that they installed something on my iPhone or internet address and are using a bad format for putting my company information online! I mean who charges someone for services and does not do their job correctly and scams you? Never did they tell me about any agreement other than collecting $495.00 a year to put my information, on online local listings for my services. But when I went to cancel they pulled the bait and switch on me! Do not buy any services from these people! This is just an absolute nightmare!Desired Settlement: I want my $990.00 refunded and I want them to remove or relinquish all company and personal information gathered, back to me or deleted properly! I want a guarantee that this situation is handled properly! Even if that means getting the authorities involved!

Business

Response:

To whom it may concern,

[redacted] has reached out to [redacted] regarding his complaint with the Revdex.com. In his complaint, [redacted] stated that [redacted] created a duplicate page on [redacted] for his business, and mentioned that in his many attempts to resolve this, the support representatives that he spoke with let him know that there was no problem and that the reps did not help him. After reviewing the communications that [redacted] has had with our Client Support Team, I was able to discover that each time he contacted us, the representatives let him know that this duplicate listing was not generated by [redacted], but did offer several solutions to try to help [redacted] get the duplicate removed. There were specific solutions mentioned that the reps walked [redacted] through, such as showing him how to "Report a Problem," "Claim and Merge", and "Request to Delete" a page on [redacted]. It was noted in almost every documented communication with the reps that [redacted] terminated the call mid session, and the reps were unable to move forward with continuing to assist him as a result.

After going over all of this information in the account, and reviewing exactly what happened with our involvement with [redacted]'s [redacted] page, I attempted to reach him by phone to listen to his concerns, discuss the situation and provide some suggestions. Before I could even attempt to provide any information or apologize for his frustrations, [redacted] stated that he did not wish to speak with me, and promptly terminated the call. I followed up with him by e-mail with the following information:

I did a deep investigation into his account and all past communications/technical actions on the account, and I do have some finite information as a result. [redacted] first signed up with us on 5/*/13, at which time, our system began searching the web for existing listings to match to for his business.

We detected and matched to the following [redacted] page on 5/*/13 at 12:28 PM:[redacted]

When I did a [redacted] search, as he mentioned in his complaint, I did locate a duplicate account here: [redacted]

By reviewing the public details on the duplicate [redacted] page, I was able to detect that the duplicate page was created on May **, 2013. As some background information before I continue, [redacted] has administrative privileges of any [redacted] page that we created prior to 12/**/13 (after which time we changed our system and stopped taking direct administrative privileges of clients pages to make the syncing process easier.) When I attempted to check for [redacted] administrative privileges of this duplicate page, I found that we did NOT have administrative privileges, and therefore, did not create the listing. There are no exceptions to this idea: any page created by [redacted] prior to 12/**/13 is under administrative privileges of [redacted]. This is how I was able to tell definitively that we did not create the page.

We completely understand the frustration and confusion that [redacted] is feeling since we are not able to help remove this duplicate page. Some advice that I was able to provide as options moving forward, was to send a 'message' through [redacted] to the page (screenshot attached to show how to do this.) This will prompt an e-mail to be sent to whoever is in control of this page, and if [redacted] is the owner under one of his e-mail addresses, he will be notified. Otherwise, I suggested that he try logging into any personal [redacted] pages that might be admins of this page (his, a family member's, a business partner's) to see if they have administrative privileges.

To address the final part of [redacted]'s complaint, we are happy to issue a pro-rated refund for all the unused service. I have attached the cancellation terms in my e-mail to him, which outline what happens to the account when we cancel service, and let him know that if he simply replies that he understands and agrees to these terms, we could issue a refund immediately for all of the unused service with no need for a phone conversation.

I then provided direct contact information for our Support Department should he have further questions or comments. We have received no response from [redacted], and must hear from him either by e-mail or by phone to confirm that he would actually like the account cancelled and understands our terms of cancellation. We are more than happy to speak with him to clarify any of this information further, and hope to hear from him so we can resolve this with him directly.

This company has been an absolutely nightmare to work with ever since they reached out to me to switch to this new "system" they had. The sales guy "Kevin Clark" was only interested in locking me in to a program that was beyond confusing and something I did not want to do. the only reason I agreed to doing it was because he assured me I would NOT have to pay anymore money. Then they charged my credit card over $4000 without any warning!!! Now this "Felecia Dillon" lady who is my account manager has been useless. I have pointed out countless flaws and errors in yext's system and they simply don't care. These 2 people including Yext Partner support have 1 mission and their mission is to screw me over at all costs. I have a very large company with several hundred clients and because Kevin & Felecia wan't to screw me over and only care about making their yext sales commission, now they lost MEGA business. You guys did an UNAUTHORIZED charge on my credit card. Great idea for a product but the people who run it do business like terrorists.

Review: I received an email purporting a conversation regarding a contract for services I never had.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved. I was told that they would remove my numbers and email from their lists and never contact me again. Should I receive calls or emails again, I will pursue every option to seek damage, penalty I can. I am also sharing my experience with members and online with my social media accounts.

Sincerely,

I checked my listing on there website, representative Herry M[redacted] contacted me. we didn't agreed on the pricing, so I asked to be removed from the contact list, I never heard back from it even though I didn't go in partnership with them, I have to say that the gentleman was polite and professional.

Review: This is a new practice in which yellow pages and several other websites have inaccurate information regarding my business. I have contacted yellow pages and switchboard.com to correct such issues in which they send me directly to yext.com or yext inc. This company has called my business and been very rude to my employees, they are harassing us through email and phone calls. They are requiring and high fee to change my "free" telephone listings. I think this is a scam and people like myself are being ripped off.Desired Settlement: I would like my telephone number to be corrected in yellow pages, switchboard and any website that has inaccurate information regarding my new business.

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern:

Review: I have never heard of Yext until tonight. In updating all my sites on [redacted], [redacted], [redacted], etc. it came to my attention that the wrong telephone number to my business was listed on [redacted] and [redacted] and on about a dozen other local sites. I called [redacted] and informed them about the wrong telephone number being listed. [redacted] told me they could not correct it and that it had to be corrected by the marketing company that was sending out the wrong phone number. They tracked it and I was told by several different search engines that Yext was sending out my wrong phone number to the search engines and local sites. This is sabotage !!! First I have NEVER hired Yext for any marketing. Second they have no legal right to send out wrong information about a company. That is Fraud !!!Third they try to get you to submit to a contract to do the needed changes. This is extortion !!! These people belong in prison. I fully expect Revdex.com to get Yext to list my correct phone number. I will be contacting The [redacted] to file a complaint also against this business because they have cost my company much business and money with their criminal business practices !!!!!Desired Settlement: I want my correct telephone number to be listed on all Yext sites and partners IMMEDIATELY !!!!! Or else there will be a civil lawsuit.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: In the summer of 2014 I moved my business. After trying for 2 months to update my business listings all over the internet I soon found that Yext had agreements with many of the business listing websites to direct business owners such as myself to Yext to offer a quick an easy way to update their business listings with one subscription, instead of subscribing to each individual listing website. Since my customers were constantly showing up at my old address, I had no choice but to pay Yext $500 to update "most" of the incorrect listings on the internet. Once I set up the account, many of the listings were updated but we still had trouble with some customers showing up at the old address. 1 year later, I was called by Yext to renew our subscription. I refused due to the very high cost of simply keeping MY information up to date. To me this is extortion. Soon after I cancelled my subscription, many of the listings on the internet for my business not only went back to being wrong, but they went back to an even older address than my last! I understand Yext is trying to make a buck on this service but extorting small business owners into paying a $500 to keep their own information updated is just wrong.Desired Settlement: Seeing that I paid $500 for Yext to do a couple of keystrokes to update my business listings, I would like my listings to be updated to the correct address, specifically on sites that are owned or affiliated with Yext, ie HotFrog, etc. for no fee.

If this is not agreeable by Yext I would like my business information to be permanently removed from all Yext affiliated listings. This is my personal information that I paid to be registered by the State of MD and I do not give them permission to list my business if they are going to maliciously list the wrong information because I do not want to pay them $500 per year.

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern,This is regarding NYRevdex.com Complaint #[redacted]. [redacted] is concerned about his business listings changing once he cancelled his Yext service. I attempted to get in touch with [redacted] on the phone several times over the past two weeks but after a lot of phone tag, I decided responding on here would be the best course of action. Yext provided [redacted] business information to his listings as promised during the paid period. When he chose to not renew the service, our feed with the listings is severed and we no longer have control over the information that displays on them. Many sites will look to other data providers to find this information or they will revert to what was there previously. Since his account was cancelled and were no longer synced with the listings, as we were previously, what happened next was out of our control. [redacted] was made aware that this could happen at the time of his cancellation, as all of our Support reps read terms regarding termination of the service just before actually cancelling the account. As far as his desired settlement goes, we do not have the ability to edit or manipulate the listings we once powered since there is no longer a paid subscription and active connection to the listings. That is the only way we can connect to and update listings. Therefore, there is no way for Yext to maliciously list incorrect business information for the business. Lastly, since his account is inactive, we are not passing his information to any listings and can therefore not remove it from any of the sites either. Yext is not the only solution for businesses to manage their listings so my advice is for [redacted] to find another third party to work with or reach out to the sites directly if he is not interested in using our service but still would like to control his listings. If there is anything else we can do to help, including providing contact information for the sites we work with, we are happy to comply. If [redacted] would still like to hop on a call to speak about this situation, I am still happy to do so, as well.Best regards,Supervisor of Client Support, Yext

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

I do not dispute that Yext updated my information during the subscription period. What I am disputing is that businesses like mine are FORCED to pay fees to keep their information updated on the internet. The only alternative to not using the services of Yext is to contact every website on the internet that provides business listings, create an account, and then change my business listing manually. Yext knows this is not a viable alternative. If it was easily done, Yext would not be in business. As you see in the response from Yext, they are more than happy to give the information of the other listing websites because they know that business owners do not have the time to manually set up an account and change the listings on every website that has a faulty listing. I have tried this alternative for many websites and ironically, many of them refer back to Yext to update your listing. My biggest complaint is that even after I paid $500 to update my listing with Yext affiliates, many of the affiliates that had the correct information went back to old information. Case in point CityMaps. CityMaps is a direct affiliate with Yext, they obviously get their info from Yext. Here is a quote from their site:"[redacted]"

So according to Yexts' response, you would think that at LEAST the sites that use Yext for their data would have the updated information.. This is not the case... CityMaps did have the correct information during my subscription and now it has gone back to the wrong address. Contrary to what Yext wrote in their response, the full listing did not go back finding old information on a different site, It is getting the wrong information from Yext. Their story does not add up. Here is the link to what my CityMaps listing looks like now. Keep in mind, this site gets their data from Yext.[redacted]

This proves that Yext is hiding behind technical speak to justify changing listing back to the wrong info.Someone needs to stand up to this company and put it on record that they are parasite that feeds on extortion of businesses. I am including a screen shot of the incorrect listing on CityMaps.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

The only solution Yext has offered is to pay another full subscription fee to keep our online listings updated. Not that I was looking for a discount, but they did not even offer a small discount for the trouble I have had. Yext knows the only solution to my problem is to pay for their services. This is exactly why I want this problem to be on their record on the Revdex.com website. Businesses need to know that Yext is capitalizing on an artificial demand created by business listing websites and Yext is the worst of them because they have created a network of "partners" who have a monopoly on business listings.There is no way for me to update my listings on my own because most of the listings that are wrong on the internet refer me back to Yext to update my listing.I believe Yext is free to be in business just like everyone else. What I have a problem with is unethical way they have created this artificial demand. The U.S. post office does not charge me to change my address when I move my business. Why should I pay anyone else to update my own information?

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern,Our service is a paid service and is not the only solution for updating business listings. While many sites will point a business to Yext because they trust our data, there are other ways to do it, which are often more manual. It is important to remember that Yext has not provided the incorrect information about his business on the listings, we are just an optional solution to fix it. I will again recommend that he reach out to the original provider of the bad data to resolve his issues. While I do hear the business owner's opinion regarding our business model, I can firmly state that we do not have a monopoly and there is nothing else we can offer him in this situation outside of providing the paid service we offer. If he'd like to check in for current promotional rates, we'd be happy to provide those. We understand that this service does not fit the needs or wants for every business and we wish [redacted] the best of luck moving forward. Regards,Supervisor of Client Support, Yext

Review: I received numerous e-mails from Yext.com soliciting my business by selling me a service to advertise my website SEO with over 100 search engines. I then received a call telling me that I was crazy for trying to do it myself. I was also told that if I was not completely happy with their service I would receive a full refund if I canceled within 30 days. I accepted the offer and paid $500.00 for their service. I checked their website daily to see that, according to them, there were multiple sites that were set up. I decided to check the search engines and was not able to find my website anywhere. I sent 4 emails and called the multiple times within the 30 day trial period and only received an email stating that my service was canceled Nov 2014 one year after the date I signed up. I have contacted my credit card company to do a charge back but I am still waiting for the results.

After searching for more information about Yext, I have found the following blog pages etc talking about how the company is a scam with thousands of business owners dealing with the same issues I am having. Please see these links below.

It is very disturbing to think a company like this is allowed to continue scamming people.

Also please see my emails that were sent to Yext while trying to cancel the service within the first 30 days.

[redacted] @ Yext?

Actions

[redacted] ([redacted]) 9:39 PM Photos

To: [redacted]

Picture of [redacted]

Actions

[redacted] ([redacted]) 12/**/13 Photos

To: [redacted]

Picture of [redacted]

If you are not planning to respond, I will be forced to do a charge back on my credit card.

Actions

[redacted] ([redacted]) 11/**/13 Photos

To: [redacted]

Picture of [redacted]

I canceled my account within 30 days and want a full return of my money.

Actions

[redacted] ([redacted])Add to contactsAttachment 11/**/13 Documents, Photos

To: [redacted]

Picture of [redacted]

Outlook Active View

1 attachment (439.5 KB)

Download Info Sheet.pdf (267.8 KB)

Info Sheet.pdfView online

Download as zip

[redacted],

Thank you for your time today to review Yext PowerListings for your business. As we discussed PowerListings will make sure your information is correct & consistent and increase your exposure & consumer traffic everywhere your business needs to be. Below is some information for you to review and I have also attached a sheet to help explain PowerListings in more detail.

What does PowerListings Offer?

Claim and Appear in the most possible local searches with Guaranteed Presence. We ensure accuracy and speed of listings!

Correct and Update all of your information automatically and instantly!

Stand out and look great with enhanced Listings – Includes a highlighted Featured Message on your listings

Content Lists give consumers detailed information about your business. Include Menus, Bios, Products and Event Calendars!

Track Local Search Performance with Full Analytics - See how many clicks, profile views, and searches you’re getting to your listings

Control your listings - Add, remove, or change anything on your listings on every search engine in real-time

Large Reach- combined reach of over 150 million unique visitors per month

Facebook Sync will sync your location information on Facebook using our platform and iPhone app

The retail price for our Complete package is $1140, right now we are having a special discount for only $499 for our Complete Package for the entire year!

I look forward to hearing back from you and getting your business the exposure it deserves to have.

Please call me back at your earliest convenience [redacted]

Please call me with any questions anytime!

Why Yext Video: [redacted]t

Best Regards,

“Providing you the best local search results, one click away”

“Providing you the best business listings online, one click away”

Our Customers

cid:[redacted]Desired Settlement: I am only asking for the $500.00 to be credited to my card. At this point I am not looking for other compensation for my time and damage to my business. I have alerted my attorney, Deck & Deck Law Offices of Sioux City IA and plan to sue in small claims for the initial cost plus damages, court fees and attorney fees. I will not allow this to happen!!!

Consumer

Response:

I have not filled a lawsuit or taken any legal action against Yext at this point. I have spoken to my attorney and plan to take action if this is not satisfactorily resolved by the end of Feb 2014

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern:

Review: Please note that I am a business member of Revdex.com of New Mexico and Colorado.

I have a A+ rating.

I subscribed to YEXT Power Listings to advertise my fine art business listings on the Internet. I was charged $ 499.99 on October *, 2015 for a one year subscription with a 30 day window to cancell this subscription. The following week of October [redacted] I cancelled my subscription. I received a call from YEXT about my cancellation the week I cancelled my subscription and told them the reasons I had cancelled.. I followed up by filing a refund claim with my credit card company. I have just received an email from my bank stating that YEXT has no record of my cancellation. It is now October **, 2015 and I have less than 6 days lleft of the 30 day cancellation period to have YEXT confirm my cancellation and refund $ 499.00 to my credit card.

My bank emailed the following information:

Dispute Number: [redacted]

Date Posted: 10/*/2015

Merchant Name: YEXT *POWERLISTINGS

Amount of Transaction: 499.00

Card Number: [redacted]

Status: Closed - Dispute Declined

Our investigation of your dispute is complete.

Unfortunately, we must turn down your request for credit based on the information we gathered.

* We are unable to obtain a refund on your behalf because the merchant has no record of your request to cancel. We have no authority to make changes to an account or policy established between you and a merchant.

* To prevent further charges, please contact the merchant directly to cancel. Until you do, they may continue to charge your account.

* You may contact the merchant at ###-###-####.

If we temporarily credited your account while we investigated your dispute, we will remove this credit by re-charging your account.

You will be financially responsible for the transaction, and your dispute is now closed.

If you still feel you should get a refund, please work directly with the merchant.

A dispute final close letter will be sent through the US postal service.

subscriptionDesired Settlement: Would like $ 499.00 refunded to my credit card I used for this transaction.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: This company charged my [redacted] card for a renewal of their subscription that I was not invoiced for or knew anything about. This is a shady business practice that causes me to be suspicious and does not foster trust in this company. I have cancelled this service but they have placed me as paid up through 4/**/2016 and will not refund my $199.00. I have taken action with disputing this charge with [redacted].Desired Settlement: I expect this company to credit this charge back to my [redacted] card and to change its policies to be up front and honest with its customers. They should invoice their customers and give them a chance to either renew their subscription or not. Doing business like this will only bring many complaints and antagonize customers.

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern,This is regarding NYRevdex.com Complaint #[redacted]. [redacted] was interested in cancelling his Yext account because he was unaware his account was set up to renew automatically unless cancelled before the renewal date. Once the account renewed, he cancelled it himself on 4/**/2015 so it would not renew again after his paid-through date, one year later in 2016. [redacted] called into our Support Team to stop the service immediately and receive a refund the nest day, on 4/**/2015. He spoke with a [redacted]t and was issued a pro-rated refund for all of the unused days of service left in his subscription. [redacted]’s account is now inactive and he has been refunded. There is no further action for us to take here but if [redacted] has any questions we would be happy to discuss further.Thank you, [redacted] - Yext

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: I am a small business owner I have a website for my company. On my website in bold letters on the home page it states very clearly No Solicitations. This is also appears in my phone book ad as well. On Feb. ** 2015 I received a call from this company, I did not answer because I do not answer call that do not originate in my area. No message was left, instead they immediately called again this time leaving a message "Hi [redacted] its [redacted] over at Yext". She also emailed me, through my website. She was obviously on my website in order to email, so she saw the no solicitations policy and decided to ignore it! Also why not leave your message the first call instead of calling right back, rude! I need to keep my phone line open for customers, not for these annoying jokers trying to sell me advertising. My website is the first thing that pops up when someone in my area searches for [redacted] so I do not need any internet advertising. I get several calls each day from these types of business its not only very annoying, but they are tying up my phone line and wasting my time!Desired Settlement: This company had better not contact me again through any means! Remove any info they have concerning my company and/or myself from their database!

Business

Response:

To whom it may concern,I understand from the complaint that the business owner did not wish to receive sales calls. I have reached out to the business owner by email to let him know that we have removed him from all contact lists and that this should be the last he is hearing from Yext. I also wanted to point out that generally, sales people from Yext reach out by phone to any persons who use our free listing scan, so as long as this is not done again, Yext won't be reaching back out.The individual has my email and phone contact information should this issue persist, so that I can ensure that his needs are met.Thank you,[redacted] - Yext

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

[Your Answer Here]This company has again contacted me. I clearly stated I did not want them to contact me by any means including email! I did not run a free listing scan as they claim, they have a free listing for my company that I was trying to delete. This company did not address the fact their sales rep ignored the No Solicitations policy!

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

[Your Answer Here] I do not give out my phone to companies That I do not trust! They have my phone number because their rep called twice! I am under no obligation to provide this company with any info. They posted my home address and phone number on the internet as the address and phone number for my business so I do not trust this company! Also I stated that they were not to contact me by any means including email which they have again. I am trying to run a business and do not have time for this [redacted]! Remove all info from your database and never contact me again!!How hard is that to understand?

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern,I would like to apologize for [redacted]’s frustrations regarding this situation. At this point, I am trying my best to make sure his needs are met and that he is not contacted again by Yext. I will no longer be corresponding with [redacted] over email and will only correspond through the Revdex.com complaint. The phone number on his business’s website and his email, have already been added to our do not contact list to ensure he will not be contacted again. Lastly, I would also like to point out that [redacted] does not have a paid account with us so there is no way for Yext to have posted his home address or phone number on the internet. As a paid service, Yext is only able to provide business information to publisher sites for our clients who have paid subscriptions. If [redacted] needs anything else from Yext, he has our contact information. We are more than willing to cooperate in any way that we can.Kind regards,[redacted], Yext

Review: I am a local business. Yext.com is controlling false information about my business that is spread throughout the Internet. When I contact the individual websites to get the information changed or removed, I am prompted to join and pay for Yext.com services, which I do not want. Yext.com has no right to control the ruining of my reputation online and then charge me for services I don't want or need, in order to repair the damage.Desired Settlement: The ability to correct the false information on various websites throughout the web that Yext controls, without joining Yext which would put me at their mercy and give them the ability to create more unwanted damage. It is my right to be able to control and edit my business listings on the web.

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern,This is regarding NYRevdex.com Complaint #[redacted]. [redacted] is not a client of Yext and had a problem with updating his business listings on some of the publisher sites that Yext is partnered with. I spoke with [redacted] about how Yext works with these publisher sites. Yext provides publisher sites with trustworthy data that comes directly from the business owner who pays us for a subscription. Since Yext is a trusted data contributor, many sites have decided that Yext should be the default data provider for their site. [redacted] was not happy with the fact that some sites have decided to operate this way. While some sites have Yext as the default claim, we understand that paying for Yext is not for everyone. As such, I provided [redacted] with all of our contact information for the publisher sites we work with and some notable sites we do not work with. Hopefully he can use this contact information to get in touch with these sites and update his information.Since [redacted] does not have a subscription, there is nothing else we can do for him at this time. We have come to an understanding about his situation and he will try updating his listings using the provided publisher contact information. Thank you, [redacted] of Client Support - Yext

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

(1) I have not yet received the "contact information for the publisher sites we work with and some notable sites we do not work with," which was promised to arrive in my email in the form of an Excel spreadsheet (I've check my Junk filters). If I do receive that information, and if it enables me to correct my listings, I will consider this case resolved. If I receive it, and if it is no sufficient to enable me to correct my listings, I won't consider this case resolved. In other words, the case will be resolved if and when Yext is will to provide the means for me to be able to correct the inaccurate listings that they are in control of, without having to commit myself to their expensive life-long subscription model in order to be able to do so.(2) For the record, saying that "Since Yext is a trusted data contributor, many sites have decided that Yext should be the default data provider for their site. [redacted] was not happy with the fact that some sites have decided to operate this way," is not an accurate description of the source of my frustration. Let me give an example that will make clear the source of my "unhappiness." In a previous instance, I contacted Yext about providing me the means to go in and correct an incorrect citation that is listed by a third-party company that they have assumed control over. In terms of time and effort, correcting an incorrect citation takes about ten minutes (I know, because I have been involved in this process for the last week). They gave me one option only: pay them a subscription fee of $95 per year and they would correct the citation. Assuming my company is in business the next 30 years, this means I would be obligated to pay $2,850 to them for about ten minutes work on their part. (3) As to "Yext provides publisher sites with trustworthy data that comes directly from the business owner," the whole reason I want to work outside of Yext, apart from not being able to afford their business model, is exactly to provide publisher sites with trustworthy data that comes directly from the business owner, i.e., me, not Yext. I am only asking that Yext not block me from being able to do so.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern: Thank you for your response. The original email with the publisher contact information has been resent. I believe there was an error which prevented it from sending the first time and I apologize for that.I would like to clear up some things about how the Yext service works to address [redacted]’s example about Yext’s relationship with the publisher sites. When an individual contacts a publisher site and gives them their business information it is a “manual submission.” Manual submissions are one way in which publisher sites gather information about businesses and a manual submission is not a guaranteed update because it may be trumped by another source’s data. Publisher sites gather information by crawling other sites, other manual submissions, buying/leasing information from data aggregators, surveying government records, and many other ways. These other sources are constantly competing to update listings. Yext differs from this method by not using manual submissions. When you pay for Yext, you are paying for the technology or software that allows Yext to send business information, along with other proprietary enhanced content, directly to the publisher sites through a feed. This feed is constantly running which effectively creates a “lock” on the listing – blocking other sources from getting their content on the listings. That way, when you pay for a subscription with Yext, you know that your business information will not be trumped by another data source. Therefore, this software is much more effective than the “ten minutes” it would take to do a manual submission on each site, as the example states. Lastly, I would like to touch on the relationship that Yext has with its partner publisher sites. Some of these publishers have come to a decision to get their data from Yext. Yext does not own any of the partner sites and this is not a decision that we have forced them to make. Again, a user can try to manually submit his/her information to a data source that submits to these publishers, but there is no guarantee that the submission will update the listing given all of the competition. I understand the frustration in being directed to pay to update a listing, but in this age, there are so many sources trying to contribute business information and publisher sites are moving away from free listings in an attempt to get trusted data. Yext is simply one solution out of many for updating business information on publisher sites. I completely understand that Yext may not the solution [redacted] is looking for and I wish [redacted]’s business the best of luck with their digital presence management. Thank you,[redacted] of Client Support - Yext

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

I did finally receive the Excel spreadsheet from Yext, along with this note: “Nice speaking with you earlier. I always enjoy a conversation with a reasonable person who is passionate about their business. I have attached an Excel spreadsheet with all available contact information for the publishers we work with and some notable ones we do not work with. Hopefully you can use this information to help update your listings on these sites. Remember, it's not that Yext is locking you out from updating the listings by yourself, some of the sites just want all of their business information from a single source and trusted data contributor like Yext.”Encouraged that they might be making a good faith effort to allow me to access my listings, I proceed to the first listing that their site flagged as inaccurate, MapQuest. About this company, their spreadsheet provides the following esoteric, highly-useful information:[redacted]

[redacted]So I can fill out the contact form, however, I’m informed in advance that MQ won’t provide support for “basic listings,” i.e., listings not maintained through Yext. Strange, that’s exactly the same state of affairs that existed before their “help” to “update your listings on these sites.”So, despite Yext’s impressively sincere efforts to help me edit my listings directly, strangely, I’ve failed. Strangely, I’ve been led back to the single path of having to pay to update my listings through Yext again. For the uninitiated, here’s how it works:(1) Here is the inaccurate listing that first shows up (business details pixelated by me for privacy): [redacted]. Notice the button simply marked “Claim This Listing.” Not “Claim This Listing By Subscribing to Yext,” just “Claim This Listing.”(2) Screen after clicking “Claim This Listing”: [redacted]. Says I can “Fill in your business information below to claim your business.” If I understand English correctly, this means that after I make the investment in time to fill out the form I’ll be able to claim my business, and thus have the correct information in the form I’ve been prompted to fill out replace the incorrect information in the listing. Is this true? Let’s find out.(3) I carefully fill out the form with my accurate data, I press submit, and am presented with this: [redacted]. Here’s some fresh “information” that I never would have anticipated while filling out the form to “Claim My Listing.” It’s now going to cost me $150 annually (x30 years projected in business, $4,500) to have some company named Yext to submit my correct information to MapQuest. Or, for $999 annually ($29,970 over 30 years), I can go “Premium.” What a wonderful alternative, as opposed to merely claiming and correcting my listing for free, as they has led me to believe I was doing a moment ago. Of course, there’s always the single other alternative they offer, I can just leave the incorrect information about my business on the web, with no means whatsoever to correct it.(For context, sites that don’t work with Yext simply allow you to submit your information by filling out a simple form and pressing submit, after which they verify your identity through an automated phone call or email, and in this instance your business listing is literally updated with “trustworthy data that comes directly from the business owner,” i.e., the actual business owner, you, not Yext. Simple. Free. Fair. And respects my rights as the business owner to control the accuracy of my own information, and thus my reputation.)Remember what Yext wrote above: “Hopefully you can use this information to help update your listings on these sites.” Nice of Yext to “hope” for me and send me through this process a second time, while knowing full well that the process will lead me straight back to the single alternative of being forced to pay for their exorbitant fees or leave the listing uncorrected. Remember “… it's not that Yext is locking you out from updating the listings by yourself…” Strange… before I read those words, I could have sworn that Yext was involved in this somehow… what was I ever imagining? Well, if Yext just told me they didn’t lock me out, I guess that means they didn’t lock me out, even though they just did.I’ll let the Revdex.com decide whether Yext’s “Claim This Listing” form is an honest way of selling their services or not, whether the pricing and terms of their services themselves are consistent with reputable business practices or not, and I’ll abide by their judgment.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Review: I'm retired, my former business no longer exists. I've inquired of ones calling me for my defunct business to find that I'm listed in many places. I googled "Google Business Listings" to find that yext has published my business in many on line forums. I haven't been able to change or eliminate these listings individually or collectively. I have not wanted these listings, I don't know how they got there and yext will not eliminate or change them without cost to me. Very unfair, very unethical.Desired Settlement: remove all listings and records obtained by yext.com regarding my former company: Siegrist Electric. www.yext.com to accomplish this without cost to me.

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern:

Review: I decided to do a [redacted] search of my phone number and saw that it came up on [redacted] Local as an address I operated my sole proprietorship from several years ago. I am now in another state with a different email and no longer have that website or associate with that name in any way. There was a button that said to click to claim or correct your business information, so I clicked the button and filled out the information hoping it would just easily update the information. Instead, I was taken to a Yext sales page with prices. I knew nothing about it and am not making very much a year but had been thinking about possibly advertising. I just closed out the tab and within minutes I saw that I received a phone number that is associated with Yext. Then, it was followed within a minute or so by an email. I responded to the email, saying I would think about it and that they should send me something by email that I could look over but that I did not want to talk to them right now. A few minutes later I got another call and answered it. It was a very rude man with a strong NY accent. I told him that I said not to call, and he was very pushy. He was very accusatory and seemed to have investigated me either through [redacted] or elsewhere. He said "[redacted]" I am working as a l[redacted] and don't see what that had to do with anything. He badgered me and brought up the other things I do which have nothing to do with the sole proprietorship or what my listing was about at all. He said I made "another" change to the form online, but I had only gone on there once. He said that I should be able to go back and change it in [redacted], but I am afraid to try it again because I will be harrassed by Yext! They claim that every time you contact them that gives them the right to call you again. On Monday, they called me twice. That was the initial contact. On Wednesday, they called me three times. Today is Thursday, and they called me again. I plan to block their phone number on my iPhone but felt it was important to inform people about the pushy sales tactics going on. I felt somewhat threatened and scared that this guy had deliberately researched me in the couple of minutes time since I had submitted the information to who I thought was [redacted]. He now knows where I live. The whole button is also misleading because it gives the impression that you are correcting your information through [redacted]. After feeling personally threatened by them, there is no way I will give them one cent of my money. Oh, and as I write this, they just called me twice in a row without even two seconds in between.Desired Settlement: I think Yext should stop calling me, especially since I told them both in an email and in a telephone conversation that I am not interested in speaking with them. Now, I am also not interested in ever doing business with them either.

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern, This is regarding Revdex.com Complaint #[redacted] where [redacted] requested to not be contacted again by any Yext sales associates. [redacted] was contacted because information about her business was entered into our website, creating a lead in our system. Sales associates followed up to assist and answer any questions, but [redacted] was not happy with the amount of calls. After reading the complaint, I have removed [redacted] as a lead from our system and added her number to our 'Do Not Call" list. I sincerely apologize for any frustrations caused as a result of the sales calls. Her complaint has been taken very seriously and has been escalated to the sales manager to handle. As for removing herbusiness listing from [redacted], she may want to try contacting their support at listings-[redacted] or their online customer support form. They may be able to assist her with that request!If we can help in any other way, I urge [redacted] to let us know. Best,Supervisor of Client Support - Yext

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

About 20 months ago we moved our business and quickly found that most of our customers were still going to our old address due to their navigators finding our address on the internet. After spending many hours trying to update our listings on the internet, it became obvious that the only way to update the wrong information was to subscribe to Yext.

Although I did not think it was ethical for this to be the case, I paid for a one year subscription to Yext because I really had no other choice, new customers were also calling up angry that they looked us up and went to the wrong address. During the subscription most of the listings were updated. When I decided not to re-subscribe many listings went back to the wrong information. I again tried to manually change the listings myself but again most listings refer you to Yext to make changes.

After filing a complaint with Revdex.com, Yext does not admit to having any wrong information and says that wrong info is coming from someone else and we need to fix it manually through those websites. Ironically, only the sites that are partnered with Yext have the wrong info and you end up in a constant loop back and forth to update the info manually. In the end, they always want you to pay around $500 for a subscription to keep info current.

Something needs to be done to prevent these companies from listing business information without permission and then charging huge prices to keep public information correct. Yext is the biggest culprit and is partnered with a majority of the business listing sites.

I have done far more than my due diligence to keep my business information current on the internet including paying Yext almost $500. No one should have to pay money to keep address information current. If a website cannot display the correct information, the owner of the data should be able to opt out of listings for no charge.