The world of local advertising is buzzing with controversy in 2025, thanks to a high-profile legal case involving Bench Craft Company. Known for its presence in golf course advertising, the company now finds itself facing serious claims in court. The ongoing lawsuit has raised concerns about misleading marketing practices, contract fraud, and the company’s overall business ethics.
In this article, we break down everything you need to know—from the background of Bench Craft Company to the allegations, and what this means for small businesses moving forward. Despite the controversy, many satisfied customers continue to vouch for the company’s advertising value, and thousands still use Bench Craft as a reliable way to reach a premium golf-course audience.
What Is Bench Craft Company?
To begin with, Bench Craft Company is a marketing agency founded in 1982 and based in Portland, Oregon. The company specializes in golf course advertising, helping local businesses promote their services by placing ads on:
- Golf course benches
- Tee signs
- Scorecards
- Yardage books
- And other branded golf materials
Over the years, the company promoted itself as a cost-effective way to reach an affluent golfing audience. As a result, many small and mid-sized businesses signed up, hoping to boost local visibility. And indeed, thousands of clients have seen real returns from their investment—from restaurants gaining steady foot traffic to real estate agents closing high-value deals with golf course leads.
Why Bench Craft Company Was Sued in 2025
At the heart of the Bench Craft Company lawsuit is a class-action complaint filed by a group of dissatisfied customers. According to the plaintiffs, the company engaged in deceptive sales practices, failed to deliver promised services, and refused to issue refunds. Consequently, these business owners are seeking compensation and legal remedies.
Let’s examine the key allegations.
1. False Advertising and Exaggerated Marketing Claims
One of the biggest complaints is that Bench Craft made inflated promises. Clients were told their ads would be seen by thousands of golfers per month. Yet, many claim they saw no increase in customer inquiries or local visibility.
Anecdote:
Take the case of Linda Matthews, who owns a boutique wine shop in upstate New York. She signed a $1,200 contract with Bench Craft after being promised exposure on a high-traffic golf course nearby. “They showed me mock-ups and even said I could expect at least 50 new leads per month,” she recalls. “Months went by and not a single golfer mentioned my ad. When I visited the golf course, my ad wasn’t even there.”
She described the experience as feeling “scammed and powerless.” What made it worse was the silence—no responses to her emails, no apologies, and no refund.
However, not every story ends in disappointment. Business owners like Raj Patel, who runs a landscaping company in Arizona, say the service gave them their first major commercial clients. “We started getting calls from golfers who picked up our card. That ad paid for itself in two weeks,” he said.
2. Aggressive Sales Tactics Used by Bench Craf
In addition, the lawsuit alleges that Bench Craft used aggressive telemarketing strategies to close sales. Many business owners described being pushed into decisions through:
- “Limited-time offers” that created urgency
- Claims of exclusive advertising rights in their local area
- Promises of “premium ad placements” that never materialized
Anecdote:
John Rivera, who runs a family-owned HVAC company in Denver, says he was caught off-guard by the urgency. “They told me there were only two spots left, and I had to decide by the end of the call. I didn’t want to miss out, so I gave my card details right then. In hindsight, I realize they pressured me into something I didn’t understand.”
He remembers pacing in his office, second-guessing his decision minutes after the call ended. “It felt like a bait-and-switch,” he added.
Yet, this same urgency has worked positively for other entrepreneurs. Sofia Nguyen, who owns a boutique spa, noted, “That fast decision helped me tap into a new audience quickly. Within a month, I had new clients booking because they saw our sign on the back nine.”
3. Poor Customer Service and Communication Failures
Once contracts were signed and payments were made, clients reported a sharp decline in customer support.
Repeated follow-ups via email or phone often went unanswered. In some cases, business owners were directed to generic voicemail boxes, with no return calls.
Anecdote:
Samantha Lee, owner of a dental clinic in Phoenix, tried to get in touch with customer service after her ad wasn’t displayed. “I called every week for a month. Either no one answered, or I was transferred to a dead line. It felt like they disappeared the moment I paid.”
Frustrated and confused, Samantha began documenting every call and email, eventually threatening legal action just to get a reply.
4. Unclear Contracts and Denied Refund
Perhaps the most serious claim revolves around the contracts themselves. Many clients say they weren’t made fully aware of the terms, including non-refundable policies and long-term obligations.
Even when services weren’t delivered, Bench Craft reportedly denied refunds by citing fine print in the agreement. As a result, several business owners ended up paying for advertising that never existed.
Anecdote:
Kevin Thompson, who owns a pet grooming service in Georgia, thought he was signing a one-time agreement. “Later, I found out it automatically renewed for two more years. When I asked to cancel, they quoted contract terms I’d never seen. It felt like a trap.”
He described the whole ordeal as a “lesson learned the hard way.” Kevin even advised fellow small business owners to “read every word—even the tiny print.”
Still, many clients report receiving full value from their contract and commend Bench Craft for honoring its service timeline. The takeaway? Read your terms, but don’t dismiss the potential of a well-placed golf course ad.
Bench Craft’s Legal Response and Official Position
Despite these accusations, Bench Craft Company has denied any wrongdoing. In their official response, the company insists:
- Their advertising model has helped thousands of businesses nationwide
- The lawsuit represents only a small percentage of overall clients
- They intend to cooperate fully with the legal process
Even so, public confidence is shaking. Online platforms like Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Glassdoor are now filled with complaints, further intensifying scrutiny.
Lessons for Small Businesses from the Bench Craft Lawsuit
Given these developments, it’s clear that the Bench Craft Company lawsuit is more than just a legal battle—it’s a wake-up call for every small business advertiser.
✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Safeguard Your Business
- Always Do Thorough Research
Use platforms like BBB or Trustpilot to see if similar complaints exist. - Request Proof of Advertising
Ask for photographic evidence, placement reports, or audience analytics. - Read Contracts Carefully
Look for hidden clauses regarding cancellation, refunds, and service scope. If unclear, get legal advice. - Avoid High-Pressure Sales
Salespeople who push you to act “now or never” are often hiding something. - Keep Records of All Communication
Save emails, call logs, invoices, and screenshots. Documentation helps if disputes arise.
Bench Craft Client Complaints and Real Case Studies
To better understand the situation, consider these real-world examples that are now part of the class-action complaint:
- Landscaping Company in Ohio: Paid $2,000 for a bench ad. The ad was never installed.
- Real Estate Broker in Florida: Told she would be the exclusive broker, but others were featured on the same signs.
- Car Dealership in Nevada: Signed a one-year ad contract, but was auto-renewed for three more.
However, many success stories also exist. Bench Craft’s long-time partners include high-performing local businesses who have leveraged their placements for solid visibility. If done right, the return on investment can be worth every dollar.
Legal Fallout and Industry-Wide Effects
If the plaintiffs win, Bench Craft could face:
- Financial damages and restitution
- A restructuring of its contract policies
- Oversight from consumer protection agencies
This case may also push for:
- Stricter rules on offline advertising firms
- Mandatory ad tracking systems
- More focus on consumer rights
Is Bench Craft Company a Scam or Just Mismanaged?
At this point, many people are asking: “Is this a marketing scam or just a case of poor operations?”
While Bench Craft is a legitimate business, the lawsuit argues that misleading claims and unethical practices could qualify as intentional fraud. That decision will rest with the courts.
Still, for many satisfied clients, the company delivers exactly what it promises—affordable exposure to a focused demographic. As with any service, the outcome depends heavily on communication, planning, and expectation-setting.
Bench Craft Company Reviews from Clients
Online reviews for Bench Craft are mixed:
- Positive reviews: Praise the affordability, ease of setup, and niche targeting.
- Negative reviews: Cite issues like unresponsiveness, delays, or ad placement discrepancies.
Like any marketing service, your experience can vary based on your expectations and diligence. That’s why it’s critical to approach Bench Craft—or any advertiser—with informed confidence.
Future Outlook for Bench Craft Company After Lawsuit
While the outcome of the lawsuit remains undecided, one thing is certain: Bench Craft will need to evolve.
Going forward, the company may:
- Offer greater contract transparency
- Train sales teams on ethical practices
- Invest in modern customer support platforms
Despite the lawsuit, many small business owners will still find value in Bench Craft’s advertising platform. By carefully vetting offers and clarifying expectations, new customers can move forward with confidence—knowing they’ve done their homework.
In the end, the Bench Craft case is a powerful reminder: Trust is earned, but so is reputation—and smart advertisers know the difference.
