Hi Mums,

My name is Saf and I have a beautiful 19 month old boy, I went to Bettina child modelling agency after alot of convincing from family and friends and spoke to a young lady today who seemed confident that my son was photogenic and could really do well. However the reason I am on today is because I would like to hear your experiences. I am afraid that when I do part with the money they have asked for that my son will be lost and forgotten! I am wanting to hear experiences with Bettina good or bad. We went to the Sydney office. smile

I would check this out:

http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=343889

Sounds like a money making scam to me.

DD is with one not Bettina but one in QLD, i think they are all a scam, we paid $250 for registration in ecaster which is apparently what the likes of Target, Big W look at for castings calls.

We've never had anything from it and DH tells me constantly "I told You so", as we were also getting told from people to put her in one, i did purely because it looked like the kids had fun and they tell you it is a great confidence builder.

They sound like they are all the same and tell you what you want to hear.

They will soon probably be sending me an email to re-register(i don't think so) thats if they bother doing that? angry

If ever you have to shell out a lot of money for photos etc it is usually an agency who will just accept anyone for the money.

Also remember once you are on the books it is the clients of the agency that pick your child for work and not the modelling agency so it could take a while if ever to get work depending on what the specific client is looking for.

Hi Belinda,

Thank you for the link I went in and had a look it was very informative and I also did decide not to go with Bettina as when I did go to the interview I did feel very uncomfortable. I did go to another agency one that is small and local in my area and they said that the kids get professional photos done twice a year and I get the CD which I think professional photos for $450 2 times in the year is a bargin, where else can you get a deal like that and if we get any work well thats a bonus i think.

Thanks again for the link it did help.

Regards
Safaa

Hi Ladies,

I joined Bettina in April because my daughter was into being photographed etc and I thought Bettina was professional. They rang every week to ask me to join as they thought DD had potential (I bet they say that to everyone too). After I joined and paid them the humungous fee, they stopped calling, no communication whatsoever. Initially they also promised a membership card that would allow me to get discounts in certain supermarkets and petrol stations and entertainment venues etc, but I still have not received that. I received the photos which turned out ok.

I really didn't want to part with such a big sum of money but I felt the membership card would help in some ways and make some of my money back even if my child didn't get any calls for jobs. Well I had to chase Bettina up for this in June - I rang but noone got back to me, and I emailed and still no response. I had to email again 2 weeks later, quite angrily, and someone rang back and the response was "the membership card is sent by a different company and it usually takes longer to send out". I really regret joining Bettina. I used to be part of an agency when I was younger and they were not expensive, and I also got several roles back then. So disappointed with Bettina!

Wow, im glad I saw this! My sister sent some pics of her 3yo DD to Bettina a few months ago and pretty much straight away she got a ph call back saying they were interested in interviewing her, so they drove 3 hours to Sydney, had their interview and of course they wanted to sign her up!! After seeing this, im starting to think they accept everyone....grrrr. Anyway, the only reason she didnt end up doing it was cos of how much it cost but shes saving up now to pay for it as Bettina told my sister they are saving a spot for her DD! Ill be sure to warn her (again) about this and to maybe look elsewhere...

My sister was also contacted by Bettina, after entering their competition at the Baby Expo, saying she didn't win the comp, but thought she had potential. Got her in for an interview, rang her back a few days later saying yes, she had made it on to their books. My sister said they didn't have the money right then, but the lady said that's okay, we will hold the spot for your DD.

On another forum, I heard another lady tell the same story!! (not the forum used for the link in OP either)!! I rang my sister, and told her of all the stories that are out there about them. Needless to say, she didn't put her gorgeous bub with them.

Hi All,

WOW mums I am so glad I posted this question. I am also very glad I did not end up joining because they have been hasselling me and telling me my son is classified as A1. I felt like you'd classify a cow as A1 not a bub. Anyway I did feel they were being very salesy and pushy also the woman who interviewed us was very stiff I dont think she likes kids much. I thought she wouldn't have my sons back.

Then I found another agency here on sydney's northern beaches and everyone I have spoken to has said how wonderful they are. I have also spoken to mums who have had their children rejected (not on the basis of looks but on the basis of confidence). Which has led me to believe that they may do what is right for my son. The woman who interviewed us also seemed like someone who would as they say Have my sons back.

So I might think about it a bit harder and see how I feel and maybe join later on when he is older.

Thanks for all your advice mums it was really great and insightful.

Cheers
Safa

They also told me that my daughter was A1 standard.... we fell for it and paid the money, what a load of BU&% SH%$ I have never once received a call from them. If you are interested in doing it though a model friend of mine told me that you can make your own child's profile on AT2 the site in which Bettina and most other agencies use to showcase their "talent" I'm not sure how much it is but I would look into that website first before you do anything else =)

I hope that helps a little
Emily

BETTINA ARE ONLY AFTER MONEY-NOT OUR BABIES!!!!

After continued phonecalls to find out where my refund is for my cancelled photoshoot for my baby is, and countless excuses and lies I have contacted my bank to investigate it further.

THEY HOUNDED ME for weeks, often not even realising i had already been for an interview even when i told them, as it was 3 people who rang me saying "she is just what we are looking for etc etc". They all said the same thing to me, then couldnt even remember what state we were from and i doubt they even KNEW WHAT MY BABY LOOKED LIKE!!!! They obviously just had my number on some kind of call back, as often they did not know my name! Well after i paid $80.00 for the deposit of the photoshoot (luckily i did not fork out the $450 yet to them!!), i have been fighting to get anyone to contact me back regarding my refund. They are unprofessional, RUDE and I discourage ANYONE from getting sucked into their scam!!!

Hi Mums,

My name is Saf and I have a beautiful 19 month old boy, I went to Bettina child modelling agency after alot of convincing from family and friends and spoke to a young lady today who seemed confident that my son was photogenic and could really do well. However the reason I am on today is because I would like to hear your experiences. I am afraid that when I do part with the money they have asked for that my son will be lost and forgotten! I am wanting to hear experiences with Bettina good or bad. We went to the Sydney office. smile

DONT DO IT ALL SCAMS
good luck smile

DONT DO IT ALL SCAMS
good luck smile

I have joined Bettina before reading any of these posts, so hope it works out!!! I am in WA. I have twin boys who are 16 months. Hopefully they will get some work, but if not, then we wont renew contract next year!

Hi, just read the posts on child modelling. I am thinking of putting my gorgeous 1 year old boy into an agency and have just sent off his photos to Bettinas, Cute Kids and Bratz (all in Sydney). Having read all the posts, I certainly won't be going with Bettinas, but wondering if anyone else has experience with the other 2 or any others that anyone can recommend - or are they all just scams??
thanks

I read on the net that most modelling agencies are overwhelmed with applicants, so i was bit suspicious when Bettina set up a stand at shopping centres looking for kids.
Anyway after having my son's photo taken at the centre, few weeks later they contact me for an interview. They said the same thing as what others posted- your child didnt win the comp but we are shortlisted etc.
I went for interview to suss it out. They actually stuffed up my appointment time so the girl there wasn't even expecting me, wow thats very professional of them! Turned out wasn't even an interview, was over in about 15 mins. All she did was go over the membership details, which of course cost $400+ yearly, and showed me short video about their modelling/acting class. Hang on, are they looking for models here or advertising their classes?? She asked one, yes ONE question about my son- is he shy around strangers? No attempt was made to find out more about him, i was expecting her to talk to him or ask him to do something to see how he responds? Is this how other agencies screen applicants??
Also you can have other family members in photo shoots if you wish to buy them. Looks like they accept everyone to try and sell some photos and sell modelling classes.
Maybe the kids who are really accepted for modelling do get proper interview sessions? Has anyone had a different experience with interviews?

Hi Debori,

I have been reading the Bettina forum and so glad i did. I received a call back for Bettina after an interview in a not so glamorous studio at Canning Vale W.A. The lady said she would love to have my 18 month old daughter on their books and came up with a payment plan to suit me, then asking for the $80 deposit over the phone, which i did not give. We have appointment next week to sign the contract. I only know of one other lady who has her 5 year girl with them the last 12 months and has had no work to-date. Can i please ask, has your twin boys done any work with Bettina and have you made your money back.
Kind regards,
Sano : )

Hi Debori,

I have been reading the Bettina forum and so glad i did. I received a call back for Bettina after an interview in a not so glamorous studio at Canning Vale W.A. The lady said she would love to have my 18 month old daughter on their books and came up with a payment plan to suit me, then asking for the $80 deposit over the phone, which i did not give. We have appointment next week to sign the contract. I only know of one other lady who has her 5 year girl with them the last 12 months and has had no work to-date. Can i please ask, has your twin boys done any work with Bettina and have you made your money back.
Kind regards,
Sano : )

Hi Sano,

I haven't had any work for my twin sons with Bettina, they rang in January to say can they put their names forward to three companies for some work, but never heard anything back. I personally think we have wasted our money and wont be surprised if they don't get any work.

Regards

Hi,
I just wanted to comment on this forum to get the word out there. This is the most informative thread I found in regards to Bettina Child Management.

I entered my 2 year old daughter into a comp at our local shopping centre. I got a call saying that she had not won but her photo was very 'striking'. I made the appointment and went in. The day following the 'interview' I got a call to offer her one of only 20 places for her catergory (for a fee of approx. $430).

After speaking with the lady at Bettina's I said that I would get back to her, but must admit that I never did. Below are the reasons why I felt Bettina's was a scam


1. The Adelaide office was a small office with a lounge, table, desk and small plasma in a shared office building with minimual photos.
2. If I were to have called Bettina's back the following day (after being accepted to the agency) I would not have spoken with the same lady. For such a small agency (20 per catergory) wouldn't they know who would be working the next day if it wasn't them? I got a bit of a call centre feel.
3. When speaking on the phone the lady said photos in Adelaide were taken on Friday'S... If they are so exclusive they would not need photos taken that regularly.


I also found that I could not get many direct answers to my questions and several other comments they said just didn't add up.

Please, we all love our children and want them to be succeddful but, some people thrive on this so we have to be vigilant!!

Hi Sano,

I haven't had any work for my twin sons with Bettina, they rang in January to say can they put their names forward to three companies for some work, but never heard anything back. I personally think we have wasted our money and wont be surprised if they don't get any work.

Regards

Hi Ladies,

I joined Bettina in April because my daughter was into being photographed etc and I thought Bettina was professional. They rang every week to ask me to join as they thought DD had potential (I bet they say that to everyone too). After I joined and paid them the humungous fee, they stopped calling, no communication whatsoever. Initially they also promised a membership card that would allow me to get discounts in certain supermarkets and petrol stations and entertainment venues etc, but I still have not received that. I received the photos which turned out ok.

I really didn't want to part with such a big sum of money but I felt the membership card would help in some ways and make some of my money back even if my child didn't get any calls for jobs. Well I had to chase Bettina up for this in June - I rang but noone got back to me, and I emailed and still no response. I had to email again 2 weeks later, quite angrily, and someone rang back and the response was "the membership card is sent by a different company and it usually takes longer to send out". I really regret joining Bettina. I used to be part of an agency when I was younger and they were not expensive, and I also got several roles back then. So disappointed with Bettina!

I wish I had read this before going into the agency. I am happy with the photography and do hope they come through with what they have promised. Your story so far sounds identical to my current journey. I have been told that all the photos and discount cards and other information will be posted in 5-6 weeks. Oh dear! I think I will look into this right away as I have only just exchanged money.

Thanks

I signed up with Bettina and attended the interview with my daughters. One got offered a 'contract', the other being told she was beautiful but maybe too old too model the children's clothes. I read the paper work and decided to go ahead thinking to my self, "What do I want from this? What will I get? What is the down side?''How does my daughter feel about this? Is this going to be a good or bad experience for her?

I thought nice professional photos sound great. Maybe if a scam, can I afford to part with this money?'

I went ahead. The ladies were nice, the photos shown to me were great. It was an added cost to purchase photos on top of the agency fee.The total I paid was $886.00, and I purchased the small photo package. My daughter had a lovely time with the woman who took her photos. The woman was very nice. I had brought some new clothes for the photo shoot. My choice.

Concerns I have:
I went and signed the paper work and was not given a copy of what I signed. I asked when I will hear from them next and was told 5-6 weeks. I was told that I am to receive by registered post, photos, discount cards and website passwords etc. Then it was time to go and say, 'Thank you very much and Goodbye. All ladies were nice to myself and my daughter.

As long as I receive my photos I will be happy and if other money paid is lost I knew maybe is a risk, due to my lack of knowledge and trust in the paper work presented. My daughter has great confidence, and that is still s intact after the shoot.
If it is a scam I will consult a lawyer. What else can you do? Wait and see and hopeful it's all proper. Well it's up to you to take the risk or not? Good Luck

I am very sorry that any of you got caught up in their deceitful web, but the only way to get them back and maybe even a refund on money, is to report them to the ACCC, and counting the number of people just on here who they have duped, I am sure that it would be taken very seriously!

I enrolled my son with Bambini and they did the same thing to me... yes yes yes yes and $600 later nothing.... We were supposed to get photo shoots done twice a year and blah blah blah nothing... Oh well learnt my lesson........

A very good idea if all people do investigate this further and report it. Even though I have parted money, I feel obligated to investigate this business further. I encourage all to do so. If indeed these are scammers, and we have all been lied to? A few more concerns arise.
What do they do with all our details, bank, photos etc. Are our children safe?

ohh i just paid the 80 dollar deposit!! im so glad i found this before I have gone ahead and paid the entire 500 dollars++++

I am based in Melbourne, I am wondering who HAS actually gotten work with Bettina?

hi guys.. so glad iv read all these replys as i just had a call from bettina saying they want to take my daughter on as she is just what there looking for and all the rest..at the interview in canningvale the lady didnt once talk or interact with my 9month old daughter.. its a scam and when they ring me back there going to here about it..

all the ladys that have had there money taken and not got work plaese go to a accurent affair and report the bettina company please as i have done this.. its gotta be stoped want are they doing with our details and our credit card number...,

Hi Belinda,

Thank you for the link I went in and had a look it was very informative and I also did decide not to go with Bettina as when I did go to the interview I did feel very uncomfortable. I did go to another agency one that is small and local in my area and they said that the kids get professional photos done twice a year and I get the CD which I think professional photos for $450 2 times in the year is a bargin, where else can you get a deal like that and if we get any work well thats a bonus i think.

Thanks again for the link it did help.

Regards
Safaa

Which agency did you go with? Im in the same position.

I signed DS1 up with Bettina about 18 months ago. One they got our money I only had two calls from them in the entire 12 months he was with them saying that he'd been put forward for jobs but they were waiting on the outcomes. I didnt even get calls telling me that he wasn't successful. I felt like it was a complete money grabbing excercise on their part. I didnt even receive the newsletters that were promised to us. And whats more, the discount card was practically useless to us as most of the companies involved were over in the east and I live in Perth. I didnt renew for another 12 months and i would definately not recommend anyone use these type of agencies. Definately a lesson learned the hard way!