Many advertisements seeking beauty pageant participants read, ?Win Big Prizes! Scholarships! Cash! Become the Next Supermodel!? These ads are appealing to parents of young children, teens and others who are convinced they have what it takes to become the next big star. Every year there are thousands of beauty pageants held throughout the country. While there are legitimate ones, there are also those pageants whose only purpose is to fatten the pockets of promoters.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) receives hundreds of thousands of inquiries each year from consumers asking about beauty pageant promotions. Before entering into a pageant, parents and others who want to get involved should consider the following questions:
How long has the company been operating pageants? Who are the directors? Usually pageants are operated by for-profit organizations that solicit participants by mail or print advertising, or by broadcast media, to compete for recognition and prizes from the promoter.
What is the total cost of pageant participation for both the entrant and the chaperone? Oftentimes, family or business sponsors are asked to pay a sponsorship fee, which can vary in size, to the pageant promoter to cover hotel rental fees, awards, administrative costs and salary for company personnel and to generate company profits. Also, keep in mind that there are other costs for entrants, such as clothing, make-up, food and lodging.
Can the location (place of business) of the pageant company be verified? Where and when will the actual pageant be held? What accommodations are provided for contestants? Will there be adequate supervision?
Who are the judges and what are their qualifications? Do they have any affiliation with the company?
Are refunds possible if a contestant decides to withdraw from the pageant?
How are the winners chosen? What criteria are used for selection?
What are the obligations of the winning contestant?
What do former contestants and winners have to say about the pageant? Ask the company for references.
Finally, what benefit will be derived from participating or winning?
If you are contacted by a pageant company, contact your BBB first, for a reliability report on the company.
Be sure to read any contract carefully and thoroughly in advance of entering a pageant to understand the rights and responsibilities of the winner or other contestants. bbb.org
