Is Characters for Hire ℠ a Scam?

Answer: 

No. Characters for Hire ℠ is a long-standing, legitimate event entertainment company, not a scam. We are an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau and maintain an A+ rating, reflecting our commitment to ethical business practices and customer satisfaction.

Over the years we’ve produced thousands of events for families, schools, and corporate clients. While misunderstandings or issues can occasionally happen in any service business, we take every complaint seriously and work hard to resolve concerns quickly and fairly.

We provide written contracts, clear pricing, and responsive customer support so you know exactly what to expect when you book with us.

If you’ve seen accusations or negative comments online suggesting that Characters for Hire ℠ is a scam, it’s understandable to have questions. The internet makes it easy for misunderstandings, disputes, or even malicious competitors to spread misleading information.

This page explains who we are, how our business works, and how we handle problems so you can make an informed decision.

We Are a BBB-Accredited Business with an A+ Rating

Characters for Hire ℠ is an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintains an A+ rating. This accreditation and rating reflect our ongoing commitment to:

  • Honesty in advertising and communication

  • Transparent pricing and written agreements

  • Responsiveness to complaints and disputes

  • Doing our best to make things right when issues arise

We take every concern seriously and work directly with clients,  and with the BBB when needed; to resolve complaints promptly and fairly.

A Long-Standing, Legitimate Entertainment Company

Characters for Hire ℠ is not a scam. We are a professional event entertainment company that has provided live character appearances and shows for thousands of events, including:

  • Children’s birthday parties

  • Corporate and holiday events

  • Schools, libraries, camps, and community programs

  • Hotels, malls, and large-scale productions

Our performers, coordinators, and support staff work together to deliver memorable, family-friendly entertainment that matches what is outlined in each client’s agreement.

How Our Booking Process Works

One of the easiest ways to see we are a legitimate business is to understand how our booking and payment process works.

  1. Inquiry & Quote

    • You contact us with your event date, location, and character or theme preferences.

    • We provide a clear quote based on the details you share.

  2. Written Agreement

    • For confirmed events, we provide written terms covering what’s included, timing, fees, and policies (including cancellations).

  3. Deposit & Payment

    • A deposit is typically required to secure your date and performer(s).

    • Remaining balances and due dates are clearly stated before the event.

  4. Event Confirmation

    • Our team confirms details, arrival times, and any special requests so everyone knows what to expect.

  5. Performance & Follow-Up

    • Our character(s) arrive as agreed, perform according to the package booked, and interact with guests.

    • If something doesn’t go as planned, we encourage you to contact us so we can review the situation and work toward a solution.

SCAMMERS DO THE FOLLOWING:

They change their phone numbers – We have had the same phone numbers for years.

They change their domain name – Our domain “charactersforhire.com” has been with us since the company’s inception close to 20 years ago.

They avoid written terms – We provide our clients with written terms.

They hide behind vague promises – What we say is what you’ll get, we don’t over promise or bait and switch you.

They disappear when asked for accountability – We do the opposite: we document our agreements and stand behind them.

Why Negative Comments Can Appear Online

Even reputable, long-standing businesses can receive negative reviews or harsh posts. Common reasons include:

  • Miscommunication or unmet expectations
    A client may remember details differently from what was written in the contract, such as performance length, number of characters, or what’s included in a package.

  • External factors outside anyone’s control
    Weather, venue rules, unexpected delays, or last-minute changes can affect an event and lead to frustration.

  • Policy disagreements
    A customer might disagree with a cancellation or refund policy they accepted at booking, and express that frustration online.

  • Competitors or bad actors
    In some cases, online accusations come from people who were never actual customers, or who may be connected to competing businesses.

We don’t dismiss concerns, even when we disagree with them. Instead, we review the facts, refer to the agreement, and try to find a fair and reasonable outcome.

How We Handle Complaints and Issues

We understand that live events are important and emotions can run high. When something goes wrong or a client is unhappy, we:

  1. Listen and gather information

    • We ask for the event date, location, and booking details so we can verify the situation.

  2. Review the contract and communications

    • We compare expectations with what was documented and what actually occurred.

  3. Look for a fair solution

    • Depending on the situation, this may include partial credits, rescheduling, or other remedies consistent with our policies.

  4. Work with the BBB when contacted

    • As a BBB-accredited business with an A+ rating, we respond to BBB complaints and cooperate in their resolution process.

Our goal is never to “take the money and run.” Our business depends on repeat clients, word-of-mouth referrals, and long-term relationships with families and organizations.

What Real Customers Say

While no company can please every single customer, Clients regularly share positive experiences about:

  • Professional, friendly characters who stay in role

  • Kids and adults alike enjoying the performance

  • Our ability to handle busy schedules, multiple bookings, and complex events

We encourage you to review feedback from multiple sources and look at the overall pattern of reviews, not just isolated negative comments.

How to Verify Our Legitimacy Yourself

Don’t just take our word for it — here are practical steps you can take:

  • Check our BBB profile
    Confirm our accreditation and A+ rating directly on the Better Business Bureau’s website.

  • Review our website and contact information
    Look for a real business address (where appropriate), working phone numbers, and professional email communication.

  • Ask questions before booking
    If anything is unclear about pricing, packages, or policies, we’re happy to explain before you commit.

  • Read your agreement
    Make sure the written terms match your understanding. If you’re unsure, ask us to clarify.

We believe informed customers are confident customers.

Talk to Us if You Have Concerns

If you’ve read something online that makes you unsure about booking Characters for Hire ℠, we invite you to talk to us directly.

We’re happy to:

  • Answer any questions about our process and policies

  • Provide additional information about our experience

  • Clarify how we handle complaints and resolutions

Contact Our Many Service Areas


Characters for Hire ℠ is built on bringing joy, excitement, and memorable characters to events — not on scamming anyone. We are committed to operating ethically, treating clients fairly, and resolving issues when they arise.