1. Introduction
Terraboost Media, a prominent name in the advertising industry, is widely known for its well-placed hand-sanitizer billboard kiosks in public locations such as retail stores, pharmacies, and shopping malls. As the company continues to grow, so do the discussions about its business ethics, service quality, and overall customer satisfaction.
In this blog post, we explore Terraboost Media complaints from various online sources and customers, present a balanced overview, and help you decide whether this advertising partner is right for your business.
2. What is Terraboost Media?
Terraboost Media LLC is a Chicago-based advertising and wellness company that specializes in hybrid advertising models, combining wellness stations (dispensing hand sanitizer) with traditional out-of-home (OOH) advertising.
Founded in 2006, Terraboost's business model capitalizes on high-traffic areas by providing free sanitizing stations sponsored by advertisers. The value proposition: “give back to communities while getting brand exposure.”
3. Overview of Terraboost Services
Terraboost Media offers a range of OOH advertising services, including:
• Sanitizer Billboard Kiosks
• Digital Signage
• Custom Branded Wellness Stations
• Retail Point-of-Sale Advertising
• Healthcare Facility Promotions
These units are typically installed in:
• Grocery stores
• Pharmacies (like CVS, Walgreens)
• Malls
• Airports
• Hospitals and clinics
4. Common Terraboost Media Complaints
Despite its innovative platform, Terraboost Media has been criticized by a subset of clients and business partners. Here's a breakdown of the most frequent
complaints about Terraboost Media:
A. Lack of Transparency
Many clients allege miscommunication about:
• Ad placement locations
• Duration of campaigns
• Visibility or foot traffic estimates
B. Poor Customer Service
Several reviewers note that:
• Emails and calls go unreturned
• Difficult to get campaign analytics
• Billing disputes are handled slowly
C. Contractual Issues
Customers have raised concerns about:
• Non-cancellable contracts
• Early termination fees
• Automatic renewals without clear notifications
D. ROI Concerns
Some businesses reported:
• Low to no return on their investment
• Minimal lead generation or brand impact
• Lack of performance tracking tools
________________________________________
5. Analysis of Online Reviews
Here’s a summary of reviews across platforms like Better Business Bureau (BBB), Glassdoor, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot:
Platform | Avg Rating | Positive % | Complaint Themes |
Better Business Bureau (BBB) | 2.5/5 | 40% | Billing disputes, response delays |
Trustpilot | 3.0/5 | 55% | Service inconsistency, mixed support
|
Google Reviews | 3.8/5 | 65% | Good exposure but poor follow-up |
Glassdoor (Employee) | 3.6/5 | 60% | Management issues, employee turnover |
6. Case Studies: Real Customer Experiences
Case 1: A Small Retail Business
• Issue: The client was told their ad would be placed in a CVS location. It was placed in a less trafficked pharmacy instead.
• Complaint: No communication during the switch.
• Resolution: Partial refund after BBB intervention.
Case 2: Healthcare Clinic
• Issue: Delayed campaign launch by 3 weeks.
• Complaint: Missed promotional timing.
• Resolution: Extended the campaign by 30 days for free.
Case 3: Marketing Agency
• Issue: Billed for a campaign never executed.
• Complaint: Misalignment between sales and operations.
• Resolution: Credit applied to future campaign.
7. Positive Feedback vs Complaints
It’s worth noting that many Terraboost Media clients express satisfaction when expectations are clear.
Positive Reviews Mention:
• High visibility in public areas
• Support for wellness initiatives
• Affordable compared to digital ads
• Great for brand exposure in healthcare retail
However, complaints arise when:
• There is a disconnect between sales promises and delivery
• Customer support is delayed
• Tracking campaign ROI becomes difficult
8. How Terraboost Media Responds to Complaints
Terraboost Media does respond to public complaints, especially on platforms like BBB. Their usual responses include:
• Acknowledging misunderstandings
• Offering prorated refunds or campaign extensions
• Apologizing for communication gaps
• Reassigning account managers
But some users complain that the response only happens when a review is made public, not via internal support channels.
9. Legal Issues and BBB Complaints
BBB Rating and Issues
As of mid-2025, Terraboost Media holds a BBB rating of B-, reflecting moderate unresolved complaints.
Legal Complaints:
There are no major lawsuits or public legal action against Terraboost Media as of this writing. However, small claims and private disputes have occasionally been filed due to contract enforcement.
10. Industry Comparison: Terraboost vs Competitors
Feature/Service | Terraboost Media | Intersection Media | Zoom Media | AdQuick |
Hand Sanitizer Kiosks
| ✅ | ❌
| ❌
| ❌ |
Retail Location Reach
| ✅ (30,000+ sites)
| Moderate | Moderate
| High |
Analytics Dashboard
| ❌
| ✅ | ✅
| ✅ |
Custom Contracts
| ❌
| ✅ | ✅
| ✅ |
Customer Satisfaction
| Moderate
| High | Moderate | High |
11. Should You Use Terraboost Media?
Recommended If:
• You want low-cost local branding
• You’re targeting health-conscious consumers
• You prefer non-digital ad options
Avoid If:
• You need custom reporting or real-time analytics
• You want high control over ad placement
• You expect premium customer support
Terraboost Media is ideal for visibility, not necessarily lead generation.
12. Important Information Table
Field | Details |
Company Name | Terraboost Media LLC |
Headquarters | Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, USA |
Founded | 2006 |
Main Service | Hand Sanitizer Wellness Billboard Advertising |
Website | terraboost.com |
BBB Rating | B- (as of 2025) |
Key Complaints | Transparency, ROI, customer service |
Popular Locations | CVS, Walgreens, Mall Entrances |
Contract Type | Often long-term, non-cancellable |
Customer Support | Mixed reviews |
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Terraboost Media legit?
Yes, Terraboost is a legally registered advertising company operating since 2006. But customer satisfaction varies.
Q2: Can I cancel a campaign with Terraboost?
Some contracts are non-cancellable, and clients should read terms carefully before signing.
Q3: How visible are Terraboost ads?
They are typically placed in high footfall retail locations, but specific data on impressions is often not provided.
Q4: What industries benefit most from Terraboost?
Health, wellness, FMCG, and local businesses often use Terraboost for visibility near point-of-sale.
14. Final Verdict
Terraboost Media offers a unique OOH advertising solution combining community service and brand exposure. However, the number of Terraboost Media complaints signals that businesses must exercise caution, ask the right questions, and review contracts thoroughly before signing.
While the company provides valuable retail space advertising, concerns about transparency, ROI, and customer service remain prominent. If you're considering this service, make sure you evaluate alternatives, read the fine print, and confirm placement guarantees.