The Consumerist has learned about a company called Accessory Outlet that has (allegedly ) engaged in unethical business practices.
This is a list of allegations:
* Failing to deliver accessories.
* Charging customers US$250 if they complain about not getting accessories they paid for.
* Threatening to charge US$50 if a customer disputes the charge with her credit card.
* Various fraudulent images, including
** Posting a picture of their storefront in Mamaroneck, NY, USA. (Actually, that's a picture of a Samsung store in South Korea.)
** Posting a badge from the Better Business Bureau boasting an "A+" rating. (The BBB has given them an "F" rating and has filed a lawsuit claiming Accessory Outlet is using their badge without permission.)
** Posting a badge from Angie's List boasting "2013 Super Service Award." (Angie's List says that AO has no reviews so they were not eligible for that award.)
** Posting a badge from BuySafe. (BuySafe says that the badge is fake.)
** Posting a badge from Trusted Shops. (Trusted Shops does not certify business based in the US.)
Currently, their website is down . I wonder why.
Why do some business owners think that they can get away with these practices? At best, they're setting themselves up for a major embarrassment. At worst, their business could be shut down and the owners sent to jail.
Online Retailer Will Fine You $250 If You Even Threaten To Complain About Purchase - Consumerist
More Sketchiness Revealed About Retailer That Charges Customers $250 For Threatening To Complain - Consumerist
Sketchy Online Retailer With $250 Fee For Complainers Is “Down For Maintenance” - Consumerist
Accessory Outlet Review - Better Business Bureau, New York
This is a list of allegations:
* Failing to deliver accessories.
* Charging customers US$250 if they complain about not getting accessories they paid for.
* Threatening to charge US$50 if a customer disputes the charge with her credit card.
* Various fraudulent images, including
** Posting a picture of their storefront in Mamaroneck, NY, USA. (Actually, that's a picture of a Samsung store in South Korea.)
** Posting a badge from the Better Business Bureau boasting an "A+" rating. (The BBB has given them an "F" rating and has filed a lawsuit claiming Accessory Outlet is using their badge without permission.)
** Posting a badge from Angie's List boasting "2013 Super Service Award." (Angie's List says that AO has no reviews so they were not eligible for that award.)
** Posting a badge from BuySafe. (BuySafe says that the badge is fake.)
** Posting a badge from Trusted Shops. (Trusted Shops does not certify business based in the US.)
Currently, their website is down . I wonder why.
Why do some business owners think that they can get away with these practices? At best, they're setting themselves up for a major embarrassment. At worst, their business could be shut down and the owners sent to jail.
Online Retailer Will Fine You $250 If You Even Threaten To Complain About Purchase - Consumerist
More Sketchiness Revealed About Retailer That Charges Customers $250 For Threatening To Complain - Consumerist
Sketchy Online Retailer With $250 Fee For Complainers Is “Down For Maintenance” - Consumerist
Accessory Outlet Review - Better Business Bureau, New York
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