CONTACT: Susan Bach, Director of Communications
PHONE: 414- 847- 6085
FAX: 414-302- 0355
E-MAIL: sbach@wisconsin.bbb.org
Milwaukee, Wis. – The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau is alerting consumers that more than 1,200 consumers throughout North America have registered complaints against Dealer Cost Car Audio, an online electronics retailer based in Los Angeles.
Twelve Wisconsin consumers have filed complaints against the company in the past nine months. Consumers have complained that after ordering and paying for merchandise off the website, they never received it, and did not receive a refund from the company. Eight of these complaints remain unanswered or unresolved.
This warning comes just in time for the holiday season, when many consumers are shopping for merchandise online.
The BBB cautions consumers about doing business with Dealer Cost Car Audio, especially online. The company’s website sells stereo receivers, amplifiers, speakers, TV sets, radar detectors, security equipment and other automobile-related merchandise. Its website promises dealer cost for all of these items as well as “trustworthy and secure ordering… [a] great buying experience.”
However, Adam S. of Milwaukee did not have a good experience with Dealer Cost Car Audio. After being unhappy with the product, he requested a refund from the company. He said he contacted them several times to no avail. He has yet to receive a refund or a response from the company.
Justin K. of Pound, Wis. has been waiting for a refund from the company since October 2009. He filed a complaint with the BBB in March, but Dealer Cost Car Audio has not responded.
The company has an F rating with the Los Angeles BBB.
Nearly 800 complaints have been filed in the past year from consumers in 48 states and several countries.
The BBB office in St. Louis recently received this email from a person identified only as the sales manager of Dealer Cost Car Audio: “Each complaint is being addressed at this time, and we will be solving all the cases. There is a change of ownership underway.”
The BBB offers the following advice to consumers buying products online:
* Check out the company’s BBB Business Review at http://www.bbb.org. The review will tell consumers how many complaints the company has, how long it’s been in business, and its BBB rating (on an A+ through F scale). * Make sure you’re aware of the seller’s refund, return and cancellation policies. * Get all warranties and guarantees in writing. * Be wary of businesses with no address other than an untraceable mailbox. While there are responsible businesses that do not have physical locations, many businesses with records of poor customer relations choose to post only a postal box address on their websites. * Pay by credit card whenever possible. That way, you have a better chance of getting your money refunded if you do not receive your order. * Be cautious of businesses that promise too much or that offer prices considerably lower than the competition. If a deal seems too good to be true, it may be.
For more information or further inquiries, please contact the Wisconsin BBB at http://www.wisconsin.bbb.org or 414-847-6000 (metro Milwaukee), (920)-734-4352 (Appleton) or 1-800-273-1002 (elsewhere in Wisconsin).
