In 2014, Better Business Bureau Serving Central, Northern and Western Arizona (BBB) received over 100,000 requests for business reports on Yavapai County companies, and processed over 280 complaints and 317 customer reviews. To assist consumers in making savvy decisions in the marketplace, BBB names the top five most complained and most inquired about industries in Yavapai County of 2014.
“Utilizing BBB as a resource to obtain information prior to engaging with a business can help consumers make informed purchasing decisions,” said BBB Yavapai County Director Tracie Schimikowsky. “By conducting research before and being ‘in the know’ consumers can avoid complaints.”
Top Five Most Complained About Industries of 2014 in Yavapai County:
1. Television – Cable, CATV and Satellite – Complaints involved billing or collection, customer service, and service issues. While some issues involved billing and collection errors, oftentimes, it was the consumers’ lack of understanding of the agreed terms and conditions that created the confusion resulting in complaints. Specifically, consumers reported confusion relating to the end of introductory offers and/or expected services for the agreed price.
BBB Tip: Review the contract thoroughly before signing. Pay attention to cost, especially if signing up during a promotion, and make note of contract length and cancellation penalties.
2. Auto Dealers – New Cars – Consumers reported issues with trade-in values, financing availability after a trade-in, high interest rates, unexpected fees, and incomplete repairs.
BBB Tip: Review the contract carefully to ensure all verbal promises are included. Understand financing terms, interest rates and additional fees involved; if unsure, ask questions to clarify. DO NOT sign the contract until satisfied. Get copies of all documents, including the bill of sale, warranty papers, vehicle registration, financing agreements, etc.
3. Vitamins and Food Supplements – Complaints involved unknowingly being enrolled in autoship after signing up for a “free” or “no risk” trial. Refund and money-back guarantee issues were also reported, as well as delays and delivery problems. In some cases, products did not perform as advertised.
BBB Tip: Avoid offers that sound too good to be true. Read and understand the terms and conditions of “free” offers and think twice before purchasing a product just for the promise of a prize. Research consumer comments about the product and the company before ordering.
4. Key Duplication and Cutting – Consumers purchased a car key or remote online and did not receive the order in full or at all. Those that received the product reported it appeared to be used or in poor condition. Consumers also reported problems obtaining a refund.
BBB Tip: When ordering products online, research the company at bbb.org. Also, consider paying with a credit card as it provides additional protection in case of problems.
5. Auto Repair & Service – Incomplete, delayed and unnecessary repairs were reported by consumers concerning the auto repair and service industry. Some consumers claim paying in advance for repair work that was not completed, while others state the repair shop didn’t repair what was promised and refused to fix the problem when consumers brought it to their attention for the second time.
BBB Tip: Always obtain a written estimate before authorizing any work. Make sure the estimate includes a description of the concerns, what the technician found to be the cause, and the correction or course of action for repair, including parts and the total cost. Also, ask about warranty for parts and labor. Ask as many questions as needed.
Top Five Most Inquired About Industries of 2014 in Yavapai County:
1. Vitamins and Food Supplements
2. Air Conditioning Contractors and Systems
3. Auto Repair and Service
4. Contractors – General
5. Schools – Academic – Colleges and Universities
When considering a company in any industry, take time to check out their BBB Business Review at bbb.org. For a list of BBB Accredited Business you can trust, visit searchbbb.org.
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For more information, or to schedule an interview with a BBB spokesperson, please contact Tracie Schimikowsky at 928-772-3410 ortracie@arizonabbb.org.
About BBB of Central, Northern & Western Arizona
BBB is an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. In 2013, people turned to BBB more than 132 million times for BBB Business Reviews® on more than 4.5 million businesses and BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM on 11,000 charities, all available free at bbb.org. Incorporated locally in 1938, today your BBB serves communities in central, northern and western Arizona, supported by over 11,400 BBB Accredited Businesses. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business reviews and charity reports, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust.
Better Business Bureau serving Greater Arizona