Contact:
Sue McConnell, Sr. VP
216.623.8960
sue@cleveland.bbb.org
For I
mmediate Release – January 23, 2012 - Consumers in the Greater Cleveland area filed over 8,500 complaints with BBB’s nationwide in 2011, a slight increase over 2010. A diverse range of industries made the top ten.
Which type of purchase caused the most headaches for consumers in 2011? Used car dealers generated over 300 complaints in 2011. Sales practices, repair issues and dissatisfaction with the vehicle accounted for nearly 200 of the disputes.
Today’s economic realities keep many consumers from pricey new vehicles. Used car lots offer affordable choices and financing opportunities for buyers with less than stellar credit scores.
Many used cars, however, are sold “As Is”, meaning that once it leaves the car lot, the buyer is responsible for any necessary repairs. Consumers are vulnerable to deceptive sales pitches about the condition of the vehicle and targeted for third party warranties that have limitations on coverage.
Used car buyers need to research a dealer carefully before buying. Of the 500 used car dealers in BBB records, over 60 have “F” BBB ratings, primarily due to consumer complaints.
The remaining top ten complaint generating industries in 2011 were:
Cable and Satellite TV Services
Auto Dealers – New Vehicles
Roofing Contractors
Auto Repair & Service
Cellular Telephone Service & Supplies
Banks
Furniture Retailers
Collection Agencies
Cellular Telephone Equipment and Supplies
This almost mirrors the results from complaints filed during 2010.
BBB Introduces Complaint Detail Publishing and Consumer Reviews in 2011
Complaint Detail - Although BBB Business Reviews display the number of complaints filed against a business in the past three years, the nature of the complaints and how they were handled (Resolved, Unresolved, Unanswered, etc), BBB recognizes consumers want even more detail.
Since September, 2011, the complete text of customer complaints filed electronically is available for viewing in BBB Business Reviews, as well as business responses and any ongoing “rebuttals.” To date, nearly 1,500 complaints have been published.
Consumer Reviews – BBB now offers consumers the opportunity to post reviews – good and bad – about local businesses. Reviews are displayed in a company’s BBB Business Review and both the business and other consumers can respond to them.
