Peel Inc., an internet distribution company has received more than 2,200 Better Business Bureau (BBB) complaints in the past year from 49 states, including many from Utah consumers. These numerous complaints have earned the company an F rating from the BBB.
The company sells a variety of products including posters, coffee, tea and jewelry under multiple names and Web site addresses (including www.urbanteadirect.com, www.seattlecoffeedirect.com and www.posterpass.com). Complaints to the Better Business Bureau allege undisclosed or unauthorized charges, lack of clearly disclosed shipping and/or membership fees, and questionable advertising. Consumers further allege receiving multiple orders of merchandise that had not been ordered or authorized, and subsequent difficulties obtaining refunds.
"Peel Inc. has an extensive track record of leaving unhappy customers behind," said Jane Driggs, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Utah. "Consumers need to take the time to read the policies and terms of a company prior to purchase. In addition, check out the company first, so you know their reliability, at www.bbb.org."
A consumer from Provo stated she had "purchased an initial order for $8 from Poster Pass on 6/16/2009. By 6/23/2009 I had been charged an additional 4 times in the amount of 39.80 totaling $159.20. If I had not called on 6/23/2009 and cancelled, I would have been charged an additional $39.80. In the terms it states that 2 posters will be sent twice a month after the initial order. A reasonable person would assume that only one other order would come later in the month. I was told that I was being sent automatic shipments every week because I had chosen that option. However, I looked at my account and there were no options to choose from. At this rate of shipments I would have been charged about $1000.00 a month for some very cheap posters. No reasonable person would accept this or sign up for this program and I believe it is considered fraudulent. Also, immediately after I hung up after the first phone call, I called back for more clarification and I got a message that said that the company was closed. I immediately called for a third time and was hung up on. Only on the 4th call did I get someone."
Other complainants also allege purchasing jewelry or coffee at a particular price, then being charged other fees, even after cancelling the trial offer. The company is resolving their complaints, but has not resolved the reason for the continued complaint.
The BBB offers the following advice to shoppers on how to help prevent billing issues and other unexpected surprises when shopping online:
- Read the terms and conditions before giving your payment.
- Check the report on the company at www.bbb.org.
- Do not use a debit card: instead, use a credit card so you can dispute the charges if you have an issue.
For more advice on Peel Inc. or online shopping, visit www.bbb.org
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The Better Business Bureau of Utah is a 501 (c)(6) not-for-profit corporation serving the entire state of Utah. The organization is funded primarily by membership dues from more than 2,800 local business and professional firms. The BBB promotes integrity, consumer confidence and business ethics through business self-regulation in the local marketplace. Services provided by the BBB include reliability reports on companies and charitable organizations, general monitoring of advertising in the marketplace, dispute resolution services, and consumer/business education programs. All services are provided at no cost to the public, with the occasional exception of arbitration. Visit www.utah.bbb.org or call 801-892-6009.