CENTRAL, N.C. - Buyers beware when dealing with companies named to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Central North Carolina’s first ‘Dirty Dozen’ list.

Earlier this week, BBB released the names of twelve companies in the area most cited in unresolved customer complaints during 2014.

Tree service businesses were the most frequent on the list, with three making the cut. Michael Henson, BBB director of dispute resolution, said complaints about these businesses were fairly standard, with all taking money for jobs upfront but not completing the work. Often, the businesses would solicit customers by going door-to-door.

“This is an industry that kind of leans itself to problems. Anybody can go door-to-door with a chainsaw and say they’re a tree-trimming company,” he explained.

David Lusk, who owns Lusk Tree Care Services in Winston-Salem, warned that tree service contractors who give especially low quotes often skip out on holding insurance or using the proper equipment, which can lead to poor jobs or injured workers. He said customers looking for a discount should be especially cautious.

"Look at their referrals, speak to the people. What trade associations do they belong to?” said Lusk.

Overall, Henson said customers can take several steps when dealing with any business to ensure they are not being scammed:

  • Beware of businesses selling door-to-door
  • Put business agreements in a contract, with clearly-stated costs, project specifications, and target completion date
  • Avoid businesses that require more than a 30% deposit or total payment upfront

Here are a list of area businesses with the most unanswered or unresolved complaints:

  1. American Kitchen Corporation (BBB Grade F):  American Kitchen Corporation abruptly closed their doors in mid-June, 2014. The majority of consumer complaints received by BBB against this Burlington company allege consumers paid 50 percent to 95 percent of their contract value and were left with incomplete work and non-functioning kitchens. American Kitchen Corp. had 29 unanswered complaints in 2014 and 47 total complaints in the past 36 months.
  2. 365 Comfort Now (BBB Grade F):  Consumer complaints allege that Greensboro-based 365 Comfort Now has used as many as five different company names, including A Breath of Fresh Air, Air Experts, IAS Heating and Air and Indoor Air Solutions.  BBB has linked these companies together based on the same individuals named in complaints. Complainants allege that the company sets up appointments for low-cost air-duct cleaning and then charged a higher amount than quoted; sold services the homeowner didn’t need; or failed to perform warranty work. 365 Comfort Now had 19 unanswered or unresolved complaints in 2014 and 21 total complaints in the past 36 months.
  3. Bubble’s Kids (BBB Grade F):  According to consumer complaints, this Greensboro consignment shop closed their doors with limited notice to their consigners in February, 2014. Consumer complaints allege the company did not return consigned items and owed many clients money for items sold prior to closing. One complaint alleged that an online consignment inventory system, www.myresaleweb.net, showed that items had been sold throughout March and April, 2014, months after the business indicated to BBB that they were no longer in operation. Bubble’s Kids had 13 unanswered or unresolved complaints in 2014 and 14 total complaints in the past 36 months.
  4. Manuals Ink, Ltd. (BBB Grade F):  Consumer complaints against this Archdale company allege that consumers are unable to contact the business directly for status updates or questions; that consumers do not receive manuals in a timely manner; that consumers are charged for returns that are the result of alleged company error; and that consumers are dissatisfied with the quality of  manuals.  Manuals Ink, LTD. had 11 unanswered or unresolved complaints in 2014 and 42 total complaints in the past 36 months.
  5. Big Al and Sons Tree Service (BBB Grade F): Consumer complaints against this Thomasville company allege that it solicits tree-trimming services door-to-door, takes a significant deposit to complete the work -  often requesting full payment – and then does not finish the job. Complaints allege the company is unresponsive to consumers. Big Al & Sons Tree Service had 10 unanswered or unresolved complaints in 2014 and 21 total complaints in the last 36 months, all of which are unanswered or unresolved.
  6. Cassis Properties (BBB Grade F): Consumer complaints against this Greensboro property management company allege that property owners have difficulty reaching the company and that the company does not remit rent payments within the timeframe in their business agreement. Cassis Properties had nine unanswered or unresolved complaints in 2014 and 19 total complaints in the past 36 months.
  7. Coggins Granite & Marble Company (BBB Grade F): Complaints against this Asheboro and Randleman-based company allege that complainants have paid for granite headstones but do not receive them within a reasonable timeframe, sometimes as long as 18 months. Coggins Granite & Marble Company had seven unanswered complaints in 2014 and a total of 21 complaints in the past 36 months.
  8. Smartek Computers, LLC (BBB Grade F): Consumer complaints against this Browns Summit company allege that complainants have paid thousands of dollars for medical X-ray equipment that is never delivered.  Complaints allege that even after wire transfers upwards of $50,000.00, complainants have difficulty reaching the business. Complaints allege that complainants are unable to obtain the X-ray equipment or a refund. Smartek Computers, LLC, had six unanswered or unresolved complaints in 2014 and seven total complaints in the past 36 months.
  9. Heartfelt Portraits (BBB Grade F): Consumer complaints against this High Point photographer allege that customers have paid in full for photography services and then have difficulties receiving the finished product. Consumer complaints allege that after the actual photo shoot is completed, consumers have difficulties getting the business to respond to inquiries via phone, email or social media. Consumer complaints further allege that the finished product is either delivered incomplete or not at all. Heartfelt Portraits had 5 unanswered or unresolved complaints in 2014 and 6 total complaints in the last 36 months, all of which are unanswered.
  10. Nature Boyz Tree Service (BBB Grade F): Consumer complaints against this Archdale company allege that it solicits tree-trimming services door-to-door, takes a significant deposit to complete the work - often requesting full payment - and then does not finish the job. Complaints allege the company is unresponsive to consumers. Nature Boyz Tree Service had five unanswered complaints in 2014, which are the only complaints on file for this business.
  11. Southern BBQ Grills (BBB Grade F): Consumer complaints against this Asheboro business allege that it takes orders for custom BBQ smokers with a promise of a quick delivery that fails to materialize. Complaints allege that the business continually promises delivery but fails to deliver or does not deliver for almost a year after purchase. Complaints allege that the business is paid in full - between $50 and $3,500 - for the product including shipping. Some Complaints allege that the business attempts to add a separate shipping charges after the order has been paid for. Southern BBQ Grills had five unresolved complaints in 2014 and a total of 26 complaints in the past 36 months.
  12. Team Real Tree (BBB Grade F): Consumer complaints against this High Point company allege the business has used as many as three names, including Tree Be Gone and Tree-B-Gone. Complaints allege that the company solicits tree trimming services door-to-door, takes a significant deposit and then does not complete the work. Complaints allege the business is unresponsive to consumers. Team Real Tree had four unanswered or unresolved complaints in 2014 and five total complaints in the past 36 months, all of which are unanswered or unresolved.